September 27: Don't Run the Heater Upside-Down

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

​I took a ride on Wyatt. Got the stirrups figured out. I like Wyatt’s gaits. Between getting the stirrups a good length and some experience, cantering was easier. When walking, I keep wanting to close my eyes and absorb the rhythm, but I figure that’s not safe. 

My heater was leaking oil. I told Sam, and before dinner Filip told me that he had turned it upside down and it would be fine for one night. At 8:30, I went back to my room, opened the door, and was assailed by smoke and burnt-oil smell. I quickly turned off the heater and unplugged it. I opened the doors and turned on the fans. Even the bathroom was full of smoke. It took half an hour for my room to clear enough to go to bed. The bathroom took longer. I sprayed Febreeze and left my door open a crack for a  while to let the last bits out. Even this morning the bathroom smelled and some of my clothes did, too. 

Of course, people knew about it last night. It’s hard to miss smoke pouring out of your living quarters. Keith and Wes looked at the heater and said, “Well, I’m going to have a beer.” Sam gave me his heater. I’m just thankful there wasn’t a fire.