The Great Ball Hunt

Got home, changed clothes and went out in the garage to install the ground wire on the trailer. Dawned on me (a little belatedly, I admit) to check and see what hitch ball size this trailer takes (remember, I plan on going at 7:00 AM tomorrow for the wood). Takes a 1 7/8 inch ball. I check, and the one they gave me is a 2 inch ball. Not a problem, I have lots of extra balls from when the Buick LaSaber had a hitch. I look and I look, no balls! (How many times have I heard that!) Then I remember, I gave them all to Luanne to use on the farm a while back (because I didn't have a hitch, so why would I need them?). No problem, I'll go to Murray's Auto across the street. Change out of my shorts, back into my used, sweaty work clothes (ugh!) and drive over. They're out of 1 7/8" balls, but got a shipment in this afternoon they will restock overnight. "What time do you open?" I asked."8:00 AM," she says. No good! Blows my timeline!

Head down to an auto parts store I know at Plymouth and Farmington - Closed! Go to the Hitch House at Plymouth and Levan - Closed at 5:00 PM (now, remember, I am pulling across Plymouth, during rush hour, to get in and then finding out they are closed, then have to pull BACK across traffic to get out. Not simple, fast or fun!)

Ended up going to the other Murray's at Newburgh and 6 Mile (about 6 miles from home). They do have them and for $16.00 I got to take one home. Finally arrived back home at 6:45 PM, changed clothes and finally got to work.

Drilled hole and bolted in the ground wire. Replaced ball (damn near broke my wrench loosening the one they put one. They must have used an air wrench with LOTS of PSI). Got the license plate on and hooked trailer to car lights. Driver side running light not working (its those stupid connectors where the two wires run though a plastic thingie and you crimp down a metal thingie to make contact.), but the rest of the lights, brakes and turn signals all working. I go inside. It's 9:30 PM.

Took the two turkey breasts out of the brine, patted them dry and they are now air-drying in the fridge for 8 hours (its supposed to make the skin crisper when smoking them). Have abandoned all hope of cleaning house tonight. Have also abandoned any idea of eating a real supper tonight. Make a bowl of microwave popcorn and start watching the fights.