Pahrump Valley Gazette, Thursday, January 9, 1997 23
Community News
Surviving the attack of the fire hydrant
What's that noise? Maybe I ran over an ice chest. I can't let the Isuzu continue to look like a refugee from
Maybe I crushed a tube of styrofoam cups. It's been a very
long day. It's two weeks until Christmas and I've got a bit
of work that will make for some very happy holidays.
Long hard days, but good money. What was that crunching
sound?
Two hours after sundown. Back at the motel unloading
men and equipment. Tired, stressed, grouchy. The Isuzu
is pulled tight to the wall around the swimming pool while
the passengers are off loading. The traffic in the courtyard
is a mess. The catering truck is trying to crawl past the
motor home. I ease the
I
, Isuzu to the right to get out
of the way. Sounds like I
ran over a cardboard box.
Shouting. Pounding on ......
the side of the car. I don't
want to hear it. I get out and check the off side of my rig.
I've clipped a fire plug next to the wall of the swimming
pool. At a speed slower that a walk, I've managed to grind
the hydrant into both doors on the right side on my shiny
new 1990 Isuzu. This is not a happy time.
I manage to put up a brave face and not cry in public.
The job will go on and I will not
snivel. It works. In five minutes
everyone has forgotten my minor in-
discretion and business goes on while
I limp home to lick my wounds. The
damage to the brave little four by four
is not terminal. One might say it
merely looks like a pretty rough drunk
bump. The car continues to perform
its necessary chores and its looks suf-
fer from the minor bump with the fire
plug.
To repair the damage presents a
few problems. I can file a claim with
the production company. They will
no doubt pay, but it will always be
known that I filed a claim for averY'
avoidable accident brought about by
carelessness on my part. This is not a
reputation to which I aspire.
I can file a claim with the owner of
the motel for carelessly placing a fire
hydrant. His insurance company would probably settle,
but I would be asking a long time friend and business
associate to accept the responsibility for my own personal
stupidity. Not a very proud way to conduct business.
I can file a clai.rn with my insurance company. I have
$200 deductible which isn't too important, but the damage,
if repaired in a regular shop, would probably run $3,000.
This would be covered, but I would pay heavily increased
premiums for the next three years. We carry several
policies and this would be a significant amount of bucks.
a bent door factory. Even ifI take it to aconventional shop,
I'm without a 4x4 for a week or two out of business. I hate
problems. Why did I ever grow up? Maybe I just go to
Mexico and sit on the beach and drink tequila. Maybe I
hide under the bed and the problem will go away.
God bless Linda Shoemaker. Linda manages the motel.
While explaining my problem to Linda and assuring her
that there is no damage to the hydrant, she asks if I know
Harold. Huh? Harold who?
Linda explains that
In The Thermometer's Shadow t
by Mike Doughtery
Hi Desert Hair Designs
727-0660
"l've managed
to grind the
hydrant into
both doors on
the right side
on my shiny
new1990
Isuzu "
there's a fellow in town that does
pretty good body work at a very
reasonable price. He did some
work for one of her clerks and
he's restoring a fifth wheel trailer
for her now out behind the motel
and maybe I should talk to him.
I ask around town about
Harold. His reputation is solid.
He's a bit of a loner, but he's
honest and he doesn't drink. I check out some of the work
he' done and it looks good. I go looking for Harold. One
does not check the yellow pages to find this kind of
craftsman.
Harold turns out to be a personable
fellow hard at work refurbishing a trailer.
I stop by and we chat a bit. He says I
need a new door. I know that and ex-
plain a door alone is $650. Harold
allows as that seems a might dear and
says he'll fix the car for me and paint the
repair in primer for a labor cost of $250.
Materials will probably run another $30.
I try not to jack the price up, but I
make sure Harold is happy at that figure.
We agree I can use the car during repairs
if any fast jobs come up. I offer front
money but Harold declines. I go home,
empty
the car of
all my
equip-
ment and
deliver
the bent
Isuzu to the tender mercies
of Harold. I keep any reser-
vation or doubts to myself,
consider his reputation and
his manner, and decide to
trust him.
A day or two later Harold
asks a bit of money for ma-
terials and a small advance
for himself. No problem, I
I III
Cactus-- Cactus
Largest Selection in Nevada
Desert Plants -- Succulents
Lots of native Nevada plants including:
Red Barrels, Cholla, Yucca, Mound Cadus, Clariet
Teddy Bear, Beaver Tail, Prickly Pear, Saguaro
Golden Barrels, Organ Pipe, Desert Willow
Blue Pale Verde, Ocotillo, Mexican Fence
Post and Extremely Nice
Nevada Joshua Trees
FRti CAaUS Say you saw it in the Gazette, limit of one.
Over 4,000 Desert Plants n Stock!l!
OPEN: 9am - 5pm Daily, Sun. 10-5pm 12740 Blue Diamond Road 1/2
Mile off 160 W. on Blue Diamond Rd. (Hwy. 159)
(702) 875-1968
Fax (702)875-1913
r)! (kt ,,,
S u thf.:
understand his style of life. He may be eating a little
irregularly. Several days later the car is looking much
better and another minor advance is requested and gladly
given. At the end of the week, the lsuzu is repaired and
looks as good as ever in spite of needing a bit of paint.
Harold has done a fine job. He has kept tight financial
records and every penny advanced is accounted for. I
joyfully pay him, wish him a merry Christmas, and drive
off in my freshened Isuzu just as proud as though it were
brand new. Total cost: under $300. Very very inexpen-
sive. I almost feel smart.
Later I complete the painting with a few spray cans. Not
exactly concours d'elegance, but passable. The proud
little lsuzu is looking fine. Thanks to Harold, I survived
the attack of the fire hydrant. Thanks Harold.
i iii
On your new business:
Opening January 14th 9 a.m.
Great location
1320 W. Mesquite
and those hours 9 - S Tuesday -
Friday, 9 -3 Saturday
Evenings by appointment. How
wonderful.
See you there.
Your friend, "Mona"
ii
....... " " .... .I ' IIII r .... • " III
KHWK Radio
From Pahrump to Bishop
has you
covered/
For the latest news, information and the finest
music programming be sure to tune to KHWK,
broadcasting from Tonopah. If you're traveling the
vast distances of Central Nevada's desert terrain
you still can't miss us!
Member: Associated Press
Great Basin Radio Network
J
• 92.7 -- Tonopah
• 93.5 m Beatty
• 94.3--- Lida and Scotty's Junction
• 94.3--Gold Point
• 95.9--- Pahrump
• 103.9 ---- Bishop, Mammoth and Big Pine
• 104.9 --- Round Mountain
• 105.5--- Hawthorne
I ' , , .... I , , I
