Mr. Fix-it

By RALPH HARDIN

Evening Times Editor

Because I am notoriously thrifty (or “cheap” as some of my dear family members put it), I have had to learn how to make minor repairs or complete little do-it-yourself projects over the years. As a result, I’m actually pretty handy around the house.

This is especially true since the internet came along and now I can use my own know-how and the know-how of others via YouTube videos. I can even do some minor car repair, something I have almost always just handed off to more capable and knowledgeable folks in the past.

For years, when I needed something done, my Dad was the first guy I consulted with. As he is also a do-it-yourself guy, and he actually did that kind of work for a living prior to completing college, he’s pretty handy himself… but now he’s getting a little too long in the tooth to be up on a ladder or dealing with live

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wires. So, I have basically become their handyman. It’s actually kind of cool, being able to help my parents out after all the help they’ve given me over the years. I mean, I have already been their “tech support” for years, like a few days ago when I set up their new wi-fi system. You know for cranky old folks, they sure do like their 21st-century gadgets and internet games and TV streaming services.

Well, the other day, they managed to stump me. My Mom asked if I could come over and change the lightbulb in the kitchen. It’s just high enough that one of them would have to get up on a stepping stool to do it, so I said I would.

Only, when I removed the glass globe-thing to remove the old bulb — there wasn’t one. It was some weird LED thing with dots and circles and such. We all just kindof stared at it for a minute before my Dad said he would just go get another light fixture.

So, he did — one with an actual lightbulb, and I was happy to install it… after turning the power off to the whole house. I do not mess around with electricity, despite my Dad’s assurances that “It’s fin as long as the switch is turned off.” The actual change-out wasn’t too hard and within 15 minutes or so, my folks had a brand-new light in the kitchen. My mom said, “Thanks… guess I’ve got to cook dinner tonight.” Yep!