These days, I have quite a collection of major and minor material items that make it possible to live and work the way I do. The major ones- -kitchen appliances, computers, and the like- -can be expensive to replace when the time comes, and the minor ones can add up, too. Swim goggles, deck chair cushions, ink cartridges for the printer. Every so often, several of these things require replacement at the same time.
Like whatever is in that box that you didn’t open for two days?
A replacement laptop computer, 9, and believe me, I feel guilty writing this blog on the old computer, purchased in 2014. It’s performed well for me over the years and I’ve developed an affection for it.
I can understand having this feeling about a stuffed animal, namely Pink Ears- –
I love Pink Ears!
– -but for a piece of office equipment?
Replacements: But not for Pink Ears! With us since 1963. . .
As wise a 14-year-old as you are, Lily, you have yet to gain my insight that everything in this universe, everything you can see and touch, is made from the same star stuff that made us, too.
What on earth are you talking about?
The Big Bang Theory. With your complete lack of interest of science you haven’t heard of it yet.
When did we get interested in science?
About thirty years ago, but that’s another story. Moving right along- –
Thank our lucky stars.
Today’s topic is replacements. I’ve resisted replacing my laptop for a few years now, when the pressure to upgrade to the Windows 11 operating system became intense. Last year, Microsoft gave it a stay of execution when they issued a system patch for the older laptops but that kindness is scheduled to expire in October. To avoid last-minute panic I am getting ahead of the game. Later this month my computer consultant will set up the new one (Lenovo) and transfer the data from the old one (Dell).
Replacements: This hard-working Dell laptop replaced my desktop computer in 2014!
Replacement? Shhh, let’s keep it under wraps for now. . .
What happens to the old one?
I’m going to keep it for a while and use it now and again for personal pursuits. Feeling the way I do, I think it deserves a pleasant retirement.
This was not the scenario for the garden hoe I replaced a couple of weeks ago when the head fell off the ancient one’s desiccated wooden handle. But I may keep my prior generation swim goggles for backup once I get the new ones in place.
What’s wrong with the old ones?
After three years and many kilometers of use the seals around the eye cups have started to warp. If they’re not adjusted “just so” water leaks in. It gets a little bit worse every time I use them, except since I ordered the new ones. It’s as if the old ones know their fate.
Are you going to lecture us about star stuff again?
No, though it would probably do you good.
Replacements: The next generation in a favored style of swim goggles.
Replacements: Because warped suction will not cut it for much longer. . .
Then, there’s the garden hose. I have two 50-foot hoses linked together to reach everything in the back yard. The hose end where I attach the watering wand has developed a crack near the brass connector. I don’t want to get caught on the hottest day of a Walla Walla summer (we’re talking triple digits) with a garden full of nearly ready veggies and no means to prevent them from shriveling up.
Replacements: Ready for the eminent demise of a garden hose.
All of this replacement stuff is making me nervous. You’re not going to replace us, too, are you?
Never, 9! You and Lily are here as long as I am. As with Pink Ears, there’s no replacement for you.
