Summer Daze

 Yes, it has been sort of a daze for me today. I had good intentions early this morning, but those fizzled out as a variety of "projects" took up my attention. For whatever reason, I decided to switch my store of batteries from a small chest drawer to a plastic container. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but these side-projects, which I recognize as procrastination, sometimes have surprise endings. I found what I thought would be an adequately sized clear plastic storage box and pulled the "battery" drawer out. I have sorted the batteries in this drawer a few times over the years, and just about every size I need is in there, somewhere. But it doesn't hurt to do an inventory once in a while, right? 

So here's the "kicker" in this story:  One afternoon last week I got into my car with my remote key as usual, and when I punched the start button, the dash monitor screen lit up with a message that there was no signal. There were other instructions, but the dash went black before I could read it. Nothing in the car worked. I knew there probably was a battery involved, although I'd never really thought about that before. I was in a hurry, so I dashed back into the house and grabbed Fred's remote key fob, worrying that it, too, might need a battery. Figuring I'd deal with all of it later and hoping for the best, I went on my way. Each time I had to turn off the car, I wondered if it would start again. 

When I got home, I checked the car manual and then found the correct size battery on line and ordered some. No big deal, it looked simple enough getting the thing open. Diane Rossi had shown me how to release the "key" from the fob that would unlock the door - but neither of us could figure out how that was much help because there's no place to put the key, right? Later, I studied the manual a bit more and discovered there is a special spot on the console of my car to place the key fob so the car will start, even if the fob battery is dead! I tried it, and it works!! I just don't know how many starts you can get that way.

About three days later, the new batteries came, and I installed one - easy enough, and now  everything works fine. So, back to sorting out my battery stash. This morning I found a bundle of cards with disc batteries, and noticed that one had Fred's handwriting on it - "For car remote." Of course, he would have been sure there were extra batteries for such an important machine! and of course he would label it for me! Fred left directions for just about everything. He probably told me at at some point about the fob needing batteries, but I was either not paying attention or in denial that I might ever need to change those batteries myself - I don't know. But I felt pretty stupid - and then overwhelmed by how much I had come to depend on Fred doing things for me. For a few moments, my morning turned incredibly sad, and I decided to leave all the batteries in the drawer - where Fred had originally stashed them. It's organized better now, but of course it won't stay that way. And I know that I won't need to buy batteries for the remote key for my car - probably ever again!

Here's a notice I found on Front Porch Forum tonight. I thought some of you might be interested, especially hikers/bikers who are looking forward to using the expanding rail-trail, and people expecting to go to Tootsie's for a creemee next week: Starting Wednesday, July 20, a portion of VT Route 15 near its intersection with VT Route 215 will be closed to facilitate bridge construction as part of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Project. Traffic will be detoured through the Hardwick STP PC23(1) project area. Additional delays are anticipated. Please plan accordingly.

I'm not sure where or how traffic will be detoured, but I expect they have a plan. I haven't been to Hardwick lately, but seems like lots of roads leading in, out and through town are under construction this summer. 

Have a wonderful weekend - I think the weather is supposed to be great! Enjoy while you can. Be safe, have fun, and try to forget any problems you have. Solutions come when you aren't thinking about them.