We’ve run Matilda for over seven years, all across the continental United States. Skoolies are never ending projects, but with our active use, it has felt more so than most. It’s only through the kindness and generosity of people like you that we’ve managed to do all this. So it’s a big “Thank You” for your graces! Our Journey will only continue as long as we find support.
The times are…. times. And wear is wear! Buckle up for the “new detailed” list
Bus Needs: The injection pump (2k part + 2k in labor) is unhappy in warmth while the oilcooler ($30 rebuild kit, or $200 new part, labor=me) leaks in cold.
The Flexplate (behind the starter in the transmission) needs to be inserted for clean starting power (also correlating to the injection pump mentioned above.) the oil seals is leaking right at the front of the transmission,
Fix cab-lights and top blinkers front and back, back taillight is busted too,
New hood with latch (get rid of strap!),
get Bug lights hooked and working!, heater doesn’t work while driving (is that repairable even? I want warm air blowing while driving through cold sometimes),
radiator flush (there’s rust in our 4yo radiator, I can flush it myself but need a space and more fluids also is project during OIL COOLER rebuild mentioned above),
My license plate would love one of them shield things that when someone takes a pic it obscures the numbers, therefore giving me some legal privacy,
I got new tires from Connie that need mounting still!
or a whole “new” Diesel bus that’s about 10′ from tire base to top and 6+ windows long? If you know of something viable, let me know?
Bug needs: besides the head and tail- lights I could use window cranks (’65 Frame, outside trim and clips, styling the fenders with wheel looking cubbies, vinyl covering on the side to make the bug carriage look less choppy… Some more insulation, a better frame to replace the wood frame it sits on.
Pet needs: both dogs, Rhea and Gizzi, and our cat, Mauve, need a vet check. They have rashes…. pet food and treats, flea collars, and dewormer and cat litter are our regular expenses
Home needs: a new door that actually seals. A new inverter; the one we’ve had for the last years like to beep at is for no obvious reason other than to tell us it’s old. A deep cycle battery to add to our lonesome house battery. I would like to replace my drivers seat with a bench seat that folds down into a bed. Like these folx https://www.smart-beds.com/beds/smart-bed-evolution/
I know it’s silly, but I do have a though of how to make Matilda more suitable for my growing children. I wouldn’t mind staying in our home for much longer, but, as her conditions extend, I feel like a need for continuation thoughts so I can be at peace with whatever outcome.
Miscellaneous: our “regular” expense of Diesel, Propane, Insurance and vitamins and minerals (kid multivits, vitC, and dissolvable magnesium drink) and unscented wet wipes. We spend money on Museums and various attractions, sometimes food experiences
A bike for me (sorta short but powerful human) as mine was stolen in New Orleans off the back of Matilda, cut the Velcro straps, so those would be nice to replace once I have a bike again
I’m gonna continue to hope and believe that things happen for a reason. I’m really hoping to continue running and going. It’s an experience for sure. A test to our hardiness and support? a refocusing point? I’m unsure but I guess time will tell. I’m going to try my best to make the best of it
Find our amazon wishlist here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3LUAOP5L0M5FY?ref_=wl_share
This list already seems pretty long to me but I’m sure if I thought a bit harder, more things would appear in my brain. As I’m going to be updating this page as we figure this out, I feel ok with leaving it at this. Just in case you haven’t found the spot where I write story, please follow the link below to the latest update on Skoolie kids travel life in Matilda Bugus. (current standstill or upheaval point)
We wouldn’t be alive today if it wasn’t for community near and far, please consider even a small donation of $1-5 ends up adding together and making our dreams come true and enabling us to share a different perspective and spread smiles as far as possible.
I hope you smile and find a time to share it.
Stay Grateful. ❤️
Matilda the Bugus 