Flying solo

*Robin*

Dear Diary and Kind-Hearted Friends, :hello:

"Today is Tuesday. The weather is bright and sunny."
..It's a line from the other 'Thelma and Louise' - Velma and ????? - Anyone else remember this radio play?
Can't get it out of my head; a harried assistant giving the morning's 'orientation lecture' to residents in a third-rate care home.
Memory is getting so bad, can't help wondering if my fate will involve being forced to listen to similar prompts in the not too distant future?
<sigh>
Better make the most of my blessings now, eh?

Mara_uk7 wrote: »

Sympathy on the borehole pump ... Ours has inexplicably stopped too, Thankfully we are still able to switch the farm back onto mains water in an emergency. Next weekend will be spend assisting number one husband to pull the pump up, we do it the easy way, attach the cable to the quad bike and I drive backwards very slowly while he guides it up the waterfilled tube (thankfully ours is only 40m down ... )! He will then look at it, swear a bit and grump off to town to buy a new one ........ well thats what happened last time this happened !

Hello Mara - fellow borehole owner :T - thanks for popping in and sharing your experience of maintenance hassles (bet you appreciate having mains to fall back on ).
But am glad I didn't see your post before Tecnico arrived, as I'd have driven m'self into a tizzy wondering if we could do the same quad-bike trick here - terrain would not make it easy!
However; can now gratefully relate that the solution to my borehole problem turned out to be much simpler:

Yesterday Gardener turned up at the same time as a hazy sun; she'd given the caravan a once-over and transferred all non-waterproof contents of the pump-house into it, by the time Tecnico arrived.
He 'phoned from the road, to check he'd found the right house - but then didn't appear.. Discovered him hiding behind the gate, watching CD nervously while she stared back from her look-out perch six metres above; the very picture of serenity to my eyes, but perhaps Tecnico misunderstood CD's interested gaze and toothy smile? :cool2:

Once reassured he was in no danger, Tecnico accompanied me but almost bolted when CD trotted round to meet us. She was very good; with tail wagging she approached gently, let him stroke her then returned to her perch - at which the young man visibly relaxed and got on with taking apart the pump control-board.

My job was to run up and down the steps re-setting the main fuses in the house every time Tecnico did something which shorted out the power. Jolly good exercise..
Thought this was all preliminary stuff, so was surprised when he told me to turn on the switch - couldn't believe it when a familiar sound started up; the happy chuckle of water falling into the tank! :T

Tecnico's explanation of the fault was interesting: Apparently very high winds on Friday affected the power supply, causing momentary cuts followed by surges. This was enough to overload the pump - his company had half a dozen calls for help on Saturday, from others similarly affected.

Tecnico revealed that my darling DH bought their de-luxe system when he had it installed (during a solo holiday). It's fitted with an extra electronic gizmo which stops any power surges reaching - and frying - the pump motor at the bottom of the shaft.
So, instead of a £500 bill and lengthy wait for water - which is what his clients with a basic system are looking at - it was a simple matter for Tecnico to check and then re-set the gizmo.
Thank you for your foresight DH! :A:T
..This is one of several husband dept. things I've since discovered, which he didn't have time to pass on - bet DH would have known what to try before calling out Tecnico.
<Oh well; next time will be better prepared.>

While Tecnico was at the Nest, I took the opportunity to ask him how much it would cost to install automatic irrigation around the garden.
More good news there; our de-luxe control-board already contains the electronics required - the most expensive part - so all that will be needed is a sensor in the tank, a complicated tap and lots of black water-pipe (two sizes plus a pile of tiny dripper-thingies). Gulp.
Tecnico asked to see what I have been doing until now; he looked genuinely shocked when I pointed out the five garden hoses which can be connected up to reach every corner across the steepest slopes, and told him how long it takes to water all the trees and plants.
He gave me a sympathetic little squeeze on the arm, then promised he can sort it out. Will call later with an estimate.
(No idea whether this will be do-able, given all other deserving calls on available funds. But it would make living here much easier, and simplify times when the Nest is unoccupied ).

Great. So how much was yesterday's bill?
Tecnico said he didn't know (!:rotfl:). I didn't know either, so we resolved the impasse by deciding he should 'phone his Boss. After a ten minute conversation about the potential irrigation project, Boss told him to charge me 20€!! :T
..That was one account it was a real pleasure to pay!

Thanks for posting DFw, Missrlr, HAW (and anyone else who has joined in during the hours it's taken me to compose this, in between doing other small tasks around the Nest). Will reply in due course. :cool2:

mcculloch29

Oh how wonderful... What a relief that all was quickly sorted and more good news too, if your irrigation issues can be solved easily.

missrlr

Wow now that is a response!
Hope the irrigation project comes to fruition at a good price too.
Take care of you not too much energy out might be a good plan!
Did you resolve the meds issue?

Ear tickles to CD

grannyx2

Great news re pump and lovely low bill

How can anyone be frightened of dear CD, she is such a dear - silly man

Granny x

*Robin*

Hello Diary and Dear Patient MSE Friends, :hello:

Hmmph. "In due course" took a bit longer than anticipated; wrote most of the post below yesterday, but once again 'fell over' before completing it.
Tbh, it was so cold I went to bed rather than lighting the stove (was too stiff and sore after the previous day's exertions to bring up more logs). CD joined me [on top of the duvet!] so we kept each other warm and comfy.

debtfreewannabe321 wrote:

So glad you are talking again, I hate it when there is bad feeling hanging in the air between friends

Ouch to the bill but I guess it's a must really so can't quibble

I hope your headache has gone now? You must get into town to the pharmacy and get your meds *that's an order* Seriously though, I hope you are feeling better soon

Hello DFw, thanks for calling by.
Yes, I share your discomfort when friendships falter; feel it as a constant depressing weight on the soul, making the rest of life harder too.. To be avoided or reconciled, as appropriate.

As you've probably read above, Bill has evaporated for now - or possibly funds already allocated to it can become an irrigation system instead?
We'll see; some of my great ideas come to fruition, some don't.

No thick head yesterday or today, thanks for asking :smileyhea but am still pretty stiff following Monday's exertions.

Gardener had cleared out the pump-house, so we went through the contents after waving off Tecnico - bound to be some rubbish in amongst the piles of stuff, surely?
But no. Sorting out his 'shed' was the last physical task DH completed before he became too ill to do anything; every item we found was both useful and 'filed' with similar objects. :A

There were some very large boxes, containing a brand new 'summer pool' kit which DH and I bought in the autumn sales, a few months before cancer struck.
It was a nice idea, but can't see m'self getting much use out of it now so called up Divo One, who was delighted to accept a swimming pool on behalf of DGS.
That's one fairly amazing family xmas pressie crossed off m'list, even though DGS won't be able to enjoy it until next summer. :T
Gardener left hours before DS1 came round to collect the boxes; took us both to wrangle 'em into his vehicle - which was the main cause of my aches and pains yesterday.

missrlr wrote:

TOWN AND MEDS if that is not possible send someone else

You NEED the meds these are not optional

Hope pump replacement goes ok

Back to bed for me as went to work for a whole day and flu still taking its toll so knackered

Hello Missir, thank you so much for postponing your own much needed rest in order to chivvy me along a necessary path - sounds like you've also been doing too much, m'dear. Hope you can take life a bit easier until you've thrown off the last vestiges of the flu; feel stronger and better very soon. :smileyhea

I could not have gone out yesterday - but this morning, yes: Promise CD and I will venture down to the village in a while, where there will be an added attraction; the Locals' street-market (always good for half an hour's entertainment, and cheap veg ).

HeadAboveWater wrote:

Glad things have been sorted with your friend

Agree with above : get your B.T.M. into town for the meds!

Hi HAW, thanks for posting. Yes, am very happy Old Mate and I can talk to each other. Know you understand, because you have a similar friction in RL with your brother and SIL - do hope your dilemma also resolves over the upcoming festivities. :smileyhea

B.T.M. ?? Had to read that several times, go away 'n think about it before understanding - definitely holes in m'brain.
Wonder if lack of pills is exacerbating the problem? (- Yet can still write exacerbating without resorting to spell-checker! :cool:).


Thanks for posting Mcculoch, Missrlr and Granny - once again, will respond in due course as need to get a shufty-on if CD and I are going to make it to the pharmacy before closing time (assuming it's open at all?).

Sun_Addict

Hi Robin - how relieved must you be to get a bill for €20 rather than £500! Brilliant! Seems like DH is looking after you from above!

debtfreewannabe321

Oh fantastic news about the bill I hope you can sort out the irrigation system for not too much as well that would surely free up your time if your out there doing it all the time with a hose

Have you got your meds yet? Hope so.... xxx

*Robin*

Mission accomplished!

By local standards, the pharmacy was packed - although as usual it turned out most of the occupants were just enjoying a social occasion, lol. Pharmacist's daughter knows about my ME, so offered three months' worth of meds to minimise effort and visits required to collect 'em, bless the girl. Reeled a bit at the bill though; £40 - but that includes 'stomach protectors' which CD has to take with her anti-arthritis pills.

Street market was disappointing; mostly clothes stalls, although was almost tempted by a little tree.. Decided not a good idea: A) heavy to carry, already spent too much recently,** and C) maybe it would be better to sort out irrigation project rather than increasing the number of trees requiring watering by hand? :cool2:
CD didn't want to look at the flower/plant stall anyway - dragged me off to the riverbed where she found much more interesting scents.
I indulged her, because she had been good in the bank, although it was so stuffy she didn't hesitate to vocalise her complaint - which got everyone talking, of course, and then several customers joined the manager in trying to fix their air conditioning.
Felt really sorry for the guys who'd been stuck in such an unhealthy atmosphere all morning - seriously short of oxygen. They obviously agreed, hence the immediate attempt to rectify the problem (I suggested propping open the door, but that simple solution was rejected as being against The Rules). Had a knock-on effect of slowing down business of course, but CD settled down at my feet as soon as the chaps began trying to sort out the machine, so at least the other customers didn't have to listen to more of her 'singing' (those who aren't used to CD's talkative nature find it astonishing at times, when she has a lot to say :rotfl:).

** Finances: Also paid Gardener this week - she likes to save up her wages from me to cover her monthly 'contribution' (a condition of self-employment here; kind-of-diy paye tax).


Hello Mcculloch, how lovely to 'see' you again; thanks for popping in. :T

mcculloch29 wrote: »

Hello Robin, I've caught up again at last.
Can I offer a possible solution to why the house keys were in the winter coat pocket?
You put them there with the fleeting thought that you might put that coat on in the morning, and therefore the coat pocket would be the logical place to put them safely.
The fleeting thought of wearing that coat was then replaced by a different plan, so you forgot about the safe place.
That is EXACTLY what I would have done (and I have indeed done very similar things).
Apologies if it wasn't what happened and you are thinking, "I'm not as bad as that!"

Thanks - it's a good and logical explanation, except that DH trained me years ago to replace important items in his correct, designated location; in this case a disguised key safe he fitted near the door.
It's so engrained, I really doubt m' wandering mind would put keys anywhere else. Especially unlikely in the pocket of a winter jacket which I've not worn since last March, and hopefully won't need for another week or so yet..
It remains a mystery - might ask Gardener if she found the keys and popped 'em in the pocket, but apart from that possibility, I have absolutely no idea.
<She said, looking sideways at peacefully sleeping CD; a picture of innocence. Surely not?>


Right. First batch of pills swallowed.
Seem to have lost my draft of the end of my earlier post, so once again must postpone replying to everyone's comments until later. Because at last there is a bit of warmth in the sun, so am heading outside to indulge in horticultural activities while it's still a pleasure.

There is news from both Divos Three and Four, but it can wait.

*Robin*

'Evening Folks, :hello:

Didn't spend long in the garden this afternoon; sunshine was tempered by an icy wind away from the sheltered patio.
Decided to use m' energy bringing firewood up to the Nest instead of weeding and watering, with the result that CD and I are toasty warm now. Ha - and am still awake!

mcculloch29 wrote: »

Oh how wonderful... What a relief that all was quickly sorted and more good news too, if your irrigation issues can be solved easily.

Hello again Mcculloch, yes I feel grateful waves of relief every time water pours from a tap! :rotfl:

missrlr wrote:

Wow now that is a response!
Hope the irrigation project comes to fruition at a good price too.
Take care of you not too much energy out might be a good plan!
Did you resolve the meds issue?

Ear tickles to CD

Hi Missrlr, it was a wonderful [unexpected!] result, wasn't it?
Taking m'pills like a good girl should; one more batch due tonight then on to normal timings tomorrow.

CD happy with ear tickles, thanks, and escalated the session to a full tummy-rub. :smileyhea
Cuddles to Doglet in return.

grannyx2 wrote:

Great news re pump and lovely low bill

How can anyone be frightened of dear CD, she is such a dear - silly man

Hello Granny, yes Tecnico's bill was incredibly reasonable - was expecting 50€ minimum call-out fee even after he managed to cure the problem without removing the pump/motor from the bore-hole.

A surprising number of folk here are afraid of dogs. Africa - where rabies is endemic - isn't very far away, and the vaccinations haven't been available all that long. So Andalusian children since time immemorial have been taught to avoid any unknown dog; it's almost a cultural norm to be wary.

Sun_Addict wrote:

Hi Robin - how relieved must you be to get a bill for €20 rather than £500! Brilliant! Seems like DH is looking after you from above!

Hi Sun.A. Funnily enough; did wonder if this might be DH's prompt to sort out the irrigation - it was always in The Plan, and the fact that he had the foresight to buy the electronics for a proper system, and I'd got the money out of savings to pay for a new pump...
Have to wait and see what Tecnico reckons the bottom line will be.

debtfreewannabe321 wrote:

Oh fantastic news about the bill I hope you can sort out the irrigation system for not too much as well that would surely free up your time if your out there doing it all the time with a hose

Hello DFw; yup, fingers crossed Tecnico's quote isn't too far removed from the amount I'd already accepted would have to be spent on the water supply. An automatic system would negate most of my worry about leaving the Nest empty; I'd like the trees DH and I planted [or he planned to plant with me] to survive and grow, so that I can see our vision come to fruition in the time I have left to enjoy it.


Divo One has come up with a brilliant plan for the pool; they were already thinking DGS's xmas present from Santa [aka Mum and Dad] could be a trampoline, but neither parent likes the designs which have a high frame and netting.
Fortuitously, DS1 has discovered an 'in ground' trampoline the same size as the pool, so he's going to excavate and line a hole deep enough for the trampoline, with astro-turf** covered decking around the edge. DGS can enjoy the trampoline during winter holidays; in the summer it can be unlaced and replaced with the pool - two entertainments in one space, and rotation of toys which always helps keep a child's interest.
**An inordinate fondness of this peculiar material is one of DS1's few foibles. :rotfl:

Silence from Divo Two; assume that's good news, and he's busy working on a new project his Boss tendered for recently. :cool2:

Divo Three and GF found themselves feted with flowers and sweet delicacies yesterday, before being taken out for a slap up meal and dancing the night away with their pupils' parents. The reason? It was National Teachers' Day in Vietnam.
DS3 said they were both made to feel really appreciated and cherished - what a lovely idea, eh?

Meanwhile, Divo Four has thrown an unexpected curve-ball which affects Plan F:
He wants to join the Erasmus programme; spend his second year in the US. :eek:

HeadAboveWater

*Robin* wrote: »

B.T.M. ?? Had to read that several times, go away 'n think about it before understanding - definitely holes in m'brain.
Wonder if lack of pills is exacerbating the problem? (- Yet can still write exacerbating without resorting to spell-checker! :cool:)

:rotfl: Sorry! Always remember my primary school teacher using that polite-as-possible expression for your rear end and I guess it's stuck!! lo:)

*Robin* wrote: »

Yes, am very happy Old Mate and I can talk to each other. Know you understand, because you have a similar friction in RL with your brother and SIL - do hope your dilemma also resolves over the upcoming festivities. :smileyhea

Hope so. Although not sure exactly who/when the ice is gonna get broken There's been barely any communication or contact between OH and his sister (although he doesn't wanna have to listen to her whining - tables have sure turned there, eh?! Yet I'm happily in contact with my bro once every few weeks as normal) *sigh* We'll see how it goes

Thanks for updates on el divos Loving the pool/trampoline plan!

Hugs to you and tickles to CD