Sunday 22nd September 2024

Sunday 22^nd September

SHE SAID:

Evelyn wanted to go early this morning. Both Ian & Nikki, who were originally coming, bailed, so it was me driving & Evelyn navigating & suggesting most of the stops. We headed back down south, once again finding a good number of orchids in new & old sites.

We got back to the house in time for my weekly Skype with Mum, who seemed well.

HE SAID:

The things I had on my to-do list seemed a bit cursed today. 

Firstly, the spray tap arrangement in the kitchen has been leaking from the middle swivel point since we arrived. Knowing that I could probably just change an "O-ring" had me grabbing the tools and tackling the job. But, of course, this particular tap is special, in a way that I've not seen before. So, even after searching youtube for tips, I gave up, and put together the bits I had pulled apart. The only difference I made was adding some teflon tape to a joint. And, now it doesn't leak! I may have inadvertently fixed it. We'll see.

Secondly, as I wanted to gather some kindling and firewood I tested the chainsaw before heading down to the bottom of the property on the quad bike. But no matter what I tried I could not get the bugger going. I had three seperate attempts during the day, and they all failed. So, I collected what I could without it needing to be cut, but not the good bits I was aiming for. Later in the day I tried the spare saws. The first spare chainsaw was useless too. About 4pm I finally got the third chainsaw working. But now I didn't feel like doing the job so I've put it off until tomorrow.

The third thing was the owners' car. I have been starting it each week but today it just wouldn't make a sound! I put my multimeter on it and the reading was just 4 volts. That is awful for a 12 volt battery. So, I grabbed my little battery charger and tried to get the voltage up. It took several hours of charging but I got it to the point where I could start the car. I'll keep an eye on it until the owners return but I think the battery is kaput.