It’s the umpteenth Saturday without a real bar to go to, but Cheryl keeps sneaking us into this place. That’s important. We have things to discuss and we need to do our part to inch the economy forward. Oh, and we need to try to wrap our heads around Linda G. Hill’s Stream of Consciousness Saturday prompt. This week, Linda gave us a doozy:
“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is ‘spay/splay/spray.’ Use one, use two, use ’em all, it’s up to you. Have fun!”
Linda doesn’t mention bonus points, but I’m requesting them if I manage to use all three of her prompt words.
If we were having a beer, you’d be pretty inquisitive.
“So, my young friend, how was your week?”
“Busy, David. This was a pretty busy week.”
“Well then, I think you should take a load off and settle in with a cold Corona.”
“Cheryl, that sounds like an excellent idea. And, since I’m buying today, David is just going to have to look at the sunshine and beach label.”
“That’s OK with me, Dan. But I’m ordering the good stuff. Cheryl, I’ll have a glass of John Howell’s Bourbon.”
“With all the fixin’s, David?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Ma’am? Sounds like a young whippersnapper who doesn’t want any cherries.”
“I’m sorry, Cheryl. That was a reflex reaction.”
“It’s OK, David. Here’s your bourbon, a snifter of seltzer, a glass of ice and a couple of soon-to-be-drunk cherries.”
“Thanks, Cheryl. Cheers, Dan.”
“Cheers, David.”
“I saw that they had a testing center in that park of yours, Dan. Did you go?”
“Almost, but not for testing.”
“What’s that mean.”
“They were putting the signs up when Maddie and I were walking. She wasn’t very happy.”
“Maddie doesn’t like signs?”
“They put one right where she likes to leave her mark.”
“Leave her mark? I though only males marked their territory.”
“Males mark their territory, females advertise, especially when they’re in heat.”
“Maddie wasn’t spayed?”
“No.”
“How come. You guys aren’t planning to breed that…um Maddie, are you?”
“No, but some breeders don’t like you to spay their pups. Besides, it messes up a Setter’s coat. We keep her on a short leash, just in case.”
“Other than tagging the park, did you do anything constructive?”
“Yes and no and no and yes.”
“Cheryl, can I skip past Go, collect my salary and spend it on another round?”
“Dan got your head spinning, David? He has that ability.”
“He does. Can we handle the first yes-no combination, young man?”
“Well, I pressure washed the porch, ramp and all the new steps.”
“What’s the downside to that?”
“I broke my pressure washer.”
“Ouch. Is it beyond repair?”
“That’s where the no-yes combination comes in.”
“Here’s that glass of bourbon, David. And I brought the storyteller another Corona.”
“Thanks Cheryl. I’ll try to be brief.”
“Brief? Ha! Brief, says the author of the eight-hundred word one-liner.”
“Touché, David, but follow me. The pressure washer was working, but from inside the case, it was spraying water all over the place.”
“Isn’t that what it’s supposed to do?”
“Only when you pull the trigger. This was a constant spray.”
“Did you take it apart?”
“Of course.”
“And the diagnosis?”
“The inlet elbow was cracked. Actually, more like splayed open at the corner.”
“Can you replace it?”
“Well, I spent about an hour searching for the part. I found about ten places that sell the ‘Outlet Elbow’ but none that sell the one for the inlet side.”
“OK, let me see if I’m paying attention, Yes to power washing. No to breaking the pressure washer. No to finding the part. Despite my desire to be done with this story, you owe me a yes.”
“OK, let’s cut to the end. I found a parts manual online. I had been searching all along for an ‘inlet elbow’ because the other side was called the ‘outlet elbow’ and, well, you know.”
“How did finding the parts manual help?”
“There is no such part as an inlet elbow.”
“So, what part did you break?”
“I broke the suction connection.”
“I see. Were you able to find one of those for sale?”
“I was. Nineteen dollars plus shipping and handling.”
“At the risk of another blast of wind, did you do anything else?”
“I started a project in my shop.”
“Woodworking project or construction?”
“Woodworking, I’m building a bookcase.”
“I don’t have enough bourbon, save that for another day.”
And, for you riverboat fans, Teagan is using the “thing” I contributed, today.
No Facilities 
Your comments about Maddie are interesting, Dan, especially about her coat. Another great afternoon in the bar, Dan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Roberta. The hormones released when she goes into heat also seem to help calm her neurological issues. We’ve had the discussion with her Vet as to which is the best way to go. It’s a mixed bag, but do far, she’s recommended staying the course.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your water leak reminded me of going to the car wash this week and the hose handle was leaking more that it was shooting. I went home with soaking wet shoes, but the truck was mostly clean. :-) Glad you got the right part you needed. Hope the bookcase project goes well and that Maddie gets her walks in. :-)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember having that happen while wading my truck. Still, it feels good to be driving a clean truck 😏
We walked and sat yesterday and we’ve walked today. It’s gross outside, but we walked early.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t like leaks of any kind. Sorry to read about yours. I like the sign if only because it suggests progress. Maddie is cute as usual. Good luck with your bookcase project.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Ally. I like having a rainy day project when I’m forced to be inside. The power washer should be an easy repair. Reassembly is always the hard part ;-)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bonus points for using all the words. Great job!
The Dogwood looks pretty, and the Spider Wort and Bee Balm are pretty, but the names conjure up thoughts of witches brew.
I’m glad you were able to find the part I hope fixing it isn’t a hassle, and Maddie enjoys her walk sign free today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The tent is still up in the parking lot, but the signs are gone. We had a stress free walk today. Repairing the pressure washer will be easy, the part snaps in with one clamp. Reassembling the contraption will be the hard part. You know, all those extra screws. The bees do love that little patch. Our daughter gave us the bee balm after it failed to thrive at her place. We never expected it to grow, but it’s been coming back for several years now,
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope reassembly goes well and it’s not a it takes a 6 pack jobs.😄
LikeLike
Hahaha – that’s a great phrase. I also want to try and make it harder for this part to break again. I can see why it broke, so I’m curious to see if I can improved the design, after the fact.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He-Man uses that phrase when things are complex when “some” assembly is required. 😀 I hope you can improve it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another fun conversation at the bar today. Of course you have another project in the works! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve been inside driving everyone crazy for 7 months, Joanne. I think I need projects from now to December ;-)
LikeLike
😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank goodness Cheryl likes you guys and lets you into the bar – always a fun conversation.
Stay safe out there, Dan!
LikeLiked by 1 person
She’s a good egg, GP. She even slices a lime for me ;-)
LikeLiked by 1 person
The testing site kind of keeps the whole situation in front of mind, doesn’t it? Glad you’re keeping busy and it’s good to see the weather turning nice for you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are pushing hard for us to get tested, but I don’t see the point. I’m not going back to a job, and they won’t open the bars, so I’m not going anywhere. If I test negative today, I could still get this tomorrow. The worst would be a false-positive. That would require us to isolate and require me to visit a medical facility to be retested (and increasing the likelihood of exposure).
LikeLiked by 1 person
I understand. It’s really key for those interacting with the wider community but if you can be confident of your contact tracing, it’s probably less of an issue.
As a teacher, I’m entitled to get tested even if i don’t have symptoms. I haven’t yet (our cases have been very low locally) but since we are now back at school with almost full attendance it might be a good idea.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I could see it, if I was going into a classroom. Although, I’d much rather know that everyone else had been tested.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. It’s kind of the same with the whole sanitising thing. It only works if everyone is doing it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great job working all three prompt words into today’s conversation. Can’t wait to see the finished bookcase. So glad you were able to locate the right part to repair the power washer.
Maddie must feel better now that she can walk freely in ‘her’ park again. Looks like great ‘sitting’ weather for you two this weekend. I swear, sometimes cats defy all reason with the positions they get themselves into. Soooo cute.
Hope this weekend winds up a great week and is the forerunner of a great week to come.
🐾Ginger 🐾
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Ginger, I hope you have a great weekend, too.
The tent is still up in Maddie’s park. She’s wondering if she can charge them rent. We did have a clear path to explore and decorate. She’s been manipulating me into sitting with her. She pretends to need to go outside for dog reasons, then drags me to the porch. Then she pulls the old puppy dog eyes on me.
MiMi the Magnificent performs all manner of acrobatic tricks up in her cradle.
LikeLike
Happy Caturday, Dan. I see MuMu and MiMi have plenty of cattitude today. =^-^=
Whoo-hoo! You used all three prompt words. Good luck with the bookcase. I hope you’ll show us a photo when it’s finished.
I went ahead and got up at 4:30 this morning, so made it to my virtual riverboat and now to the No Facilities Bar. Good to see all the gang again. Hugs on the wing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
4:30? AM? Oh Teagan…it’s a good thing this bar is staffed ’round the clock. You know the signal, right? Knock, knock knock knock knock, knock knock. We’ll slip you in the back. Tell ’em Jinx sent you. You’re always welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I meant to add – “I hope you’ll show us a photo when it’s finished.”
You know I’m going to share more than one ;-)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Impressive bonus-worthy day at the bar. After all this rain I could use a pressure washer. Lots of moss and algae everywhere.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We haven’t had the rain, but the humidity has been pegged at 99% for three days – yuck.
Take care, Maggie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A great start to my day, one of the funniest Socs in my book. 👍♥️
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Cheryl. I guess all Cheryls are sweethearts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice job Dan.I think you should get bonus points. Thanks for keeping us virtual bartenders in business. 😉Maddie isn’t spayed? That explains a lot for me. Has she gone through canine menopause? We had pets over the years and since we weren’t planning on breeding or growing the family, they were all neutered or spayed. It saved a lot of us from being banished from the house. 🙃
LikeLiked by 1 person
She’s not. She was in heat last in January. We’ve talked to her Vet, but she thinks the hormones are helping with her neurological issues. She keeps saying “let’s give it another year.”
LikeLike
Syntax and context. And when really desperate read the manual. Now you are an expert for the spurt part of the power washer. Even if they still call that part an outlet. I am holding out for the bookshelf story. There are bound to be better stories there ! And an interesting solution on the Maddie front. Yes spaying seems to be the ‘simple’ solution right up until you have to live with the effects. And deal with the down side of them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We had our first Setter spayed, but she was a Setter-Retriever cross. It did mess up her coat. The following three have been Setters from a breeder, and the contract states that you won’t have them spayed without permission.
The bookcase will be a good story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I needed those chuckles about the crosswalk sign and “…the author of the eight-hundred word one-liner.” Great job on the detective work for the part. And the bonus points! :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks JoAnna. I’m glad I could make you chuckle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If we had COVID testing around these parts, I forgo too. I’m working from home through the fall at least maybe longer. Still on self imposed stay order due to the luxury of being able to do so when many others haven’t a choice. It’s a mad world right now. Enjoyable posts like yours along with the lovely gallery sure do bring some respite. Thank you for that. Off to the riverboat now …
LikeLike
Thanks Jill. I’m glad people have some fun here, even if it’s at my expense.
LikeLiked by 1 person
:)
LikeLike
Yes , of course bonus points ! Can you cash them in ?
LikeLiked by 1 person
John Howell and I are saving for a car 😏
LikeLike
Just be sure not to mix up spray, splay, and spayed!! Could be some really bizarre problems. I could go for a cold one at not-quite-10[am this morning as it’s 100 already. I guess I’ll probably stick with tea, at least for the time being. :-) As for calling people “Ma’am” or “Sir”, my experience is that the majority of people doing that are a) from the military at some point, b) from the South at some point, or c) both.
Happy weekend, Dan.
janet
LikeLiked by 1 person
These are words I keep straight. I think Cheryl’s ok with Ma’am (she’s from the south) but it’s a fun gag. 100 degrees before 10:00. I can’t imagine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
hahaha. A girl must leave her mark! It’s in the manual.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha – for a good time, call Maddie. This is why she’s on a skirt leash.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad you found a parts manual for the power washer. I am always impressed when the life of a tool can be extended. Thanks for the mention and your photos are terrific. I think it takes a lot of nerve to put signs in Maddie’s marking zone. I mean is this the only place in the city for a testing station? Enjoyed the post, Dan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s funny, John. The testing was scheduled for another location. They moved it here at the last minute. She didn’t mind walking early but she was not impressed to see people messing with her spot. Finding the right place takes time.
“Suction connection” is the word of the day. I was lucky to find that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes you were. In fact if you called and asked for a suction connection you might have had a visit from the police.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Still jealous of that beautiful bunny. And your pressure washer as well, though not the leak.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The pressure washer was an inexpensive electric unit. I didn’t want to worry about exceeding the max pressure you can use on Trex. I figured, if I used it four times, it was cheaper than renting. I’ve had it about 8 years and I use it 2-3 time a year. Still, I’m happy to extend its life rather than replace it.
You sure there isn’t one in the barn?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a cleaning tool, so yes. I’m sure.
😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s the “umpteenth Saturday” at the virtual bar, huh? If you watch CBS Sunday morning, it reminds me of Jim Gaffigan, who every week tells the viewers something like it’s the ten thousandth day in isolation (with his wife and five kids). Like him, I bet you wish you didn’t have to count.
Sorry about the power washer and tell Maddie girl that I’m sorry about the sign and her puddle spot. Tomorrow will be a better day…right?
LikeLiked by 1 person
We had a good day today. No signs, and the humidity finally dropped around noon. It had been 99% since Thursday. We are sitting as I type this reply.
Five kids? I’m glad it’s just me and the Editor.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We lost power last night, the hard drive on my computer went bad, my husband had to wait until 10am to get with Best Buy for curbside pick-up for a new one even though the cats had us up at 6am for breakfast….I am so late to the bar! I did not know that about spay and Setter’s coats. That was good for you to know before you decided on the surgery. Oh, MiMi…I know you’re in there somewhere. Your spiderwort looks good all mounded together, Dan. Mine is bloomed out but I might have to dig the various ‘plants’ on my yard and group them together. Like a master gardener. :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha – yes, just like a master gardener 🙂
I’m so sorry to hear about your hard drive. We had the setter experience without first setter. She was a cross, but her coat got to be a shaggy sorta do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good use of the prompt words! I imagine we have some testing sites around here, but I have no idea where. I’m almost 100% sure neither one of us have or had the virus since we’ve been being careful and laying low for quite a while. Interesting about Maddie, the social distancing pro. She’s probably safe… I can’t imagine her letting another dog close enough to her to do the deed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maddie is almost never off a leash. He neurological issues are such that except for rare times when we play, she’s just not comfortable on her own, even in our fenced yard. Her Vet is very worried about the effect spaying her might have on those issues.
If I was at all worried about having the virus, or if I had somewhere to go, I’d consider getting tested. At this point, I don’t know what it tells me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you get bonus points from Linda, ’cause your use of prompt words that were hard turned into a great story. And Maddie is girlie! Is that a word?
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is a word. Her registration says “Female” as opposed to “Dog” when they are spayed. She seems pretty proud of her girliness ;)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah! Well, who wouldn’t want to be dubbed ‘female’ as opposed to ‘dog’? 😀
LikeLike
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, you did it, all three, yessiree you deserve bonus points!!! Thank goodness for online ordering for parts. Is that the first testing site you’ve had in your area?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Shelley. We had a testing site about 3 miles away, in the town just across the river. I think we also had one at the airport, but that was when you needed a doctor’s note to be tested. This is the first time we’ve had a belly-up-to-the-bar testing site.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome. LOL – belly-up-to-the-bar testing site. That description made me smile!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think of all the gadgets, gizmos, and tools we’ve ever purchased, the power washer is the thing that gives the fastest bang for a buck! Look like we bought new things! Haha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was worried that I was wasting money when I bought one. Wow, was I ever wrong.
LikeLiked by 1 person