Unexpected on the Highways

A lot has taken place since my last post.  We were on our way to a delivery in Allentown, Pa. going down I-476 at 60 miles an hour when we were rear-ended by a flatbed semi.  Ron was driving and I was reading when we had this huge jolt.  It seems that the semi was following too closely, decided we were too slow and proceeded to swing out to go around us.  He was too close and the flatbed trailer hit the left rear corner of our truck.  By the grace of God no one was hurt!  But the damage to our new truck was such that we couldn't open the left back door.  Our load was small so we could get it off and the next load we already were given was also not a large one so, luckily, we didn't lose it either.  As a result we turned the truck in to the company that built the box part to get repairs in Columbus, Ohio, rented a car and went home for an unscheduled visit.  That gave us a chance to be home for the 4th of July.  So we spent a very busy week painting the front deck, getting landscaping done, some routine bloodwork done, and the car in for its first oil change.  We were able to spend a relaxing 4th afternoon with friends for a cookout before heading out again on the 5th.  We picked up the truck on Friday afternoon but it was not ready for the road again until Monday late afternoon.  So we had a late start to this week.  After getting a load we could accept we went to sleep in preparation to leave at 4 a.m. only to be awakened at 1:30 a.m. by our dispatcher in a panic.  A truck with a temp-assured load from eastern Pennsylvania had mechanical problems with their temp-control unit.  They were only 50 miles from us and desperate to keep the cargo within temperature range.  So we made a mad dash over to Youngstown, Ohio, exchanged cargo and headed for a mad dash to Denver, Co.  The weather here is sunny and HOT.  99 today.  And the waiting game begins again with half a dozen other trucks for a load out of here.  I guess the old saying is true:  Always expect the unexpected, even on the highway!  Until next time . . . . . . .