Sunday Evening Fun

Well kids, don’t try this at home. After a great weekend babysitting, Mr. C and I are happily chugging along home when we had a blowout. Fun, fun, fun. Luckily we managed to get off the highway and onto the slip road. Just waiting for recovery. I highly recommend you have roadside assistance. And am glad we always travel with water and clean underwear!

Picture of The Princess because I needed some happiness.

Well they arrived and changed it out for the spare and we are on the road home.

The bonus to all of this, is that I now know what the inside of a tire looks like. One of life’s mysteries is solved.

And Mr. C is getting a supersized jack for Christmas. Don’t tell him. I want it to be a surprise

Cass, first of all, because she is so gorgeous, I have to say what a lovely baby your little grand daughter is.
I know you are going to have the best times of your life with her...grandkids are such a gift. No matter how much we love our children, grandchildren bring another dimension into or lives.....and if they ever get too much, you can always give em back at the end of the day...perfection.

Thank God you are both all right after the blow out, it's a scary thig to happen, but alls well that ends well.

That happened to us a couple of years ago on a windy Welsh road. We had no spare (this car was only equipped to hold one of those temporary kits but it was useless) the mobile didn't work because we were in such a remote area, and it was getting dusk....it was a bloody nightmare.

That tyre was like ours....shredded, glad that everything was sorted in the end for you. x

What a sweet little angel. Cass, you are blessed.

Not providing spare tires in cars is silly, but maybe the car companies figure the typical American can't change a tire anymore?


What in the hell is a slip road?

And the kiddo is a cutie pie.

Beautiful, happy grand child.  Is she growing?

Thank god you have AAA, Cass.  Having lived for years in Arizona, I know how hot August can be.  But, be careful where you pull over...you are also in the monsoon season.

Syl wrote:Cass, first of all, because she is so gorgeous, I have to say what a lovely baby your little grand daughter is.
I know you are going to have the best times of your life with her...grandkids are such a gift. No matter how much we love our children, grandchildren bring another dimension into or lives.....and if they ever get too much, you can always give em back at the end of the day...perfection.

Thank God you are both all right after the blow out, it's a scary thig to happen, but alls well that ends well.

That happened to us a couple of years ago on a windy Welsh road. We had no spare (this car was only equipped to hold one of those temporary kits but it was useless) the mobile didn't work because we were in such a remote area, and it was getting dusk....it was a bloody nightmare.

That tyre was like ours....shredded, glad that everything was sorted in the end for you. x

Thank you. Having fun with her. Still mostly sleeping but she’s so alert when she is awake. So mostly I did cleaning and laundry and dinner prep for them. They’re still trying to find the routine. They learned the hard lesson that late nights out plus alcohol plus baby plus working the next day is a thing of the past lol.

It wasn’t until this morning that I realized that we could’ve died. Mr. C’s army defensive driving classes really paid off. Longest 20 seconds of my life as you know x

@lex wrote:
What a sweet little angel. Cass, you are blessed.

Thank you stranger. Hope you are well xx

Maddog wrote:Not providing spare tires in cars is silly, but maybe the car companies figure the typical American can't change a tire anymore?


What in the hell is a slip road?  

We had the spare but not the jack. If we had it he could’ve changed it but the rescue guy also had one of those thingys that gets the wheel nuts off in seconds. When we bought our Hyundai brand new in 2016 Mr. C got them to eventually thrown in a proper spare and kit and not the useless temporary one. It’s just a way of them getting more money from you now. In the UK we only ever bought one brand new car back in 2003 and a spare wasn’t included there as well.

Slip road is Brit speak for exit ramp.

Thank you. Hope you get one soon x

Original Quill wrote:Beautiful, happy grand child.  Is she growing?

Thank god you have AAA, Cass.  Having lived for years in Arizona, I know how hot August can be.  But, be careful where you pull over...you are also in the monsoon season.

Thank you. She is growing. Her long legs really pack a punch when she kicks. A career in soccer awaits her if Daddy gets his way.

Yes we get it through our insurance. It was dark but luckily we were in the right lane and 1/2 mile from an exit that had room on the side (but still assholes came raging by even though our hazards could be seen clearly). Luckily no monsoon (it’s been very poor this year as I’m sure your daughter has said but forecast says maybe more). I was more concerned about needing to pee and the rescue guy was asking Mr. C where ya from and what brought you here and I’m screaming inside because I’m not going in the bushes where there are HUGE NASTY SNAKES. Luckily I was chatting with Lez (thank you different time zones) and another friend so they kept me occupied until we got on our way and could get to a gas station.

We also cleaned up our mess unlike most idiots. I get it if it’s in the middle of the highway or in the median, that would be far too dangerous but on the shoulder??? Come on people.

Cass wrote:

Toooo cute. You should make that your profile Pic me Lady

Thanks Didge but I think I’ll keep the one I’ve got. It’s pretty much similar to the only other one I’ve ever had and when things went wonky here a while ago, Veya made it for me. But thank you again for your kind words.

Where is Veya by the way? I miss him.

Cass wrote:Thanks Didge but I think I’ll keep the one I’ve got. It’s pretty much similar to the only other one I’ve ever had and when things went wonky here a while ago, Veya made it for me. But thank you again for your kind words.

Where is Veya by the way? I miss him.

No idea. The last he was here, he had met a lovely lady. So I hope they are both happy and together enjoying life. Maybe that is the reason he is not on these days. 

I know Ben and eddie can contact him for you if you like?

phildidge wrote:

Cass wrote:Thanks Didge but I think I’ll keep the one I’ve got. It’s pretty much similar to the only other one I’ve ever had and when things went wonky here a while ago, Veya made it for me. But thank you again for your kind words.

Where is Veya by the way? I miss him.

No idea. The last he was here, he had met a lovely lady. So I hope they are both happy and together enjoying life. Maybe that is the reason he is not on these days. 

I know Ben and eddie can contact him for you if you like?

Ah yes I remember seeing that a while ago but I wasn’t around much then. Thanks for the reminder! And I hope he’s all loved up in the outback

Beautiful baby Cass, I wouldn't want to put her down, just cwtch her all day.

She really is a pretty baby! Not all babies are so pretty. My two came out looking like bald monkeys.

My two Boys looked like shrivelled Carrots, my Daughter, smooth as a Peach !

Vintage wrote:Beautiful baby Cass, I wouldn't want to put her down, just cwtch her all day.

Thank you x It was hard to leave her but we are up there again over Labor Day weekend. We are lucky that they don’t live in another state or country!

eddie wrote:She really is a pretty baby! Not all babies are so pretty. My two came out looking like bald monkeys.

Thank you x

Senior came out looking all red and mad and shocked, Junior was all squished and a bit blue and a bit like Winston Churchill

They’ve turned into handsome chaps though.

nicko wrote:My two Boys looked like shrivelled Carrots, my Daughter, smooth as a Peach !

Lol!

Well when Mr. C took the tire in there was no obvious puncture or nail so they reckon it was just the intense heat. I gotta admit it's made me a bit paranoid about driving the truck there while it’s so stinking hot. Today at work it was 102

Cass wrote:Well when Mr. C took the tire in there was no obvious puncture or nail so they reckon it was just the intense heat. I gotta admit it's made me a bit paranoid about driving the truck there while it’s so stinking hot. Today at work it was 102

Switch it out with the spare, if you have any inkling that something might be wrong.  Or...take no chances and throw it out.  If experts can't give you a definitive answer as to what went on--they "reckon"?? That sounds occult--I wouldn't take chances with my granddaughter.

Cass wrote:

eddie wrote:She really is a pretty baby! Not all babies are so pretty. My two came out looking like bald monkeys.

Thank you x

Senior came out looking all red and mad and shocked, Junior was all squished and a bit blue and a bit like Winston Churchill  

They’ve turned into handsome chaps though.

They certainly have. My son is pretty handsome...my daughter looks like one of those St Trinian’s kids, all freckles and crooked hair.

eddie wrote:

Cass wrote:

eddie wrote:She really is a pretty baby! Not all babies are so pretty. My two came out looking like bald monkeys.

Thank you x

Senior came out looking all red and mad and shocked, Junior was all squished and a bit blue and a bit like Winston Churchill  

They’ve turned into handsome chaps though.

They certainly have. My son is pretty handsome...my daughter looks like one of those St Trinian’s kids, all freckles and crooked hair.

She's downplaying them -- they could both be models, they're absolutely beautiful. Which feels like a weird thing to say about a young man I'm not related to, but he's quite the dapper chapper and I'm sure the girls have lots of time for him.

Ben Reilly wrote:

eddie wrote:

They certainly have. My son is pretty handsome...my daughter looks like one of those St Trinian’s kids, all freckles and crooked hair.

She's downplaying them -- they could both be models, they're absolutely beautiful. Which feels like a weird thing to say about a young man I'm not related to, but he's quite the dapper chapper and I'm sure the girls have lots of time for him.

I know. I managed a look at some pics back yonder. Really good lookin' family, both sides.

Thank you Quill. Here’s a photo of my daughter, on a rare occasion, looking a bit more  “put together”.
She was on holiday with her dad.

Cass wrote:
Well when Mr. C took the tire in there was no obvious puncture or nail so they reckon it was just the intense heat. I gotta admit it's made me a bit paranoid about driving the truck there while it’s so stinking hot. Today at work it was 102

As 'counter-intuitive' as it may sound at first,  under-inflated tyres ('tires' in the US..) are more inclined to blow out, (more room for the air to heat up and expand, more friction, more flexing/movement in sidewalls --  yabber yabber, blah blah..).

As well as maintaining enough tread depth and watching out for general tyre condition,  the most viable option is to keep the tyre pressures around the top of the carmaker's recommended pressures --  a pound or 3 over won't hurt, but a few pounds under the manufacturers minimum will contribute to both blowouts and 'slow leaks', as well as pinch flats..

Then again, there's always that well known mantra to use when things still go bellyup despite the best laid plans and maintenance ==  "shit happens !"

'Wolfie wrote:

Cass wrote:
Well when Mr. C took the tire in there was no obvious puncture or nail so they reckon it was just the intense heat. I gotta admit it's made me a bit paranoid about driving the truck there while it’s so stinking hot. Today at work it was 102

As 'counter-intuitive' as it may sound at first,  under-inflated tyres ('tires' in the US..) are more inclined to blow out, (more room for the air to heat up and expand, more friction, more flexing/movement in sidewalls --  yabber yabber, blah blah..).

As well as maintaining enough tread depth and watching out for general tyre condition,  the most viable option is to keep the tyre pressures around the top of the carmaker's recommended pressures --  a pound or 3 over won't hurt, but a few pounds under the manufacturers minimum will contribute to both blowouts and 'slow leaks', as well as pinch flats..

Then again, there's always that well known mantra to use when things still go bellyup despite the best laid plans and maintenance  ==  "shit happens !"

Not to mention that properly inflated tires boost your vehicle's fuel economy, helping the planet and your bank balance. I remember when Republicans ridiculed Obama for saying that proper tire inflation helps fight global warming, but he was right.

Properly inflated tires are like shoes that fit properly. If you slide around in your shoes, you spend a lot more energy walking than if your shoes stay put. Tires are the same way -- low tires slip around on the road instead of gripping it properly.

eddie wrote:Thank you Quill. Here’s a photo of my daughter, on a rare occasion, looking a bit more  “put together”.
She was on holiday with her dad.

So beautiful. Like the pic of her brother, perfect features.

Ben Reilly wrote:

'Wolfie wrote:


As 'counter-intuitive' as it may sound at first,  under-inflated tyres ('tires' in the US..) are more inclined to blow out, (more room for the air to heat up and expand, more friction, more flexing/movement in sidewalls --  yabber yabber, blah blah..).

As well as maintaining enough tread depth and watching out for general tyre condition,  the most viable option is to keep the tyre pressures around the top of the carmaker's recommended pressures --  a pound or 3 over won't hurt, but a few pounds under the manufacturers minimum will contribute to both blowouts and 'slow leaks', as well as pinch flats..

Then again, there's always that well known mantra to use when things still go bellyup despite the best laid plans and maintenance  ==  "shit happens !"

Not to mention that properly inflated tires boost your vehicle's fuel economy, helping the planet and your bank balance. I remember when Republicans ridiculed Obama for saying that proper tire inflation helps fight global warming, but he was right.

Properly inflated tires are like shoes that fit properly. If you slide around in your shoes, you spend a lot more energy walking than if your shoes stay put. Tires are the same way -- low tires slip around on the road instead of gripping it properly.

Honestly guys we had no indication except it got a bit vibraty before it blew which is why he moved into the right lane and slowed down. He’s paranoid to point of annoyance about checking things before we go on a longish journey.

So who knows how it happened? But I never ever want to go through it again.

eddie wrote:

Cass wrote:

Thank you x

Senior came out looking all red and mad and shocked, Junior was all squished and a bit blue and a bit like Winston Churchill  

They’ve turned into handsome chaps though.

They certainly have. My son is pretty handsome...my daughter looks like one of those St Trinian’s kids, all freckles and crooked hair.

Your son and “Jeff” ( ) are cute. As “Jeff” gets older she looks more like you!

Cass wrote:So who knows how it happened? But I never ever want to go through it again.

I'd wanta know. I'd want to hear at least a theory or two. That's a very harsh environment down there.

Do you carry an emergency kit (water, food, first-aid, flashlight, necessary tools, etc.)? When I lived there, I often asked myself, what happens if you don't have this car and the AC? You could be dead in an hour.

Just sayin'.....

Ben Reilly wrote:

'Wolfie wrote:


As 'counter-intuitive' as it may sound at first,  under-inflated tyres ('tires' in the US..) are more inclined to blow out, (more room for the air to heat up and expand, more friction, more flexing/movement in sidewalls --  yabber yabber, blah blah..).

As well as maintaining enough tread depth and watching out for general tyre condition,  the most viable option is to keep the tyre pressures around the top of the carmaker's recommended pressures --  a pound or 3 over won't hurt, but a few pounds under the manufacturers minimum will contribute to both blowouts and 'slow leaks', as well as pinch flats..

Then again, there's always that well known mantra to use when things still go bellyup despite the best laid plans and maintenance  ==  "shit happens !"

Not to mention that properly inflated tires boost your vehicle's fuel economy, helping the planet and your bank balance. I remember when Republicans ridiculed Obama for saying that proper tire inflation helps fight global warming, but he was right.

Properly inflated tires are like shoes that fit properly. If you slide around in your shoes, you spend a lot more energy walking than if your shoes stay put. Tires are the same way -- low tires slip around on the road instead of gripping it properly.

Properly inflated tires do give you better fuel economy, but not better traction.

Letting air out actually improves traction.

Doesn't help the tire any though.

Original Quill wrote:

Cass wrote:So who knows how it happened? But I never ever want to go through it again.

I'd wanta know.  I'd want to hear at least a theory or two.  That's a very harsh environment down there.

Do you carry an emergency kit (water, food, first-aid, flashlight, necessary tools, etc.)?  When I lived there, I often asked myself, what happens if you don't have this car and the AC?  You could be dead in an hour.

Just sayin'.....

You know that people survived in AZ prior to AC don't you?

Maddog wrote:

Original Quill wrote:

I'd wanta know.  I'd want to hear at least a theory or two.  That's a very harsh environment down there.

Do you carry an emergency kit (water, food, first-aid, flashlight, necessary tools, etc.)?  When I lived there, I often asked myself, what happens if you don't have this car and the AC?  You could be dead in an hour.

Just sayin'.....

You know that people survived in AZ prior to AC don't you?

And the Hopi and Apaches as well.  They all took special precautions that are completely forgotten today.  We are only beginning to rethink them, in the present.

That's why I brought up an emergency kit...you anticipate the problems you'll meet, and prepare for them.  A lot of that means going back to yesteryear. Know what an Arizona room is?...a screen porch, and the only place you could sleep in the late summer.  A second home at Roosevelt Lake? Ice houses. High ceilings. Windows away from the sun's path. Parasols...or sun screens in vehicle windows. Fans. Closed fireplace. Open windows at night and put a damp sheet over it to create cooler air.

But anticipating it is the main thing.