GEE Keith,
I was in the SAME mess on I-75. You have a great way of writing...I got cold just reading!
BTW: THANKS for the ride!...perhaps your attempt to accelerate sideways from that stop sign as I left, hastened your engine issue...glad you found it while so close.
As far as all that other "stuff"...I'm reminded of the child that upon entering a very smelly barn; slipped and fell in you-know-what; picked herself up...covered in goo; and said: "I know there's a pony in here somewhere!" It all depends upon our attitude...you've got a great one!
Tim