Some Notes from Wednesday

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The following is a list of events that occurred yesterday during my trip to town to have a mechanic fix the short in the headlights switch on my pickup.

1. Tried out new French press travel mug. Makes good, strong coffee and the cap stays on when the mug itself is violently jostled from the holder as I drive the obstacle course known as the Alderpoint Road. The cup holder in mid-1990s Dodge pickups is located at the top of the dashboard, which gives beverages a poor center of gravity.  I have noticed in the newer models that Dodge moved the holder to the floor, which is apparently where my drinks want to be anyway. Until now, my efforts to hydrate myself while driving have almost always ended in soaked clothing and cuss words.

2. Dropped off pickup. Waited for friend to pick me up.

3. From the back seat, I silently questioned the wisdom of pulling a pickup and stock trailer across two lanes of traffic so a guy could tow a hay clipper across Fernbridge. As the sole occupant of this parked vehicle, I felt slightly panicked when things started to go awry (looks of indignant disbelief from other drivers), and then relief when my traveling companions returned and it all worked out OK.

4. Enjoyed a very fine cheeseburger at the sale yard cafe.

5. Made my way through most of this week’s New Yorker while waiting for the cowboys to return with herds of various animals throughout the day. I didn’t enjoy this issue as much as last week’s.

6. It was a spectacular day at the ocean and yet I did not take any photos.

7. Pondered and then argued about whether water accumulating under the trees was due to “fog drip” or a leak in the water line. No resolution.

8. Fretted over a crippled calf.

9. Moments later watched a sick coyote pup make its way through the tall grass.

10. Began to worry that a very cute dog and I might be thrown from an open window of the pickup as the driver tried to make his way up a hill covered in dry, slick grass while pulling a stock trailer with a horse in it. After four-wheel drive failed and we started sliding, and especially after the other passenger cautioned the driver, “What you don’t want is to get over on this side hill and flip this sonuvabitch, “ I began to wonder about the origins of the many dents already in the body of this pickup. Leaping out the window seemed like it might be a better option than patiently awaiting the inevitable.  And then a small miracle happened. The driver’s face suddenly became red with anger and he let loose with a fierce string of expletives (much the same as those I reserve for my goddamn drink holder). He shoved the accelerator to the floor, and somehow, he managed to power us and the horse up the hill with sheer willpower. I like that driver. He’s alright.

11. Exhausted and thirsty from a day of watching other people work, returned to my pickup. Drove home with lights. Yay!

Posted by Kristin on 08/07/08 at 07:27 AM
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