Stuck in Gainsville, Fla

I'm not sure if anyone in cyberspace is interested in my dilemma but I am somewhat bored and need something to do. Therefore, I thought I would update the virtual world as I wait for my truck (see previous post). Instead of creating a new post, I will simply edit/update this one. So if you are interested in how things go, you will need to visit this post until I arrive at home.

12:00 Noon Check-out from the motel was 12:00 noon therefore I had to find another place to chill out for a while. This morning Jenny suggested Panera Bread Company - an excellent suggestion I might add. I am not sure why I did not think of this. One of the reasons I love Jenny so much is that she helps me in so many ways. She can read my mind (sometimes?). She knows Panera is my second favorite place to chill out, Blackbird Coffee being the first. If Dublin had a Panera, it would be a difficult choice. I googled "Panera" and discovered one less than two miles from the motel. I checked out of the motel at 11:30 am and arrived at Panera around 11:45, got a cup of java and a Bear Claw, and called to check on my truck. Still no definitive word. The FedEx truck was unloading and the lady told me she felt sure the parts for my truck were on it. The lady, Helen Freedland, has been very helpful. I told her I did not want to be a pest but needed to get on the road today. She seemed to understand and said I should check back around 3:30 pm. I sure hope my truck gets fixed today. I will chill out for a few hours here at Panera working as much as possible. At least I have access to the Internet via the free WiFi offered at Panera. One reason I like it so much.

3:10 PM - Great news - Helen Freedman called and ask if I wanted my truck back. Was I ever glad to hear from her!!!!! The technician said the inside of catalytic converters were broken-up and he did not see how the truck was still running. I am a shade tree mechanic and know what happens as the converters breakdown. The inside disintegrates and the exhaust gases cannot exit the engine. Franz reminded me the converters contain "precious metals" that can be salvaged. I asked for them - thought I could sell them and offset some of the repair cost. However the shop had to pay a core charge and would not give them to me. Guess I could have argues but I am so glad to get my truck back that it is not worth it. I'm packing up to leave Panera Bread and head to the dealership. Once there, I will turn in the rental car, get my truck and begin the trip home. I'm not sure what the final cost will be; I might need resuscitation when I get the bill. With any luck I will be on the road by 4:00 pm and home by 7:00 tonight. I can't wait to see Jenny, I sure have missed her. This experience has not been good but it could have been much worse. First, I was near a major city, close to a dealership, a rental company was at the dealership, and Helen Freedman was very helpful. Even when things do not go our way - God is there. Praise His name. Pray for a safe trip home.

9:00 PM - Arrived home safe.

Until next time......
Danny