I had a problem on the ride home from Ohio

[Ms Grumpy]

I had a wonderful time at the NOCC show, but just like last year, I had car problems. It has taken me this long to write about it because I have been really frustrated and disappointed.

The trip started out with me knowing that I would have to make at least 2 or 3 stops because David has a difficult time driving. Let me back up, I was driving my Malibu and David was driving our van with the kids behind me. We had our cell phones but we also take a set of walkie talkies, which is an easier way to communicate, plus we have a lot of fun with them.

We made the 1st stop no problems. Second stop was about 25 minutes away from the show, we stopped so the kids could go to the bathroom and when I started my car it was hot, hotter than it had ever been, so I turned it off. Stopped David before he got onto the turnpike and we sat there for about 45 minutes. At that time we made the decision that if the temp was around 200 I would drive the car and if it got hotter, then I would turn the heat on. It was already in the 90's and humid so it was not the ideal situation. I turned the heat on and the temp dropped and we made it to the Holiday with no other incidents. I got input from a few of the NOCC guys and ultimately had the thermostat changed. Problem solved.

Made our way home on Sunday morning, left around 9am. Made our first pit stop about 2 hours into our trip. No problems, got onto the road. We were cruising right along about 45 minutes from home and ran across some construction. Traffic slowed to about 35mph. Once the construction was over I went to accelerate and the transmission didn't want to shift. Luckily, there was an exit right there and I got off and pulled into a gas station. Trans fluid was low and added some. Called my mechanic and he said that we should be OK to limp it home. It will shift into 2nd and 3rd but I was not going to push it too hard. I am bummed, this is the week leading up to the Woodward Dream Cruise and all my mechanic buddies are busy with their cars or friends cars, my brother is extremely busy also finishing up 3 cars for Woodward. But, I think I have sweet talked my brother into giving me some time on Sunday. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Sorry about my rant, but I have been so bummed since Sunday. Thanks for listening.