There were a lot of people running around outside, so I just walk inside with the tank to pay for a new one.

“Oh, first, take that outside.” I hadn’t even said anything yet, and the manager was doing all but holding a crucifix in between us.

“It’s empty.” I explained.

“Doesn’t matter, might go boom.” She said, backing away. “Might be some left in it.”

Um.. so they have no problem with me tossing a FULL one in my car and driving around, but they don’t want an empty one anywhere in their store? (never mind that you need an open flame, it has a safety valve, etc.). She would not let me buy a tank until I had sent the offending item to the curb.

You’ll be happy to know we resolved it, I now have propane and we had chicken for dinner. The end.

(it isn’t helping that my daughter is fixated on beer at the moment)

There’s still lots of time, of course, and unfortunately I’ve spent a little too much of it saying “I’m tired,” or “I’m busy” or “just leave me alone.” I don’t think this is The Depression, per se, but it is probably an offshoot of it. And yeah, I’ve been tired - I haven’t been running, I haven’t been eating right, I haven’t been sleeping right, so it’s no wonder.

On the plus side, we’ve been swimming, to the movies many times, spent time together. The kids really are amazing in their ability to adapt, it’s me that has a hard time with it.

We were given a service time of “four to six today” first thing this morning. The guy made it early.

It was just a short.

Then?

It wasn’t just a short, it was a control board. $600 and counting, but we have an air conditioner again. He’s still here three hours later.

The air conditioner went out yesterday.

The good thing? They might get it fixed before bedtime tonite. There’s kinda a long line…

My kids are overtired but unable to sleep, and so am I. But our bathroom now has a floor (tile and grout) and we are all still speaking to each other. Tomorrow a couple of professionals stop in, a plumber and an electrician.

Hope y’all are well. For everyone that was concerned: my son’s blood tests all came back with a huge “normal,” and we have a cardio appt in September. Which means: he cannot play football this year, since the doctor won’t clear him to play unless the cardiologist does first.

I’m gonna find some ice cream and go to bed, methinks.

We’ve been at it for four. days. And they never look this hott:

You?

Update: the tub is gone. We’re hammering out the floor, now. Send motrin.

In the next, “The Grudge” is just starting to claim it’s first victim.

I’m talking about my daughter. She’s probably somebody’s idea of a perfect wife (in twenty years or so):

She likes football.

She loves to get nekkid and run around the house. And the yard. And the street, come to think about it. Pretty much anywhere.

And one of her favorite activities is unloading the dishwasher, followed by doing laundry.

What’s not to like?

Oh, yeah: her dad can be a real asshole.