O’FALLON, MO.

Nothing in the gypsy life is more startling than to attempt to move and find that you cannot. For Carnies such as ourselves, it is a crime against nature. We have done our shows– to very good hats and audiences. We should be allowed to proceed. But not until a new fuel pump is installed in our tow vehicle.

Years ago, the Sheriff would show up on the lot as soon as any Circus wagons rolled into town. To make sure that the show folks paid all their locally incurred debts and fees (including, but not limited to, out and out bribes), the Sheriff would impound the wheel lug nuts from all the wagons, making it impossible for them to move. After all finances were settled the nuts were returned and the circus could move onto the next town. This is the origin of the phrase “Making the Nut”– id est, all expenses were covered and net profit could begin to be calculated.

So it is with us except we are “Making the Fuel Pump”. In our case over $1200 and an additional over night stay (camping on the the dealership lot in the Airstream– an indescribable incentive to get us out out of their town). This would not be so bad except out next event is Wednesday, meaning our jump to Northwestern Pennsylvania will be a hurried one to be sure. Its now Tuesday morning, and Missouri outside.

Year ago a bad fuel Pump was an easy unbolt, replace, and rebolt action on the front of the engine. I did it myself on several cars and trucks. But today’s autos are much more complex. The gasoline tank has to be emptied and removed and and electric computer controlled pump installed. I hope to get my gasoline back as it was a full 30 gallons!

Charon points out from time to time “This is a Hard Way to make a living”. I remember being surprised at having not realizing this myself, until she had made this observation. How I had become acclimated! Never the less, we both know anything else would be worse on us. And so we choose our way, confident in our knowledge of just how lucky we are, even on such an unlucky day as this…

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