I don't even know where to start - it's Thursday and I've had a whirlwind of a week. Maybe I'll start with today. The day started after midnight with ferocious Santa Ana winds kicking up throughout our city. The banging and crashing and creaking of the house was nerve wracking culminating with a huge crash at 5am. We discovered a large 10' branch from our neighbors Redwood tree across our back door and spanning the bathroom bay window. Dena and I pushed it off but it was just complete luck that it didn't go through any of the windows. The gazebo is a total loss, I'm sorry to say. It stood no chance against 80 MPH gusts.
Today was also my first day of work in 6 weeks. After about 4 hours I hit a wall - exhausted to such a point that I could barely keep my eyes open. I trundled home on the way calling the next door neighbor asking him to get his six huge tree branches out of my back yard. Thankfully by the time I got home they were gone and during the surveying of the back yard a freaky gust picked up the gazebo canopy and lifted it 6' off the ground. I lunged across the yard grabbing one of the poles and pulling it back down to earth. After surveying the many rips I decided the best thing was to take the canopy off for now. After all this excitement it was time for a nap as we had a special event tonight.
But of course, home maintenance never ends. The solar company called, our solar panels were not reporting production. I checked the panel and it says :ground fault, check fuse". Well, how could I resist fixing that?! They told me they'd send someone out but I just had to tear the unit apart and troubleshoot it. I found the fuse and tested it with my ohm meter and my fuse tester. Both reported it blown and I told the solar company to just mail me one. They said they'd send someone out. Sure, send a man to do a woman's job that is already done....
I bought the National Geographic speaker series probably six months ago and tonight was opening night. I had to be awake so the nap was good. Tonight was Ocean Soul - opening night. It was breathtaking, eye opening, inspiring and touching. I felt alive. I felt fortunate.
What a day....
