Tuesday, August 28
Even though I’m eager for the exhilarating freedom of rolling down the road again with my sweet, little home-on-wheels tagging behind, I postpone our next camp trip until after Labor Day.
The Perfect Tow Vehicle is at the auto repair shop for an oil change and tune-up.
Of course, being new to this area of southern Arizona, I don’t have a relationship or any history with a shop from which to make a choice. This one is chosen for its location and nothing more.
As I said previously, I’m pleased with the quote for an oil change (a little over $34).
On the other hand, the quote for the tune-up seems high. I expect something like $350, give or take. (We’re talking about a 2005 Chevy Express 1500 van, 8 cylinder.)
Perhaps a quote of $430 is a little too much “take?”
Maybe I’m wrong.
However, since I don’t know the shop, I opt out of the tune-up.
Funny thing.
When word is received that the oil change is done, Nancy drives me over to the shop to pick up the PTV.
From the shop I go to the polling place and then home. Two stops and the PTV idles fine. I hope it continues to do so.
I wonder if it was bad gas . . . . I should schedule a tune-up anyway. Try another shop.
Puttering around the house.
Every day the weather allows I get out the lawn mower or the string trimmer or both to work on a section of our yard. No rain at all today and I take advantage of that. The heat pulls me up short, however, and I quit after taking care of “the worst of it.”
I do leave bunches of wildflowers.
Whether weeds or not, I want to keep their cheery color for a while longer.
I turn my attention to the rain barrel.
The faucet is inserted. The new downspout is installed (awaiting paint). Window screening is in place over the inlet under the screen with too-large holes that came with the rain barrel
Gotta’ keep the skeeters out!
Painting the platform.
The big, honking, gray blocks are too noticeable. The red paint matches the trim and trellis on the house. I like the way the darker color causes the blocks to recede visually.
I purposely positioned the blocks to create planting holes at the corner, following the idea from Mike, the roofer. I’ll pour in gravel and above that some potting soil.
Hmm . . . Morning shade with full sun in the afternoon. What to plant next spring? Perennial or annual?
Now all the rain barrel needs is rain.
Overnight visitors!
Nancy and I notice droppings on the porch floor from some animal or bird, obviously attracted to the sound and water of the fountain.
At first I think the droppings are from a bird or birds. Nancy says, “gecko.” She’s probably right — a lizard of one type or another.
Labor Day Weekend is almost here.
Nancy and I won’t stray far from the house during the upcoming weekend. What are your plans for the holiday?
Relaxing at home? Going visiting? Doing what you love? You know what Margaret and the boys will be doing . . . .
rvsue
NOTE: Nancy brought the fountain from Florida. We love the soothing sound! I looked for it on Amazon without success. If you are interested in adding gentle, flowing water to your living space, here are a few links to help you with your search. — Sue
Glenville Water Pump Cascading Water Fountain
The Travertine 31″ 2-Tier Fountain with LED lighting
PetSafe Dog and Cat Automatic Drinking Water Fountain
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