Month: July 2020 (Page 1 of 4)

–Travis from Aztec Solar came out for air bubbles and leak. They’ll have to schedule two guys to come back and fix leak. Air bubble problem seemed to be a consequence of too-low pump speed. He mentioned something about (1) wrong pump model number entered into the solar controller, and (2) some confusion over RPM and GPM (gallons per minute). Key to diagnosis was him demonstrating that vacuum relief valve wasn’t the issue, by uncapping it to show water spurting out–except water didn’t spurt out, showing that pressure was too low. After applying (an unclear) fix, water spurted out.

–Took a swim. Pleasant.

–Shopped at Bel Air for corn, ice cream, apples, oranges, etc.

–Rope-tailed squirrel came by again for peanuts, as did (what looks like) someone’s pet rat at the bird feeder (now empty).

–Went on a 10-mile bike ride with Tom Elken to Hovnanian-land.  Former empty lots are now all built out.

–Took a swim; took a shower.

–Played with regulators. A little surprised at how weak the Scubapro first stages were. Also disappointed with Conshelf second stage. Will rebuild Conshelf first and hope that incoming NOS Scubapro second is as good as the current one. Oh, brass-bodied Tekna is also awesome.

–Noticed algae in pool. Crap. Shocked it.

–Roasted caf and decaf beans.

–Shopped with Grace. Got a couple bagels at Panera, some stuff at Sprouts, and much great produce at the Sunrise Mall farmers market. Will return.

–Saw a really nice-looking rat on the poolside bird feeder. Looked more like a pet than a wild rat.

–Went to Callen Pool Supply to take back cyanuric acid I didn’t need and to pick up another strainer basket and a replacement catch bag for the robo-sweeper.

–Marie for dinner.

–Added chlorine to pool

–Got the Cremina working. Leaked at over-pressure safety valve (as always), so I went back to the old valve/washer with new poppet and tightened the crap out of it. Another leak at the steam wand fitting (big issue on the older machines where steam comes directly out of the frame). O-rings to the rescue. First espresso was tepid, perhaps due to “false pressure.” Ordered a boiler cap with vacuum release valve from Cerini. Even with all the issues, it steams better than the Rocket.

–Shopped with Grace at Bel Air. Got some steak, corn (best ever), heirloom tomato, potato and antipasto salads and barbecued. Yum!

–Conshelf reg came in. Nice. Tried it in pool, seems good.

–Played with Sirrus in attempt to stop creaks. No dice. Returned it to dead stock, called Roseville Cyclery to schedule 90-day tuneup.

–Left hearing aid went out at around 8 PM.

–Rode the last of the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail with Tom Elken. Nice project!

–Made pizza with fresh basil and cherry tomatoes.