The drive home from camping...

So the camping trip was great with lots of adventures and fun, even if the jetski only ran for 2 hours. We had our fun and also got more 'water time' despite the jetski breakdown on uncle Stanley's pontoon with Grandmama and Grandaddy. But it didn't end when we pulled out of the campground on Monday. Meghan, Clay and Lanie left before Turner (my truck driving partner) and I so they were a few minutes ahead of us. Turner and I were cruising down 280 with a little wobble happening from the truck, but not enough to make me worry. After all, the truck is pretty rough and never has been all that smooth of a ride and was missing the tire tools when I bought it...but what do you expect for 2700.00 from the auction!? I always cruise along, pulling our 10K camper and see OTHER trucks/campers pulled over with blown tires and wonder when my time would come. Well, it came and it could not have been better! Here's why. While truckin' along @ about 55 mph, the right rear truck tire EXPLODED! Not just a little deflation! This was a full-on exlposion! Turner asked if the truck was on fire 'cause it was so dang loud. No worries....we were in the right lane and I eased us off the hwy pretty quickly and safely. I got out squimishly wondering what I was about to see and my fears were quickly made real. I was prepared for a flat on the camper but lacked the one wrench I needed to change the truck tire. I know...what a dummy! Well, here's where the perfect timing part comes in. I know one mechanic...Johnny. I called his brother Brian to ask him a question to ask Johnny. Well, they were enjoying Labor Day at their mom's house, who by the way delivered both our boys, and happens to live about 5 mins from where I blew the tire! They hopped in the car without hesitation, brought an impact wrench (which was a must because I don't think these lugs had been off in years and may not have come off with just a lug wrench, even if it was the right size) and helped me change the tire. They even ran to the parts store to fetch a deep socket which was what I was missing. Meghan came back and got Turner so he wouldn't have to wait. But Johnny's wrench and their kindness helped me get back on the road in less than an hour! What luck! But don't worry, I did most of the work and know how to change a tire. I just didn't have what I needed to do it. I knew my time would come, was gambling and I just got lucky. You better believe I learned my lesson and now have what I need to change my tire WHEN it happens again. But hopefully the 150.00 tire I went and immediately bought to replace the busted one will last a while. Its always something with the Richardsons! Heck, just this week the water heater in our condo in FL busted and leaked into the unit below!
When it rains it pours...literally! But that's another post.