Thursday was one of those strange days that come along once in a while to try my faith and my patience. I woke up a little cranky because I’m feeling fat and tired and stressed. The end of the school year brings added tasks at just the same time that the garden needs more attention and community projects are revving up. I had to stop and buy gas so I was running a little late. I got about twenty miles into my commute when the car started making odd noises and an unfamiliar light flashed on the dashboard. Luckily I was near one of the four little towns I pass through, so I stopped to look up the light in my manual. “Emission light” was the explanation. Well, I don’t know what parts that covers, but it was clear something wasn’t working so I turned around and went back home. When I drove into the yard it was light enough for me to see that I’d left the water on the night before and flooded the north flowerbed. At least I was home to turn it off!
I called school to let them know I’d be very late. Waited about an hour for the dealership to open and headed to Durant. The car was sputtering and I was worried about the 13-mile drive, but I looked in my rear view mirror and one of my friends was right behind me! She stayed there until just before my exit. I don’t think she even knew she was being my guardian angel!
The guy in charge of service let me know that they’d have to keep my car at least all day, but my car was still under warranty by 3,000 miles. I silently thanked God for that! The dealership doesn’t have a “loaner” policy, so I asked for a ride to the trucking company where my husband works. I knew he had already left for east Texas in the truck, so his car would be on the lot. I got his car, which was sitting on “empty” of course, and drove to the gas station. I stopped by the house to drop off some things Gary had left in the car and I also wanted to call school again. Got to my front door and realized I’d left my house key on my key ring- at the shop!
Left Gary’s things on the back porch and headed to school. About ten miles down the rode I hit a cat and killed it! So I drove on with a stomach ache.
Got to school and my students were absolutely joyous because they had been convinced I’d miss the Easter egg hunt! Our assistant was glad to see me because I was scheduled for lunch recess and she didn’t want to do it. Anyway, the rest of the day was spent trying to catch up on end-of-the-week tasks. I survived, and the egg hunt was a big success. The dealership called to say they had to order a coil and would be keeping the car overnight.
Drove to Durant to pick up Gary and some pizza and still made it home in time for Survivor. I felt like one!
Friday morning I got up early for a planned day of gardening. Met a friend in town and we planted the stop sign planters, and three large pots in front of the community pavilion. Planted three flats of marigolds, two flats of petunias, four pots of purple plume grass, four caladiums, and four pots of liorope. I also planted a flat of petunias at the theater. Then I planted a flat of marigolds and three crape myrtles at the DQ. Then on to the church for a flat of zinnias and a flat of petunias. By the time I got home I nixed the idea of planting a flat of petunias and just got six of them into the ground. After a shower and some rest I did plant four lilies I bought on the clearance rack at Lowe’s. The rest of the petunias will have to wait. I’ve having a little trouble bending over!
Today, Saturday, we went shopping in Sherman, Texas. Bought a few things at Hobby Lobby, including “glitter construction paper”. I’d never seen it before, and I’m sure my students will love it. Went to Books-A-Million and bought “Grant Writing for Dummies”. Went to Staples and looked at photo software. Went to lunch at Palomino’s, a fairly new buffet-style restaurant. It was pretty good and the service was great. Then on to WalMart for the weekly shopping. Oh my! WalMart the day before Easter, or any major holiday is just chaos! We survived, but just barely.
Home to mow the lawn (hubby, not me), do laundry and complete some photo organizing. I tried to take pictures of the yard, but we’ve had 20-30mph winds for a week. I did manage to take a fairly decent shot of the church flowerbed and one of the irises in front of the house. More later when the wind dies down. 
Hoping tomorrow will be one of those easy, relaxing days. Somehow I doubt it.
Happy Easter!
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