Everything Fred – Part 227

6 February 2024

The pool guys showed up a little after noon. Actually, it was pool guy, singular, and a trainee. It was the same guy that showed up late last year when I was having trouble with the filter canister (when the top blew off and almost took my head with it).

They took the top of the canister back to the shop at Pools ‘n More to work on. As they started to leave, I asked if they would take my Great White in as well. They did. I didn’t expect them to return with it fixed. I had intended to go in and pick it up. That’s the type service Pools ‘n More gives.

In any case, they brought the canister top back with a new wing nut for the top and epoxy for the steel rod. I can’t operate the filter until tomorrow because the epoxy needs to set. They also brought a new pressure gauge and offered to install it if I so desired. There was no pressure to purchase the gauge, they just noticed the old one was broken. My gauge had been broken for years. I told them to go ahead and install the new gauge as well.

As they were working they said they had stopped off for lunch before they returned to my place. I was going to offer to pay their lunch but since they had already eaten, I simply gave them $50. They were so very appreciative. As they finished up, it started to rain. I think the last time he was here it was pouring down rain as well. He goes above and beyond what is needed – unlike a Jeep dealership I know.

I went to Pools ‘n More today and purchased some chemicals and paid them for the service on the pool filter/canister. Believe it or not, they didn’t charge me for labor. What they charged me for was $34 for a skirt for the Great White and $15 for the pressure gauge. That’s it! They didn’t charge me for the epoxy nor the wing nut. These are great people. I’ve used this business for the last 29 years so I think they appreciate repeat customers!

On the way back from the pool place, I stopped by the new Spin Car Wash. They have a section if you want to do your own pressure wash but I did the drive through. Their automated device to select your service and use your credit card wasn’t working but an attendant showed up to work it for you. His name was Fred. When he commented on how rare our names were, I told him about the Mango Strut in Coconut Grove that has a parade contingent of “Friends of Fred.” He had not heard of it.

Anyway, I chose the deluxe $25 that does everything: wash, wax, wheel shine, etc. There was even a $3 discount on that. It came to a little over $23 with tax. It did an OK job. After I got home I cleaned out the floor mats. I do a better job hand washing but I’m not physically up for that yet.

Last night was The Man Who Came to Dinner with Bette Davis, Ann Sheridan, Monty Wooley, Jimmy Durante, Richard Travis, Billie Burke and Reginal Gardiner. I came to this movie late in life and really enjoyed it the first time I saw it – so much so that I purchased the DVD. Wooley is fun as the insufferable guest and Davis is the super efficient secretary that keeps him in his place.

I guess it’s technically a Christmas movie with a little bedlam associated with it including a sister who murdered her parents. There’s name dropping from Eleanor Roosevelt to Somerset Maugham (mispronounced by the wife of the house) by Shelton Whiteside (Wooley). If you haven’t seen this, you need to. If you have seen this, it’s worth another look.

I believe I feel better today than I have since the infusion last Tuesday. A week makes a big difference. The neuropathy is still a pain – literally and figuratively but I do feel good. Hopefully that will continue.

Stay tuned!