[Note: This is another blog based on my weekly emails to my family on the mainland. Since much of my news these days relates to trying to age gracefully, this series might be called The Geezer Gazette.
7/4//26
Aloha All!
Happy HOT 4th of July! And a special one, at that -- the 250th. There hasn't been as much hoopla here as elsewhere. Still, the town will set off fireworks tonight over Kailua Bay, and we're hoping the show might be a bit longer than usual. This year we won't be going down to the shoreline to see them. Instead, we are going to a pot-luck dinner at a neighbor's house and watching the fireworks from the lanai. I'll miss being up close, but at least we won't have to contend with the traffic and the crowds.
One of the frustrating waiting periods I wrote about last week is now over. On Wednesday our window film was replaced! The guy did a great job, and fortunately the old stuff came off easily. We were worried that it might crumble and make a huge mess. The new film is the same darkness as the old, so it looks about the same, but we can definitely see that it is clearer. The best part is that it didn't cost us a cent -- 3M honored the warranty totally. Not only that, the warranty is still in effect so that if the new film fails in any way they will replace it again. When we had the film installed 23 years ago we thought it was a bit pricey. Given that it lasted fine for two decades and that we now have a brand new application, I'd say it was a good deal. I have to hand it to 3M.
Something that hasn't had nearly the same longevity is our AV receiver, which crapped out this week after about 5 years. This unit is at the heart of our sound system for our t.v. and also for playing music which we stream from Pandora. Many electronic devices designed for indoor use don't fare well here. The salty air, coupled with a dose of acidic vog from the volcano, takes a toll on appliances, metal fixtures, and printed circuits. Of course, having a house that is open to the outside air 24/7/12 contributes to the problem. Anyway, the receiver is long since out of warranty, and repairing it is impractical. So, just in time for my birthday, I get a new techno-toy!! I ordered a new receiver from Costco online and it should be delivered late next week. The price was pretty good, but the best part about going through Costco is that if there is something wrong, I can return it to the local store for a refund. Costco also extends the warranty automatically. Ahh, nothing like the smell of new electronics for my birthday!
Another early birthday present arrived Thursday by UPS. This is Karen's present to me, though I picked it out and ordered it. It's a new guitar case! I know you're underwhelmed, but consider that the old one
came with the guitar she gave me 55 (!) years ago. The case wasn't very high quality to begin with, and after all these years it's no wonder it is barely in one piece. The guitar is better quality than the case, and the sound it can make far exceeds my playing ability. I have become very attached to it, playing almost every afternoon while I sip my beer before dinner. I could buy a new one but it would be like turning my back on an old friend. Nope, I intend to keep it and give it the home it deserves -- a nice cushy case. Happy birthday, guitar!
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| Happy Birdthday! |
In other news, the volcano spit up again, just hours after I wrote last week. It's 50th fountaining episode was a pretty good one, lasting seven hours and hitting a maximum height of 1000 feet. All signs point to a 51st episode soon, probably next week. Too bad it didn't happen today to supplement the fireworks around the country!
Ok, that's it from here. Stay cool, and again, have a fun and safe 4th of July. Carpe Vitam!
