A few notes after a day of knocking things off the “to do” list.

• I’ve used QUIKRETE before, but never for setting a post. Just pour the dry concrete mix into the hole (after placing the post), and add one gallon of water for every 50 lbs of mix. The stuff sets in about 45 minutes, and you can apply stress to the post after only four hours. No mixing required. Ain’t technology wonderful?
• Seeing as how I had only one hole to dig, I did it the old-fashioned way: with a post hole digger and a Texas toothpick. Note to self: wear gloves next time.
• From the hammer’s point of view, a thumb looks just like a fence staple.
• It’s always a good idea to remove the old part and take it to the auto parts store when you go shopping for its replacement. It’ll save you from having to make another trip when you realize that the part you got isn’t the part you need.
• I shouldn’t have to remove a dozen screws with three different tools in order to replace a relay.
• A PVC union is an ingenious device. But remember to put thread compound on the threads of the device itself, in addition to the threads of the two pipes you’re attaching it to.