As asked here is another Phoenix poster.  I do want to give a great big warm hello to those familiar names I see posted here in the Chicago section.  It wasn't long ago I was just east of this region.  That might help explain some parts of the story...

You wanna know about things going wrong, well I'll tell ya about things that can go wrong.  Picture this, the SW, somewhere in the desert a working girl on is on a trip to visit a friend.  Now it doesn't take but about a 100 or so miles into the trip to realize what could be a critical error.  I didn't plan on such a scarcity of gas stations!  Forty miles to empty turns quickly into 25, 10, 5...gas station.  I couldn't believe my luck.  While filling up a passerby asked if I was headed towards where I came from, I think he was looking for a ride.  As I told him my destination he told me about some hot spots to hit up.  We said goodbye and exchanged names.  He repeated my name to me but he said "Penny?" which is not what I told him and it only raised my eyebrows.  Sometimes I do wonder.
It only took about 50 more miles for what could have been critical error number two.  I get pulled over.  Another issue I over looked with the car.  Being out in the middle of the desert talking to an officer that let's you know what charges he has on you has a way to humble a gal.  I'm fully cooperative and wholly submissive and he lets me go one my way.  I don't know if I'm brazen or foolish or both but I press on.
It's now 6 am and I'm stranded in a quiet little mountain town.  It's less than 30 degrees and I'm still sporting open toe 3 in. heals and what amounts to a sundress and a light jacket.  Last summer being baked in the desert sun the low temperature now feels like torture.  The night before was one of the best I've had in awhile.  Good scotch and even better lovin'  but then came the disappoint and inconvenience of a car that went ker plunk. Luckily my suitor was a man of patience and action and a AAA member.  
Out of the driveway and into the repair shop I spent the day watching the comings and goings of this little in between town.  Finally with a reasonable repair I was back on the highway and on my way home.  The car never rode so well and I don't think I ever saw as much enforcement on the road either.  I've never been so happy to back in this valley and I've never been so thankful.

It's been nice to hear from you guys :-* ...