Just the other night, I was thinking about how some folks have told me they missed my little stories in these emails. A few of them even said they thought I was funny. So I brought this up while TWWNCBUIP and I were in front of the TV enjoying the latest rerun of Everybody Loves Raymond, dogs snoring between us.
I told her I had apparently built a reputation as a “funny guy.” She gave me that knowing smile that only comes from being married to someone for 50 years and hearing every joke at least twice. I glanced at Linc and Lola, looking for reinforcement. They offered all the moral support of a pair of throw pillows. Honestly, I am not sure they pay attention to anything I say, especially when it comes to my “no dogs on the sofa” rule, which they treat like more of a loose suggestion.
Anyway, back to my action packed story.
We were taking Gramma for a polish and shine before meeting up with the family for dinner. On the way to the nail salon, I was heading down the Southwest Freeway, saw my exit coming up, and signaled to change lanes. Apparently, my turn signal translated to “Dear car beside me, please step on the gas so I miss my exit.” They obliged instantly. At the very last second they zoomed ahead and I moved into the exit lane… just in time to hit a pothole so large it had its own zip code.
The thud that followed was the kind of sound you hear in action movies right before a car blows up. I was able to make it across the feeder street and limp into the Guadalajara parking lot. Lucky for me, we were right next door to Discount Tire. Not so lucky for me, they were closed on Sunday.
Thinking I could fix it myself, I started hauling the spare out of the back. That is when TWWNCBUIP walked over and held up her phone to show me a video of our “situation,” which was two completely blown tires on the same side. So much for my pit crew moment.
I called AAA. They answered. They would arrive in an hour. They would tow us to parts unknown. None of that sounded like a good plan of action to me, so lucky for us our nephew Garrett came riding to the rescue and got Gramma to her appointment just in time.
Nails done and needing a ride to dinner we managed to order ourselves a fancy Uber with all four tires fully inflated.
The next morning, my other nephew Graham drove me back to Guadalajara so I could recover the Jeep and roll it slowly over to Discount Tire. Four brand-new tires later, I was back in business.
When it comes to nephews, I have the best. One’s my AAA, the other’s my Discount Tire, and together they’re better than having six Michelin stars.
