And a trip to New Orleans

Rick called dispatch on Wednesday ... load out to New Orleans. He wanted me to go. So, we pack and load ... leave. We are enjoying the time together ...
Get to Hughes Springs. We had not had lunch, so we decided to stop at the Sonic. Rick walked across the street to get us a burger and a drink. Back in the truck, start out of town.
The truck died. Just died.
Rick first thought it was out of diesel. But he is very aware of the fuel, so that didn't seem very likely. Besides, not enough miles on the tank to be even low enough to make the truck die.
Find a wide spot on the side of the road, pull over.
Truck will not start.
Rick called the shop. Was told that they would send a guy out with the diesel truck.
2 1/2 hours later, diesel truck pulls up. (First service truck had broke down just a few minutes away from the shop, guy had to return to the shop and get another service truck. Sigh.)
Diesel is put into tank ... filter is filled ... primed ... Still nothing.
Shop is called. After an hour of all this, decision was made to just send a wrecker out with another truck for Rick. Will haul his truck back to the shop.
2 1/2 hours later, wrecker arrives. By this time, we have decided to walk back the 1/2 mile to the little motel at the corner - The Wildflower Inn. Got a room for the night - mainly a bathroom! LOL
Wrecker stopped and picked Rick up - back to the truck. Trucks/trailer all changed out, hooked up.
Rick came back to the motel. Wrecker stopped. We got our stuff out  the one truck and put it all into the borrowed truck.
(Side note - be careful getting a wooden TV table out of the truck!!! Rick was in the truck, I was standing on the ground. Rick handed the TV table to me, I wasn't able to get a good hold of it before he let go. WHACK!!! The heavy part of the table hit me across the bridge of my nose! Tears welled up, nose swelled. Head hurt!!!)

... Small world note - we were talking with the guy who was driving the wrecker, and one word led to a conversation. :-) He mentioned that he had spent part of his growing up in the Brinker Community. Hmmmm...well, after a few questions - He is John Cooper's grandson! Janet's son! :-)!!! OMW!!! John was our pastor since we were both little kids! Rick went to school with Janet, and I was in the same class as Janet's brother, Brent. So, we had a few laughs and a good conversation at midnight in a motel parking lot! :-)

After this afternoon/evening - we were exhausted! Off to bed. Sleep the sleep of ones exhausted!
Next morning, off to New Orleans.
Stopping in Shreveport at the Flying J for COFFEE!!!!!
Roads were rough, but the truck rode better. My seat was better - adjustable and air-ride.
Rick was next in line at New Orleans plant. We got there about 5 p.m. and we were leaving around 8 p.m. or so.
Made it back to La Place, LA ... called it a night. Because of the truck change, Rick didn't have any bedding - so we called the Days Inn and got a room there. Hot showers, supper, and a little TV. A quiet and peaceful, clean and comfortable room. Deep breath.

Up and back to the Pilot early yesterday morning. COFFEE!!!
Nose is bruised and sore.
Body is tired and aching.
But thankfully, our spirits are still good. We are trying to see God's hand in it all.
Realizing in so many ways it could have been worse ...
...God granted the truck to go down just 1/2 mile from a clean and cheap motel.
...The wide spot where we parked and sat with no ac was under a mass of trees. Trees that were on the west side of us and shaded us from the heat of the afternoon.
...The trees and undergrowth gave place to flutterbies, and lightening bugs. :-)
...We were no farther from the shop than about an hour and half.
...Cody was the one to come out and pick the truck up with the wrecker - one that we could share memories with.
...Rick didn't lose his temper one time in the midst of it all.
...Although we both needed a bathroom - we didn't have to have one. KWIM? Tummies were calm and quiet while we waited.
...And once finally getting to New Orleans (which is notorious for having long lines, and having to wait for hours) - it was a short wait, and then in and out of the bay.

Sigh.
The trip back to the house - not so good. Roads were HORRIBLE!!! I-49 in Louisiana was rougher than anything we have been on in a LONG, LONG time!!!
We both felt beaten by the time we go to the house.

Rick called in and talked to dispatch. He has traded trucks. The one that was brought to him - he likes better. I like my seat in it better! My seat is fully adjustable and air-ride!
So, last evening was spent switching stuff in and out ... trying to make some sense out of it all.
Finally, calling it a day. Supper. A movie - McClintock. We needed the laughs from that movie. LOVE IT!!!

Rick has gone to Shreveport today. I have opted to stay here at the house. So much that needs done.
Overwhelming ... but little by little ...
COFFEE fir