RATS!!!

A bit of background:


After our first trip to Mexico in October 2010 we returned to San Anselmo and were greeted with a home invasion by a rat.  We sorted through the mess and destruction but maintained vigilance knowing those pesky pests lurked in the neighborhood.


Last November, Alan was filling the car with gas and checked under the hood.  My oh my, the makings of a rat nest:  all sorts of leaves, paper, debris, etc.  We set traps in the garage; but no catches and no other signs of rats.


So off we headed south to Mexico 10 days ago.  We crossed the border and as we continued south, it became warm enough to warrant the Air Conditioning in the car.  Flip the switch:  nada, nothing, zippo.  Well, we could survive the drive without the a/c but for sure we will want those cool breezes come June and July upon our return to Guaymas.  So we checked around and got a recommendation for a local repair shop.


Alan drove to the shop on Monday.  Immediately the owner came out to help, putting off his current job.  He checked for coolant; numbers seemed ok.  He fiddled under the hood.  He got a wire out and continued to investigate.

During all this a neighbor came by with 2 cokes; the owner opened his with  a huge shop tool while the neighbor just used his teeth.  The two of them oogled at a pretty gal walking the street in tights and short shorts.

Then he took off a few screws and lifted up the fuse box.  A small bundle of leaves, grass, paper and you named it:  another rat's nest!!!  And signs of a wire that was chewed in half!!!  Oh my.  RATO!!!  Well, the problem was quickly fixed up and the wire replaced.  

The a/c was flipped on and cooling air filled the car.  The bill for 45 minutes of work:  200 pesos or about $15 US.  


We are really fortunate that the rat chewed only 1 wire and impacted only the a/c.  We can't imagine the damage a serious rat muncher could have done!  


Well, we are ready for summer.