I'm not back to blogging yet actually. I'm just recording what's happening now because I can't imagine things getting even worse. This is ridiculous! Then again... who knows? I'm dreading to think what else could go wrong before we leave on Tuesday for Illinois to celebrate my granddaughter's high school graduation.
Anyway...
So here's what happened before hopefully happier times ahead.
1. We were returning from Japan 2 weeks ago and as we passed through security, we had to have our photos taken. Well, Art was wearing a mask and in the rush, he lost one of his hearing aids. Kind security people tried to help him find it but it was lost. (So we ordered one from Costco which should arrive today before we fly out tomorrow.)
2. My computer died. Just died. It wouldn't start at all. All my information is there. My journal is there. I'm writing this from my laptop and it's very difficult. There's so much I need my desktop computer for and it's "dead in the water." Arrrghhh!
3. We'd noticed some funny flickering of lights in the kitchen and I called Hawaiian Electric, but we thought it was only in the kitchen so it would be our cost to find an electrician. But then we noticed another room with lights flickering. Apparently it's called a "brown out." So I called Hawaiian Electric again and they came right away and fixed a corroded line.
4. Art's desktop computer died too. Yes, we have surge protectors, but I guess it just didn't do the job with brown outs.
5. We were returning from tai chi on Thursday and stopped to pick up some Subway sandwiches. Would you believe.....? Our van would not start!!! Art tried to start it several times and it just wouldn't start. We told the van that we were going to have to call AAA, and the van must have felt bad and it started so we could get home. However, now we can't use the van to take us to the airport and will have to fit everything in the Prius. Luckily, the luggage fits. However, we'll need to get the van repaired. Sigh...
6. We had optometrist appointments this past Friday and on Saturday my left eye was swollen and aching. It does not look good. I think I have an infection of some sort.
And that's that.
We are looking forward to seeing our granddaughter, daughter, son-in-law and friends in Illinois soon. Fingers crossed nothing else happens in the last few hours before we leave....
We don't usually have these trips so close together. I can hardly believe all these bad lucks happened before the trip to Japan and now to Illinois.
By the way, Art recently said, "There's a great trip to Hokkaido next year to see the ice festival. Wouldn't you like to go?"
After all of that, I hope you can just relax and enjoy being with the family. Hopefully, the weather will also be nice.
ReplyDeleteI can imagine your answer to Art's suggestion!
ReplyDeleteMy desk chair troubleshooting it this. You probably had a power surge of some sort related to the corroding line. SPD type 3 surge protectors, most likely what you are referring to above, do not stop big power surges. They are more of a last line of defense to be used in conjunction with SPD Type 1 and Type 2 surge protectors which the vast majority of people don't install. But the surge protector industry doesn't tell you that you "surge protector" is really little more than a outlet multiplier to give you more room to plug in things and doesn't protect you much because it is would hurt sales.
ReplyDeleteSo that leads me to your computers. Most likely, the power supplies got fried. I have had two over the years get fried in power surges. They are first in line when the power surge makes it to your computer and thus typically protect the more sensitive electronics inside like motherboard and hard drive. They are fairly also economical to replace and you can get all your data back.
Kay of Musings: Thank you, Ed. My son is also telling me I need a UPS. (Uninterruptible Power Supply) I guess we’ll look into that when we get back from Illinois because this is absolutely miserable.
DeleteJeepers! Yep it's easy for behind-the-ear hearing aids to get caught on mask straps. I hope your power bown outs aren't connected to the outages at the NJ and Atlanta airports! Sounds like Ed is suggesting new power cords for you home PCs to get things going again. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteIt's got to get better from here. I think you hit the bottom and there's only going up now.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is very easy to lose hearing aids when you have on a mask. I've learned early on that between my glasses, my mask, and my hearing aids - all behind my ears- not only make me look like I've got 'elfin ears', but the hearing aids will pull out when you take the mask off. First time I did this, they fell to the ground in a parking lot. So, I've learned 'never take the mask off until you are in the car or home'. And I had to laugh that you 'guilted' your van to start. I do that too... even say 'I'm sorry' to the car when I forget to hook up my seat belt. Hopefully nothing more will happen and you will enjoy your trip to your granddaughter's graduation.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you Kay! Things like this are upsetting to me too. Hang in there. Fond Aloha. I hope you have a nice trip after all ❤️
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry! Dealing with one issue is bad enough but when it piles on, it's very stressful and discouraging! Hope the trip goes well and smoothly. I love the photo of your granddaughter and her friend--so joyful.
ReplyDeleteOh my! However, other than these irritating problems that popped up, the big stuff like your mom, the house, etc. are fine. We all hope you have a great and joyous trip to, during, and from Chicago!
ReplyDeleteWhen you recover from all of this you will need a vacation....probably just a "stay-cation" though. :-/
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear all this Kay!
ReplyDeleteYou can't make these things up. That's a long string of mishaps. Hopefully the mishaps are over.
ReplyDeleteOh gosh, you have had your share of mishaps!!! Hopefully everything is fine here on out.
ReplyDeleteEek! Hope the side events are all used up and it's good "sailing" from here on out.
ReplyDeleteHoly cow!!! That's a lot of bad happening in a very short period of time. I'd be talking to Hawaiian Electric about your computers. Or at the very least, your home owner's insurance.
ReplyDeleteBefore my divorce, I had a really sweet all in one pc/Mointor combo. I didn't contest Daisy keeping it, but I miss it. Very good machine. I use my phone for 99% of things now but we do have a laptop and it's just not the same
ReplyDeleteYikes! I can hardly believe all that happened to you. Hopefully now it is all past and things will be perfect.Fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteThat is how I lost one of my hearing aids during COVID. I was at the tire shop wearing my mask, glasses and hearing aids. I don't know when I lost it but I'm sure it was from pulling my mask up and down. Really aggravating.
ReplyDeleteTalk about when it rains it pours. Here’s wishing for nothing but smooth sailing from now on.
ReplyDeleteIf it's not one thing, then it's another. I had trouble with mask and hearing aids during Covid, I had to be really careful. And I have to say the photo of the girls beside the water with Chicago in the distance.... lovely! They look so Joyful. I hope your van is feeling better soon, he obviously listens to you.
ReplyDeleteOh no!!!
ReplyDeleteThings can only get better.
Thinking of you and sending positive vibes.
All the best Jan
I’m sorry to hear you’re facing so many challenges right now. It’s amazing how you’re handling everything with such grace, and I hope the trip to Illinois brings much-needed joy and rest. KC’s prom photo sounds like a beautiful memory during a bittersweet time. Looking forward to brighter days ahead for you all. I just shared a new travel post. I am excited for you to read it. Thank you. Happy weekend.
ReplyDeleteOh well, at least your van listens to you! Hope all your bad luck turns to good, dear Kay and Art. x
ReplyDeleteBeing at this stage of life hopefully we learn to cope and overlook things that may seem major but really arent...
ReplyDeleteHaving the ability to travel and be with family is a gift.
Enjoy and be happy:)
Kay of Musings: Can you tell me who you are please.
DeleteWe’re back now, but I’m recuperating and trying to get things back to normal again before I come back to blogging.
I'm glad I came by to check comments as I was beginning to think something happened to you on your trip and you didn't make it back. It appears you are back and just very tired from the travel. Being gone for a month must be hard. I would not be up to doing that. We will be gone next week to Oregon with our kids, and one week will be just right. Maybe you'll be posting by the time I get back.
DeleteConcerned reader
ReplyDeleteOh goodness, it looks like you've been through quite a gauntlet of challenges lately. From lost hearing aids to dying computers and car troubles, that's a lot to handle all at once. I truly hope your trip to Illinois is smooth and filled with joyful celebrations for your granddaughter's graduation.
ReplyDeletewww.melodyjacob.com
Kay of Musings: Thank you for checking on me, Melody. The graduation and celebration was definitely joyful. It’s good to be back in Hawaii… but now more things are on my to-do list before I can get back to blogging. This is turning out to be a BUSY spring and summer!
DeleteHope the bad karma has flown. Of course reading the news these days doesn't help. Are you joining an No Kings Day demonstration there in Hawaii?
ReplyDeleteKay of Musings: Hi Marcia! No kidding about the news!!! I got away from it while in Japan, but we’re back now. I wish we could join in with the No Kings Day demonstration, but we have mom to care for on the weekends and can’t get away. We also have our son coming in next month from overseas so we’re busy planning for that very happy but busy time. Sigh….
DeleteNice to read that all is well for you.
DeleteKay of Musings: What am I saying??? My son and family are coming in 2 weeks! I’ve been preparing blogs to go up while he’s here about our trips, etc. And now the daily news is awful! Good grief! I understand the No King’s Protest demonstration here had about 7,000 people on just our island alone. Big Island, Maui and Kauai also had demonstrations. I understand the traffic here in Honolulu was totally clogged for a while.
DeleteWell that trip--sss--- sound wonderful.
ReplyDeleteSorry for all the problems before hand. Enjoy your trip to Illinois.
what a long line of unfortunate experiences. i completely undstand the whole mask hearing aid problem. my husband had the same thing happen....especially when rushed!!
ReplyDelete