Bellocesque

One of the side effects of being unable to pass a hardware store is that you end up with a lot of tools, especially patent spanners, and one of the consequences of having lots of spiffy patent spanners is that you feel obliged to do small repair jobs rather than hiring plumbers. Like changing a washer. Which I did on Sunday: turn off water, hot water, etc. Use large shifting spanner (none of the patent spanners fitted, pity) to whip the tap out, lots of water everywhere, change washer and whatever that other bit is, replace all, retighten (overtighten, but still). Warm sense of achievement. Which is a good thing, because otherwise warmth seems to be rather lacking. Turn on water. Turn on hot water. No hot water. What I had turned off not the water but the gas, so need to relight gas.
Ah. Pilot light has rusted out. Have to call plumber. Heater evidently semi-deceased, repairs cost more than half replacement, so have to get new one, at cost of $1,500.
That'll teach me to go around repairing washers.

Lord Finchley tried to mend the Electric Light
Himself. It struck him dead: And serve him right!
It is the business of the wealthy man
To give employment to the artisan.
Hilaire Belloc.

"Wealthy" may be flattering me rather. Nonetheless.