This week we processed chickens and had an on farm sale day. It was a great success but it was exhausting at the same time.
Yesterday we decided to have a little fun so I drove my three oldest to play volleyball with friends and then took the two younger girls to do some shopping. They have a friend with a birthday party coming up and we wanted to shop for a gift. Devin stayed home with the two little boys.
The two girls and I did some shopping and upon leaving Toy R Us we discovered that the front driver's side tire on my van was flat. Very flat. In fact it looked to be sitting on the rim.
I called Devin at home. He had no car seats for the boys so we discussed calling the insurance company. I figured it would take forever to get someone out to put on my spare (full size tire spare).
I glanced around me only to see this across the street!!!!
Holy smokes Batman!!! I was in luck! That place there would have strong men who know how to work with tires! In fact, even though I really love Michelin tires, I am soon going to need a new set of four and could probably be talked into a new set of Firestones because that is how happy I was to this place so close!
I drove very slowly to this Firestone and went in to explain my situation. I asked if someone could help me by putting on my spare and that I would pay a service charge. The guy told me they could but that they were busy and I would have to wait (he had a look on his face like "crap, more work". I told him that would be fine and would park in front and wait.
Well, after 30 minutes a guy started my way so I rolled the window down only to discover he was out retrieving the car next to mine. I asked him about my flat and he explained someone would help eventually.
Another 30 minutes goes by (an hour total!) so I finally call my insurance company. I realize that I should have done this to begin with but stick with me here.
My company tells me someone would be there in 30 minutes. Fortunately, I got a call after 15 minutes from a guy who is looking for my vehicle. I explained I was at the mall parked at Firestone.
"Excuse me? " the guy asked
"Yes, I am at Firestone. I thought they would help me but they didn't." I explained.
"Ha-ha-ha-ha! Incredible!" the guy exclaimed. "Well, I will be there in just a minute."
To my rescue was none other than Rescue Ranger himslef.
He told me that he couldn't believe nobody would take ten minutes from their busy day to help me, a mom wearing a skirt with two little kids.
I agreed and thanked him for getting there so quickly.
He went straight to work, retrieving my full size spare and getting it on the van. My flat tire had a large screw, which isn't too surprising with all of the construction happening on my road at home.
Oh the irony! There is even a "Tire Sale Today" sign in the background of this well known tire company that is employed by several strapping men who were too busy to lend a hand. Here I was in the one place I assumed I could get help, but instead it took another company to save the day for me.
All of this to say that I was back on the road to pick my older three up from volleyball and head home for lunch.
Lessons learned:
1. Call the car insurance company first. They were quick to help and friendly.
2. Sorry Firestone, you could not convert me. I still prefer Michelin and that is what I will purchase this fall for my van.
For those of you who are local to me. This happened at Hamilton Place mall in Chattanooga. This Firestone is located on Gunbarrel Blvd. just in front the mall.
Rescue Rangers is located in Ringgold, GA and the service was excellent!
Here's hoping for a relaxing weekend of quilting and hanging out with kids at HOME! :-)
