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No longer on the river and, again, an empty nester. Back to living on Fleming Island and making some more friends!

Sunday, June 29, 2014

A battery of problems today

Yeah, it was funnier when I said it the first time, but I used it again. The day started just fine with me taking my bag of 'goodies' along to church to leave for the VBS snacks. My donation was flat-bottomed ice cream cones and three boxes of fruit roll ups. I'll be interested to see what they use these things for in their snack/lessons. Michael was hustling to find someone to handle the snacks and getting helpers for the various positions. Hopefully people step up, especially those with kids in the classes! Years ago it was my job to do the registration and get kids signed-in but since the CO students have been coming, I'm fine with my role being only that of hostess!

Today, after church, which was Favorite Hymn Sunday, there was a potluck being held. There was no occasion for it, a 'just because' pot luck. Since my lady friends are still in Dallas for the LWMS Convention (probably on their way or home by now), we didn't go to Chili's for lunch. Justin had a couple of tech appointments right after church so he headed out right away. Mike S. had too much yard work of his own to do so passed on lunch as well. I was fine with that since I wanted to get home and into the pool, planning to eat lunch at the cabana. 

But, FIRST, I had to stop at Publix in Loch Rane for soda. The price is so good, had to stock up. Justin had gone last night and got some, too. We need to fill up our larder while the price is right. But, it ended up costing me far more than saving money on the soda. When I got back to the car, my battery was dead---as in door nail dead. Barely a click-click-click could be heard. Shoot!

I grabbed the milk and butter to take back in the store with me while I called AAA. By this time I was shaking and sweating bullets, so very upset about this turn of events. Not only was my car battery dead, my cell phone battery was nearly dead. I had to go back to the car to get my charger and fortunately, found an outlet to plug into in the front of the store where I sat and charged it. I was in queue with AAA for nearly 15 minutes before I finally got a dispatcher to speak with me. Unacceptable! 

The guy was very nice to me once we spoke, told me he was sending a battery replacement truck my way but I would have to wait my turn. That turn became almost an hour. "Ricky" was good about calling me and letting me know his status, encouraging me to remain inside until he got to the parking lot. It was over 90 today which is must easier to take in the pool! He told me he'd be in a white truck with the words AAA on this side. No kidding!!! 

He got it jump started and then we moved to an adjacent lot so he could work on replacing it for me, since he couldn't guarantee that it would start the next time. Even though I likely have some time left on the warranty of the old battery, I wanted to feel sure of my car, so had him replace it. If there was time left on the battery, I'll bring it up to Sun Tire, from whence the battery came. I paid him and sent him on his way to the next stop after giving him a nice hug. Oh, he also used his compressor to blow the leaves and debris from under the hood for me. Nice!

So, my car battery was new and fully charged, and my cell phone nearly charged as I drove home. At least it wasn't raining yet. Justin was waiting for me when I pulled, as he had been at my neighbor's house doing computer stuff. Tommy had, in fact, offered to come jump my car for me, but I assured him Justin needed him to stay there and AAA could handle me. Very nice of him to offer, though. Anyway, Justin had checked on my status a couple times and when I let him know I was coming home, he helped me to get the groceries upstairs before leaving for his next appointment. Nothing spoiled or melted, except for me!

I got out to the pool and was greeted warmly (ha ha) by those already out there. By this time I had not eaten and didn't really feel like it anymore. The rest were done so I just enjoyed their company and shared my story. Sadly, I got only an hour or so in before the rain started to come down again, so I just made my way upstairs. I'm getting good at this---running for cover from the pool! I don't want to be good at it! Justin was waiting for me in the elevator lobby, again between 'jobs' and escorted me upstairs. I was wringing went and extremely sad about my upset day. Nothing a nice caftan wouldn't take care of...that, and some toasted raisin challah bread from Publix! 

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