Ouch

This entry needs a soundtrack. Change "L.A." to "Austin."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPUMthAXJ-o

Sudden, high-speed stops on the infamous Interstate Highway 35 are nothing new or rare. There are reasons many who live on the I35 corridor call this snakey connection from Mexico to Canada, "The International Incident." Add in the construction boom and the IH35 rush hour is closely followed by construction hours. Delays possible, 24/7. Just expect it. . .

The part which unnerves me most is praying the high speed traffic behind me is *smart* enough to just expect it. Today makes the second time that IH35 prayer went unanswered as the vehicle ahead blew out its tire and. . . Bad days happen? The fella behind me was not expecting it. That split second of anticipation felt like an eternity. Please let it not be so. . .

The first time I watched helplessly while the uninsured driver behind me slammed into my lightweight rear end (a small hatchback I called the Hippie Truck) was in San Antonio, 2013. Theoretically, I should have been safer today in the macho Boy Toy, but. . . The pick-up behind us was an equal match. He took out Boy Toy's truck bed elegantly while tossing his chrome plated tool box into the back of the bed like a tinker toy while he pushed us in to the passing lane. Excuse me while I pause for enthusiastic gratitude that the passing lane was empty. Further gratitude that all 3 vehicles found safe passage to a wide, available shoulder. Persilly, GS and I suffered no damage, nor did the drivers or children in the other vehicles. 

GS is still campaigning to get to the farm. He starts kindergarten next week and is offended at the thought of spending his last of summer vacation this close to school. His last round of campaining was launched from the seat of his pedal John Deere tractor on the patio. I pointed out that his was the most functional vehicle we had for the trip. "Your turn to drive." I poo-poo'ed his protests by going to find the small wagon which attaches to the back of his tractor. "You can pull me." His protests changed tone when the two wheel wagon tipped backwards while I was settling into it. Guess I was asking for that one, huh?

Ouch. . . No damage to the wagon or tractor.