Water Water Everywhere

After a mysterious dampness spread across the floor of the hall yesterday, it was discovered that our water heater of nearly 35 years had finally sprung a leak. It wasn't terribly fast but it was due to be replaced sooner or later.

The old heater was a 40 gallon "low boy" style heater that was installed under the hallway counter-top. The plumber removed the old boy and my father in his effort to save money and power decided to replace it with a small and supposedly efficient 4 gallon heater instead. Granted, we have more than one water heater in the house and this heater only feeds one shower and a sink for the most part. The bad part is it feeds a shower and quite frankly 4 gallons is probably not enough. Mom took one shower and complained that it was cold in 2 minutes. She is not happy.

I for one would just like to have the hall floor dry out a bit. I don't know about you, but being that we live in Hawaii and go barefoot in the house, stepping on a damp floor is one of my least favorite sensations... especially first thing in the morning. Yuck.

Well, we'll see what to do about it tomorrow. The 4 gallon water heater may have to go back. We shall see.

Happy Veteran's Day

Despite the fact I don't support unnecessary military spending and wars, I am fully supportive of our active duty military and our veterans.

Many thanks to the many military service men and women of past and present. I know I don't want to put myself in harm's way, but they do it so I don't have to. I am mindful and grateful for their sacrifice every day.

May they all come home to us safe.

Happy Veteran's Day.

Dancing in the Dark - Count Miconia takes to the Ballroom

Went to the Masquerade Ball today dressed as Count Miconia. Those of you who know me well probably already know what Miconia is and why it is bad for Hawaii but for others, the skinny is this:
a)Miconia grows fast, matures fast, and is shade tolerant
b)It has huge leaves that shades out other plants below including our native ones.
c) Once mature (within 3 years) a Miconia tree will put out several thousand tiny poppy-seed sized seeds in small fruit that alien birds like to eat and poop out elsewhere. The seeds are viable up to 16 years (as far as we know).
d)The trees get up to 60 ft. tall and have shallow root systems.
e)Miconia eventually eliminates all other plants in an area and creates a dense monoculture. The ecosystem that relied on that forest is eliminated.
f)Rain falls, Miconia, unable to hold onto the soil, slides off the mountains causing mass landslides.
g)Dirt fills streams, goes towards ocean, dirt in ocean covers coral killing the coral and the fish.

So I went to the Ball and even performed and danced in costume as Count Miconia and hopefully raised some eyebrows if not some consciousness about the deadly threat Miconia poses to Hawaii's native ecosystems.

I promise there will be photos later.