As I boasted a few months ago, I continue to love my water softener and filtration system that we had installed. Although I didn't have any problems with the water other than the occasional stain on a shirt, the water never really tasted very good. I spoiled myself with soft water years ago living in San Diego and I've missed it ever since.

While I never had it on Guam until recently, I did have mini-fantasies about it whilst I was scrubbing off the hard water deposits on my glass shower doors everyday.

For my first six years here I resorted to a Britta (sp?) water pitcher and got by just fine. Finally after lusting over the big whirlpool water softener I passed frequently in Home Depot, I gave my contractor his next mission. Along with the water softener came a filter system. I changed out the first filter a couple months ago and didn't think to take a photo. What you see here, is about 2 months of use in a small household by two adults and a very spoiled and precocious little girl I call "the monster".

The coloring is a bit off in the photo, it's more of a shade of dark dark red. Most likely just sediment, it's about the same color as the dirt around here.

So there you have it…