The Covid waves keep rolling

Back to orange risk level locally.  But no DHM's (directed health measures) implemented yet.  Just in time for the travelers to return, too.

Just to make things interesting

The A/C at my house seems to be working too hard.  I noticed the temperature in the thermostat room creeping up.  OK, I admit, I had cranked it down to 78℉ a few times this week, and when it started not getting there, it was remaining at 79, then I left the setting at 79, and it crept up to 80.

Just about when I'm saying, drag out the fans, and survive until the mythical son comes to collect his dog... I notice it ticking up to 81.  I called my HVAC folks and they can squeeze me in same day, but asked me to turn it off in the meantime.  I did so, and continued setting up the fans in strategic spots.

Son and his party made it back to town, and he came over to collect the dog after doing a rapid Covid test, still being careful with travels.  Carl was so excited to see him.  I had already put Carl in his vest and leash so it would be easier packing his "stuff" up to go home.  What a good boy he has been all week long.

I waved goodbye to them, brought the cat dish back into the house and announced to The Prisoner that this was the case.  Within minutes he came in demanding to be brushed.  

He looks thinner, and I took about four brushloads of loose fur and burrs off of him before he demanded to go right back outside.  Rubia appeared after the HVAC folks were done and gone.  I had not seen hide nor hair of her since Carl arrived a week ago.

I sat in the coolest room on the main floor (family room), with the fan blowing on my face, waiting for the HVAC visit.  They got a tech out to me in about two hours.  I was very pleased.

By the time he got here, the parlor was up to 83℉.  

My grandmother never did get Central Air in her house, nor did we have it at home when I was a child, and for that matter in our tall old house in New York state, either.  I remember how to Summer... open windows in the morning, about mid-morning close windows and turn on fans.  This is do-able, I thought.

Fortunately, I didn't have to do it that way for very long.

The Verdict

The unit is leaking freon.  He added two pounds, which he said "won't last long, maybe a week" and sent the sales rep over to discuss good-better-best estimates of replacement systems.  Furnace is 13 years old, too.

The sales dude comes, takes a look at the furnace and says it doesn't need to be replaced.  He's selling me a two-speed fan option for the A/C, and they will install it Friday!  Wow!  This is why I keep going back to this firm.  They come out whenever I need them... middle of the night in the Winter, etc.  Yes, it's going to be a budget killer, and may cause something else to be put off, but needs trump wants and nice to haves, right?

Thinking about the week ahead

By bedtime the house had cooled back to normal levels.  I awoke to thunder rumbles, earlier than I might have anticipated.  There was rain on the deck.  As the sunrise approached, some beautiful skies appeared, and of course that fresh rain scent was in the air!

This photo shows the reflected sunrise on the cloud bank rolling in.  

It will be a busy week, post-Carl visit.  Trainer workout today, the A/C install Friday, which is also packet pick up day for the Cornhusker State Games.  I had signed up for only the Volkswalk this year.  My kayaking buddy Geri and I will be doing that one together on the 23rd.  In between, it's blood work time again; I am supposed to drop taking any vitamins/supplements for a week leading up to that.  

It is also time to make appointments for my eye check, and for Rubia's vet needs (I'm thinking she needs rabies booster this year).  And pay taxes.  Sigh.  Life goes on.

But LIFE is good.  So let's all Spark on, and take care of those one-per-person for a lifetime bodies that have been serving us all these years!  ✨💖🔥