Well, I tried again.

.
.
Today, before heading in to have an afternoon meal, I decided to try to install the faucet. Okay, I found the wrench (and it was metric) which fit the top nut to the faucet from the flex hose. I tightened it. I then tightened the lower nut to the cold water valve. The moment of truth came... and... no leaks! I did not tighten too much or too little (which always makes me nervous as the tightness between the two is a gray area). Woot! I did it. I tried the faucet, good, water came out. Now the sprayer... Doh! It started leaking as soon as I turned on the faucet. It was cracked at the base (something I could not have done). Damn! Damn! And again damnation!

So, I got the thing undone, packed up, and ready to go. No receipt could be found. Oh well, I thought all Wal-Mart could do was say no to a refund. As it turned out they offered me a gift card for the purchase price of the faucet. Good enough, there are things I could use, but never again any plumbing, electrical, or other such items from Wal-Mart. NEVER. Three out of three failures for them. So, over to Lowe's (we have a Home Depot, but after their children's gay festival thing, they are on my shit list). I look around a bit, but not much as I am becoming familiar with the store. The difficult thing is looking for a good brand, one that has what I want, and a unit that will fit my application and fittings. I do NOT want to drill another hole, not through a stainless steel sink! My stupid cordless drill has trouble drilling pilot holes in hard wood (grhrhrhr don't get me started... top of the line, they said... perfect for anything, they said). Yes, a good solid corded hammer drill or such is on my list, maybe just a hardy standard corded drill... I am thinking on it. Anyway, I find one, and I stay simple and relatively cheap (my kitchen is not all that, atm, so why put a $200 faucet in an aging (ancient) kitchen at this point?).

On to supper and discussion. Not much rubbing or grinding tonight, it was rather light and pleasant. I know they are working hard on three houses or so, taking care of his parents, trying to live their normal lives, and... they seemed a bit worn. I know I am worn out as well, though this weekend has recharged my batteries and seen me getting up earlier. I brought beer, bread, and my soda fountain (it seems to be a favorite there). Oh, I finally was able to show them my finger, without a bandage. I think from their looks they finally understand why I was not able to help. Even if they sort of believed me, seeing adds much more to believing. And this finger still looks really bad, is swollen, and the wound is not even close to being truly healed over... at all. But it was a great meal, always good company, and things were pleasant. I sort of stepped in it a bit, saying being a minority (non-Mormon) has it's advantages and can, if handled well, propel one socially and financially. Well, two of the ladies who attend are Mormon (and were not sure whether to be offended or not (though one came through and on my side, from her own experiences)). But my hostess (and sometimes the host, though I think he is changing some of his long held views on these things) believe that minorities cannot help themselves, or some such. They have no idea how to see how, if one is productive, honest, and hard working, that being a minority could be very advantageous. I gave it a whack or three then let it slide after that. Either you get it or you do not get it.

I, actually, am feeling much more confident in getting the sink done. I will be trying it in a short bit. I also, finally, cleaned the grill a bit. One thing I finally realize though is that using anything other than steel bristles is not only useless, it is counterproductive on an infrared heating unit. Silicon, heat resistant plastics (for cleaning other even hot grills), and probably anything other than steel, will simply melt on the device when hot. So... I learned. Still, it is finally clean, cooling now, and will be put away shortly before or after I make (hopefully) my last stab at installing the f$*^ing faucet! Arghghghghgh

Oh, that reminds me, I want to put some of the chorizo out to thaw for cooking on the grill tomorrow, but hot or mild? Bah, I will figure it out. Sorry about the cussing. Well, not really but sort of. Have a good night.