Last week, I installed some new energy-saving bulbs.  I bought a few a couple of years ago, and I’ve been happy with them.  A few of them I’ve had for over 10 years.  They still work fine.

There is one exception.  There always has to be and exception, right?  We were having trouble with the remote control for the satellite receiver/DVR.  This would only happen about twilight time and would last for a few minutes and then things would work fine again.  That is until the next evening.  After months of frustration, I finally figured out that it was one of those older compact fluorescent bulbs that emitted just the right wave length to interfere with the infra-red remote control.  I swapped in a newer model, and the problem was solved.

With energy costs rising and my income remaining flat, replacing light bulbs is one step I can take to control the cash outflow.  I suppose I could also stop eating, but doubt I’d want to stick with that plan past the first day.  If I lasted that long.

My little helper, aka Midnight, found the ladder sitting under the combination fan and lamp in the family room.  While my attention was on something else, up he went.  Cats will do that, won’t they?  I think we’ve been together long enough that I can tell the thoughts that are racing through that feline mind.

Can I reach those dangling chains and not break my foolish feline neck?

I’ve been here 20 minutes.  There has got to be a way.

I wrapped up that and started work on another fixture.  This one is higher, so I had to get the six-foot ladder.  While I was away, my helper took over.

Oops!  Busted!  I didn’t even get to the top.  Drat!

I’m out of here!  Easy.  This sure is high.

So goes another day around here.  Sure is nice to have such a handy helper as Midnight.  I’ll have to go out and bring some catnip in for him.  He’s such a good kitty.