Tucson Weekly Motel
The Mobil man informed me very curtly that I better put my spare on to replace my left front tire then started to walk away (a classic sales tactic). I engaged him in some more analysis and was convinced my wear indicators were showing and I needed a new tire. I had been worried about them the whole trip. Several times I had considered having them rotated, but never followed through. I had abused my tires pretty good with all the long drives and rough roads.
The Mobil man quoted me a price of around $120 for the tire. It seemed reasonable and with my luck everytime a potential problem is identified, it usually materializes. I had several hours of desolate, hot desert to drive through with towns few and far between. Once on the rack, it was pretty evident to me as the Mobil man examined my tires that I needed all four replaced. Of course he did not have four, but he called down the street and they had the next upgrade which he would give me for the same price. A savings of $17 per tire (another classic).
He said to give him an hour, so I walked across the street to a Carl's Jr. Apparently they were short handed and training a new employee because few people were being served and those that were were receiving the wrong order. A short, heavyset female truck driver was there to provide comic relief about the situation and to direct the employees in their tasks. I was disgusted. I sat at a table waiting for the line to clear so I could place an order for food I really did not want.
About 15 minutes later at 9am I noticed the Taco Bell across the parking lot had activity in it now. I walked over and found they opened at the odd-hour of 9am. I was the first customer of the day. I choked down a chicken quesidilla and headed back to the station.
The Mobil Man was sitting on a bench reading the paper. I assumed his underling was still working on my car since it had only been a little more than 1/2 hour since they started. I was wrong. My car was done. It had 4 brand spanking new Cooper tires with the stickers still on the tread.
I paid my bill. Mentioned that it was my lucky day, then headed south. It was hot and windy through the California desert. I started to feel a little car sick from the ups and downs of the road.
Arizona was not so hot. It was in the 90s. I stuck to my policy of no A/C on the road and ended up with a sweat stain in the shape of my seat belt. I had it in my mind that I would stay at a motel with weekly rates near where my old house was in Tucson. I pulled in to the establishment and paid for a week rather than paying for one night first to make sure it was OK. I figured one night would be no indication of the following nights anyway. The rate was reasonable considering I had my own phone line, AC, Cable TV, and kitchen. I had a place to stay.
And thus ends this online journal. I was tempted to put the lyrics to U2's ONE here, but you could look them up if you want. Maybe the Dixie Chicks' "Long Time Gone" would be more appropriate.
I thank you for reading.