Saturday we went to the boat and Lake Stockton Mo. It was reported at ten feet of normal pool. Actually it was ten feet over high pool.
In other words, we needed a boat to get to our boat.
So, we decided to go see our Ozark property near Ava MO. It was a mess. A storm had toppled the TV antennae an cause a leak in the front bedroom of the RV. That and mice had found a way into the abode. What a mess.
Topping the day was an attack by Chiggers and Ticks. The Chiggers in our part of the Ozarks use chain saws. The Ticks travel in gangs with MS-13 tattoos. Had to change clothes right their in the woods.
All the decking had split and curled, So, there was no safe place to stand and change clothes except the little "glade" where almost nothing grows.
Sadly that was the best part of the trip. Well almost...;
The roads in that area are barely there. County grades them once or twice a year. Flint and limestone. The last vehicle one should ever drive there is a Dodge Custom minivan with cushy tires and low running boards. We took a hawthorn spike and had a flat tire. It's 7:30, sun going down and we are in the middle of nowhere and virtually know no one.
So, I'm working on changing the tire and an old guy comes down the driveway. "What cha doing?" I told him and next thing I know he is under the car setting the jack. Runs up to his house and brings a tank or air fills the bad tire enough so he can set the jack. I know he figured us for lost city fellers but as we talked he realized we were neighbors and friends of his relatives
Together we finished setting the spare. Then he offered to plug the tire and so up to his house we went. His wife and mine set up a conversation whilst us menfolk worked on the tire.
Made a new set of friends and frankly it was hard to leave them that evening. But we had to go.
Should have stayed.
Twice I got pulled over for nonsense. Once for not "properly" signally a lane change. Two lane road with an entrance lane.
Nice young cop, no ticket. Twenty miles later for a dim headlight. Again nice kid, no ticket, but still,,,; WTF?
He asked," did you just get pulled over in Cabool?" "Yes Officer, that's why we know about the headlight. But, it is 12:30 at night and we just want to get home."
He laughed a bit and then I asked, mostly in jest, "Now, are you guys done with me or are you set up in a string from here to Rolla MO?" He laughed a belly laugh on that one but promised we would be OK the rest of the way.
What a day! But the wife and I had to say we had a good time together despite all the issues.
Nothing we had planned to accomplish happened. One thing I've learned in life is true and we live by it,,,; If you want to see God laugh, tell him your plans.
This week end, He had a good giggle on us.