The struggle.

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To get out of bed was a nightmare this morning.  I am tired, I ache, sleepy, places hurt I had forgotten were places.  Even so, I have been pushing to get out of bed since... six?  seven?  The most I could do was roll.  I had used almost every ounce of energy to me, and then some, several days in a row not.  And, I have more to go.

I can't hit it first thing.  Sassy was fed.  I'm having a first kefir, and will have another after.  Litter boxes will be checked.  I'll spend time waking more fully, looking around, seeing what is happening.  Gaming a bit to waken even more fully.  Then I'll get down there.  Install the elements, wire the new thermostats and set them up.  Then turn on the water, see if I tightened the elements well enough.

The old elements weren't too bad.  I am guessing the only reason the one failed was because of the short.  Too much juice, too fast.  It was warped, twisted, difficult to get out for it's deformities.  The top one just slid out without touch the sides.  They are a bit... slimy?  Well, not slimy, as it turns out.  Coated with minerals, but it looked like slime.  Just, didn't wipe off, at all. Would chip off, but nothing of it, despite their appearance, wiped off.  I don't think the water is as hard as Iowa city.  The water heaters only last four years there, companies wouldn't guarantee them either.  This has been in around ten years, and the elements are still whole.  All good, just had been curious about that.

Then again, they have gone to fiberglass tanks, so the tanks themselves don't get eaten away, or even have sediment down at the bottom (I suppose unless the elements are allowed to rot completely).

We'll see if I can do this next part without spilling water everywhere.  And, I will be drying the areas very well on top of it, as well.  Sweating the details, but gotta.  If it works, perfectly, I'll have it set up and have hot water sometime today.  If not, tomorrow or even the day after if it sprays at all... wets the electronics again.  If that happens, I will leave the electronic parts out to air dry.  Dry under them, dry them the next few days, keep the fan going, and wait at least two days before installing everything back in.  Going to go slow, be careful, and hope... I guess.

It's 21 out there.  Could be worse.  Could be better.  Shouldn't have frozen, but never can be sure.  With the water off, there is no flow.  But, I do know how to thaw it, if so.  Ugh... I won't be able to get to it for a few hours.  I may take a chair down there, so I can sit while doing the wiring.  I've been standing far more than usual, and it's getting to my legs and back.  All good.

Another kefir, sorting litter, a bit of browsing, then gaming.  Then to it.  Later.