In which a routine trip becomes not so routine

Left Houston for Dallas at 3 p.m. Made good time, hit Waco just after 6. Stopped and ate (yum, Catfish King!). Got onto I-35 northbound, passed through downtown Waco, noticed the pavement sounded funny. I slowed down and moved right and noticed the car was steering funny. Then I heard the sound of a flat tire. I managed to exit the highway and crawl to Sam's Club, which was at that corner, thank goodness. The auto bay doors were closed but the door to the shop was still open. They stayed open late to replace my tire. (Snoopydance!) Left Sam's at 7:15. Hit horrendous backup as I was leaving Waco on I-35 north. Bailed and took highway 31 to Corsicana, and I-45 to Dallas. Arrived without further incident.