When the Plunger Doesn't Work . . . .

 

Yup, we're dealing with one of "those" days. 

Our plunger did not work on the downstairs toilet yesterday afternoon.

That means Joey, the plumber, will be here this morning. 

Joey sez it's probably a septic-tank problem. 

We all know what that means.  

We're not quite sure where our septic tank is because we have not had to deal with it for the almost 18 years we've lived here.

We think we know, and we hope Joey can sleuth it out without too much digging. 

So, that's how our Friday is starting off. 

How 'bout yours? 

This situation marks another of life's road bumps that we encounter every so often, probably designed and timed to humble us and remind us that life is not smooth sailing every day. 

The problem also puts us into immediate action.  When Bill and I were wearing ourselves out yesterday taking turns with the plunger, we finally decided he should go to town to get a snake. 

So, he did.  Before he left, I had used a couple of towels to dry up the overflow and had thrown them in the wash. 

I had also tried the vinegar-soda trick which is supposed to eat away at anything clogging up the toilet. 

When that didn't work, I continued with sessions of plunging interspersed with clicks into You Tube. 

Another You Tube suggestion involved Dawn dish washing soap.  The guy said to put it in and let it work for about half an hour, so I did. 

About five minutes later, the washer started its empty cycle.  About one second later, the toilet water with Dawn dish soap began to rise while big white bubbles formed from the soap. 

It took about five seconds of watching that scene for me to hurry to the washer and turn it off. 

"This IS a problem," I surmised out loud and then called Bill. 

While waiting for him to come home, I plunged again, almost desperately, with no luck. 

Our phone conversation had also brought up the dreaded word "septic tank." 

Hope it's not the septic tank and if it is, I hope we can find where it's located I thought to myself. 

Later, after texting Joey, he responded during an accidental Messenger face time call, and HE said the word "Septic Tank." He also advised us to avoid any more washes and showers overnight. 

So, here we are half an hour from Joey's visit and with no clue what the day bring. 

I do have one concern about where I think our septic tank is located.  Erma Bombeck famously said the grass grows greener there. 

Not much grass in this particular spot.  So "Hail Mary's" are in order that we have guessed the right location.  

Somehow any plumbing problem will bring us to our figurative knees because the situation is always urgent, often costly, and, for sure, an occasional challenge for our personal urgency.  

So, we'll see how today turns out.  Hoping for Joey and Jada to have smooth sailing as they diagnose and then treat the problem. 

In the meantime, we're back to sunshine this morning after snow yesterday. 

Throughout my entire conversation with my friend and editor Helen yesterday, we exchanged weather reports. 

She lives in town about ten miles from us. 

"It's sunny here," she said, after I told her I had come inside because a snow squall had started. 

Later, I told her the flakes were getting bigger. 

"Still sunny here," she responded. 

Toward the end of our conversation, I had to break in to tell her that those bigger flakes were now twice the size as those in the previous report. 

"Still sunny," she said. 

When the flakes here in Selle began to diminish in size and number, I told her it was probably time to end our conversation. 

And, so we got caught up on our respective news during a sun-snow event. 

We're due for another nice weekend and warmup, so that will be nice. 

And, now it's time to "plunge" into the uncertainty of this day. 

Happy Friday. 

Lovin' the Beloveds

 

Two events yesterday reminded me why we have and love animals and cherish the opportunity to live on a farm, especially on a brisk but sunny spring day with new, lush green grass glorifying a heaven-like landscape. 

Yesterday afternoon, my sisters texted and wondered if they could bring their puppies over for socializing. 

I responded, telling them we could go to the hay field. 

And, that we did with Bridie, Foster, Callie and Remi. 

I knew it would be fun for Bridie because she hasn't had a play partner since we lost Liam. 

Little Foster would like to play, but he knows his limitations, so he takes life a lot slower than he used to do.

Still, when we arrived at the hay field, he got involved as much as he could but safely. 

Dogs took advantage of the situation, chasing each other and chasing after sticks. 

Meanwhile, their adoring owners marveled at all the beauty in motion with the green backdrop. 

It was the ultimate to watch these gorgeous dogs, representing four breeds:  mini Aussie, Aussie, Australian Cattle Dog and Border Collie.

As always, with a group of pups getting acquainted, the dynamics unfold.  Seems Bridie and Remi were a perfect match for each other.  

With Bridie's size, rambunctious Remi displayed respect. 

With her gentle but clear gestures signaling, "Let's play," no more introductions were needed.  

Little Callie could be called Cautious Callie.  

She watches and decides when it's safe to join in on the fun.  She also decides when it's best to have the security in between Mom's feet. 

And, Foster, as noted before, stayed out of the fray but still enjoyed what fun he could. 

The second event of the day which gave me great joy came when I saddled up Lily after dinner. 

Bill came out just in time to stand at the mounting block and make sure she stayed in place while I climbed aboard.  

Lily did have a few moments of mischief in mind as she turned from parallel to perpendicular to the block. 

Easy enough to fix that.  Just move the block when the old gal moves her body.

Our ride didn't last long, and that was my decision.

 I'm perfectly happy with a few trips down the lane and out the driveway to the road (if no dump trucks are coming, that is). 

Lily seemed to enjoy herself, but as is customary, if I praised her, she thought the ride was ending and began to hesitate. 

"No," I said. "We're going to keep going."  

She doesn't push the issue much and simply plods on, waiting for the next sign that her work might be done. 

This is all perfect for me and for Lily.  We're both a couple of old gals who don't feel the need to conquer mountains. 

Been there, done that. 

Now is the time of life when we both deserve a relaxing, no-stress experience. 

And, that's exactly what the ride turned out to be last evening. 

I am proud of one new achievement.  It's mid April and I've already ridden all three of my horses for 2024. 

Never have done that before. In fact, for me to ride three horses in one year doesn't happen. 

The goal is to try to climb aboard once a week, each time with a different horse. 

I think the Lily, Lefty and CB won't mind that schedule. 

All in all, the ultimate of farm life and family and beloveds was achieved in fine style yesterday. 

I do believe a good time was had by all. 

Enjoy the photos. 

Happy Thursday.  

Wednesday Blend

 

We had some dark, dark clouds last evening, and they created some fun photo backgrounds. 

We also have some cold weather this morning. 

Thankfully, I had the heater on in the greenhouse, where all starts are now living. 

Yesterday marked the last of plants to water on a table near the sliding glass door. 

Keeping my fingers crossed that the lettuce and cabbage I planted outside will survive.  

These two!

Can you imagine having three horses and two farriers.  

It happens on occasion here at the Lovestead.  

I never know who's going to roll in with Steve Rice when he comes to work on the horses. 

Yesterday Kyle Hoodenpyle came along.  

So far, since he's been shoeing and trimming my horses, Steve has brought three different assistants, including his wife, who's a farrier herself. 

Anyway, four shoes went on horses yesterday, two fronts for Lily and CB and just a trim for Lefty.

Now dogs have some equine-flavored chewies. 

Below:  Steve Rice and Kyle Hoodenpyle. 

Bill is always willing to tell a Rocky Cartwright story or two. 

He met and worked with Rocky when he started with the U.S. Forest Service in the Bonners Ferry District 50 years ago. 

Knowing his appreciation for Rocky and Forest Service history, I'm posting the item above for him and any other Forest Service alums. 

Looks like a neat program is planned. 

So, Caitlin Clark, from Iowa, earns the No. 1 draft pick in the WNBA.

She's picked by the Indiana Fever

 She will earn $338,056 total over a four-year span.

******

Oumar Ballo, who's played at Gonzaga and Arizona,  enters the transfer portal as a college basketball player. 

He is picked by the Indiana Hoosiers.

He asks for $1.2 million in NIL (Name, Image, Likeness)  money, which apparently Indiana has agreed to give him. 

******

Is it just me, or is there something wrong with this picture?

Would Caitlin have done better to enter the college transfer portal than to go pro?

Just wondering. 

Why am I feeling sorry for college coaches?

Actually, seeing the benefits,  I'm thinking seriously about entering the transfer portal, especially after reading weekly county commissioner meeting reports and ongoing sagas about other three-ring circuses at all rungs of the American political ladder.  

Will Ireland pay me some money for my name, image and likeness?

Just wondering.  

😏???????😏

In spite of all the craziness, the Selle Valley remains a beautiful refuge from the insanity. 

Happy Wednesday.