Van Repairs and a Strolee That Took a Stroll Without Me

18 Oct, 2026

Earlier this week, the auto shop called to say the part finally arrived and I could bring the van in right then and there.

The Auto Guy said it’d take 5-7 hours to get her all fixed up.

With a free loaner car…

I had loads of simple fun getting coffee using the drive-thru (because the van doesn’t fit), visiting the city parks, spending time at the lake on a crisp, colorful autumn day, and just having a whimsical time.

Eight hours later…

I was booking a hotel.

And things didn’t go as planned the next day either.

What if they can’t fix Bella? Will I need to find a new vehicle? But I’m heading south soon!

Ohhh the thoughts that raced thru my head.

The anxiety was real…

But another trip thru the drive-thru for coffee helped ☕️

Back at the park sipping my coffee, I decided to let go of my anxiety... and not even a minute later, the Auto Guy called to say Bella was ready to roll!

After one more night at the hotel…

I packed the new Strolee cart I bought last month (to replace my old Ozark folding wagon) and headed to the van.

While loading my things back into the van, I noticed the Strolee had brakes, but figured it would stay put like the wagon did. Never mind that I was on a slightly inclined parking lot at the top of a sloped road 🙄

I took my eye off the Strolee for one quick second and she was off… strolling down the road with all my stuff, without me.

She’s a fast little buggy! Faster than my legs would go.

Just as I admitted defeat, expecting to have to drive down the road to retrieve her, she hit a curb and toppled over.

Not the best start to the day - but one little thing wasn’t going to ruin it.

After all… it gave me a funny story to tell 😅

Connie 🌼

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