Cold and clear. Yesterday was cool in the morning and hit about 70F in the afternoon. Got cold at night. Didn’t see the thermometer, but it was cold nose and cold hands kinda cold.
Didn’t get done with plumbing yesterday. Took 3 times as long to change out the tub and shower controls as it should have, but I was missing some pipe, had to make do with a couple of things, and did have to re-work one connection. Hall tub/shower controls are all new now.
I spent some time outside taking inventory. I’ve got some small trees and bushes that froze and need to be removed. Also some big trees, but I’ll hire someone to do that. Neighbor gave me a lead. “He’s not cheap, but he’s good.” Oh my. I’m calling him today.
I’ve also got some pruning and ‘sprucing up’ to do. Peach tree is covered with little fruits. I hope they survive the deer and squirrels. It would be nice to get some peaches. So far this trip I’ve seen a road runner, cardinals, blue jay, wood pecker, some small finches, a hummingbird, and a beaver. No camel or zebra this time, but I didn’t drive by where they live…
Around evening my fishing buddy came by and I had him critique my form. All wrong as it turned out. BUT this time he brought his own gear and SHOWED me how to do it. He caught a bass on his first cast from my dock. Now I know it’s possible to catch fish from my dock. I’ll just have to figure out how. To that end, he showed me more gear and explained another layer of depth to the subject. He’s an encyclopedia of fishing this lake and bass in general. Meatspace baby.
We’ll see how today goes. If I can make appointments, I will. If not, I’ll be cleaning up and putting back together, and doing yet more plumbing. I can finally disconnect all the old copper and I will feel safer when it’s not under pressure any more. If I can get a couple of hose bibs connected, that’s gravy. If I can get the fruit bushes planted, I’ll feel like the king of the world.
It feels a bit like slacking when I take the time to talk to and learn from the fishing neighbor, but it’s stacking up good times, relationships, and connecting with the community.
Sometimes you stack rice, and sometimes you stack friends. Both are good.
nick