If it's not one thing, it's another thing.

Does anyone else remember Gilda Radner's character back on the old Saturday Night Live? Her character, Roseanne Roseannadanna, would complain, "If it's not one thing, it's another thing."

I'm kind of starting to feel that way about the RV. Before leaving Havasu, the RV got the following updates:

-- complete roof sealant

-- a few new roof vents

-- exo-skeleton at the roof ridge

-- new house water pump

-- refrigerator rust and burner clean

-- new rear tires (4 total)

I wanted to get a new refrigerator because the current one runs on faith when it's not plugged in. The whole refrigerator has been a trial of my faith and patience. It has also been the source of tears and frustration.

So when I was working lots in Havasu, I thought maybe I coukd finally get the fridge replaced. When I talked to the RV repair shop, they said I could expect to spend $2500 on parts and labor for a new fridge. So, of course, I decided to wait.

You see, an RV refrigerator has two settings: electric and propane. With each setting, it heats up a gas to cool the refrigerator. It's like magic, but there's scientific principles at play. You can read about them here and here.

Since traveling from Havasu, I've had to switch the refrigerator from electric (plugged in at Brenda's) to gas in order to keep all my the perishables cold on the drive north. The flame has kicked off several times. At other times, it burned so strongly that even a low setting started turning my seltzer waters to ice. (Somehow I've managed to keep the produce from freezing.)

During this time, I also started smelling ammonia in the refrigerator part. (The freezer is fine.) I thought when I plugged in here in Escalante, it would go away because I'd be back on electric.

Nope. Even though I'm plugged in at my new temporary-hime, I'm still smelling it. Only now, it's pretty strong.

Additionally, since last night, the refrigerator has been above the "safe zone." Good bye cheese, yogurt, cheese brats, and other perishables!

So, tonight I looked it up to see what the whole ammonia smell is all about.

Apparently, the ammonia smell means I have a leak.

Also, apparently, ammonia is also dangerous.

So, now I have the fans running to keep fresh air in the RV. At least I don't smell it with the door closed, but I'm worried my kale and apples are absorbing ammonia now. Yuck!

So, as I started this blog entry, I'm just here to say, "If it's not one thing, it's another thing!"

I'm also telling myself to "Keep the faith!" I know somehow the Good Lord will provide me with what I need. This is just a small blip on my journey!