Michael Nicholas@micnic@a2mi.sociala2mi.social

Absolutely flying through the jobs!

This week I have driven two Volvo rentals. A high-spec XC60 PHEV and the smaller XC40 in a base-level trim. The XC60 was a pleasant surprise. Nice drive, good tech, luxurious interior.

The XC40 isn’t small, but it drives like a small car. It wasn’t as smooth on the highway, the powertrain was weak, and the base trim really shows… although it does have a trash can in the center console that I really like as a feature.

Would recommend Volvo… but only with the PHEV powertrain and a premium trim.

I'm on well water and the hot water has always had a bit of a sulfur rotten-egg smell to it. Harmless but annoying. Well, I finally got fed up with it and on internet advice tried replacing the original water heater anode rod with a powered anode rod. A very DIY-friendly job, and it has completely fixed the problem. Should have done this way sooner!

Friday Checkin. This pic should cover it.

It’s snowing, but I’ve already taken my winter tires off. I’d like to speak to a manager!

Tomorrow is Wales v England in the Six Nations rugby. A highlight of the Welsh rugby calendar. I will be in Conor O’Neills to watch it.

Quick sanity check. I’m constructing an 8x8 gravel pad, and have cut down two very old Yucca plants to make space. They have extensive strong roots. I don’t really want to dig a 5ft cubed hole to get them all out. Can I just douse them in weed killer and put the pad on top? I can’t imagine a yucca breaking through 6 inches of tightly packed gravel. Please tell me if that’s a bad idea :)

Quite the storm brewing. I hope it blows all the leaves out of my clogged gutters!

I ordered 10 sheets of decent plywood from Chelsea Lumber in Saline. It’s not like I can get it in the Mustang, so I need delivery, and if I’m going to the hassle of a delivery it makes sense as well get plenty… but damn! Wood is heckin’ expensive. I should have picked a cheaper hobby.

Currently on the London Underground, heading to Victoria for a final catch-up before I fly back tomorrow. The evil death stares when someone coughs is getting to be quite amusing.

Currently at DTW with a glass of wine. Heading to the UK for 6 nights to see family, friends, and pubs!

POWDER DAY! Had a brief few gaps in the cloud to grab these pics.

Jeeeeez, the roads are bad, and they got bad quickly. Lovely mix of snow/sleet/ice/rain.

2/2 Snowstorm: ★☆☆☆☆

Wrong kind of snow, and not enough of it. Would not recommend.

I was advised to get the chimney swept before I used it for the first time. Sweep came today! I’ve been looking forward to this since I bought the house.

Boxed.com has C19 home tests in stock and you can order up to 8 of them.