Things never to say

On the way home from a fabulous vacation, on your way through Houston, never say:

"We're making really good time."

"We should be home in time to get Benton up from his nap."

or especially

"Look at that dumpy trailer. The floor is about rotted out!"

No sooner than those words rolled out of Hunter's mouth, the unrestrained 300 gallon bucket of tools floated off the above mentioned trailer right into our lane. In slow motion, both of us stared as we had no choice but to run over the huge tub. We were on an overpass, and Hunter was able to guide us to the side of the very busy road.

Surveying the damage...it was not good! It was really wedged in there!

Seriously....t-posts, shovels, rakes, post-hole digger wedged under the frame of my Acadia.

We pushed the Onstar button, and although it took a while to get it all sorted out, a tow truck was sent our way. Meanwhile, this nice (non-English speaking) gentleman stopped with a hydrolic bottle jack. After my car falling off the jack twice he finally got it up high enough to pull the bucket of tools out.

We were in quite a pickle because it was a Sunday. No rental car companies or dealers were open, so we weren't sure how we were going to get home. Then Onstar called and said that because it was a dealers' vehicle, they would tow it to Baird. Hunter prepped me for the possibility that our tow truck driver would likely be overweight, a chain smoker, and foul mouthed.

Hunter with a couple of the treasures removed. They were pretty mangled from impact. Hunter did a really good job of keeping a good attitude. It was such a great trip we didn't want this to ruin our vacation.

I was very thankful to see our tow truck drive over the horizon. A polite, well dressed, professional driver greeted us and agreed to let us ride to Baird with him in his single cab and even clean truck.
Two meals shared together and 7 hours later, our chatty cheuffer Len unloaded us at the dealership. We both knew it could have been so much worse!
Hunter and I were thankful we were in an SUV, and that we were unharmed in what could have been a dangerous situation. After being gone a week, it sure was good to see our little guy! What a way to end our trip!