Out with the new, in with the old...

...technology, that is. Our builder was back today to tear out the propane powered on-demand, tankless water heater. He replaced it with a propane powered tank-style water heater. Tonight, I had HOT water shortly after turning it on in the kitchen, for the first time since we moved in. We also paid our last bill, making the house building project on Poplar Ridge officially completed.

The fun never stops up here though. Tomorrow we are expecting the excavators for our barn building project. Next week, my parents start their roof raising with a bunch of family volunteers.

In the meantime, I have to 'fess up that I completely lost my cool tonight.

I don't remember whether I have mentioned the third world type hovel that exists down the road, at the bottom of the hill. We call it "F-ville" (where the "F" is a name, NOT a bad word). It is not unusual to have to slow or stop when driving through on this road for assorted animals, children, toys or cars that don't run. It is disturbing, to say the least, and definitely unsafe. I never drive faster than 25 or 30 mph through F-ville, even though the posted speed limit is 40.

This evening, when returning from a refreshing dinner out with my girlfriends, I had to stop abruptly for a puppy that ran into the road in F-ville. Several children were hanging out in the road just a few yards further on, and one of the girls appeared shocked, then started shaking her fists and yelling at me as I drove by. In one of those split second decisions that didn't have much thought put into it, I slammed on my brakes and backed up the truck. The kids took off running. I yelled after them "Don't you yell at me when you can't keep your dog off this road. I didn't have to stop for it, but I did!" It wasn't the most mature thing I've ever done, but it actually made me feel better.

So now you know my dirty little secret: I have issues with my temper!