Monday, November 19, 2007

A deer+A dark country road+Julia's driving = Smashed Echo

Friday night was an adventure! I won't bore you with tons of detail - because the most exciting (terrifying) part comes at the end. However, Ronnie and I got off work around the same time, I went to Wal-Mart and the Post Office, he met me for dinner (with coupons of course:)) and we went to pick up some tickets that were given to us for a concert on Saturday night. We also delivered some of the tickets to some other friends that were also going - we went by Toys'R Us to shop for non-lead filled toys for Aubrey for Christmas. I might end up getting in trouble with my Christmas present this year - but that is another story. (Jen, I got the list of approved toys - I have studied it and Ronnie and I will make our decision accordingly).

Anyway, after a fun-filled adventure at Toys'R Us, Ronnie and I (being in separate cars since we came to work at different times today) had to drive both cars home. Now, we live about 20 miles outside of civilization (Yet another long blog one day... city girl in the country). I was driving along, having a good ole time listening to the Radio. (A station in town is already playing Christmas music... shhhh.. don't tell my mom!!) All of a sudden, a deer JUMPS out from the woods that are dangerously close to the side of the road. He runs along beside me for a second, and I did what I thought I should do. I slammed on the brakes... HARD! This gave plenty of time for the deer to jump in front of my car. Now, I was still doing a good 50 MPH... (no comments about my speed are necessary.. thanks) and I hit the deer..... HARD! It flew up in the air, I thought it was going to land on my windshield - but due to the miracles of God, and the angle at which I hit the deer, it flew to the side of the road. I continued to slide, still riding my brakes, and came to a stop on the side of the road. My heart flying out of my chest, my arms shaky from holding the steering wheel, my mind racing with OH MY WORD!!! Ronnie pulled up behind me (he was luckily far enough behind me to begin with that he didn't also have the joy of crashing his car.) - he pulled over and helped me calm down, called the insurance guy, made sure the car was still drivable to get it home etc.etc.

All is fine with me - my shoulders were sore Saturday and Sunday, but are much better now. No, we didn't go try to find the deer for our roadkill dinners.... (if this costs too much to fix we will wish we had!) :)

The rest of the weekend was relatively uneventful. We went to Charlottesville Saturday with his family to visit his great-grandmother, we went to a concert Saturday night, had a good day at church yesterday, and had a very productive Sunday afternoon (including getting the window unit air-conditioners out of the windows, finding the few Christmas decorations in my boxes that are stored outside, gave him a needed haircut, and began the process of cleaning the extra bedroom since in a couple of weeks some of my friends will be staying with us for a weekend and they might want to be able to sleep in the bed). Basically, other than the smashed front end of my Echo.... life is good in VA.

AND - 4 days and counting till I get to see my family again! It has been two months, and I can hardly WAIT!

(PS. note to Jon... I will try to do better this week... I promise:))

4 comments:

Darlene said...

I know it is not funny. But, I am laughing. Not that you had the wreck or that you are sore. The poor deer laying on the side of the road either. Do you know how many people in Alabama would kill themselves trying to get to the deer for meat????LOL Not me or any of my redneck family. But, I do know of plenty who would.
I really enjoy hearing your stories. City girl in the country. You crack me up...
I bet you had the deer in headlights look.LOL I am glad you are okay and can't wait to see you when you come home to Sweet Home Alabama!!
By the way....in our phone conversation I thought you told me Ronnie's grandfather died. This was in the static time...If someone at church asks about this....tell them I was having a Andrea moment and got confused. I think I have told the few I talked to..but may have missed someone. By the way...sorry about the dog. I know how it feels to lose a family pet.
Can't wait to see you .....Ronnie too.

Jessie said...

Oh man, I'm glad you're okay! That could have gone a lot worse. I think Jeff told me you're supposed to speed up rather than brake if you're about to hit a deer, but who actually has time to think in that situation? One of my mom's friends hit a donkey once... that was interesting.
Anyway! Have a great time with your family this week!

Anonymous said...

I can't help but laugh! That is sooooo hilarious!!! I can't believe you hit a deer! On a serious note, I'm glad you're okay! Can't wait to see you and Ronnie!! hehe!! -Sam

Unknown said...

YOU LEFT IT THERE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD??????? Considering the time of year that was probably a good 100 lbs of meat!! ALREAY TENDERIZED!! Well I'm glad you're ok. and that the echo isn't completely smashed up. I am dissapointed that you left those good stakes just sitting on the side of the road. Oh well we can't all be that resourceful.
Love ya sis,
Jon
p.s. What's this about your dog?