$$$?!?!?

So, we called a plumber to come out and fix the water softener.  And tell us how much it would be to fix a few other small plumbing issues (dripping outdoor (freeze proof) spigots, leaking drain on water heater, a malfunctioning bathtub/shower faucet, etc.).  The house is, after all, nearly 20 years old.  It's probably time.  I'll be contacting the plumbing company and expressing my disappointment.  Their tech/plumber/representative took one look at the water softener, wasn't interested in any kind of troubleshooting, just immediately said it has to be replaced, it's too old.  Combine that with the other items on our list and we were into this more than several thousands of dollars.  So, so, so glad The Husband said we needed some time to think this over.

And yes, we're going to get another bid.  I'm a bit grumpy because we essentially paid $39 for a very high-pressure sales pitch.  Sigh...

Love the lilies.

Today, the guys are finally here to work on the shower floor. It's been a problem since we moved in.  Though it took us a long time to figure out that the floor doesn't drain properly.   It should have been done right in the beginning, it wasn't and we didn't realize it. So here we are, all these years later, having to spend some big bucks (for us that is) to make it right.  Then when that's all done, they'll come out and clean up/fix/renew the grout throughout the shower.  It'll be so fabulous.  But still, more money just flying away.

Then this morning, The Husband was out in the garage.  And yup, the garage door opener is as grumpy as I am.  Not working.  So, we're on the phone scheduling a service call.  And yes, The Husband did try to figure it out - one of those rare times when he can't fix it.  Money.  Yes, flying away.

happy hoya plant.

Crossing my fingers that that is the last big expense for a while.  But not counting on it.  We're still waiting to see what happens with our Hale Theatre tickets - considering we've missed 3 plays and haven't yet heard what they plan to do for us even though they're already open again.  And hoping to somehow manage to get in a smaller scale (somewhere we can drive, feel safe and not have to spend too much money) getaway for our 50th anniversary.

And today's pictures?  I took this one of the lilies down the street the other day.  They are so very pretty.  Our hoya plant never misses a chance to grow up and around the blinds on the window.  I think this self-threading into the blind strings happened overnight.  Apparently it's a happy plant.  It's in the care of The Husband who makes pretty much everything happy. 

I'm so grateful today to be able to get a few things done around here. Hopefully our money will stretch far enough.  So grateful we have another shower to use while ours is getting the care it needs.  What a luxury.  And so grateful that there's a beautiful world that fills my heart with peace when I walk in the mornings.