Day 4408

Today was a mess. I had to go to the bank this morning and on the way home I had a flat tire. Luckily, there was a tire store nearby and they were able to fix the tire. The place only took cash though. Who uses cash anymore? They said I should go across the street and use the ATM machine at the 7-11 store. That didn't work. The machine would only accept debit cards. I've never used a debit card and generally just shred them as soon as a bank sends me one. I asked the tire guys if they'd mind if I drove back to my bank to get some cash. 

The ATM machine at the bank didn't work either. I guess all ATM machines expect a debit card. I didn't think the bank would let me in the lobby because I didn't have a mask with me. The drive-thru teller said they'd give me one and eventually I got the $30 the tire guys wanted for fixing two nails in my rear tire. This seemed a little expensive, but I wasn't in a position to argue. I was actually amazed that the tire guys didn't seem at all concerned that I was wandering around town for forty-five minutes looking for cash. I didn't try to stiff the guys though. I came back and gave them their money. It sure beat trying to change the tire myself.

When I returned to the house, there was a work crew digging up the alley again. They asked if this was my house and told me that there was a gas leak they had to repair. Evidently the faulty pipe was right near where they had discovered a leak at my neighbor's house several months ago. I wouldn't be surprised if they had caused this leak when they were trying to repair the other one. At any rate, they told me that they would have to shut off our gas tomorrow. "How long is it going to be off," I asked? Another cold wave is on the way and I wasn't looking forward to spending a night without heat. I'm not even sure I know how to shut off the gas to the house. We've lost electricity many times, but we've never lost natural gas.

The rest of the day was fairly uneventful. My phone works great with the new battery. It's nice to not have to put the phone on the charger every few hours. I don't think I'd ever get an electric car. I'm plagued with battery problems. Something I own always seems to be having a battery issue. Probably as soon as I figure out how to use the star tracker, I'll start having battery problems with it.

I waited until later in the day to take my long walk. It was cold this morning when we walked with Dawn, but I knew that it would warm up quickly. It would have been an enjoyable walk if it wasn't for my feet. When all this started, I was only having problems with my left foot. Now, both feet hurt. The Hoka shoes help, but I don't know what else I can do. Over-the-counter pain medications do nothing. 

I got the invitation to apply for press credentials for the Artemis 1 launch today. The launch is supposed to take place sometime in March now, although insiders tell me that it probably won't take place until this Summer. I'll go ahead an apply, but it doesn't guarantee that I'll be accepted. We'll see. I'd really like to attend this launch, but the bloom is off the rose as far as travel is concerned. Who knows what new Covid variant will be around when the launch takes place. Covid had made travel such a hassle that I'm tempted to just stay home and do nothing until this whole thing is ancient history.

I hope the gas company people don't throw me any surprises tomorrow. I really don't want to be without heat on Thursday when the cold weather arrives. I'm going to have to be really careful about taking Dawn outside as well. Work crews are notorious about leaving gates open. 

Dovey is today's Dalmatian of the Day

Watch of the Day