Good day!
We have wandered to T or C. I’m sure you’re all wondering how my mechanical issues have worked out. We spent most of the next day in the parking lot. A man from a church came by and he got his diesel mechanic son on the phone. He had me spray ether straight into the engine from under the air filter, a thing I was asking Kenny not to do since it’s so harmful to the glow plugs. But it fired. I took the kids to the playground and did some unwinding from the worries before going back to Walmart to screw around some more and identify the actual issue.
Besides Turtle on messenger, Giggles found us to help me. He’s about 25 and not really a mechanic but a self proclaimed helper. He’s very accomodating and kind. He’s of Mexican descent, first American born generation. The top half of his head is shaved, but the bottom has dreads. He was born in the Virginias but has family in northern New Mexico which is where he’s trying to get to so he can fulfill some appointments to get his mental health squared into boxes and a possibility of disability to help him get on his feet and do what makes him happy. Which is travel.
The three of us, plus a random mechanic named Andrew managed to figure out that it’s the Relay on the Glow plug control module that’s not firing properly but the glowplugs are fine themselves. To get the beast firing I need to touch a screw driver from one bolt diagonally to the other after warming the glowplugs and while turning over. It’s pretty easy, if it wasnt for the dog house needing to be removed to do this.
Atreyu had his birthday yesterday. we began his day with songs and a trip into Walmart where he chose himself a toy, movie, and coloring equipment. He was very happy to get another chance to play with his friends. If he would’ve had his way he would’ve stayed with them forever, but I really felt the need to get on the road finally.
Giggles took a ride with us. He needed to go to the post office and up to Santa Fe so I would at least give him a ride to T or C. We stopped at a Rest area for the night. I took the chance in the morning to clean up the bus from the last few days of nonsense.
It’s cold and windy today after a night of 50+ degrees. Truth or Consequences is a very Hippie town. There’s a state park Elephant Butte that charges $8 a night for camping. I hope we get to explore that when the weather is nice. Down town has a lot of small stores with vibrant fronts. It’s pretty colorful and a lot of greenery.
I would really relish a chance to go to some Hot Springs but most of the Hotels featuring Hot Springs don’t allow kids under 12 because they’re trying to further a relaxing vibe. I get that. I could really use a relaxing vibe too, though. A hot pool to lay in. Even on a day soak basis they ask that the kids are above 5 and potty trained. Well, 3 out of 4. But we still don’t fulfill criteria. Bugger.
So what do I do for today? We are watching Tales of Earthsea. Galixy is about to fall asleep for his nap. I will be firing up the stove and oven and having some warmth in here. Giggles is out trying to make some money or find a ride. I kind of hope he comes back. He’s quiet and gentle, though I think he worked hard on himself. When he speaks, it comes out rushed and almost hectic. He moves thoughtfully, but shakes a lot. He says he’s never read much, but now carries around The Art of War and a big dictionary cause he wants to make sure he understands it. He seems to know his limits. He quit drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes but partakes in my spliffs. All he carries is a bundle of blankets and a regular shoulder pack. His dog Tarzan is a large brindle who looks almost like a Mastiff he’s so huge but sweet.
My belly screams for food.
Lots of love
Matilda the Bugus 