Last Tuesday, 3/31/09, I had to drive up to Grafton (approx 45 minutes NW of Grand Forks) to see some clients. There was a bit of bad weather in the area, but Grand Forks was pretty much outside of the bulk of the wet and white stuff. Fargo was expected to get 12 or more inches. Grand Forks was due for only 2 or 3 inches. Since I was leaving after lunch in broad daylight I figured I would risk it.
My first stop went very, very well. Sold a Long Term Care policy to a lovely farm couple. I left their farmstead pretty happy, having picked up a check for the policies, and in plenty of time to get to my next appointment. Unfortunately I ran into a bad patch of road just as I turned out of their farm, swerved around losing control, and ended up with the nose of my pickup in the water filled ditch! By the time the farmer pulled me out with his 4WD John Deere tractor and a really big chain, I had a couple inches of water on the floorboards of the passenger side of my truck. Some minor damage, mostly cosmetic, to the front end. My truck was still drivable and I made it home without incedent (still made it to my other two appointments that evening, just a little late).
Took my truck into the body shop today to get the $969.60 in damage repaired. I had a nice walk from the body shop to work, only a 10 or 15 minute walk while listening to music on my new smartphone.
I had a good appointment at work this morning. Towards the end of the appointment I was interrupted by one of the other agents in our office saying "your wife is on the phone." I asked him to see if it was an emergency...it's kind of an unspoken rule in the office that you don't interrupt an appointment with a client. He said that it was an emergency. I excused myself to answer the phone. It was Sandy. She was on her way to take Tyler to a gymnastics "open gym" time so he can play on the trampolines and gymnastics equipment. They were driving down the street when the elderly lady at the intersection decided not to stop at the stop sign. Total damage: $6400! No injuries, everyone is fine...only vehicular damage.
We have a rental minivan now...
It's embarrassing having to visit the bodyshop twice in one day: once to drop off a damaged vehicle, and three hours later to get an estimate on the other vehicle.
Mick, hugs coming your way and give one to Sandy. No family should go through that much embarassment in one day.
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