March 2026 Island Trip – Day 4

Our contentment didn’t last long last night. We needed to dump the tanks and upon the conclusion of that task, closing the slicer valve caused the adaptor that holds the external slicer valve onto the pipe where the grey and black water exits the trailer to break! The two bayonet attachments broke off. Fortunately the tanks were empty, but this meant we couldn’t use the toilet. Also, fortunately, we have another trailer whose waste plumbing is fully operational. I found a replacement adapter in the lower barn first thing this morning, and we’re flushing again. We need to lay in a supply of these as they’re used for ‘older Airstreams.’

Then, on my late evening run to the other trailer, I noticed the oil heater didn’t seem to be putting out any heat. It clearly had power. I adjusted it, and this morning it was bitterly cold in there. One, old, oil heater down. I’ve had to buy one online as neither hardware store has what we need: either super smart, or completely analog. A digital one has to be willing to hold a temp at 50ish degrees. We have one of those, but it’s no longer made… So I opted for an analog unit, but had to try three different units until I found one that would get here before we leave. Meanwhile we’re using an oscillating heater, which, after reading too many horror stories, we don’t use to keep the trailers above freezing while we’re not here.

I removed a bunch of wallpaper in Stella today. It checks all the boxes. Looks so much better and fulfills the part of me that picks at things. I kept working on my mom’s antique bottles. They’re turning out well. Our roofer stopped by to pick up payment. He’s struggling with what is an overwhelming load regarding his wife’s treatment and recovery path. He can’t touch or hug anyone starting now for a year after she completes here treatment. This is dedication to recovery.