The first Rose of Sharon bloom in the early Sunday morning light. As I look outside today, there are 3 or 4 more. I’m sure they’ve been helped along by the extreme heat we’ve been having. That heat continues today and tomorrow.
This will be brief, as I’ve had 2 – count ’em – 2 hours of sleep. Our bedroom a/c unit started making a strange noise and it woke me up around 1:30. I turned it on and off a few times, but I could never get back to sleep, probably because I was worried the noise would start again. That it did. So we have to buy a new unit today because we cannot go without one in this heat.
Sigh.
Anyway, I’m already barely functioning because of the humidity and now we can the strange sounds to the mix. And no, I’m not going to see if someone can repair it – what would we do in the meantime? By the way, speaking of repairs, the mechanics who service Don’s car told him about a month ago that Hondas, especially Honda Pilots, are known for engine lights going on when there’s nothing wrong, as well as a blinking drive light – also other lights as well. As they couldn’t get to his car that day, they suggested he drive it around and see if it worked okay. And it does. Sometimes all the lights on the dashboard go on, Sometimes, 1 or 2. Sometimes – none. I think it’s a computer problem. For example the oil light went on but Don had it changed not all that long ago and he checked the oil – he has plenty. I know I sound like an old fart, but I wish cars weren’t dependent on computers. Mine is pretty basic and I’m quite happy with it.
Just thought I’d show you how the Elizabeth Jane Howard Cazalet Chronicles look when lined up in order. Isn’t that lovely?
Stay safe.
Happy Monday.
Ellen D. says
Sorry about the A/C trouble. I can understand how you need A/C at this time of year. I wouldn’t be able to stand the heat and humidity either.
My son and his family are having their first hurricane since moving to Manvel, TX last year. So far they have lost a large portion of their fence and their power. The wind is supposed to die down by 11 am so, hopefully, they will be okay and power can be restored soon…
Stay cool (and safe!)
Margaret says
I’m in Galveston and it’s still very windy and rainy here, our power’s been out since 3:00 AM, and we’re tired after a long, wild night, but the worst is over.
Claudia says
You must be exhausted, Margaret. Happy to know you’re safe.
Stay safe,
Claudia says
I hope they are safe and that power is restored soon, Ellen.
Stay safe.
Donnamae says
Sorry to hear about your air conditioner….but you are right, you can’t go without.
No…you are not an old fart, anymore than I am. You are right about cars…they are run by computers. My husband is a mechanic, and because cars are no longer simple, he can no longer work on our cars, other than an oil change. And, sometimes those are not easy either. I remember, we had a car 10 or so years ago, that needed a headlight changed. In the olden days, that was a relatively simple task. But with that car, he had to remove the front bumper, and another front piece in order to just change one headlight, so he replaced both. Took him hours. Car repairs are expensive, as you already know. Glad to hear Don may have escaped a doozy of a bill with his repair shop. Hope that all works out.
The books look great with that pot. Hope you are able to fit in a nap today! ;)
Claudia says
Your husband’s take on all of this is valuable, Donnamae. Lately, I’ve been missing simpler times.
Stay safe.
Wendy says
Sorry to hear about your air conditioner.
We have driven a car with the “check engine” light on before! Tried to figure out what was wrong and never could figure it out. I just put a piece of electrical tape over it!
Claudia says
I might suggest that to Don, Wendy. Thanks!
Stay safe.
jeanie says
Wow — I might have to get those Cazalets just for aesthetics. They’re fantastic!
My old Toyota corolla 2001 had that same kind of engine light problem. Others with models from around that period did too, so not just a Honda issue. Having all the lights on is disconcerting but I suspect you’re right about a computer problem. That doesn’t sound easy to fix.
I hear you on the sleep.
Claudia says
Don’s car is from 2005. Mine is a 2012. So far, no problems with mine. Our 2001 CR-V never had a problem with the lights. Go figure!
Stay safe, Jeanie.
Denise S says
I have a 20 year old Corolla. Over the years the “check engine light” has come on 3 or 4 times. I’ve have it checked each time. A few times the gas cap wasn’t seated properly, which is the most common reason for the light to come on. (That would be the attendant’s fault. We are not allowed to pump gasoline here.) One time it was just a quick fix by the repairman to change out the bad computer sensor with a new one. A few months back the light came on, but after a couple days it went off and never came back on.
I hope you were able to get a new air conditioner and install it so you can sleep well tonight.
Claudia says
I have a feeling it’s a bad computer sensor. I think Don will take it to the dealer at some point. He doesn’t drive long distances in his car. If he has a gig, he takes mine.
Stay safe, Denise.
linda in ky says
dear Claudia/Don — very sorry re a/c –very miserable time for it to rebel — hope you can find a new one and get it installed. sorry re Don’s car “blinking” lights just don’t take for granted that they don’t mean anything — BUT how do you know the difference — did the mechanic give any clues on what trouble to watch?? stay safe/healthy
Claudia says
Well, it’s usually due to transmission problems. And Don would recognhize if there was something happening. Besides, the fact that they go on and then go off, nothing consistent, is a clue that it’s a computer problem.
Stay safe, Linda.
kathy in iowa says
hope by now (2:30 your time) a new air conditioner has been purchased and installed so you and don can relax about it and in it … and sleep better tonight!
hope, too, that don’s car continues to drive well. many years ago the “check engine” light in my car at the time (a honda civic) kept coming on. turns out it was a simple fix … a loose fuse down near the gas tank release … probably cost me all of $3.00 for the fuse … plus a whole lot more for them to inspect/find the problem and for labor … ugh. but i sure wouldn’t want to be without a car (or air conditioning) at this point. been there, done that … not fun.
i didn’t sleep much last night, either, but for a good reason … we had a strong rain storm with lots of thunder and lightning that lasted for a couple hours! we sure needed that rain around here (not in other parts of the state) and i loved every second of it.
made a quick trip to my apartment this morning and got a few things done, made a list of big and little projects to do the next time i’m there. and i carefully rotated my desk (where i pay bills, write and paint) by 90 degrees and it feels so good! that simple change means i’ll look across the living room towards two west-facing windows and get a lot more light on the desk. i love those quick little things that make a big difference (just like the covers on those books … appreciate such attention to details).
anyway, hope the rest of your day goes smoothly and you, don and everyone else keep cool and safe.
kathy
Claudia says
These days, it’s usually not due to a fuse. More likely a computer problem.
Stay safe, Kathy.
Darlene says
I have a brand-new A/C unit I’d love to give you but I’m in Nebraska. My parents purchased it for a spare and never used it. This heat is not fit for anyone without A/C.
Claudia says
Thanks, Darlene. It’s already purchased and installed!
Stay safe.
Elaine in Toronto says
Gosh, this heat is getting to everyone. Thank goodness for A/Cs. We never had air conditioning for probably 35 years and except for two or three days dispersed over the summer we didn’t really need it but we sure do need it now. Hope you sleep better tonight under the auspices of your new A/C unit. Stay cool. Hugs, Elaine
Claudia says
You, too, Elaine.
Stay safe.