Almost a year ago, Julie suggested it might be a good idea to get a pressure washer. We could wash the cars with it, and clean the patio slabs too. I went online, and bought the best size and type for us, which was delivered by Amazon the next day. My neighbour has the same kind, and informed me that I would need a different hose system to make it work.
The existing hose was the ‘expandable’ type, and the end connectors were unsuitable for the pressure washer. I thanked him, and told him I would investigate changing the hose system. So the pressure washer was left (unopened) in its box, and stored away.
A brief bit of research on the new hose system required threw up so many options, the techno-section of my brain couldn’t cope. They ranged in price from £25 to £100, but they all looked the same to my untrained eye. So I did what I always do in such situations, and went into ‘avoidance mode’. The existing hose was working okay, so I left it in place, and deliberately didn’t look at the new pressure washer in its box when I walked past it.
Then last autumn, our grand-daughter was in the garden enjoying the late sunshine, and she wanted to play with some water. I turned on the hose to discover it had perished, and was leaking all over from cracks and stuck joints. So I disconnected it, and threw it away. Winter was coming, and I had no need for another hose at that time of year.
From December to February, I was preoccupied with Ollie being ill, and eventually dying. The hose and pressure washer were the last things on my mind. Then last week we had a few nice days, and Julie reminded me about the dust-gathering pressure washer, and the absence of any working hose. So yesterday I drove into town and went to one of those shops beloved by men who adore tools and DIY gadgets. (For UK readers, it is a large branch of Screwfix)
The man behind the counter looked weary and impatient as I explained what I needed. With the knowledge of someone who probably knows how to operate every tool and device ever invented, he looked at me with what was obviously undisguised pity. Then he stopped my ramblings by telling me that any hose system he had in his shop would be suitable to work with the pressure washer, so I could happily buy any they had for sale.
And the choice was huge.
You have to know me well to realise that I was unconvinced by his assurances. On the verge of leaving the shop undecided, I knew in my heart that would only mean driving back another time, so purchased his mid-price offering at £40. A 25-metre (82 feet) hose on a reel, with the necessary connectors included in the box. (So he said) It has a 30-day money back guarantee, and an additional 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
That box is now resting unopened next to the unopened box of the pressure washer. And I am sitting here trying to think of a good reason not to open either box later today.
Wish me luck.
beetleypete 