Stuck Pipe

For a few months we had been getting the occasional slow drain from the sinks and showers. We suspected the problem was with the main sewer line from the house but couldn't be sure.

Since I'd had the entire line replaced about seven years ago (and gotten a lifetime warranty on the new pipe), I called the same company to come out and run a camera to try and figure out what the problem was.

It seems that the pipe was making a sharp turn to the left just a few feet after leaving the house. This sharp turn would sometimes back up and we'd have them out to clear it. The most recent time it occured (last week), we had them dig where the problem was so they could fix it once and for all.

When the hole was opened I was able to see what you can see in the pictures here. A large tree root was pushing against the pipe and causing it to bend at a sharp angle. The problem was only going to get worse over time if it wasn't fixed.

They dug out the offending root (which is huge and heavy, it'll probably burn for 2-3 hours in our fireplace this winter) and placed a 45 degree joint on the pipe to help it make a stable turn.

Hopefully that is the end of that story but the lifetime warranty papers will continue to be kept in a secure place just in case.

Camping

We came home from Florida on a Tuesday and by Thursday morning we were on the road to Bass Lake for a four-day camping trip.

Here are Aimee and Rosebud sacked out for a nap by the lake. Aimee likes to use this hammock because you can screen yourself inside and away from any bugs that might bite.
Rosebud relocated to the shade underneath the hammock a few minutes after this picture.
Aimee almost stepped on her when she got out of the hammock.

It was pretty quiet at the lake this year with lower water level and fewer boats. We liked it.
Unfortunately, our friends had to leave a couple of days early due to illness, but we enjoyed ourselves very much.

Back Home

Our ride home from Florida was not uneventful. The flight from Jacksonville to Atlanta was short but pretty bumpy. Fortunately, Delta had air sickness bags in the seat back pocket and Aimee put one or two of them to good use.

She felt much better after that and the flight to Los Angeles was fairly smooth. Despite her itchy feet, she dozed for much of the flight. I did too.

Many of the people onboard were watching live coverage of the Michael Jackson tribute at Staples on one of the t.v. channels that were available. It was ending right about the time we landed.