August 2-3, 2013

It had been 4 weeks since I had been out and three weeks for Sally. I was surprised the grass wasn't waist high, especially when I saw 4.5" in the rain gauge. Temperatures were in the low 90s and the humidity very high -- you couldn't move outside without sweating. In the house though the temperature was 78, sweet. Overnight it started raining and didn't stop until 10AM, giving us another 2.25".

Hot Water Tank

First order of business was draining the hot water tank, because given the time sitting unused the iron bacteria builds up and produces a sulphur smell which Sally cannot stand. (I need to get an aluminum/zinc anoid that I hope will cure this problem.) It took well over an hour to drain.

Craftsman

I had my new gas tank and the install went fairly easy, the hardest part was getting the new fuel line I had bought onto the fuel filter. I got the back mowed and had driven around to the south side of the house when the steering went out entirely. Trying to turn it would just cause it to jump gears. Great, with all that grass needing mowing.

I took the battery out to get a good look at the steering and new I had a big job on my hands. First I just wanted to see if I could get it working at least temporarily, but not a chance.

I pushed it back around to the garage and began disassembling it further. I wanted to get the steering assembly (shaft and gears) out so I could take them in to a shop and make sure I got the correct replacement. But with only a 9/16ths short box end wrench there was no way I could loosen the four rusty bolts holding it to the frame, nor the one attaching the lever to the steering rod. I needed my big socket wrench and socket which were back at the house. I proposed going in to Berryville and purchasing these, but Sally poopooed that idea. Another week without mowing, and only then if I can get the assembly replaced.

Garden

Sally was surprised to find so much produce: lots of green beans, chard, and kale. The butternut squash is taking over as expected -- growing through the fence out into the yard. I dug out a bunch of mint and bermudah from the back corner.

Weedeating/Broken Window

So all I could do was clean things up a little bit using my brush whacker. I did the hill out back and then did the hill south of the house. Sally stopped me to tell me I had thrown a rock and broken one of the thermal windows. I didn't even know it. Damn! I managed with great difficulty to get the window out, cut a piece of plywood to fit and duct tapped it in. I hope it holds.

Back at town I took the window to two glass companies and to Meeks lumber. No one can help me. The glass company can't get to the glass without tearing up the sash. They said manufacturers make them that way on purpose so that you then have to buy a whole new sash. Problem is, there is no indication of who made it -- so where to get a replacement? Meeks didn't recognize the window and suggested I take it to everybody in NW Arkansas that sells windows to see if anyone knows the manufacturer. Just great, just great.