Those of you who "know" me, know that I love to read. I was the proud reader of 113 books in 2015. Then I received a Kindle Fire for Christmas from my daughter. I signed up with "Overdrive" at our public library that let's me check out books on line. Well, I'm off to a good start on my 2016 reading list, now sitting with 13 books done and #14 in the works. Bear in mind that I am retired (YES! note hand pump and fist bump here!) and it's cold outside, so what's a fella gotta do but sit by the fire and read! Of course, I also have my days and nights turned around, a result of staying up late reading. I love reading on the Kindle Fire, and I still love holding the actual paper volume in my hand, but e reading means I don't have to get out in the cold. My son and family got me an Amazon Kindle Book gift card, so I can even buy a book if I want to. I'm saving it for something very special that I might see that piques my interest. But, I read on!
Until next time,
Peace,
JE
Friday, January 29, 2016
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
The Broken Switch!
Sunday evening as I prepared to take my evening shower, I flipped the light switch in the master bath. Nothing. Of course i jiggled the switch, nothing! There is another switch which controls just the lights above the medicine cabinet. Those worked, so I went ahead, showered and thought I'd worry about it on Monday. Yesterday, I purchased a new single pole switch at Walmart in preparation for my journey into electrical repairs.
(Let it be known, in 70+ years, I have installed new plugs on the end of extension cords and screwed in light bulbs. That being the full scope of my electrical experience. Oh, I handed tools to my former college roomie when he came from Ohio to help [read here: he did the work] wire my new garage back in 1994.)
Today I made several trips up and down the cellar steps, which involves opening a trap door on my screened porch, clambering down 9 steep rickety steps to the circuit breaker box. Of course, the breaker to the bathroom was not marked, so it involved guessing, flipping, trekking up the steps across the entire house, thru the master bedroom and checking if the above-the-sink lights were on. After about 5 tries, I found the right breaker. I removed the cover of the switch, removed the old switch, and attempted to install the new one. To no avail. The new switch had the ground screw in a different place and the ground wire wasn't long enough to reach it. Hmmm! Now this called for a trip to my local True Value Hardware store. I knew Walmart only had the one style, so I took the old one along, and found just what I needed for $.85 less than what I paid for the other one. Back at home I installed the new switch, went down and turned the breaker back on, Nothing! What the heck is going on. Another trip down the stairs, turn off breaker, back up and tried it again. There was one wire that I wasn't sure exactly where it went. I thought I knew, but obviously, I was wrong. Frustrating to say the least.
My friend Curley texted me and wondered why I didn't come to our club meeting at the Senior Center today, and I told her what I was doing. She said that if I needed help, let her know and she and her hubby Phil would stop by after work. After one more try, another trek down, up and down, I sent her an HELP! text. About 4 PM, they rolled in, I explained to Phil what was going on. He checked everything out, reinstalled the switch, still nothing. I happened to have a power checker (layman's term) and he used it and said I was getting power, but it was only going to one switch and if one didn't work. neither would work. He reversed the wires. Nothing. Bear in mind that I was trekking up and down, Curley was standing in the doorway, and she was relaying "breaker off, breaker on" messages to Phil. Finally Phil decided that the one odd wire was to go into the switch on the bottom instead of the top. New wiring isn't done this way anymore, but this add-on to my house was done in 1995, so times have changed. So he moved that wire, hooked it up and we had lights. The only trouble was, when he put the switch back in the hole, then it wouldn't work. Investigating this called for Phil and I both to trek to the cellar, take off the face of the breaker box, pull the breaker, clean the contact, and reinstall all of the above. Nothing. So once more, Phil took off the switch, tried the back wire, and found that it had a small kink that was letting it slip as he tightened the switch back into the wall. At long last, he solved the problem. So once more I trekked down. threw the breaker, and "hallelujah" let there be light! I thanked them over and over, and Curley said that Phil had learned electrical "stuff" when they built their house, barn and wired the basement. Guess his step dad was an electrician and taught him all he needed to know.
What did I learn from this experience? Just call someone who knows more than I do about a problem when it arises. Lot less stress on the old man. I also learned what treasurers good friends are!(Which, incidentally, I already knew. These two have been my salvation since my wife died.)
Until Next Time,
Peace (and light)
JE
(Let it be known, in 70+ years, I have installed new plugs on the end of extension cords and screwed in light bulbs. That being the full scope of my electrical experience. Oh, I handed tools to my former college roomie when he came from Ohio to help [read here: he did the work] wire my new garage back in 1994.)
Today I made several trips up and down the cellar steps, which involves opening a trap door on my screened porch, clambering down 9 steep rickety steps to the circuit breaker box. Of course, the breaker to the bathroom was not marked, so it involved guessing, flipping, trekking up the steps across the entire house, thru the master bedroom and checking if the above-the-sink lights were on. After about 5 tries, I found the right breaker. I removed the cover of the switch, removed the old switch, and attempted to install the new one. To no avail. The new switch had the ground screw in a different place and the ground wire wasn't long enough to reach it. Hmmm! Now this called for a trip to my local True Value Hardware store. I knew Walmart only had the one style, so I took the old one along, and found just what I needed for $.85 less than what I paid for the other one. Back at home I installed the new switch, went down and turned the breaker back on, Nothing! What the heck is going on. Another trip down the stairs, turn off breaker, back up and tried it again. There was one wire that I wasn't sure exactly where it went. I thought I knew, but obviously, I was wrong. Frustrating to say the least.
My friend Curley texted me and wondered why I didn't come to our club meeting at the Senior Center today, and I told her what I was doing. She said that if I needed help, let her know and she and her hubby Phil would stop by after work. After one more try, another trek down, up and down, I sent her an HELP! text. About 4 PM, they rolled in, I explained to Phil what was going on. He checked everything out, reinstalled the switch, still nothing. I happened to have a power checker (layman's term) and he used it and said I was getting power, but it was only going to one switch and if one didn't work. neither would work. He reversed the wires. Nothing. Bear in mind that I was trekking up and down, Curley was standing in the doorway, and she was relaying "breaker off, breaker on" messages to Phil. Finally Phil decided that the one odd wire was to go into the switch on the bottom instead of the top. New wiring isn't done this way anymore, but this add-on to my house was done in 1995, so times have changed. So he moved that wire, hooked it up and we had lights. The only trouble was, when he put the switch back in the hole, then it wouldn't work. Investigating this called for Phil and I both to trek to the cellar, take off the face of the breaker box, pull the breaker, clean the contact, and reinstall all of the above. Nothing. So once more, Phil took off the switch, tried the back wire, and found that it had a small kink that was letting it slip as he tightened the switch back into the wall. At long last, he solved the problem. So once more I trekked down. threw the breaker, and "hallelujah" let there be light! I thanked them over and over, and Curley said that Phil had learned electrical "stuff" when they built their house, barn and wired the basement. Guess his step dad was an electrician and taught him all he needed to know.
What did I learn from this experience? Just call someone who knows more than I do about a problem when it arises. Lot less stress on the old man. I also learned what treasurers good friends are!(Which, incidentally, I already knew. These two have been my salvation since my wife died.)
Until Next Time,
Peace (and light)
JE
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Weather, whether we like it or not!
Winter arrived with a vengeance. We have snow, but the mistletoe is put away! And cold??? My thermometer and the NWS report said -3F. I'm no good at Math to know how many degrees that is C, and quite frankly, (Dear Scarlet) I don't give a damn! Ha! The furnace just seems to keep on keeping on and doesn't shut off much, if at all. I am dressed warmly, yet still feel a draft, one of the drawbacks to forced air heating, even when the air is warm!
Because we have so many students that walk to either the bus stops or to school, the schools close if the temperature gets below 0, so I know my grands are in at home where it's warm. Blowing snow and drifting roads have closed the schools in the country for the last two days. Gee, we never missed school because of weather. My how times have changed.
We have had a unseasonably warm winter up until now, so no complaints, or at least very few from my little part of the world. It's just cold. (Not as cold as my Canadian friends are experiencing, though.) I seriously wonder how they stand the sub-zero temps and the tons of snow they get this time of year. I guess it's all what we get used to. Gosh, as I was growing up on beautiful Lukens Lake, my brother and I didn't give it a thought to ice skating, or sledding or ice fishing all winter long. Were we young and stupid, or just young and lots more durable than we are now. My brother lives in Texas and won't even consider visiting me here in Indiana during the winter months. So, I guess I am more durable that he, or just crazy.
So whether we like it or not, winter weather is here, for now. But March isn't that far away!
My apologies for the boring weather entry. But what else is there to write about? I am just staying home where it's warm, reading, crocheting, crafting, and napping...not necessarily in that order.
Until next time,
Peace,
JE
Because we have so many students that walk to either the bus stops or to school, the schools close if the temperature gets below 0, so I know my grands are in at home where it's warm. Blowing snow and drifting roads have closed the schools in the country for the last two days. Gee, we never missed school because of weather. My how times have changed.
We have had a unseasonably warm winter up until now, so no complaints, or at least very few from my little part of the world. It's just cold. (Not as cold as my Canadian friends are experiencing, though.) I seriously wonder how they stand the sub-zero temps and the tons of snow they get this time of year. I guess it's all what we get used to. Gosh, as I was growing up on beautiful Lukens Lake, my brother and I didn't give it a thought to ice skating, or sledding or ice fishing all winter long. Were we young and stupid, or just young and lots more durable than we are now. My brother lives in Texas and won't even consider visiting me here in Indiana during the winter months. So, I guess I am more durable that he, or just crazy.
So whether we like it or not, winter weather is here, for now. But March isn't that far away!
My apologies for the boring weather entry. But what else is there to write about? I am just staying home where it's warm, reading, crocheting, crafting, and napping...not necessarily in that order.
Until next time,
Peace,
JE
Monday, January 11, 2016
On Getting Older
' Growing older means different things to different people. To some it means being free to travel to the places they have only dreamed of. To others, it might mean finally being able to just stay home. To relax and not have to think about getting up and heading out to work. Others might think of it as a time to spend sharing talents and love. Of course, there are those who love just spending time with family and friends.
For me, getting older means something entirely different. It means being alone most of the time. It means not having anyone to share those special moments with. It means crying alone over a sentimental TV show or not being able to share a passage from an excellent novel. It means going to bed alone night after night and missing that other body that used to lie beside me. It means knowing that there are very few people out there who really care what happens to me. It means going days and days without hearing the phone ring, or having someone knock on my door for an unexpected visit. It means not really having a purpose to my life anymore. What I did and said used to matter, but now getting anyone's attention long enough to have them listen to me is almost impossible. It means that growing older has put me on a shelf where I am left like an old "knick' knack" that nobody cares about any longer.'
I wrote this last year in June. I found it today stuck in a magazine. Looking back, I am wondering what happened to put me in this much of a "funk." There are times that I do get depressed, some of the reasons are mentioned in the paragraphs above. But, in the grand scheme of things, I am damn lucky in a lot of respects, too. I am healthy for my age, I have enough money to at least get by, I have an adoring family and lots of friends. So, maybe I need to rethink and do some retrospection about my life, get on with it, and make the most of what years there are ahead. Who knows how much trouble I can get into by charging ahead!
I saw a quote earlier today that went something like this: "When my life is over I don't want it to end quietly because I was cautious, I want to come sliding into the end saying,' damn, what a ride.'"
Until next time,
Peace,
JE
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Some Days Are Like That
Today was one of those days. I didn't do anything. I didn't dust, sweep, do laundry, make my bed...nothing. I didn't even get dressed. I started in the recliner reading on my tablet, then moved to the sofa with my tablet, and had Pandora Radio playing softly. After a while, I decided I just wanted quiet, and do nothing. I closed my tablet, turned of the radio and just vegged on the sofa under my down-filled quilt. I stayed there all day. And I didn't really nap. I just was there, thinking my own thoughts, looking out the window, and letting the world turn.
Finally, about 5:00 PM, I showered, put on another set of lay-around clothes and fixed dinner, which consisted of a toasted PB sandwich, some chips, and a glass of wine.
Tonight, I watched some Netflix, read a bit, and now, I am going to bed. Maybe it would seem like a wasted day to some, but this was sheer enjoyment to me. I don't do this too often, but some days are just like that!
Until next time,
Peace,
JE
Finally, about 5:00 PM, I showered, put on another set of lay-around clothes and fixed dinner, which consisted of a toasted PB sandwich, some chips, and a glass of wine.
Tonight, I watched some Netflix, read a bit, and now, I am going to bed. Maybe it would seem like a wasted day to some, but this was sheer enjoyment to me. I don't do this too often, but some days are just like that!
Until next time,
Peace,
JE
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Old Friends
Today I met up with an old HS friend for lunch. We met at a local Bob Evans. He was there before me, and I stood waiting on the hostess because I wasn't sure where he was seated. After all, I hadn't seen him since I graduated 52 years ago. I told the hostess this and that I wasn't sure I would recognize him. She quietly pointed out a fellow that had said he was meeting an old friend as she seated him. Yes, as he looked my way I caught his profile and knew instantly that it was him.
For the next 3 hours we enjoyed getting caught up on the past decades. I learned that he had been married twice, the second time now for over 30 years, had 3 children, and 3 step children. He also had served in both the Marines and the Army and retired from the Army only a few years ago. He has a bunch of grandkids and even some greats. He has traveled the world over. We were both a lot more interesting now than we were 52 years ago when he and I spend numerous hours camping, swimming and going to dances at school.
I found that as we talked, the years just seemed to fall away. He remembered things that happened that I had forgotten as did I. He seemed truly interested in what I had been doing for the last 52 years, too. We chastised ourselves for waiting all this time to reconnect when we only lived 40 minutes from each other now.
What I learned from today that time is short. Time passes way too fast and we shouldn't waste a minute of it. I am glad Lee and I were able to reconnect. We promised each other we would get together again soon. A very pleasant way to spend 3 hours.
Until next time,
Peace,
JE
For the next 3 hours we enjoyed getting caught up on the past decades. I learned that he had been married twice, the second time now for over 30 years, had 3 children, and 3 step children. He also had served in both the Marines and the Army and retired from the Army only a few years ago. He has a bunch of grandkids and even some greats. He has traveled the world over. We were both a lot more interesting now than we were 52 years ago when he and I spend numerous hours camping, swimming and going to dances at school.
I found that as we talked, the years just seemed to fall away. He remembered things that happened that I had forgotten as did I. He seemed truly interested in what I had been doing for the last 52 years, too. We chastised ourselves for waiting all this time to reconnect when we only lived 40 minutes from each other now.
What I learned from today that time is short. Time passes way too fast and we shouldn't waste a minute of it. I am glad Lee and I were able to reconnect. We promised each other we would get together again soon. A very pleasant way to spend 3 hours.
Until next time,
Peace,
JE
Sunday, January 3, 2016
Parent/Child Bonding
Yesterday I had the privilege of spending almost the entire day with my son. This doesn't happen very often. He is married, has 3 little ones, well, 7,5,and 2 is little to me. He works 2 jobs and is a good father, husband, and son. Quite a feat for a 40 year old guy.
We left town early in the AM and headed to a little out-of-the-way cafe for breakfast. Over mush, oatmeal and toast, we attempted to solve all the world's problems. Then we headed into the nearest City for some retail therapy. Incidentally, we do both love to shop. We hit the large mall for one stop, entering J C Penney at the lower level right into the men's department. Then on to Target and Hobby Lobby. A stop at the "bread store," Burlington Coat Factory, and Michael's Crafts rounded out our spree. On the way back to the car, my son said, "Ok Dad, I'm done, tired and ready to go home." Secretly I was glad he said that because my feet were tired and I was needing more sitting time.
We headed back home, taking a different route, one that neither of us were familiar with, but seemed to be shorter only because it bypassed several stop lights and highway construction. Arriving back home, I helped him unload his purchases and went on home for a nap.
What a wonderful day. I live for days like this.
Until next time,
Peace,
JE
We left town early in the AM and headed to a little out-of-the-way cafe for breakfast. Over mush, oatmeal and toast, we attempted to solve all the world's problems. Then we headed into the nearest City for some retail therapy. Incidentally, we do both love to shop. We hit the large mall for one stop, entering J C Penney at the lower level right into the men's department. Then on to Target and Hobby Lobby. A stop at the "bread store," Burlington Coat Factory, and Michael's Crafts rounded out our spree. On the way back to the car, my son said, "Ok Dad, I'm done, tired and ready to go home." Secretly I was glad he said that because my feet were tired and I was needing more sitting time.
We headed back home, taking a different route, one that neither of us were familiar with, but seemed to be shorter only because it bypassed several stop lights and highway construction. Arriving back home, I helped him unload his purchases and went on home for a nap.
What a wonderful day. I live for days like this.
Until next time,
Peace,
JE
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