Long Day on Tuesday

I took Ms. Keydet back to school yesterday - up and back on the same day. We had a minor glitch about 40 miles from Charlottesville. I was just cruising along and noticed my dash indicated low air pressure in my back right tire. I can't say enough about my Honda Pilot. I really love it. I felt fortunate to get this warning. So I pulled off the next exit and thank goodness there was a gas station there with free air. I pull up to put some air in the tire and heard some serious hissing. Yes, I had run over something and punctured the tire. Well ole' Ms. Keydet jumps out of the car and says no worries - Dad showed her how to change a tire. And before you know it, between me reading the manual and her handling the manual labor (remember I said I love teenagers?), we had the spare filled with air and on the car. About the time we were wrapping up, a guy offered to help - not needed but thanks anyway! We drove the 40 miles to Charlottesville at 50 mph with the flashers on. We were seriously blessed when we found Tuffy's in Charlottesville. If you ever need your car fixed or tire repaired and you live in Charlottesville, Virginia, I highly recommend Tuffy's. As soon as I had stepped up to the counter the mechanic took my key, grabbed the tire, pulled out the metal slug, patched the tire, replaced the tire and returned the spare. All within a 15 minute window - I promise. Then he walked up to me and said "you are all set." I asked what I owed and he said no charge! I was floored and felt very lucky.

We got back on the road and when I glanced over, Hollywood was back in the familiar - getting a quick snooze in before we returned to post. She's quite good at this - she can pop up in a second. She honed this skill when I used to drive her to high school. She would sleep until I took that last turn and somehow miraculously she would wake up at that precise moment each time. It was so great having her home for several days. We all easily fall back into our old routine when she is here and then reality sets back in as the time to go nears. And so it was time to say goodbye. It has gotten so much easier. The first time I had to drop her off after our first visit back in September, we were both "emo" but time and routine has helped tremendously. As does the fact that classes are over at the end of April! See you soon Snookie!