Hot water recirculation pump
That was a dream that did not come true. The plumber who checked it out told me some of the disadvantages: if the pump was on, I could get immediate hot water, but not cold. So I could not wash my hands in warm and then brush my teeth with cold water – just to name an example; plus, it needed weekly maintenance. Well, I did not need another maintenance job, so I decided against it. However, the plumber showed me that the water heater was installed in 2011. Its life expectancy is 8 – 10 years. So instead of a recirculation pump I have set up an appointment for a new water heater. And no, I do not get a discount for turning in the old one, even though it is in good shape 🙁
Car key trouble
Last week, when I left for Physical Therapy early in the morning, a message appeared on my dashboard: Car key battery low. That was new to me. OK, I decided, I will get some fruit at Lowes after PT and then go to the AAA office down the street. It did not work. When I got back to the car with my fruit, I could not open it. I knew there is a spare key in that key, but I could not get it out. Back in the store: I called a young man to the rescue (those young people know all kind of technical stuff, right?). To make a long story short: he got the little spare key out, walked back to the car with me, but it did not work. With the help of another employee, who had a special tool, he opened the car key, bought a battery for me and put it in. No charge. “I like to do nice things for people” he said. Back to the car: it still did not open the car. I suggested I would call AAA roadside assistance. Yes, but my membership card was in the car, together with my driver license; I had only taken my credit card to buy fruit. He called the AAA number for me, I talked to them and arranged a tow to my house. It would take an hour and a half before they could be there.
It was then that I called Dennis. He told me to cancel the tow and wait for him. Did I have a spare key somewhere in the house? Yes, in a secret hiding place. He found it and together with his wife he came and found me in the parking lot. He got the little key out of the car key, and opened the door with it. Just like that! Then he drove my car home with the spare key and I went home with my daughter-in-law and the groceries.
Back home, Dennis discovered that the store employee had put the new battery in upside down; he advised to leave the spare key in a place close to the front door, and that was that. How wonderful to have a smart son within a five mile distance!
A Winter Storm
Yesterday, we had a bright blue sky and hard wind. I took a lovely walk in the neighborhood by myself. Dinner from the Chef was delicious and we had a nice evening. But they were warning for a fierce winter storm. I heard that the shelves in grocery stores were half empty, batteries were hard to get, a doctor’s appointment was cancelled, as was PT. People seemed really scared. But nothing indicated that a storm was brewing. Until this morning. The sky was overcast and the wind had died down. It was kind of eery. On my walk I did not see a soul, nor a car; all flags had disappeared from the homes, the blinds closed. There was not a sound in the neighborhood: it was waiting for the storm. And then, exactly as predicted, the snow started falling at 10:30 a.m. Very light flakes at first, and now, in the afternoon, there is a one inch layer on the patio fence. How beautiful! We’ll see what happens next.
Someone warned for blackouts when power lines are icy. OK, we have two lanterns and a lot of candles. Yes, but when Mike is stretched out in his recliner and there is no electricity, he can’t get out. Well, for today there is no threat of icy power lines and blackouts. So we hope for the best and enjoy the beauty of the falling snow. A home-cooked dinner tonight, André Rieu, on the TV and a good book!
Little things mean a lot
Just like the employee at Lowes Grocery store, there are other people that drop little moments of joy at the most unexpected times. An Amazon driver wrote on the outside of a large box: Thank you so much! Have a nice day! And a delivery boy left a note on a food order from a restaurant: Ronny Hope you’re having the most amazing day ever! Spreading smiles and kindness. Enjoy! 🙂 Your dasher Kobey. Happy Holidays!
Those little things warm my heart. They are gifts from people who care about others and show it. I have taped those messages on the inside of my front door; I see them every day and smile…
Until next time,
Ronny