That pre-owned Craftsman tool chest I got last week via Facebook Marketplace is clean and it’s in nice shape, but like all tool chests it begs for drawer liner. I was almost done cutting and fitting the last piece early this morning when our electrician arrived on The Mountain to hook up the well pump. Deb and I came out to greet him and walk the job.
He presented us with a choice — he could run temporary power, which would get water running today, then come back later this week, install the panel and run the permanent line; or he could come back tomorrow and do the whole job, leaving us dry for another 24 hours.
Rather than paying for the same work twice, we picked the latter. He’ll be here after a couple of medical appointments, probably late morning.
At this point it’s not even an inconvenience. This is the way we live anyway. But before the electrician can do all we’ve asked him to do, there’s something he needs from us.
A ditch.
From the shed I retrieved a shovel, a pick mattock and a digging bar. Beginning in the clay at the base of the meter pole and advancing down toward the cabin’s north wall, I dug a relatively narrow, relatively shallow trench. Once I reached the level of the cabin, I chipped away at hard-packed gravel and the fill beneath, extending the ditch a couple of feet under the structure.
This trench will carry a 100A line, in conduit, from the panel on the pole to a new panel in the cabin. We sent photos of my fresh ditch to the electrician, and he approved.
It wasn’t a very long dig. It took me about an hour. And it’s done. Tomorrow will tell the tale.
The change-of-plans this morning left the afternoon free for a run into town — post office, hardware, grocery. Just little stuff.
When we got back Home, I waited for the sun to dip behind the trees across the road and, even though temps still were in the upper 80s, I committed to stacking the rest of last week’s load of firewood. Remembering Deb’s discovery of a juvenile copperhead in the pile last time, I was careful to kick before I reached.
There were no incidents.
Stacking cordwood is, for me, akin to meditation. I’m completely absorbed in the task, aware that each small act contributes essentially to the whole. The result today pleased me — cherry in its own stack, oak dominating the largest face, small chunks conveniently set out to turn into kindling.
Tomorrow, ahead of rain forecast for Wednesday and Thursday, I’ll tarp the top of my woodpile. The sides I’ll leave open to “breathe.”
And maybe tomorrow we’ll have running water. Stay tuned.
Take care of yourselves, Patriots. Stay calm. Stay sharp. Stay free.
#WiseUp #LibertyOrDeath #Ungovernable
#LetsGoBrandon #FJB