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Greenwich is in chaos these days with massive excavations taking place. It appears new drains are being installed.
So a planned detour had to be abandoned.
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Instead, we stopped briefly by the Batten Kill and were startled to see that it is barely more than a wet patch!
It’s not that long since the river was bursting its banks.
However, we are promised the remains of Beryl in the coming days which is likely to top things up.
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A couple of weeks ago the washing machine gasped its last, which prompted a flurry of activity I would prefer to have avoided during this period of warm weather.
My remaining brain cells slow down at such times which makes everything a challenge.
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This promised to be a demanding one, although we amazingly found the right item at the best price within minutes, setting delivery for Saturday.
One always wonders, when things go so well, what may have been overlooked. Such is the nature of a pessemist!
Now, there was just that small issue of our electrical wiring needing to be sorted out…
It was my task to locate an electrician. The nice chap who spent a very warm afternoon up in the roof a few years ago, selfishly retired leaving no forwarding address.
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A couple of new contacts had been offered, one of which was on holiday. The other answered the phone sounding terribly harried and kindly added my name to his increasingly long list.
It seemed pointless to inquire how long the list might be in terms of days. Why pressure the man?
So I searched on line for electricians in our area and came upon Thumbtack.
You enter your information and get matched up with people who may be able to help.
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Soon, I appeared to have nailed down a chap who would come on Friday, the day before delivery.
When Grant came home from shopping I proudly announced my success:
“Friday? That’s leaving it a bit late!”
…..alright then…
There had been another chap, but the information about him had been a little vague. However…
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Back online, I pressed a few more keys and arranged for that man to come at 9 am next day, Monday.
And cancelled Friday, offering apologies.
Not long after, Thumbtack advised that the newly appointed man had not “responded.”
Shit. Back to square one, but Friday was now no longer possible. It would have to be next Monday. I looked a complete idiot for cancelling and re-booking.
So…grovelling and apologising some more.
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Two days later…Tuesday, I got a message from Thumbtack to say that the previously unresponsive chap would be arriving at 9 am on Wednesday.
How did Monday become Wednesday? I had erased that chap from my mind, but here he was:
“Why are you cancelling?”
“You did not respond.”
“Oh. I understand but I have to pay $94 for the contact.”
The thing is, I am familiar with this sort of system. Trying to get work this way is diabolical, so I do empathise.
*But, that was that.
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Then, a new development.
A handyman came to cap the old machine’s gas line, which had been Grant’s major concern.
Moving the machines aside had revealed another plug which looked just like the sort we needed for the new hook-up.
Grant tested the line – no current.
Saturday brought a most impressive delivery:
Prompt, polite. No huffing and puffing or sighing, despite the oppressive heat of that very warm afternoon. In about 10 minutes flat they were in and out, took the old machines and they were gone.
Astonishing.
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Then, Grant noticed that the men had plugged our new machine in, so just for giggles…we turned it on….
Yay!….oh NO!
How could I cancel the electrician a second time?
Well never mind. We’d been wanting an electrician to sort out some issues, so he could do that instead.
Which was yesterday’s excitement.
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There was more astonishment:
We have an appliance that does not beep!
No more having to leap to its command.
Liberation!
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A few weeks ago I was obliged to replace my old Dyson hand-held Trigger which I used for quick pick-ups.
Cheaper devices I’ve found useless, therefore a false economy.
The Trigger no longer available, I hesitantly selected an Omni Glide, which arrived promptly from Johor.
For someone unable to use a heavy vacuum cleaner, the Omni Glide is perfect! I have rarely been as impressed or delighted with an appliance!
Which is the only reason I mention it.
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In just six years we have replaced every appliance in the house, except the stove.
(And the dishwasher, but we have only ever used that for storage.)
So I fervently hope this chapter is concluded.
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“Old woman, you will bore your readers to death!”
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*If I was better organised, I wouldn’t have got in such a muddle with Thumbtack. So I paid the $94. I didn’t want it on my conscience.
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Just reading about your problems, Carolyn, makes me shiver, congratulations for being so resilient!
Beautiful photography saved the day! Thank you!
Joanna
We have never owned a dishwasher so I commend the fact that you don’t use yours!
The tyranny of electronic beeps. The ones that don’t stop like the microwave. Like having a car alarm installed inside the house. And remember those ghastly car alarms that talked!? “i am being tampered with”. Repeated in Dalek tones ad infinitum.
Oh my gosh, what a mission! I can understand that you must be exhausted after this episode! My new washing machine (well, it’s not so new anymore – it’s already two years old), doesn’t make any beep noises either … and I love it. The only downside to this is that I don’t always realise when it’s finished washing — but rather that than a machine that “beep-beep-beep” until one finally has to silence it yourself!
Is that what they call modern technology? I feel for you. cheers Eileen
Cancelling and trying to re-book the same person is never a good feeling, and seems to always leave you at their mercy after that. Glad it (sort-of) worked out in the end.
Best wishes, Pete.