The Long, Strange trip........

Remember when I said, "I really like my car"?

Well, let me tell you a story.....

Friday morning, I make a last minute decision to go to Connecticut to visit my boy 'Weez', his wife, and their new daughter for her dedication ceremony on Saturday. Since the ceremony is relatively early in the morning, and I know how temperamental my car is, I decided to Amtrak-it up to Hartford. The problem was that to get there on time I would need to take the 7:00 A.M. train from Penn Station.

So since I have to wake up extra early, I decided to at least drive to the closest subway station and park the car there.

And that's when it all fell apart.........

As I pull up to a spot across from the station I smell something. As I turn off the car and get out I see white smoke come out from under the hood of the car and here a hissing sound (this puts me at anger level 4 out of 10: stay tuned).

I stand there hoping for a while that the car would just explode with me standing in front of it when I say to myself, "Self, let me get my behind out the subway before I miss my train and really get angry." (Level 3 of 10)

With the ride to Penn Station and catching the train to Hartford done, I figure the worst is behind me. What do they say about the best laid plans.....

I decide to call my dad, just to tell him what happened. After all I just got the car back a few weeks before from his mechanic. He didn't seem too interested (Back to Level 4).

Anyway, the train makes its way into New Haven, where I have to change trains. I get off the train and I ask one of the Amtrak platform employees for information on where my train would be arriving. He dryly says, "Didn't you go downstairs and look at the board." (Level 4.5)

Now, I think to myself, "Self, didn't he just see this large ass train pull up, a few dozen people get off, and me walk up towards him!", but I politely say, "No, I haven't been downstairs yet, but could you tell me where I need to be to catch my train."

The rest goes something like this:

"All trains are suspended indefinitely.", turning away.

"Excuse me" (Level 6), shockingly.

"No trains except those going to New York."

What. This cannot be happening. (Level 7). Why didn't they say something before I left NY? What the &^$@!

So, I decide to go downstairs and entertain the notion that there are no trains going in my direction. Lo and behold the big board says 'All trains east are suspended indefinitely."

Sigh.....

To be continued...