Podiatrists, Plumbers, and Pals

            Boy, it was hard to get that alliteration.

Started the day with a podiatry appointment. If I hoped for a magic solution to the shooting pains in my right foot, I was disappointed. The doctor said I am not unique—most people have my problems, and as a matter of fact, my feet look better than a lot he sees. The problem actually comes from my low back, which didn’t really surprise me. Cold comfort, but I trust this man and appreciate the recommendation of a cream that might help.

I’m not driving much these days. Just don’t feel comfortable doing it, so I had asked a neighbor to go with me on this 20-30 minutes’ drive (if you go by my back roads). At the last moment, she had a family emergency. I went alone and did just fine. Left with my feet feeling better and harboring a feeling of pride in my driving.

The plumbing saga is ongoing. Today my longstanding plumbing company sent two guys, and they, sigh, pretty much confirmed what the roto-rooter firm had said yesterday. It’s a big problem, with several things to consider. Fixing it will require digging behind my cottage, where the soil is more rock than dirt and it will also require temporarily moving my a/c condenser. The a/c guy told me today that moving it is not such a big deal, but I will be without heat. And I’m sure this is not a one-day deal. So it’s a question of coordinating people and the weather—can’t wait for spring because that commode is temperamental and even though I’m babying it, it could stop up and overflow any time.

So this is an ongoing problem, and I’m tired of it. But I did have to eat crow today. Early in the day I filled out a questionnaire about the roto-rooter people who came yesterday, and I was not kind. I thought their quote was outrageous, and I felt pressured to sign immediately. But when “my” plumbers came today, they confirmed the other guy’s analysis of the problem and said his quote was reasonable. Give me credit—I called the company and explained, and they sent me a new questionnaire.

So now my plumbers will run a camera again and the coordinate with the various people. Pray for spring, people.

A side note: The Democratic presidential candidates are on fire tonight in their debate. Showing a lot of passion. Buttegieg and Sanders seem to be having a private argument in public.

It’s rainy and cold again tonight. I was supposed to go to supper with my Wednesday evening pals, but the weather didn’t inspire. They were to come get me after they left a concert at church, so I couldn’t call and cancel. When they called to say they were on their way, I suggested wine, cheese, and crackers in the cottage and home early. They both thought that sounded like a fine idea. I rushed a cheese tray together, chilled another bottle of wine, and welcomed them. We talked politics, church matters, animals, all good things—and they were here an hour and a half. So much for scurrying home early.

Sophie has been, ah, difficult lately, to say the least. She lies on the deck and looks at me as if to say, “I know you want me to come inside, but I am not going to do it.” Today, however, with the cold, wet weather, I thought she would come in more quickly. She didn’t, but then all of a sudden, she ran inside as if being chased. So we are cozy and inside for the night—cross your fingers, please.