Disasters
Unimaginable disasters have happened in the last few weeks. My heart goes out to the people whose loved ones have died in both the airplane crashes, and to the people who lost their homes, their possessions, their all, in the California fires. We used to live in Pasadena close to the fires in Altadena and we remember the neighborhoods, friends’ homes and the high school that burnt down. So sad!
Hot water recirculation pumps
How long does it take for the hot water to come out of your tap? I have not actually counted the time it takes here, but I know it takes long, and a lot of water gets wasted in the process. Or, I just wash my hands with cold water. Thinking back to our home in Prescott, Arizona, I never had that problem; we had that beautiful home built in 2001, and we had immediate hot water every day, any time. I discovered that we had a hot water recirculation pump in our water system!
Last Friday, I found the item online and placed a call to our plumber – I left a message, because they were already closed for the weekend. I am hoping to hear back Monday morning and am so looking forward to get instant hot water again! The reviews I checked are unanimously positive: hot water recirculation pumps are a valuable addition to any home. They offer convenience, water and energy savings, and environmental benefits. Hot water circulator pumps are powerful for water conservation, saving as much as 1000 gallons per person annually. This type of pump does not directly impact gas consumption. Its main function is to regulate the flow of water. If you’re looking to reduce water waste, lower your utility bills, or enjoy instant hot water, a recirculating pump is a worthwhile investment. Bottom line: Recirculation Pumps Are a Must. Well, that did it for me! I am so happy and excited! I can’t wait!
Caregivers
I had a change of mind about looking for an evening caregiver for Mike. Those nighttimes we have together, talking Dutch, are so precious. He needs me, and then to let him be getting ready for bed by yet another stranger – I can’t do it. But the problem is solved!
Last Friday, I had an appointment with the Apex orthopedic surgeon to discuss the X-rays and my general low back pain. He suggested wearing a light back brace during the most stressful times, and also a warm pad with moist heat when sitting down for twenty minutes or so a day. Amazon to the rescue! I had a back brace in the house the same day and wore it at night. On Saturday, while I cooked dinner and had to stand for a long time, I wore it again, and then again on Sunday. The results are astounding. I went to bed without pain, had tremendous energy ever since Friday night (hence the cooking, which I hadn’t done in months), and I walked 3.5 miles both days. Oh Joy!
Last Saturday, and again this Saturday, I took Lani to the parking lot of Duke Primary Care at the end of our street. On one side of the parking lot, empty during weekends, is a bench. So we played ball! I sat on the bench and threw the ball for Lani to fetch. The problem is that she brings it back to me, but never wants to let go. So I have some treats in my pocket, and offer one in exchange for the ball every time, and thence lets me throw it again. Great fun! Afterwards, she carries it all the way back home.
Passport Renewals
Our passports will be expiring in April, that’s ten years after they were issued in Prescott, Arizona. Our son and daughter-in-law came over on Thursday to take care of that. It is amazing how many things you (they) can do online! There were forms to fill out and pictures to take. Official passport pictures! We used to go to Walgreens for those. But they did it! With a white board behind Mike in his chair, and a white wall behind me, they took a close-up headshot of each of us, according to the official measurements. It is the most ugly headshot I have ever seen of myself, and they took many headshots in my life! And it is not postage-stamp size either, no, it’s double the size of a rectangular postage stamp! The solace is that I will not be using my passport anytime soon. And I will carry my Driver License for an ID.
It’s dinner time, so until next time: be happy!
Ronny
Sounds like you’ve got things figured out, Ronny! Good for you. Especially the nighttime routine with Mike. A special time, indeed, and I’m glad you’re able to continue for the time being using the back brace. We can all use just a bit of shoring up from time to time! 😉
It takes a long time for hot water to reach our kitchen tap as well. We looked into a recirculation pump but there is a reason we couldn’t have one installed, but it escapes me. So, I take an empty cleaned milk jug and as the water warms up, I fill it and water plants or put it in the bird bath. That way I don’t feel guilty as water washes down the drain. Wish we could get the pump though. A lovely luxury.
Keep the blogs coming as your busy schedule permits. Love reading them!
Always a joy to read your news. Like you, I love our hot water as soon as I turn on the tap. And saves so much water and electricity. I will write a separate note about your back brace. Carol