INTERNET! SWEET INTERNET!
the repairman said that the problem was definitely on their end, as our cable connections on the outside of the house were 90% bad. he was amazed that our tv signal was still excellent despite the situation (apparently that would have clued us in a long time ago that our cable was in a bad state). but, now it's fixed! and? since we were his last trip on saturday? he gave us free cable tv. weeeeeeee! we had all the basic channels plus a couple ones offered with standard tv service before, but now we have CABLE! new addiction, here i come!
chsty and belle should be returning from tucson in a few hours and then we can celebrate! judging today went well! yay! happy saturday!