Making room

Ref is up, and Brantley's on deck, and they're creating a bathroom and laundry room.

They're a day or two ahead of the plumbers (what nice guys!), who are running lines hither and yon in and under the house.

Yon will be tomorrow, but hither already has its shower valves, because I went out to the warehouse to pick them up today.

We also have running water. Yes, it's only a hose bib now, but at least we don't have to beg and borrow from the neighbor.

I signed up with the Acqueduct Authority at about noon, and before 3 a crew had arrived to unlock the valves. More nice people.

Maybe it's something in that water, but people down here have been friendlier than I ever could have expected. Newcomers seem to relish telling horror stories about the Conch Mafia's rudeness, but my experience has been exactly the opposite -- especially with the clerks and bureaucrats who make up the usual suspects.

Perhaps the lesson is this: When you move to paradise, don't be surprised to meet angels.