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Bad day: Tuesday (read yesterday's blog). Good day: Wednesday!! Read more "Lorraine's Believe It Or Not."
I was a nervous wreck yesterday!! I got very little sleep last night because construction noise nearby, and fear that one of the trucks I heard was coming to tow me away. I had permission to park, from two Customer Service Associates at Wal-Mart, but signs in the parking lot said "No Overnight Parking, Vehicles Will be Towed at Owner's Expense." I was up early... and in the parking lot of Forrest Marine and RV at 6 AM. They didn't open until 8, and service personnel didn't arrive until 9.
Things went very well for me today!! A competent young man made the repairs so I have the trailer right-turn signal again. Fearing my propane tank was almost empty, I had it filled before I departed. I was given the location where I could dump the porta-potty. It was such a relief to have trustworthy turn signals; I didn't object to the premium cost for repairs!! I resented being charged $5.00 for one gallon of propane!! Two thumbs down for Forrest Marine and RV in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts.
I drove less than one mile and found a place to park--under shade trees--in the parking lot of the Pheasant Lane Mall. I browsed the Mall for about an hour and bought coffee and a muffin. Back in the trailer, I moved things outside so I could place things in their designated places (jiggled by driving the rough streets of Lowell yesterday). I was relaxed; I was in no hurry. Then I enjoyed the salad greens from Tuesday morning shopping in Lebanon.
A Security Guard drove by several times and I anticipated that I would be told to leave. "No Overnight Parking" or some such phrase. When I was approached by the Guard it was because he wanted to see "the cute little trailer." A very affirming conversation followed because he is a Christian. I needed his kind words and parting prayer. (Thanks Gary!)
With things reasonably tidy in the T@B, I started for the Nashua Sewage Treatment Plant. My GPS wanted a street number and I was told there is no street number. A lady was very patient and gave me directions (on the phone). I made a few wrong turns but eventually arrived--and took care of dumping the porta-potty.
It had been my intention to meander back to the Wal-Mart, and Panera, where I spent last night. Less than five miles from the Sewage Treatment Plant, I spotted a Barnes & Noble. Goody, goody!! Next door was (is) a Panera Bread. Seriously!! I have access to two WiFi signals!! ~~ I've driven a total of 23 miles today--but they were VERY GOOD MILES !! According to Carmen (my Garmin) there is a Wal-Mart less than two miles away where I will (hopefully) spend the night. I AM SO BLESSED !!!!!!!!!!!
Speaking of Wal-Mart, I recall the kindness of the lady that repaired my glasses (in Williston, VT) free of charge. Some people are generous; some people are greedy.
Oh yes, it has been a perfect day, weather-wise!!!
When I logged off in Lebanon, New Hampshire, I did not dream that I would be back in a Panera Bread today!! It has been a nerve-racking day!! If Carmen (my Garmin GPS) were a real person, I would cut out her tongue!!!!!!!!! While in a rest stop in New Hampshire (almost to Massachusetts), I studied my Atlas. Then I tried to program the GPS for a Wal-Mart in Massachusetts. None. My Wal-Mart Atlas (with the location of many of their stores) indicated one near Lowell. So I programmed the address... and Carmen took me through every tiny, narrow, cobblestone street, and through "roundabouts." ***I was a major nervous wreck!!*** Then Carmen said Wal-Mart was on the left but I could plainly see there wasn't a Wal-Mart. A Hannaford Markets truck was parked at the rear of the building (on the right) and I swung into their parking lot. I hiked down the road (behind the buildings) looking for Wal-Mart. None. Then I hiked around to the front of the shopping complex. Hannaford and Wal-Mart under the same roof. And--only a few feet away--a Panera Bread. I repeat: I'm a nervous wreck!! Guess what: An Interstate highway runs behind this shopping center. Carmen (my Garmin) really failed me today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There are "No Overnight Parking" signs in the parking lot. I've checked with Wal-Mart and have permission to park at the extreme corner of the lot. Frankly, I had hoped to locate a campgrounds for tonight--and maybe for several days. I'm not driving another mile until I'm "calm, cool, and collected."
To add insult to injury: My KIA wouldn't start this morning. The refrigerator had drained the trailer battery, and ultimately my car battery. I had turned on the refrigerator (last night) because I planned to buy groceries before leaving Lebanon. I did purchase groceries (fruit and veggies). ~~ I got out my nifty "jump start" machine and quickly solved the problem.
My right turn signal isn't working on the T@B. I've purchased and replaced the bulb. Tomorrow I'll take to a Marine / RV dealership.
Would you agree with me that this has NOT been one of my better days?? With these negative circumstances, all I need is more rain!!
Twenty-four hours ago (in Montpelier, Vermont), I has held captive by continuing, HARD rain!! I was "ready" to depart but refused to make the dash from the T@B to the driver's seat; I would have been soaked!! Here's a picture through the front window of the T@B. **AND,** wouldn't you think the volume of water would wash the mud off the car and trailer?? No!! I still need to find a self-service car wash.
It's a beautiful, sunny morning!! I'm back in Panera Bread (in Lebanon, New Hampshire) to accomplish last-minute details on my blog--and check e-mail messages. Later... I'll continue down Interstate 89 toward Boston, Massachusetts. I plan to see some of the historic sights, AND hear the Boston Pops concert on July 4th.
