Flat Tires

I stopped and changed a flat tire for a lady on the interstate earlier this week. While taking off the third or fourth lug nut, I started chuckling. This lady didn’t know me so I am sure she was having second thoughts. I mean here is a stranger, with a tire iron in his hand, laughing. I spoke up and told her I was thinking about my last flat tire.

My last flat tire happened in a cornfield in Nebraska. I told her I was trying to help a friend harvest corn. My task was to drive the tractor that pulled the corn trailer. I would drive next to the combine and when the trailer was full go and unloaded it into a semi truck.

On one trip, I noticed the tractor was moving rather slowly so I shifted to a lower gear. It helped a little but not that much so I shifted down once more. It was better but not great. It was about this time I noticed the tractor was leaning. It wasn't bad but it was a lean I hadn't experienced before. I thought it must have been the field; we had only been in this particular field a short time. That is also when I glanced in the mirror and noticed the combine racing across the field trying to catch me. I stopped, got out and saw this.

I told her, “Now, these are not normal tires. These are thirty-two ply airplane tires. Airplanes take off and land on these tires. The only time they go flat is when - well . . . when I get around them”

Now she was laughing. The tire was changed and everything was put away when she grabbed my hand and shook it rather enthusiastically while thanking me. As she opened her car door, she turned and said, “I don’t which I’m most thankful for – you changing the tire or the entertainment!” And with that, she was on her way down the interstate.

I don’t remember that day and that flat tire being nearly as funny. I’m sure Cliff didn’t either.