We have often found ourselves with the dilemma of facing a problem and having to ponder a solution to that predicament.
Obviously, those dilemmas vary from one person to another and from one household to another. Obviously as well, those quandaries vary in the scope of complexity as well as in the scope of the cost of solving the problem. Again, it is just as important to note some problems are easier for males to solve while others lend more easily to a solution from females. In recent weeks, CLW has been faced with two rather irritating predicaments, ones more easily tackled by someone with handyman skills. Ben Franklin, one of the most admired thinkers, shared, “Energy and persistence conquer all things.” That quote, one that fits predicaments CLW has faced lately, is one we would all do well to recall.
One of those CLW predicaments centered on the fluorescent lights in the laundry area where my washer and dryer and necessary laundry paraphernalia are housed. Those who are familiar with the concept of ‘garden homes’ will share ‘garden homes’ are superb with the major impetus for their construction being that of saving space. Just as obvious is that the concept of ‘saving space’ is excellent when extra space is not needed. However, when fluorescent lights malfunction in a very restricted area, the ability to reach fluorescent lights housed above a washer and dryer is not the easiest task to complete. Add to that dilemma the fact CLW is not an authority on lighting and the removal of covers on fluorescent lights, and the reader can easily surmise problems will more than likely arise.
Having attempted to remove the cover on the light to no avail, CLW finally decided another solution to the problem would be to search the Internet for a light similar to the one installed. Thankfully, a comparable light was discovered, and after viewing a short video providing the process required to remove the light cover, CLW achieved the knowledge needed to attempt to resolve that overpowering problem, no pun intended. The reader can chalk the success of CLW managing to remove the light cover up to YouTube and the talents of someone on YouTube who provided the steps required to remove the light cover. Thankfully, CLW, the neophyte light cover remover, relied upon the steps of the YouTuber equipped with the necessary steps the task required.
A second more recent predicament that entered into the life of CLW focused on the horrible ‘chirping of the smoke alarm’ that we have all had to face at some point in our lives. Thankfully, this dilemma was in the garage where more space to maneuver was available. Thankfully, too, CLW’s ability to use a three-step ladder to reach the smoke alarm easily brought a smile. Most folks would assume when the ‘horrible chirping’ occurs that the logical solution to the problem is to replace the batteries in that ‘chirping’ safety gadget. What CLW learned several years ago is that batteries in garages can be purchased that are designed to adjust to both hot and cold temperatures, and all of us with garages know those two extremes exist in most garages. Again, after a trip to the hardware store, CLW had those ‘magical’ extreme temperature batteries in hand.
After having replaced the old batteries and having installed the new ones, CLW immediately assumed the ‘chirping’ problem was resolved favorably. However, after several minutes of quiet, the ‘chirping’ commenced again. Spending Friday night listening to the ‘chirping’ and determined to remove this horrendous problem before Saturday night, CLW again searched the Internet for solutions. Fortunately, other folks have also dealt with this ‘chirping’ dilemma, and after reading an online article, CLW discovered a few extra steps were essential to eliminate the ‘chirping.’ Those steps included turning off the breaker to the garage area, removing the old smoke alarm batteries, pushing a reset button on the mounted smoke alarm, installing new batteries into the existing hardwired alarm, and then turning the power back on. With those steps completed and with the God-wink God provided CLW, the ‘chirping’ irritation has been resolved.
Yes, Ben Franklin, the writer, inventor, statesman, printer, scientist, and publisher, would hopefully be pleased that YouTube and the Internet allow for those with limited skills to use what skills they have to solve dilemmas of today. Perhaps Franklin might even smile knowing that a retired and old English teacher might just tackle some problems and have success! (Note we shall know whether or not the ‘chirping’ has been resolved if CLW is able to sleep tonight without having to drown out the chirping with the playing of soft music!) Please keep your fingers crossed!
~Article by Carolyn L. Wells
March 22, 2025
