Smoke Signals and other news

The tire story that began in last week’s column seems to have no end. After many hours in the emergency room with my husband on Saturday, I got our truck to take him home—low tire warning again. Only 20 pounds of air remained. Keep in mind it is a Saturday afternoon.

Again, Google to the rescue, showing me an open shop only a few miles down the interstate. I prayed all the way and watched to make sure there was no more air pressure loss. Thank goodness we made it to Pep Boys in Olive Branch.

But the problem escalated. Pep Boys’ policy is no customer can remain in the vehicle inside their shop. Doug had to stay in the truck because he could not walk and had to have the air conditioning on to breathe. It had taken our nurse’s phenomenal strength to lift him into the truck, and I had three volunteers waiting at home to help get him back inside the house.

Pep Boys’ manager directed me to a parking spot outside the shop where the technician removed the tire, took it inside the shop for repair, and put the tire back on. I went inside to pay. The manager asked me if the technician took care of the problem. When I replied yes and opened my billfold, she said, “Don’t worry about it, and be safe driving home.”

There are still good people in the world. I don’t know if I appeared as frazzled as I felt, but I was trying to hold it together and was simply grateful again to find an open shop with knowledgeable employees.

The hummingbirds visiting my house are busy drinking the sugar water in preparation for their long flight south. I am not a hummingbird expert by any means, but I enjoy their antics as they fight over who gets which spot at the feeder, although I believe they are all the same. The ruby-throat seems to be the “boss” of the rest, but they all seem to get their fair share and will let me know if I happen to let the feeders get empty. They will be leaving soon, but I will leave the feeders out for a while for those stragglers that always stop by on their way further south.

The playground at the ball fields on Lowry Road has received additional equipment. This playground is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to dusk for all to enjoy.