Elements

 yesterday the sun shone bright

blinding bright

It has seemed such a long time

This morning the fog is back

swallowing our surroundings

I Can Live With a Crooked Floor

 As I mentioned in my last post, we replaced our water heater but not our floor. 

 We had our floor redone less than three years ago due to water damage.  

It's sad that we don't have the money or that the insurance won't pay.  

But it isn't as bad as being without power.

Or shutting down the government.

or not being able to travel due to the snow

and closed roads due to the elements

or accidents

or being a victim to the ICE (the Gestapo)

or not even knowing what is true anymore

I would rather have uneven floors -

it seems so minimal compared to everything else that is going on.

May the power be restored to the many who are without.

May the harm and blows be softened.

May we all be kind.

Replacement

 Jaime had noticed that her carpet was wet but didn't know what from.  Richard tried to blame the dog, but in actuality it was the water heater.  It hadn't occurred to us to replace it sooner - no we have to wait until after the water leaks before we had even thought of looking at the 33 year old water heater that has probably been leaking at least the last two years.

We had a friend tell us that the insurance wouldn't replace her flooring when her water heater gave out.  She said the insurance company had discredited her because the tank had not been in a basin - even though that hadn't been code when it was initially put in.  It's code now!  So both of us now have new water heaters and uneven floors.

We didn't know where it was even leaking from until the plumber started to drag it out.  I did not get a picture of the rust corroded bottom, but did get it standing upright out on the curb.  Our new one is so much nicer.  It should outlast us.

Return to His Hobby

           I cannot recall how he even got into it, but Richard would purchase a bunch of non-working watches, clean them up and replace parts and battery to get them in working condition.  It was just a hobby and he would take his finished products to the homeless shelters to pass out the residence.

          He loves fixing watches and more he likes giving them away – but there came a time when the homeless shelters felt they had more watches than people and soon his hobby went on hold.  He became more involved in his graphics and the watch project was put on the back burner.

          Recently Jai and I had gone to a division of the Antique Mall and noticed a display case that could be rented.  We took a picture to show Richard if he wanted to consider selling the several watches that had been taking up space in the back room. 

          As we were out and about yesterday, I suggested stopping by so he could inquire if he was interested.  We were too late.  Richard asked about the display case as a couple of vendors were signing the contract for that very display.  But Richard did find a shelf for 30 dollars which was not a bad price as we don’t know how well the watches will even sell.  And so we signed the contract for the shelf space.

          After we got home we went through the watches and display sets and filled them, tagged them, and headed to the store this morning to fill our case. I thought I got three pictures but only have these two.  I meant to take a picture of the entire shelf. 

 

It will be good to have him working on watches again.  I know he enjoys it. Richard said that we’ll try at least six months.  We’ll see what happens. 

Perhaps it’s the Mistletoe

 

          I have had a cough since mid October though I don’t know why.  It isn’t bronchial or viral I don’t think.  I wonder if it is an allergy cough.

          Here in Oregon we have trees which produce parasites or mistletoe.  I am allergic to mistletoe and have wondered if that is what has been creating my cough. 

 

from dictionary.com

I have never had a hairball lodged in my throat but the feeling is something caught between the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage.

          As I have looked into possibilities and researched  the throat names and positions I have also wondered if the cough may be caused by a drug prescription that I have been taking for just a few months.  I will have to ask the doctor at my next appointment.

My Two Shoes

 

          Ever since we put the rocks in the yard, Bonnie has climbed the hill to do her thing – which is nice – at least to a degree.  The winter months have been so cold and wet that Bonnie has not wanted to be on the hill – or even outside for that matter.  She does her thing on the rocks – next to the doors, next to the gate.  Blech!!

          Eight hours after I had dressed I went outside to clean up after her.  When I got inside I removed my shoes as I could sense debris and mud on the bottom.  It wasn’t until then that I noticed I had been wearing two different shoes – a green one and a gray one.  I don't even know where the mate to the gray shoe is. 

Boy, am I observant!

Thick Wet Fog

 all up and down I5

I never thought about how much 

moisture is brought through the 

fog but that seems to be what 

is making our porch wet