Today Is My Lucky Day, Part 3

YOU WERE RIGHT!

Megan would be surprised I uttered that phrase when I wasn't looking in the mirror.

Stan would be astounded to learn that phrase is directed to a male. 

Poor Stan.  

Actually, that phrase is directed at John Pedroza, who predicted I would actually get paid after going to court against the woman who hit my car.  You are really smart, John.

Lookee here!  My first of 40 monthly checks for $25!

I figure if I save all these checks over the next 3 years and 4 months, I will have enough to buy the front right floor mat for that car I'm buying when Megan leaves home.

More likely, I can pay cash for the car Stan will insist we can afford instead.

Unfortunately, my joy is somewhat tempered by the other mail I got today. 

A letter notifying me I've been called for jury duty.

Sigh.  You can't win them all.

Today Is My Lucky Day....

...but I'm not counting my unhatched chickens just yet.

On February 17, 2006, the front end of this car was hit by the front end of a stop-sign-running driver. She went to jail on an outstanding bench warrant, I went to the repair shop followed by the poor house-other driver was not insured. On Monday I received an official-looking letter from the city demanding that I appear in court today regarding this matter or go to jail for failing to appear. No explanation, no bring this information, no "is this a convenient time for you?"

So, good citizen that I am (and not wishing to be a jailbird), I went to court. Shockingly, other driver wasn't there! Turns out she's been in three accidents in five years, and pulled over for other reasons twice, each time with a suspended licence and no insurance, and each time she's failed to appear in court.

Is it just me or is there something wrong with that picture?

I testified. Yes, I'd been in an accident. Yes, it was judged to be 100% other driver's fault. Yes, I was out money--the $1000 deductible. Yes, my insurance paid the rest since I had comprehensive coverage.

Then it was other driver's lawyer's turn. I guess you get a lawyer even if you don't come to court. How old was this car?(1999) How much was the repair bill? (don't remember) Why didn't they total it out? (don't know) How many miles were on it at the time of the accident? (around 100,000) What was the blue book value at the time of the accident? (don't know) and finally "HOW LONG DO YOU THINK SUCH A HIGH MILEAGE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE LASTED ANYWAY???" "Well," says I, "at least another 110,000. That's how many miles I've put on it in in the 4 years since the accident. And optimist that I am, I hoping for another 50,000 until we can launch our last child and buy our sports car." The judge laughed. The lawyer fell silent. I'm thinking the lawyer thought that car was in a scrap pile.

A real Perry Mason moment.

The judge thanked me for my testimony, awarded me a $1000 judgement, and said they'd be sending me checks as the money came available from other driver's garnished wages.

Excuse me if I don't hold my breath waiting for that check in the mail.

Today Is My Lucky Day!

Nimble Thimble is a local quilting group that meets at the downtown First Congregational Church. They make dozens and dozens of quilts that are donated to worthy causes, as well as selling raffle tickets and refreshments to raise money to rent their church space and buy supplies for next year. I ran over to their annual quilt show today and bought a $5 raffle ticket in the spirit of supporting a worthy cause.

I won the grand prize! It's a pieced queen size quilt, machine quilted.

Even better, when I went downtown to pick it up, Hailey and Makayla in tow, the quilting guild was so excited to see me and "my cute little girls". It wasn't until one of the women asked Hailey (gesturing to me) "Where is Mommy going to put the quilt?" and a second one asked "Is your Mommy always so lucky?" that I realized they all thought I was the mom and not the grandma. I was going to correct them. Really I was. But why spoil a wonderful day by admitting I had been too old to have a baby for at least 16 years? It probably helped that no one there was under the age of 85. Good to know I can still pass as a spring chicken to SOMEONE. Yup. All and all a very good day!