Hi! I’m Pp the Van, and yes, I’m being a “bad girl” again. 👧
The Fuel Pump Saga
JG finally got my fuel pump running! It took a few days because he had to jack me up over a foot in the air and drop a 35-gallon tank. Since it was half-full, that thing weighed over 100 lbs. It was a rough job for JG to do all by himself.
Actually, that’s how it always is. JG is always there for everyone in his life, but there’s rarely anyone there to help him—that’s just how it’s been his whole life. So, if you ask him for a favor but haven’t been there for him, be prepared for a “no.” It hurts him to be that way, but JG has to save his time and energy to keep his own life moving.
Now, the “4-Legged Posse” is always there to help, but three Chihuahuas giving kisses doesn’t do much when you’re lifting 100 lbs! And while Kathy Rose is always willing to help, at 73 years old and 116 lbs, there’s only so much she can do—especially since she’s still on light duty while her left ankle and knee heal.
Not sorry for the rant!
Work Smarter, Not Harder
After installing the new fuel pump, I cranked right up and ran like new. The previous “new” pump just died—I guess that’s what happens when you buy a cheap pump online, or maybe it was just a dud. This time, he replaced it with a lifetime warranty pump from a local chain store, so a replacement is never far away. He even got a replacement for the cheap one to keep on board as a backup.
JG is a smart man, though; he cut an access door in my tool bin and the bed floor directly above the pump. If it ever goes out again, he can fix it in under an hour instead of spending eight hours jacking me up and pulling the tank!
Another Bump in the Road
But here I go being “bad” again. JG cranked me up, and I was running great, but then he heard a rattling coming from underneath. His heart sank—at first, he thought my engine was knocking.
He drove me up on blocks to slide under and check. Thankfully, it wasn’t the engine! It was the catalytic converter; the insides had come loose and were rattling. He was relieved it wasn’t the engine, but disappointed that I’m still not mechanically ready for the road. It’s looking like a $400 to $500 trip to the “Muffler Doc” this Monday. Between the pump, the wrecker, and now the exhaust bill, we won’t be heading to Pensacola until early fall.
🎨 How You Can Help: The “Pp Repair Fund”
That’s just how life goes sometimes, and you have to make the best of it. JG is going to start painting again now that he isn’t on such a tight schedule.
- Custom Work: If you’ve been wanting a pet portrait, landscape, or still life, now is the perfect time to ask! It would really help the Pp Repair Fund.
- Available Art: Check out the photos of the paintings he has on hand. If you like one, make a donation offer to the fund (plus shipping), and JG will be happy to send it your way.
- Online Shop: Don’t forget his online shop at tad.jgartis.com.
Just send a request or question to
ppfund@jgartis.com
It’s Sunday, which means it is a rest day for JG and the Posse. They’ll be back at it Monday morning.
Even when life knocks you down—even if you have to crawl—keep moving forward or you’ll just stall.
Pp out! ✌️🚐
Hi there Pp. Yes you were a bad girl, but glad Jg was able to fix your fuel pump & good to hear you running again. And will be glad to get you to the Muffler Doc Monday & get your catalytic converter all fixed so you dont quit on us. You just want lots of attention lol.
I feel bad that Jg has to do so much work on his own, at his age especially, but glad I can help what I can.
I hope we can sell some of Jg’s paintings for the Pp repair fund. I wish I could keep them all lol, but know I can’t.
I can’t wait to go on our next adventure & hope it’s soon. Im ready to see more awesome places & capture more photos for our memories.
“Keep on keeping on”
Kathy Rose 🌹
Yea, I can be a bit of a pill. Jg knows how to get me stright.
Hey everyone reading get some them paintings before there gone. I am a needy girl! I be proud to take you to get all them beautiful pic.