Chuck's Ruminations

In the aftermath of the "Day Without Power"

I have taken poetic license with the title. It really was the day without electric power, gas, we had. It's rather ironic, we had something we usually try to get rid off.

We got all settled last night, house warmed up, dinner on the stove when Wanda said, "this water isn't getting hot, is the water heater on?" At this point we both thought there must be some sort of an electric spark thing that makes the pilot light, light. I went out to the garage and checked the water heater, no pilot light.

I happen to be a mechanical moron. I am not good with tools. I am not good with instructions and I just HATE doing any type of "handy man" stuff. I did remember calling PG&E once and got a hint from the person on the phone, "if you need someone at your house tell us you smell gas." So, I went ahead and called, reporting a "gas smell" at the water heater.

While I was waiting for the gas man I tried to light the pilot. I did a search, followed the instructions and decided something was not working. When he got here he concurred, it was the thermocouple thing, a ten buck part and probably ten times that for a plumber service call. I must have really looked mournful and helpless? The fellow went out to his truck, got the proper part and installed it in maybe three minutes. He asked me not to say anything since that is way above and beyond their responsibility.

Thank you Gas Man.....I'll think of you when I am in the shower, well, maybe not.

Wanda and I picked up a couple of Dungeness Crabs for dinner tonight. Also some salad stuff, french bread and cookies. That's our traditional New Years Eve dinner. We'll eat early watch some Marx Brothers movies on TCM and probably fall asleep well before midnight.

Since it is the last day of the year I guess I should make some resolutions. I quit smoking years ago and I have been working on my weight for six months. I eat pretty good stuff and exercise regularly. I have just about everything I need and most of the things I want. I love my wife. I have great kids and a wonderful grandson. I am blessed with a great group of friends. I am closer to my family (cousins etc) now than ever before. I have been to Europe and seen Alaska.

I resolve: sometime in 2011 I will have a 46 or 47" Hi-Def TV.

To everyone from me and Wanda. Have a very safe, healthy, and Happy New Year.

Thanks for reading the blog. Thanks for so many nice comments.