I suppose we could talk about Melania’s hat*, but…

I’d rather talk about winter preps, and how after all this time I still find ways to fail at them.

So. Yesterday afternoon.


This wasn’t all that unexpected, I’ve been living in fear of it since the cold snap started. Could have been far worse, as far as I know no pipes broke, it’s just an internal freeze. But it got and stayed damned cold yesterday so I just closed the supply valve and opened every inside valve to hopefully drain the pipes as much as possible. Then later Tobie and I went to Ian’s to get some water bottles for washing and such.

I really thought I had two 5-gallon bottles stored. Could only find one, so I grabbed two 3-gallon bottles of drinking water instead of the second 5-gallon, including one that’s gotten really old and no longer fit for the drinking water back-and-forth.

As I climbed a hill in my driveway, the bottles fell over, which is normal. But instead of the usual boinging sound, I got a crack and the rush of water.

“[Bad word]! [Bad word]!”


If you leave these things in the sun, they will go a wonky color and get brittle. I don’t leave them in the sun – having learned that lesson – but over time they still go a wonky color and get brittle. I knew this one was, but…


…I didn’t know it was quite that brittle. Well, it died an honorable death.

So this latest freeze caught me with my pants down. My Plan B utility water stocks were not what they needed to be. Next time I go to town I’m going to stop at the local auto parts store: They used to sell square 5-gallon jugs, and I’ll bet they still do.

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*No, seriously there are people on the internet arguing about Melania’s hat right now. Apparently it’s a very serious matter.

About Joel

You shouldn't ask these questions of a paranoid recluse, you know.
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7 Responses to I suppose we could talk about Melania’s hat*, but…

  1. Judy says:

    Melania’s hat—smart move on her part because she is sending the message, ” I’m watching you, and I don’t trust you.” And she has no reason to trust them after some of the shenanigans they have pulled. Everybody who voted for a change in regimes needs to remember that too. We don’t trust you; we are watching, and we are not going to put up with your BS anymore. A, besides, wasn’t it nice to see an elegant First Lady again?

  2. Irving says:

    Water – how many gallons do you consider a “reasonable reserve” in case of a similar occurrence? And, what is the largest capacity container that’s reasonable for you to utilize?

  3. Tree Mike; eff bee eye code name, Foghorn Leghorn says:

    Melania’s hat was cool and sporting that Lee Van Cleef look was awesome. Fuck those Commie ass holes. I don’t expect miracles from Trump, but he’s starting out real strong. I’ll de happy with 10% of their stated goal. Trump has a reputation for getting even/revenge. Let’s call it retribution, that sounds reasonable. His firing people is going well. I’m mildly optimistic. It looks like were going to get a prepping, time extension, so there’s that.

  4. Zendo Deb says:

    “People on the internet” will argue about whether or not it is Wednesday or Thursday, let alone a hat.

  5. Michael Gilson says:

    Are there any restaurants, fast food or food service places in town? Most fryer oil gets delivered in square jugs holding just over four gallons. They might let you have the empties for free. Although the plastic is no heavier than the typical milk jug, which probably means a limited life so combined with the trouble of cleaning the oil residue out it might not be worth it to you.

  6. jrg says:

    I thought that hat could also be used like that James Bond henchman who ‘frisbee’d’his bowler hat into cutting off that statue’s head. Or when out in the west, maybe used to pan for gold … :^)

    Yes, Melania did appear to dressed for the occasion as were their children. They are used to appearing in pictures taken in public.

  7. Uncle Anonymous says:

    Melania’s hat? Who cares?

    I was going to write that you could pick up a Scepter 5 Gallon water container, but OMG they are a lot more expensive south of the border. But, fear not, you can always order a Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer. I can testify that these water jugs are rock solid. I’ve had one of these that, after forgetting about it, froze solid in the back of my car without bursting and yes, I still use it.

    http://www.amazon.com/Reliance-Products-Aqua-Tainer-Gallon-Container/dp/B001QC31G6/ref=pb_allspark_dp_sims_pao_desktop_session_based_d_sccl_3_2/141-2973579-9416527

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