Saturday, January 16, 2016

Keeping Those Little Things Little



              I'm celebrating each Saturday or Sunday with Ruth Ayres at Discover Play Build. Come join in to share your own special celebrations.



            It was a good week, starting Monday with those wonderfully exciting Youth Media Awards. I have enjoyed all the writing from authors and book bloggers in reflection since Monday. I had a good meeting with the teacher I'm working with, I had the grand-girls more often than usual because my daughter was on an art trip and I was giving a little relief to their papa.  I had another time at the bookstore, and on Friday, had my car in for the usual maintenance--all good!
          But yesterday (Did you imagine a "but" coming?) something happened that just made me tired, tired of figuring out stuff. Afterwards, I felt like celebrating, but during the late afternoon and into the evening, I was so frustrated. It was a Friday, the beginning of a long weekend, and as I sat writing, I noticed I was getting chilly. The thermostat showed a temp lower than usual. I have two systems, radiators run by a boiler and air-conditioning from another unit. I can hear the boiler running just as everyone can hear the forced-air furnaces, and this time I could hear it running. but the radiators were cool. Eventually, as the hours passed, they became cold. And the temp dropped. 


          I went to the basement and nothing seemed wrong; the pipes leading to the house were hot. Ugh! I searched so many sites online, read, ate dinner, kept searching, wondering if I should call for repairs?  I am not usually daunted by solving problems, yet there are times I want the problem to just GO AWAY!  It did not. I celebrate that I kept up my quest, and there in one 'fix-it' thread, someone mentioned batteries for the thermostat. Although that little battery symbol was not showing, I changed the batteries and it worked! It was a little thing, and I have changed them before, but that time, the thermostat signaled the need. I celebrate that I didn't call anyone, kept searching, and this morning, warm and toasty! 
         Wait, there's more! As I was writing, the thermometer began to go down again, and then, a radiator began buzzing. Again I went to the basement, and all looked/seemed fine. The buzzing continued, so, sad to say I called the person that has helped me in my heating/air-conditioning problems before. He's terrific, and although it is a Saturday, he came out. While he was on his way, the buzzing stopped and the heat started again.
         He found nothing wrong. We spoke of a few things I should watch for if this happened again, and the radiators continue to, well, heat!
         I am happy to celebrate persistence, and also must celebrate patiences, trust and experts. I'm not very patient sometimes, just want things fixed NOW. As I finish writing,  t's time to go read other posts, and trust that all will be okay.

24 comments:

  1. How about a story or poem about a haunted radiator? Hope it keeps going!

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    1. Now that it's afternoon, and I've been out on a few errands, so far, so good, Jane. Yes, that's what I'll call it, "haunted radiator'! Ha! Good to laugh.

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  2. Oh goodness, how I dislike home repairs. I always feel at such a loss. I would've broken down and called way before that! I hope you're done with any heating errors. Enjoy the weekend!

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    1. Thanks, Michelle, so far it's heating! I don't like them either-obviously!

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  3. This kind of situation would have got most people frustrated so I admire your patience. I celebrate working heaters and warmth.

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    1. Yes! That is another thing to celebrate. Thanks, Terje.

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  4. Love this story, Linda. You are so persistent. Isn't that just like the machines in our lives? To start working again once we've broken down and placed a call? Radiators have their own charm (and challenges). I loved the one in my college dorm room. It was at the foot of the bed and kept my toes toasty warm!

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    1. I do like this new kind of heat. We had our particular troubles through the years with forced air, too. I think I had envisioned a lovely weekend of reading and writing, & then this happened. Best laid plans, etc. Thanks, Ramona.

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  5. I have had the same problem with the battery and the thermostat TWICE! Both times, I was ready to call a repair man before I realized I just needed a new battery. That would have been one expensive service call! I hope the rest of your winter is warm and cozy!

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    1. The serviceman is kind of a friend now, & he knows that I recommend him & use him when I really need repairs. He didn't charge me at all this time, just trouble-shot everything & hopefully nothing else will happen. He couldn't find anything wrong. Thanks, Jennifer.

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  6. Oh yes. Things like car repairs and home repairs can frustrate me. Celebrating you persistence with you!

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    1. Thanks, I guess it's frustrating with most people. When you're planning something else, life happens!

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  7. I'm so proud of you! I can just see you doing a happy dance when you figured out the thermostat needed a battery. Even if you needed to call for a little help, you prevailed. Here's hoping for a warm and cozy house!

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    1. Thank you, Julieanne. Yes, a very happy dance!

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  8. There is nothing worse than a home repair...unless it is a car repair. Dislike both! Glad it wasn't anything serious!

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    1. I'm glad too, & glad the car was okay yesterday! Thanks, Leigh Anne!

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  9. I GIVE YOU A LOT OF CREDIT FOR TRYING TO FIGURE IT OUT FOR YOURSELF. IF I HAVEN'T HAD THE PROBLEM BEFORE, I HOLLER UNCLE IMMEDIATELY!

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    1. Thanks, Bernadette. I know that many complain about the internet, but I find it very helpful when I need advice. And I really didn't want to call anyone to come out in the evening if I could help it, thus, the frenetic searching!

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  10. Linda, as you got into your but I could feel the temperature of your home since during Superstorm Sandy all of Long Island suffered. I remember the coldness i the house that lasted for 14 days. Heating issues are very troubling. I am so amazed that you said you are not patient but that you weathered this storm with perseverance and patience on top of that. I hope you stay warm this weekend and keep on celebrating.

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    1. Oh Carol, I think I was okay because I knew that a fix could happen, and I just put on a few more layers, but I am impatient, wanting a fast fix. This was nothing like catastrophe as you all experienced with Sandy or in other awful times. Thanks for the kind words!

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  11. I applaud your patience and diligence in trying to figure out the problem. I hope you stay cozy and warm.

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    1. Thanks, Crystal, still messing with the thermostat which is where I really think the problem is. I will prevail!

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  12. I am so happy that this story has a happy ending!!!! Stay warm, my friend!

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