Wheel fail

Why is it that as soon as you get a serious motivation to do some catch-up spinning, start cranking on a long-idle project, something (literally, unlike Flayrob) goes askew on the treadle?
My poor Lendrum's footman-to treadle connector gave up the ghost tonight in the middle of a plying party.  Thank goodness for the Woolery.  Found what I needed immediately, and ordered a spare drive band just to be safe.  Twenty bucks plus shipping and I'm good to go.
Now... I stalk the mail lady.  And I guess I could do some knitting...