A few updates - Day 384 (Yr 2, Day 17)

Columbia, SC

Yes, we are back here again so Mitch can retake one of the gas line inspector tests.  It was a 4 1/2 hr drive.  The test is in the morning, so we'll head back to Raleigh afterwards (last time we went straight to NJ/NY).  Of course, it never rains, it pours... he got a call today from one of the IT contracting companies he works for.  There is a huge, nationwide rollout (major chain upgrading their wifi system) about to start and knowing about his travel lifestyle, they thought it would be a good match.  It will also pay a lot more than he's making now on the gas inspection, is something he enjoys doing, and doesn't require as much walking!  He's pretty much a shoe in for this position, but he's still waiting for a little more info before making any decisions (of course, if he doesn't pass the test this time, it'll be a no-brainer).

Remember he also had a little scare a few weeks ago regarding possible swelling of his optic nerve (and the visit to the ER).  He had the follow up appointment today with the optho neurologist who explained that the optic nerve has a range of widths (just like people have a range of heights).  His was on the wide side, but within the normal range, but she could understand how an optometrist might be concerned that it was swollen (not knowing what the range was).  So, thank God, all is well on that end.

I had my annual labs drawn for iron deficiency.  I'll know tomorrow whether I need another transfusion asap or whether I'm still good for a while (I suspect the latter).

On the downside of things, we noticed that the rig is about 1.5 to 2 feet lower than it should be and it has NOT sunk into the ground due to the rain and being on grass.  We suspect there might be a leak of the hydraulic fluid that runs the landing gear and stabilizers (what I call "jacks").  We'll check the fluid level when we return tomorrow and then need to learn what causes it to leak and how to remedy it.

Oh, and the Kehles (Lara, Paul, Cody & Mason) will finally be joining us for Shabbat this week (they're the lovely family who's seder we went to the first night and who had us for Shabbat dinner at their house when we came to Raleigh without the rig).