Wednesday 12 February 2020

Wednesday morning early.

Ice everywhere this morning.   My car is enveloped in a sheet of it and all the paths and roads are covered with it.   I shall not venture out today.

I came into my computer room about nine yesterday evening, switched on the light, the bulb fused and all the lights in the house went off.   Yes - I know and freely admit - I am a wimp where such things are concerned, having always left them to the man of the house throughout both of my marriages.   I now know this was a stupid error.    I had a responsible job which I did and enjoyed yet can;t change a light bulb I can sense you thinking.

I do have various batteried lanterns around the house in case there is a power cut so I wasn't without light and I did know where the fuse box was (out in a very cold garage) but without going to look at it I was pretty certain it was too high for me to reach without my little steps and I didn't fancy that in the dark.   Luckily my table lamps worked so I didnt sit in the dark for the rest of the night but I did go to bed feeling pretty useless and downhearted. 

This morning I got up before it was quite light, opened all the blinds and curtains, went out into the garage, found I could easily reach the fuse box,  flicked up the offending switch - all done and I felt proud of myself.   Alright - such a little thing but did my self confidence (which is at a low ebb at the moment for reasons I won't go into) a lot of good.   Changing the light bulb is another thing though as it means bringing the steps into the house and climbing them to reach the light - I shalln't attempt that.   One fall from a step ladder spells disaster at my age.

As I sit here looking out of the window the ice on the patio is melting quite quickly so the temperature must have risen above freezing  although it is a largely grey sky and a brisk wind - just bits of blue sky here and there.   (in the middle of typing this sentence the sun has come out).  There was a time when in February we expected this sort of weather and would have been surprised if we had had anything else.   But now the reverse is true isn't it?

My Grandson, who teaches in China, is staying there, as are the other English teachers with him.   They are subject to various restrictions, they have to wear a mask when they go out and their movements are restricted and their school is closed for now.   But he is expecting to be teaching on line shortly which pleases him as life is  a bit boring with all the restrictions in place.   He is in good spirits.

Afternoon now - still sunny but with occasional snowy blizzards passing over quickly.   I have just been for a walk with my trusty steed.   Thought you might like to see him.   Any ideas for a name?

32 comments:

the veg artist said...

Reaching up to replace a lightbulb in the dark is not to be undertaken lightly! We have a few "little steps" as you call them, and I really dislike them as there's nothing to hold onto if standing straight. We have a small step ladder, which I much prefer. I feel much safer on that. Glad your grandson is safe and well.

Bovey Belle said...

Glad to hear that your grandson is safe and well too.

I can change a lightbulb but I agree you have done the right thing in not attempting it yourself. Not a good idea to go out into the freezing cold garage at night either. You coped and managed and it will all be put to rights today.

Blue skies here too.

Rachel Phillips said...

What a most unhelpful location for a fuse box.

Jules said...

I think you were wise to leave checking the fuse box until this morning. There's no point scrabbling around in the dark when you had lamps you could use.
Stay cosy and warm at home today. X

Christine Hancock said...

A good idea to leave changing the bulb, I 'm sure there will be someone you know who can do it for you. Climbing up steps isn't for me either. Hope the ice melts soon and you'll have a sun shiny day. Blessings

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

It sounds like you coped with that little crisis admirably. Just a touch of crispiness out there this morning and it's bright and breezy now, very pleasant compared to recent days.

Brenda said...

Where do you live? The city area ? I am in U S

Heather said...

So pleased your grandson is safe at present, and hope the restrictions keep it that way.
I don't attempt to change overhead light bulbs any more and am fairly useless with anything electrical that is more complicated. How quickly skills are forgotten when they are no longer used.

Ellen D. said...

I always feel proud when I have figured out how to do something on my own. Good for you. You could get a light bulb reacher - sort of like a long pole with a grabber on top so you don't have to climb to change bulbs. I googled it! Asking a friend or your son would be easier of course! Everyone is always happy to help, I'm sure!

JayCee said...

Our fuse box is in the most inconvenient place the builder could possibly have chosen! It is in the workshop beneath the house, only accessible from outside - not much fun on a wet and windy or snowy evening. Plus it is very high up on the wall so I have to use a broom handle to flip the switch. Why does it always go when I am alone in the house???

The Weaver of Grass said...

Brenda - I live in The Yorkshire Dales on the very edge of a small market town ( with a population of just over two thousand)

thelma said...

I had to change about a dozen light bulbs, the decorator of the sitting room ceiling had kindly wiped them with a wet cloth - fusing the lot. Luckily fuse box is in the utility room and candle and matches together. We need to be armed with extra light with all this bad weather, so get your son to change bulbs for you, it can be quite scary.

maureenlthompson said...

When you said 'your trusty steed' the name Simon popped straight into my mind. But your steed and your choice lol. Have a lovely day and please do not climb on the steps to change your light bulb. XXXXX

JayCee said...

Your trusty steed? Perhaps like the Lone Ranger calling out "Hi ho Silver, away!" as you shoot off down the path?

justjill said...

I call mine the chariot as it has three wheels and very faintly resembles a chariot!

Heather said...

I think perhaps John Steed after the character from the 60s? TV programme.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Oh gosh Heather - was it The Avengers? I loved that programme. I like the idea of Silver JayCee

Thanks for rhe suggestions. A friend suggested Percy - so far I rather like that.

Kris said...

Since your steed looks built to last, how about Rover - like Range Rover or the Mars Rover (it's red after all...)

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Theseus

Bonnie said...

You've had many good name suggestions for your mighty stead! Percy is a good name if that is the one you like.

Rachel Phillips said...

The frame is what it is and what it is called. I would call it the bloody frame.

Christine said...

I love the name Walter!

ILLUMINATI GRAND LODGE® said...
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Iris said...

Well, it's a Ferrari red, innit?!

Joanne Noragon said...

I have a trusty steed just like that, but I've never named him. And, if a bulb needs changed overhead, I call maintenance.

Bea said...

What is a good name for your steed? Red Flash? :D

Good to read that your grandson is safe. I should imagine that all the restrictions make for a very boring life at present.

It does feel good to be self-reliant. Glad you were able to access the fuse box in the morning.

Librarian said...

A wise decision to leave the changing of the bulb to someone else. We don't need to be able to do everything ourselves, all the time, much as we'd like to be all independent and strong; sometimes it is good to know one's limits. I learned that the hard way.
Good to know your grandson is fine.

the veg artist said...

How about Ben, as in Ben-Hur?

The Weaver of Grass said...

When I first got it I would have thought like that Rachel and I did hate going out with it - but now I' m used to it I know just how it has enhanced my life and made me feel so much better - so I have christened it Percy. Thanks everyone.

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angryparsnip said...

I have to use a walker and I must tell you it has made my life so much better. I have to use it in the house also.
parsnip

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