I think it's trying to tell us something.

Steve had One of Those Weeks, at least as far as commuting is concerned.

The van in June 2010 when it was being shipped to Canada from Colorado.

Ordinarily, Steve either bicycles to work or takes the bus. This week, however, he was pretending he was a real soldier updating his soldier qualifications by studying first aid, practicing weapon care and shooting things, and firefighting and surviving a gas attack.

They do not do these things downtown (can you imagine if they did?); he had to go out to the boonies. So he drove the van, our second vehicle.

Note: I am not a good citizen; I drive to work each day. So sue me.

[No, really, don't sue me.]

Monday, the battery died while Steve was running errands on the way home from work.

Tuesday, the van was still at the shop waiting for the new battery.

Wednesday, he discovered a flat tire when he went out to start the van.

Thursday, all was well after he replaced the two front wheels. (Fortunately, our snow tires are mounted on rims, so it was a do-it-yourself project and an opportunity to teach Peter how to change a tire.)

Today, Steve was driving on the 417 when he heard a funny rattle-y sound. He pulled over and checked the wheels: no bulges or evidence of imminent failure.

About five seconds after he pulled back onto the highway, the left-front wheel ran away from home and went careening into the traffic, never to be seen again. While doing so, it created quite a stir and caused considerable damage to another vehicle. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

It seems the nuts had worked loose. Perhaps it was not a do-it-yourself job after all?