Remorse

The plumber turned up 5.00pm the next day. I wasn't home, Lib was. He gave her back the whole $260. Lib tried to make him him keep $160 but he wouldn't. She said I'd post it to him, he said he'd send it back. He also brought back the jar of honey. He told Lib I should be careful of my temper, and that I could get myself into serious trouble threatening people.
I've felt sick with remorse ever since. I was justified querying the charge and requesting a refund, but I should have remained calm, even when he became surly and argumentative. I would never try to avoid payment for any goods and services I'd received from anyone. After considerable anguish I decided to the best course of action was to send him a cheque for $160 which I had established would be the fair price for the work. I'd learned this from my plumber friend in Wangaratta, and from another plumber who recently installed our new kitchen sink and mixer, but who was not a gas fitter. He suggested I send a cheque and ask for a receipt so I have proof of payment.
Despite telling the plumber I knew where he lived during our heated argument, I didn't know his address to post him the cheque. So I rang the mobile phone number I had, just after I'd written para 2. There was no one of his name in the phone book in Silvan. He was unreceptive, saying he didn't want my money, he didn't like being a called a liar and a thief, and if he ever heard from me or saw me again I'd be in serious trouble. "Alright, have it your way," I said hanging up.
I didn't use the words liar and thief. I didn't even threaten him directly. I was bluffing, in a brazen and, in retrospect, impulsive and foolish manner, to retrieve $100 I felt I'd been overcharged. With a few words not carefully chosen, but too effective in their intimidation, he concluded there was a possibility I was unhinged and ready to explode like Maria's emu egg. I don't repeat them here, this being a public forum. It's best to forget about it and donate the $160 to a charity.
I've learned a lesson from it. $100 isn't worth upsetting another human being for. Before I engage any plumber or tradesman in a situation where I can shop around I'll first establish all rates and charges before any work happens. I hope my plumber antagonist has learned the same lessons.

On a happier note the electrician came on Thursday to fit the new oven. He charged $70 as he said he would if it was straightforward. This component was priced at $140 in the original Clive Peeters fee. He stayed a little longer to look at my faulty electric uncapping knife and still only asked for $70. I gave him $120 cash and thanked him, saying I was still saving on the original installation quote.
The range hood is my one last hurdle in this kitchen project. I need a cabinet maker as the cupboards need some altering. I've rung one who came recently to cut a new sinkhole in our jarra benchtop. Nearly there.