We have to repace all the pipes in our house. Many leaks were found when the critter control people removed the insulation that was contaminated. We didn’t let them put new stuff in because it would make the job of replacing the pipes a lot harder. Edward wanted copper but was told that is a nightmare down here -- I have forgotten why.

Edward got a couple of quotes and has chosen a plumber to do it. Meanwhile, he discovered a leak that is coming through the ceiling in our entry foyer. We need to put a pan under it he said, and he meant under the pipe itself in the crawl space, and could I do it. Then he changed his mind and said he would do it. Should have let him try. He is a lot bigger and also less flexible than I am, even with my current back problems, so I insisted. I got on top of the tall ladder, taking my time because a misstep could be a real problem. He told me to be careful to only tread on "the walkway" lest I put my foot through the ceiling if I stepped off of it. The walkway is about 5 inches wide, enough for one knee. Also, no way could I stand up.

I started my crawl. The first obstacle was two air conditioning tubes. I was able to insert my knee over one and carefully over the other. Then there was stuff – one was a concrete (so it seemed) table lamp that was so heavy I could barely move it. I manage to shift it and get around it without letting it drop into the well that would damage the ceiling. Further along, I was able to see what was up ahead and identified really huge air-conditioning tubes and no way to get past them without damaging them.

Also, it is very difficult to know where you are in relation to the house, when you are up there. I didn’t know if I would be able to recognize the foyer.

I relayed all this to Ed and he said I should forget about it and he would shut the water off instead. Oh, joy. So I managed to turn myself around and crawl back to the opening and sat there a couple of minutes trying to figure a way to uncoil myself and crawl over the diagonal beam that was in the way. I had the sense to change from clogs to sneakers before starting this effort. I can just imagine me doing all that wearing clunkers.

We are waiting for the plumber to call back. I asked Ed to turn the water on for just 15 minutes so I can wash my face before going out.

I will add that I was really worried while I was up there because my physical abilities have been severely compromised by my current problems. Also, getting back down on to the ladder loomed as a tragedy waiting to happen. But all is well, I made it down.


xx, Teal (girl contortionist)