OT June Chitchat

[Howie]

I didn't get up until 11, and it was already 90 outside. I have a doctor appointment at 10:45 tomorrow, but I only have to be out in the heat long enough to walk in, and walk out. Then I'm done until cold weather is here. This is just my every six month checkup.

[SalpalSally]

My hot water heater was updated In 1990. Uh oh!!

[Howie]

1990!!! Picked out a new one yet? If not, hurry!!!!

[SalpalSally]

No one is living there now!!!

[Howie]

No one is living there now!!!

No wonder, there's no hot water!

[agate]

It's probably OK if it's just sitting there, don't you think, Sally?

But I hope somebody can check in at your place periodically just to make sure everything is OK. I'm thinking you'll be back there one of these days but you keep saying that won't happen.

In any case, you don't want some damage to have happened to the place in your absence.

It's only things, though. It's your health that is important, and no water heater or house is that important.

[jendie]

Your dog might not need the saddle anyway, jendie. Just pile him into Howie's car. There's room for pets too, I'm sure.

My dog loves car rides, or even truck rides. I just don't think Howie's cats would approve. Dog hair everywhere, all over Howie. They'd think he'd gone out an cheated on them.

[Frog42]

My dog loves car rides, or even truck rides. I just don't think Howie's cats would approve. Dog hair everywhere, all over Howie. They'd think he'd gone out an cheated on them.

They'd think he was gettin' some strange on the side!

[agate]

Dog hair all over Pinky's upholstery and Howie's thong--it's enough to make a cat's hair curl.

[SuzE-Q]

Speaking from experience, I think it's important to replace the hot water tank around the 10 year mark. Whether you're home using it or not, it's still working to keep the water inside heated. Mine was I think 12 year's old when it CAUGHT FIRE and we had an emergency as the smoke alarm was going off and I had to call 911 and get the cute firefighters here in the middle of the night. Obviously, we had no idea it was the hot water tank, being hidden in another room, even though we checked all other appliances to make sure they weren't the cause of the smoke and terrible chemical smell.

When the plumber came the next day to replace it, he said in his 40 years as a plumber, he'd NEVER seen a hot water tank catch fire before! I guess the outer protective layer of coating on the electrical wires attached to heat the water had worn off, and the live wires had touched the water, creating sparks, then a massive electrical mess continued that was melting the tank, moving to its outer side as the wire attachment box melted down leaving the inner tank exposed to air and an opening for the melting and electrical fire and smoke to move outside. The fuse never shorted, but a big chemical, burning smell was left throughout the home for days. There'd been boxes next to the tank - if they'd caught fire, it would have been much worse. I had karma working: I was home, we were awake, and the firefighters figured it out quite quickly.

So yes, I too suggest not letting a hot water tank go much longer than the warranty period, or else, have it examined to ensure there are no visible warning signs of wear.

[agate]

SuzE-Q, that must have been terrible! And it's hard to appreciate cute firefighters when you're in the midst of a crisis like that.

[SuzE-Q]

SuzE-Q, that must have been terrible! And it's hard to appreciate cute firefighters when you're in the midst of a crisis like that.

And trying to get proper clothes on and figure out what I needed to do or take with me when I evacuated!

And like ANN and Virginia mentioned, these little events are waaaay harder with the MS monkey on our backs, much more challenging and leaves a much greater impact dealing with it, let alone the "emergency" aspect. Good learning lesson to do a mental preparation regularly for how to evacuate, what you need, etc. in advance, so you're not unprepared and frazzled, trying to sort it out on the fly! I did not handle it as well as I should have if I'd been prepared!

[Howie]

I got up at 4am, but I went to bed early too. I have an early (for me) doc appointment, and whenever I have to be somewhere the next day, I always have trouble sleeping.

Speaking of cat hairs, I am always laughing at myself when I go out. I step out in the sunshine, and I am COVERED in cat fur. And to make things worse, I like wearing one of my MANY black tee shirts.

If someone looks very closely, there is no doubt I am a cat person.

So the big question is.....have you hugged your cat today?

[Catdancer]

People without pets don't understand our FURniture, and our FURnishings....

[SalpalSally]

People without pets don't understand our FURniture, and our FURnishings....

LOLLOLLololol!!