Soapweed
Well-known member
Today we sold the last of our steer calves at Valentine Livestock Auction. The Kosmo Kid and I had each driven pickups pulling stock trailers, to haul extra calves that didn't fit on the two trucks. Kosmo went home earlier than me, as I stayed to watch most of the rest of the calf sale. When I left the barn, it was about 6:45 Central Daylight Time. As I neared the pickup, it was apparent that the connecting cord powering the trailer lights had become unhooked and had been dragging. The cord has a small end, and the pickup input is for the bigger size, so an adapter is necessary. The adapter had jiggled loose and was missing.
A friend came along, and we vistied for a few minutes. I mentioned my problem, and then noticed that it was already a bit after 7 o'clock, which was closing time for Bomgaars. Figuring there might still be someone around the store, I hurriedly drove there to see if they had an adapter. The store was already vacated.
Thinking Alco might have what I needed, that store become my next stop. They didn't have the right adapter on hand. Maybe the Shell Travel Center gas station and convenience store would have it, I hoped. After putting fuel in the pickup, I was dismayed to learn that they also did not have the needed part. Stepping down the hallway to use the restroom, it was quite disappointing to see that a lady was cleaning the men's room.
Adapting to the situation, I decided to get something to eat at McDonald's, which is located in the travel center. After indulging in some chicken nuggets
and sweet tea, and visiting with a friend for a few minutes, I headed back to the restroom. Upon completing my mission, and washing my hands, I was just opening the door as another man entered. Wonder of wonders, it was the gentleman who owns the dealership where I had purchased the stock trailer back in January. After spilling my tale of woe, he said he just happened to have an extra adapter with him. It was exactly what was needed, and once again the lights worked on the trailer.
I headed west out of Valentine, and hadn't gone fifteen miles when flashing lights were visible ahead on the road. Sure enough, a highway patrolman had pulled over a vehicle pulling a camper trailer because of non-working trailer lights. Had it not been for my guardian angel, it would have been me paying the fine. All is well that ends well.
A friend came along, and we vistied for a few minutes. I mentioned my problem, and then noticed that it was already a bit after 7 o'clock, which was closing time for Bomgaars. Figuring there might still be someone around the store, I hurriedly drove there to see if they had an adapter. The store was already vacated.
Thinking Alco might have what I needed, that store become my next stop. They didn't have the right adapter on hand. Maybe the Shell Travel Center gas station and convenience store would have it, I hoped. After putting fuel in the pickup, I was dismayed to learn that they also did not have the needed part. Stepping down the hallway to use the restroom, it was quite disappointing to see that a lady was cleaning the men's room.
Adapting to the situation, I decided to get something to eat at McDonald's, which is located in the travel center. After indulging in some chicken nuggets
and sweet tea, and visiting with a friend for a few minutes, I headed back to the restroom. Upon completing my mission, and washing my hands, I was just opening the door as another man entered. Wonder of wonders, it was the gentleman who owns the dealership where I had purchased the stock trailer back in January. After spilling my tale of woe, he said he just happened to have an extra adapter with him. It was exactly what was needed, and once again the lights worked on the trailer. I headed west out of Valentine, and hadn't gone fifteen miles when flashing lights were visible ahead on the road. Sure enough, a highway patrolman had pulled over a vehicle pulling a camper trailer because of non-working trailer lights. Had it not been for my guardian angel, it would have been me paying the fine. All is well that ends well.
