“Remoted” Day 284 (Friday)

Quiet morning.

Any snow that remained on the lawn this Christmas morning was pummeled into oblivion by the rain, making for a wet and earthy green-brown Christmas. The lake-sized puddles are returned to one driveway and the end of the street. Moose and Winston were remarkably accommodating about going outside and the potty area is easier to access sans snow banks. 

Coffee was enjoyed by the glow of the silver tree, while my long lost manfriend Doctor Who visited me via BBC America and the magic of the TV screen. It made for a peaceful and relaxing morning. Baked goods were boxed and gifts packed for a trip to Mom’s.

Up until the final pre-departure minute, it was debated whether or not the dogs would accompany me. On the “pro”-side, when they are with me, I can keep an eye on them, which certainly categorizes me as a bona fide hovering helicopter pet parent. Their attendance removes the need to rush back for the designated time for doggy dinner and medication.

On the “con”-side, the boys tend to run around excitedly at Mom’s before settling down and I would need to schlepp their beds for the car and visit. Moose benefitted from the night’s rest and was limping less, which shifted the concern to keeping him calm for additional healing. After consideration, the pups were confined to the usual kitchen and bathroom area with no hazards available for jumping onto or from, and it was a solo journey.

Traffic out of Lowell was nonexistent at 11:00 am and lights in Christmas green were favorable for the  journey from Pawtucketville to the Connector. The car heater, which thankfully was not really needed, blew only chilled air. Yesterday it worked well, and a mental note was made to call my neighborhood auto shop for heater service.

One mile off Route 495 on Route 2 west, the good fortune changed. The gas pedal began to have hesitation, and then acceleration in a forward direction was quickly impeded. Aladdin’s red oil lamp flickered on, then off. I wished upon the genie’s lamp for no problems as I pulled over to the breakdown lane, thankful to be in an area where there was such a lane. Not far down the road, the orange barrels of a construction zone have eaten the breakdown lane. 

Mom and StepDad were phoned and conversation occurred with the possible long-distance potential diagnosis of “loss of coolant” identified. The next call was to the helpful folks at Triple-A to request a tow. Thank goodness for membership in AAA. And what did people do in the event of road trouble before cell phones? A third call was to my sister to share the glad tidings of my plight, where she noted that my call had much better clarity than from my house. Apparently, for clear calls, I just need to drive about 15 miles from home to Route 2 where it passes through the middle of the conservation area. This is good information.

Until we meet again ...

To occupy myself while awaiting roadside rescue and at Mom’s suggestion, the contents of the car were collected for removal. Approximately ten pounds of music CDs were retrieved from the passenger seat storage drawer, CD compartment, and seatback pockets of both front seats. The rear cargo area held a yoga mat, big umbrella, and ski poles placed there two winters ago in optimistic anticipation of winter sports participation. Thank goodness for the stockpile of reusable shopping bags kept in the car. A puddle in the breakdown lane provided the unfortunate information that the day’s footwear choice was not of the waterproof variety.

StepDad and Mom collected me from the area of mile marker 112.2. A brief investigation was conducted under the hood to check hoses and belts, but modern engine designs prevent accessing much without dismantling everything. After another 30 minutes, a flatbed truck arrived and a driver clad in a safety jacket loaded my chariot for transport 14 miles back to an AAA auto shop in Lowell.

We three continued to Mom’s house with the bagged contents of my car. I was thankful the dogs and their beds were not part of the ordeal. Transferring them from one car to the other with the highway traffic and noise has the makings of a nightmare.

Well deserved cookies.

After dinner, there was a quick peek through some albums of family photos dating back to the early 1900s. Then, I drove Mom’s car home. It was dark and raining but the hard part was not knowing where the various controls are. It’s possible the high beams were on the entire drive home. It was never figured out how to adjust the side mirrors, but the seat was adjusted so I could sort of see the mirrors.

Once safely returned home, a website check of the AAA-designated repair shop indicated it is closed until Monday morning, so it could be several days before there is any word on the fate of the car. After the eventful day, it was time to unwind with some cookies.