New Mechanic/Busted Gate

For those new to the blog we have had issues with mother’s worthless ex-mechanic and after the brakes went out while I was driving her mini-man we decided to give him the boot.  It is not easy finding a knowledgeable and honest mechanic, or at least that has been the case with us.

This new mechanic is a definitive improvement over the old one but we seem to have a communication problem even though we speak the same languages, English, Spanish and Tex-Mex   Just when I think we have come to an agreement for something as simple as calling me before coming to make sure we are home…he shows up unannounced.

His was the first shop to link with AAA in this area and his son drove the wrecker.  Many times he came to tow mom’s old cars to her worthless mechanic.  I do not know what happened but apparently AAA and him had a not so amicable parting and he does not want me to use them…he would rather come and tow the vehicles himself, which is what he did.

Unfortunately the guy he brought to help him (an unpaid friend) hopped on the truck too soon without seeing if there was proper clearance and he hit the gate!  He was very apologetic said he could have the gate welded but if I had someone who could do the cement work?  WTH?  He knows I have been gone from Del Rio for thirty years!

He came Tuesday with someone who was going to take a look at it but since he once again came without calling, he made a trip for nothing because we were at a doctor’s appointment.  Even though in this case our presence was not required to give him an estimate.

Picked up dad’s old car yesterday and while the smell is not as strong as it used to be…you could still smell a gasoline odor.  Today we took it for a quick trip to Amistad dam and it seems to be running well.  Filled up at the Exxon (or is it a Chevron?) by the lake and took advantage that it is the only station in town with free air and a nice man helped me air up the tires.  Gas was selling for $3.55 there, $3.49 at Wal-Mart and $3.51 at HEB.

Oh forgot to mention that the first time I used him was to fix the brakes on mother’s mini van that her worthless ex-mechanic botched…well had to take the van back to him because they once again are falling to engage!

Good night.  May you all have Terlingua Dreams.

Busy, Busy Week

I have been so busy after the Memorial Day weekend that I have not had a chance to sit down and write a post or for that matter even go online.  I am a Spurs fan and I am ashamed to admit I have not watched a single playoff game this season! Some fan, huh?

Got a new mechanic to fix the brakes in this case non-brakes on Mom’s mini van.  We did not exactly get off on the right foot but at least the van is drivable now though the jury is still out on whether or not I will use him again.

Remember my dollar investment on the Roma tomato plant?  Think I pretty much lost it, jajajaja…even bought some good soil and re-potted it…guess I just have a brown thumb, literally!

Last time I was in Houston, Home Depot had landscape timbers on sale for $1.97 but when I finally made it to the store the special was over.  I was so surprised to see them on sale for only .97 cents each but I need them in Houston not here.  It is times like this that I wish I owned a truck.

With all our comings and goings have not had a chance to call the Maytag guy to fix the washing machine.  Had to make a trip to the Laundromat and boy it was expensive!  Used three large machines and just that was $9.00 plus all the quarters it took to feed the dryers we pretty much spent close to $20.00 bucks.

Walter came around this weekend and he let me pet him for the first time.  I was weed eating when he came over, figured he might get spooked but the sound did not seem to bother him.

His owner came by later to get him and he spoke to my mother.  Wanted to know if the horse was a bother and my mother told him that I had told his son he was welcome here anytime and that since I did not know his name I decided to call him Walter.  Mom said he mumbled Walter? To which she reply “Yes, Walter”.  She also mentioned that I always had fresh cool water for him to drink, hoping he would get the message and do the same.  You go Mom!

We have a new visitor to Terlingua Dreams-Del Rio branch but he only comes to sleep under the cars.  I named him Socks.  I am trying to make friends with him but he wont let me pet him…need him to check out that bathroom/laundry room…but it is not going to be easy to lure him there, maybe a can of tuna?

By the way did you have a chance to look at the moon last night?  It was simply spectacular.  Made me think of all the lucky bloggers that live out in Terlingua and how fabulous it must have looked out that way.

Good night.  May you all have Terlingua Dreams.