The Unsung Song

 

Well, readers, this weekend's post is beginning a bit early because of a trip we made to rid of ourselves of a pain in the derriere. Our time spent with Kia was over, or so we thought. 

Today, Wednesday November 19, 2025 should have/would have/could have been a very good day in our lives. We were on our way to Eugene to finally end the endless nasty dealings with our brand new car of 2023, a Kia Sportage. The car failed us four times and that placed it under the Lemon Law for a buy-back procedure by the manufacturer. It's time they pay off the loan and get us out from under this nightmare that we have faced for the past two plus years. 

How did we find ourselves in this mess? Because my husband tried to do an awesome thing for us by getting a brand new car that gets great gas mileage as a hybrid so I could complete deliveries and we could also use it to travel and have fun in. He did nothing wrong. He was making a solid attempt at taking care of his family, and for that, I thank him profusely. His pay back? He has $600 per month taken from his paycheck to make payments on a car that we cannot drive, meaning I can't work either. We have not had that car since March of this year. 

Finally, we find ourselves driving to Eugene to sign the final paperwork stating we are surrendering the vehicle back to Kia. Our lawsuit settlement is that they pay off the car loan, plus give us over $3,000 for the hassle I guess, then Terry has to pay the attorney $500 from that. Why? Because Kia thinks he has not been screwed over enough in this deal. 

With excitement in our hearts, we packed up and began the drive to Eugene. A good celebratory dinner was planned after the signing, with our family being invited to help us celebrate. As it turns out, some were sick, others were dealing with other people visiting, and some simply had to work. My oldest daughter Dawn was the only one able to join us. That's okay. We love the idea of seeing her!

On the way, we ran into an issue or two ... we had to hit brakes to join in the line of cars unable to move along the highway. There was a sign informing us of an accident further up the road. Great. We were not even to Sutherlin yet, about 11 miles from Roseburg. This was going to be a fun day ...

And so it begins ...

I posted a photo and the information on our group chat to ensure the family knew of our predicament. We stopped, sat for a bit, and then inched forward to the next stopping point. This went on and on ...

After a few miles traveled inch by inch, we were finally able to see the long stretch of cars ahead of us at a dead standstill. 

Oh, this was going to be a lovely trip ...

This long line of cars were not even inching any longer. We were halted by the situation up ahead. I was just hoping that the people involved in the accident were okay, but things were looking rather grim due to the expansive line of traffic ahead and behind. Smaller accidents don't halt miles of cars for this long. 

As we inched further again, we noticed the cones laid out along the right lane. The lane was closed, of course, creating the standstill. I was not looking forward to viewing this accident as we passed it. 

We arrived at the point of the accident and it did not look good. A semi and trailer had rolled onto its side. I was hoping the driver was okay, but did not see any sign of him walking away. 

Terry was able to capture these photos as we drove by, or inched through I should say. 

It definitely did not look good, at least for the transport company anyway. 

Looking it up for further research, I did find out the semi was carrying wine. The top of the trailer had come off, spilling cases of wine along the freeway. Well, now. I would have been happy to help them clean it up! LOL. The driver was fine, thank God. He was cited, however, for being unable to maintain a lane. Hmm, maybe he did partake of some of his cargo?

I do jest, but am glad to hear that he is okay. If you would like to read more about this accident, follow the link above. 

***

We made it past the accident, picked up speed, and onward we went to sign those papers, and then eat our beautiful dinner of celebration. We were thinking Texas Roadhouse because it has been a while since we last ate there. 

Our ride finally ended, just in time. We pulled into Kia about 15 minutes before our appointment, and yet we had left early. The man we had the appointment with was helpful, and so was the notary we dealt with. The papers were signed quickly and the entire appointment did not take over 40 minutes. 

Once finished, we thanked everyone and Terry grabbed my hand to escort me outside. Outside to the used car lot. My mouth fell open at the thought of my husband having lost his beautiful mind. But he was not searching for another Kia. He was looking at the other makes of vehicles parked on the lot. 

One of the Kia workers named Ali came out to assist us. She showed us several cars that we both loved and hated. We decided that a 2022 Ford Escape in Roseburg that Terry had spotted online might be the best value. He introduced me to the car through pictures and information on his phone. The car was awesome! I wanted it!

Mentally, we put the car search behind us to enjoy our dinner and wait for Dawn to join us. Parking out front, we stepped up onto the entrance area and pulled on the door ... it was locked. 

What? Texas Roadhouse locked at 2:00 PM? What the heck? That's when Terry noticed the hours of operation listed on the front door. They didn't open until 3:00 PM. We decided to choose another place. BJ's Restaurant and Brewery was sitting right next door. Off we went. 

Climbing into a booth, we waited for a server. One came, but informed us that this was his section and he was off duty now. This meant we needed to move into another section, which was fine with us. After getting comfortable, I looked around the place. It had been a long time since I had been in BJs. Still as pretty as it was the first time. 

Of course, after we order comes the waiting. It gave us time to look around, text Dawn to notify her of the change in venue, and talk to each other. It was relaxing. 

Terry ordered spaghetti and meatballs. I have to say, they looked great!

My choice was the chicken, ranch, bacon, and avocado flatbread. This is actually an appetizer, but it sounded great anyway. 

Terry ordered a chocolate ice cream with a flat brownie type of dessert and I asked for a small bowl of grapes. Both of us devoured our dessert as well. Good stuff! Typically we do not order desserts but hey, today is a special day. 

Dawn arrived from her appointment and we were able to catch up on things for a while. It was good seeing her again and wow, she is looking great. I wish everyone else was not sick or busy! Thanksgiving is around the corner though, so it's all good. 

Driving home was all good. It was an awesome drive actually, clear weather, good music, and of course, excellent company. We arrived at the Lithia dealership in Roseburg and walked in. Terry named off the parameters we were willing to work within and he searched. He found the car that we wanted to get, the Ford Escape, however, it was sold earlier in the day. Figures. 

After naming off several cars but not staying within what we really wanted, we headed home. We really cannot get a car until they pay off that loan on the Kia first. We want out from under that payment and the ownership of that car, then we will discuss another loan.

Quick trip to the store, and off we went toward our perfect, cozy little home, filled with our fur babies. I was ready. 

***

After I finished walking the dogs and taking care of the morning tasks, I looked over and saw this ... Kit was either cold or just wanted to be left alone for the day. I've never seen him curl up under the couch covers, or sheets you could say. He remained in that position and in that particular space for most of the day. 

***

I'm going backward in time a couple of days, to November 17, 2025. My sweet husband purchased our monthly anniversary bouquet to give me upon his return home. I love them, like I have loved every other one he has ever brought home, and as much as I love him. 

***

Thursday, November 20, 2025

Today began as any other day. Terry had a massage appointment this morning, followed by a podiatrist appointment to get his toes checked. They are healing nicely and are looking good. 

We teased each other about his usual massage coming up this morning. I always tell him that I'm sorry he has to go through all that, poor boy. He replies, "Yeah. I know. But I will endure it the best I can." 

If you don't follow the blog, Terry had all of his toenails removed, believe it or not. The podiatrist suggested the surgery due to his psoriasis growing under his toenails, making them almost impossible to clip. I guess this surgery has become a bit common in these and other circumstances. Every cell in my body hurts, actually shoots pain through me each time I think about the doctor removing his nails. But, I do have to reiterate, they are looking pretty good now that they are healing. 

Upon his return home, he walked into the office where I was chatting with my daughter Brandy over the phone. He smiled at me, reached his hand out, and gave me an envelope. I opened it and the tears were immediately wanting to flow. I forced myself to put up a dam to keep them inside while talking on the phone. The card is absolutely beautiful, in every aspect of the word. 

Ladies, I know you understand how difficult it is to hold back tears during moments like these. I asked Brandy to hold for a moment, and told my husband how much I love him, sans tears. I refused to let them flow. A couple did sneak out, but without much drama. I don't think he has any idea how much this card means to me or meant to me in that precise moment. As I always tell him, "Heart to heart" is the bond we have. 

***

As we walked into the house after our drive to Eugene, we walked into this. Both of the cats looked at me with a look of, "Please, sir, may I have another?" Now, I love our kitties, but do they really look like they're starving? Especially Esme, the one on the left. 

Then I am met with this staring at me. Yes, he's starving, or so he believes, plus he does have to go outside to take care of business. Then began the howling. 

Our chihuahua, Jasper, is off in the other room, snoozing away. He's old and cannot hear or see very well, so he is a bit slower on the uptake, but I love him dearly. He is quite impressive, actually. Jasper will run through the house as if he is five years of age when he is on the search for food. Yet the same dog, when not after food or us, he will slow it up to walking like an elderly pup. 

***

This is where I'm going to leave it for Wednesday through Friday. The rest of the weekend will be put into the next post as it unfolds. We thank each of you for reading the blog! You're all very special to us. Thank you. 

Vicki & Terry

Partners in paper signing