Clearing with Light at the End of the Tunnel

This morning, after a good night's sleep, the few hours I spent in my office allowed me to finish up things.  A couple things that yesterday made absolutely no sense were suddenly crystal clear.  One after the other, in quick order, I remedied the few outstanding things I had pending and was able to get to where there's only some final checking and the State software forms to complete.  Seems pretty do-able at this point.  There's still much to do - prepping forms for 'in case we end up having a settlement' - we will know by Thursday morning.  Things may be shaping up to actually not work next weekend which would be truly lovely.

The trip to Jackson was pretty - it's such a pretty drive.  I noticed lots of fields planted now that have been dormant for awhile - one with crops and another planted with a huge fruit orchard.  New houses for sale.  I always enjoy the tranquility of that drive vs. up to Thunder Valley.  Jackson's drive provides beautiful vistas and lovely scenes - cows, lakes, vineyards.  I do love the drive so much.

Sadly, the casino was everything I remember being sick of the last time I went - hugely, HUGELY crowded today - the freeplay offer combined with the finals of a two month long slot tournament meant long lines virtually everywhere.  I did end up with quite a bit of freeplay ($128 altogether) and had fun playing...though my favorite machines were taken.  And I came home with more than 1/2 of what J. gave me for birthday fun $ - and I'm happy about that 'cuz H. and I want to try to get to ThunderValley together at some point this month - he's never been.

Glad for the nice drive and for giving myself a break -

The pool was officially opened for the summer by J. who went for a swim.  We're still working through the process of getting the heater fixed - the manufacturer has told the repair person that the drop in gas pressure at the heater is too much to be equipment related.  We have to get PG&E back out this week and ask them to test the gas flow into the heater.  Or something like that.  I hope we can figure it out - and we feel really good about our pool repairman 'cuz he could have replaced many parts that are very expensive - but he isn't doing that.  He's been in touch with the manufacturer multiple times and we hope urging PG&E to recheck the pressure in multiple spots - including from the regulator - will resolve the issue.  So far, we're only out $85 for a service call.

J. and I are watching Game of Thrones from Season 1, Episode 1 on HBO - casting it from the computer to the TV.  Technology is really cool!

Another early to bed evening and a hugely busy week ahead - but I see light at the end of the long budget tunnel.  B. arrives home a week from today for 3+ weeks -