Deluxestogie Grow Log 2026

[deluxestogie]

well and pump service, and they will be out by this evening

Oh well...the well and pump guy arrived at about 9 am today. (I had left my lights on all night, and even slept in my clothes for half the night.)

$200 later, I now have water again. Since the massive service truck drove right up my driveway, I'll work at further lowering the snow plow berm of concrete-like ice from my driveway entrance, and perhaps be able to drive my low-clearance car out onto the road—like the good old days.

Bob

 

[deluxestogie]

This was my outdoor temp when I awoke this morning. It was also the overnight low. The forecast was for a low of 9°F.

The good news:

1. I actually awoke this morning
2. the temp wasn't even lower
3. I still have water and electricity
4. no wind
5. sun is shining

Bob

 

[deluxestogie]

By yesterday afternoon, my driveway was still covered in 4 inches of ice, plus snow on top. And I was simply unable to clear the constantly recreated berm at the entrance. I had resigned myself to remaining at home for another week, for it to melt on its own.

Just before sunset, a neighbor unexpectedly drove his 3½ ton pickup truck into my driveway. On its front was a massive, V-shape plow. For over 20 minutes, he drove back and forth, scraping away more and more of the ice and snow. The fact that it took that commercial-grade plow so long is a testament to how solid and thick the ice had been. Then he got out with a coal shovel, and cleared the little path to my porch steps.

Bob

 

[Redleaf]

Now that is a real neighbour.

 

[deluxestogie]

For my first automotive excursion in many days, I drove to the nearest grocery. Most of their perishable groceries were out of stock—bare shelves. Many of their non-perishables were also out of stock. I bought a loaf of whole wheat sandwich bread.

I drove to the gas station nearby. Their large canopy above the gasoline pumps had collapsed from the heavy weight of the ice storm plus snow storm, and was roped-off. Fortunately their convenience store was open, where I was able to purchase milk.

Rain expected tonight. More snow tomorrow.

Bob

 

[StoneCarver]

Nice neighbor. We got about 8inches snow last weekend. I think the lowest temp it got here was around 15F. The roads are all pretty well melted off already. I still have water and electricity but my water heater decided to die last weekend. That was a very cold bath. I've called every plumber in the phone book who advertises for repairing water heaters. No one has called me back yet. I'm about to start watching youtube videos for water heater repair. That's what a did a few years ago to fix my clothes dryer- $20 for a heater coil, a couple hours of twisting screws (and vacuuming lint), and it continues to work fine. Let me share some advice, if you've had a drier for some years, its not a bad idea to open it up and clean out the lint particularly out of the fan. Mine was completely clogged with lint. I'm surprised it was even pulling air through it.

 

[StoneCarver]

I ended up fixing my hot water heater. I'm not sure how. I think there was a loose electrical connection. I tested the thermostats and heater coils with my multimeter and in so doing must have re-established the loose electrical connection. That's the theory I have for now about why its working again. There still hasn't been any plumbers to call me back. It would be useless now. They missed their chance to get some easy money out of me. Yay youtube videos. Having a multimeter has been very useful. I originally got it to test some of my astronomy gear but its so useful for testing household appliances and electrical outlets. This is the one I have: https://www.astroai.com/digital-multimeter-6000-counts-m6k0r/ap/10001178
It takes some doing to learn how to use a multimeter and I can't say I have full mastery of mine but its been worth it.

 

[deluxestogie]

An ancient Greek resident, Sisyphus, was punished by the gods. Each time he attempted to shovel the snow berm from the end of his driveway, a huge, Greek snow plow would immediately pass along the road, and recreate the berm, sometimes before Sisyphus had even returned to his house from shoveling. This was scheduled by the gods to repeat for eternity. Even Sisyphus' roadside mailbox was blocked by a berm three feet high, nearly reaching the box itself.

A friendly goddess took pity upon Sisyphus. Although she could do nothing about the ordeal enacted by the gods, she generously provided his home with electricity and water.

Bob