Winter wandering goes awry
By: Tammy Francois, Lake County News Chronicle
- In the ditch
Driving between Finland and Murphy City on Highway 1 one snowy day last week, a certain News-Chronicle editor (I won’t mention her name) had a bit of a mishap. She was on her way to Isabella, but along the way, awed by the beauty of the landscape, she decided to stop to take a photograph.
As she pulled over, her lightweight vehicle began to slide and when it came to rest she found herself and her car precariously perched on the edge of a ditch. To make matters worse, she had undertaken the drive in a dress and none-too-warm coat, a decision she soon came to regret as it was a cold afternoon. So she did the only thing that made sense. She took a picture and made a phone call for a tow truck, in that order (she is a journalist after all.)
In the meantime her own efforts to get the car back on the road resulted in the car sliding further down the bank with only three wheels on the ground. Friendly passers-by stopped to inquire whether help was on its way and seemed relieved to know that it was. Within 15 minutes, Don, of Don’s Auto Repair in Finland roared up the road in his truck and saved the day.
Not wishing to tempt fate, the editor decided it would be prudent to return to the office where a dress is appropriate attire and her car could remain parked by the curb.
A few days thereafter, word about the mishap had spread and one Finland resident called the editor and joked that in the future, she need not get dressed up to come and visit the little town!
Mukluks, a heavy down coat, extra mittens and a blanket are now stowed in her trunk in case of emergency and she vows to make her next trip to Finland in flannel, fleece and snow pants!
Here’s to our Minnesota winters, our good neighbors and lessons learned.
The staff of the Lake County News-Chronicle wishes you joyful, peaceful holidays. When you’re out and about, drive carefully.
Tags: life
More from around the web
RSS Feeds