Water Well Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/767379
pump statistics such as well depth, water level, and the pump and motor horsepower, model, and serial numbers. During this interval I noticed the temperature had fallen somewhat and a real chill in the air had also formed. I also remembered my background noise, intended to function as a distraction and motivator, filled the air from my trusty Blaupunkt radio with many of the new 1979 songs originating from the speakers. That, as they say in crime dramas, was the last noise that I ever heard from it. As I started down the well with the pump, snow began to fall, lightly at first, and then gradually more until it became heavy after about 15 minutes. I completely forgot about the radio during this time as all I thought was "I've got to hurry to finish to get this pump down the well as fast as I can and then get out of here. It's cold!" About four hours later, the pump was fully installed and the wellhead but- toned up. I suddenly realized I had been so intent on my work I had not heard a peep from my trusty Blaupunkt in a few hours. Immediately upon this realiza- tion, I began to desperately dig through the now four to six inches of fresh pow- der white snow occupying the former location of my trusty Blaupunkt. When I eventually found and uncovered the radio, it was on but not playing regard- less of where I tuned. I then threw it back into the cab, proceeded to finish the installation, tear down the hoist, and after a cup of steaming hot chocolate graciously provided by the owner and his wife, headed back to Salem. Following my return, I took the radio to a radio repair shop only to be in- formed the moisture had invaded the case and crept into the inner electronics, and yes, my Blaupunkt was dead. Fol- lowing an appropriate and respectful ceremony (of which I shall spare all of you the details), I had to finally face my radio was gone forever. So, how does this story end? This column was written only after I recently heard a song played on Sirius satellite radio that caused memories to flood back to my consciousness. I could never find another radio, Blaupunkt or other- wise, that was able to receive and play the songs the way that Blaupunkt did. And even if I could have found one, it would never be able to receive and play the music of the 70s the same way I heard them. Sure, it may have been able to literally play the songs, but it could never repeat the emotions and anticipation I had for my impending life and new love I felt during those years. A new radio could never substitute for the radio that first played "The Best of My Love," my wife's favorite song by the Eagles, with the accompanying over- whelming happiness and pride after I knew the song and words were actually directed from her towards me. No, all of those emotions and many more are memories of songs and days gone by that only my trusty Blaupunkt and I could share. Until next month, work safe and smart. ENGINEERING from page 45 WWJ Ed Butts, PE, CPI, is the chief engineer at 4B Engineering & Consulting, Salem, Oregon. He has more than 40 years of experience in the water well business, specializing in engineering and business management. He can be reached at epbpe@juno.com. waterwelljournal.com 46 January 2017 WWJ