At least I think that’s probably what happened. You’ll remember the truck troubles I had in Alpine, Texas from a shorted battery cable. Seems the saga continues. I’m guessing there was just enough battery power to start the truck daily and the alternator did the rest to get me here. But after sitting leveled to live in the camper for 11 days without starting (I know, my bad, been busy with Mom) this morning my poor girl had no spark, not even an interior light. In fact the battery charger wouldn’t even try. So I called Good Sam, we should be on a first name basis soon, and asked for a jump. Big truck from Joe’s Wrecking Service arrived in 20 mins. But after 20 mins of charging, my girl still wouldn’t start. I had options. But Joe wasn’t one of them as he’d been called Only for a jump. So I dug out my limited tools, wrench and socket set, and got the battery cables off. Then lifted the batteries out of the truck. No easy feat considering I’m 5’5” (and shrinking) and weigh about 120 pounds. Then I waited for Mom to get back from errands and lifted the batteries into her trunk. Went to Wally’s where I got a cart, lifted the batteries out of the trunk and wheeled my way to automotive. Unfortunately they didn’t have the batteries I needed. So I wheeled them back out and lifted them back into the trunk. And off we went to PepBoys. I googled for a map and Mom took off her own way and we got there. This time I went into the store and asked for someone to lift the batteries out of the trunk, and the new ones back in. These Bosch batteries better last forever as they were priced like diamonds. Mom got us home where I, once again, lifted the batteries out of the trunk. Then onto the top of the grill, and into the appropriate space. Twice I moved those SOBatteries, as the first time I put them in backwards. Hey, I’m Not a mechanic. This is certainly not the kind of weight lifting I practice regularly. After reattaching the battery cables, she started right up and purrs like a kitten. Well not really, it’s really a noisy diesel. I did earn a shower and excellent spaghetti dinner at Mom’s. Taking muscle relaxers and going to bed. This is the edited version of the story.
No, I haven’t been to the circus or a magic show…
… although this little squweetie tried to disappear.
I keep seeing new birds.
This Great Kiskadee is the fourth lifer in Mom’s home town.
Sorry for the blur through the screen door.
No, it’s not the latest dance craze or even a new kind of fancy beverage…
…but another new lifer for me.
Four of these chachalacas strolled into my camp then one by one jumped into what I think is a fig tree.
Go ahead, say it out loud, chachalaca, chachlaca, chachalaca. That’s what they sound like.
Sorry the photos are a bit fuzzy, I chose the best out of 25. I really need to learn to hold still while I’m excited about seeing wildlife. Plus my usual landscapes don’t move around so much.