The plumber did not show up.

This is not an uncommon occurrence. Here’s how it went: I called a plumber, and asked to schedule an appointment. The level of detail on these calls varies; this time I said that my basement floods sometimes, and I wanted to have my house drain inspected for blockages. The plumber offered me an appointment from ten to two on Wednesday, but I told them I needed to leave the house at noon and could they get there earlier? They said sure; eight to noon? I agreed, we booked it, and I crossed “PLUMBER” off of my list of things to do that day.