ROANOKE, Va. — I came to this wonderful city in the Blue Ridge Mountains with the noblest of intentions … to attend a funeral for the son of long time and dear friends of mine.

It all was going swimmingly. Not a glitch in sight. None expected. I have a nice hotel room near where my friends live. It is near the airport where I will depart Roanoke in a couple of days.

Then it happened …

I piled into my “low rider” rental vehicle. Pushed the start button. Nothing happened. Zero! The car is frozen. Nothing works. No dash lights. It’s stuck in “park.”

That saying about the “best-laid plans” is ringiing in my mind’s ear right now.

I’m going to miss the funeral. With a stroke of luck I might be able to attend the graveside service. I called the car rental company. They’re sending a tow-truck driver to haul the piece of mule dookey away. I’ll be able to get a replacement vehicle.

This is the first time this has ever happened to me. I’m going to chalk it up to one of life’s mysteries. I won’t make a big deal about it when I see my friends.

Just wanted to share it with you.