June 2, 2015

  • Looking into the Light

    Yesterday morning was my dental cleaning appointment. You see my previous dental appointment had to be cancelled due to vacation plans and yesterday's appointment was the only time available. Lynn called me back to her chair. We exchanged a few pleasantries and then she got to work. It dawned on me that I generally avoid looking into the bright light by either closing my eyes or by looking at my reflection in Lynn's visor. The light was angled a little differently and I was able to examine the lamp. It is not the same as it used to be - it isn't bronze and green anymore. When I inquired I was told that they got all new lamps because there were difficulties in getting replacement bulbs. Seems they are going with the LED versions. I wonder how long it will be before there will be no filament light bulbs available for anything? We are already having trouble finding bulbs for our dining room chandelier, it takes the little flame shaped bulbs. We've switched to the goofy compact fluorescent light bulbs in most of our other light fixtures. At work most of the bulbs we use are fluorescent with the exception of the microscope and the heat lamp bulbs. Although the microscope bulb hasn't been replaced in the last 4 years, it is only a matter of time before it burns out. I don't have a replacement on hand and now I'm wondering if there are any new ones to be had. We've had some bad experiences with the compact fluorescent bulbs. One burned out and before we could replace it the base started to turn brown. Sparky went to remove it and burned his fingers because the base was so hot. Another bulb from the bathroom burned out and immediately began to smoke. We quickly turned off the light and unscrewed the bulb (using a glove to protect tender fingers). Unlike a regular old fashioned bulb, the new ones must be removed as soon as they burn out to avoid them over heating and starting a fire. We've even switched from the generic ones to name brand made in the USA in hopes of avoiding this issue. Sadly it doesn't seem to really make a difference. The next time we buy light bulbs, I'm going to investigate the cost and availability of LED lights. Maybe the medical folks are ahead of the curve on this one!

    For the Stressed-Out Scavenger Hunt, using prompt #2 - hawks, I give you this acrostic:

    Have you ever seen hawks circling
    Airborne and vigilant for movement
    When the loop becomes a dive
    Killing the unsuspecting prey
    Suddenly as lightening?

Comments (25)

  • flourescent bulbs seem to give me migraines. I much prefer the warm light of the old fashioned lightbulbs. I have some stocked up in the closet, sadly knowing they will not exist in stores long.

    • We can't find them anywhere. I don't know what I'm going to do when the dining room bulbs burn out! I agree tha there is something nice about the incandescent bulbs.

  • I'm thinking of converting everything back to kerosene lanterns.

  • All our light bulbs are funny looking now.

  • When I remodeled the kitchen, I replaced long fluorescent bulbs with LED can lights -- I LOVE them! They are more expensive to install, but they last a lot longer, they are cooler, but with a very white light. Now I want to replace all the light fixtures in the house with LED!

    • I've heard many good things about the LED and I'm curious if they would work in my house. The bathroom fixtures and the dining room are probably due to be replaced should we not be able to get bulbs anymore... The bathroom fixtures won't accommodate the new bulbs because of the glass shades over the bulbs...

  • @murisopsis: Ramen noodle lights, hehe. I like the comparison.

  • The Dollar Tree here still carries them, so they are inexpensive. They say changing over saves money in the long run on electricity, but at 4/$1, or even 2/$1, I don't mind buying new bulbs every once in awhile. Do you have dollar tree stores up there? Not all dollar stores are created equal, but the trees are awesome with Nothing over $1!

    • We have dollar tree stores but they are very hit or miss on light bulbs. Sometimes they have the odd sizes like the 13 watt.

  • @murisopsis: Glass shades might cause a problem, although they are now coming out with bulbs that are more like the old incandescent ones. Basically, they just screw into the old sockets :-) !

    • We've tried those and for some reason they take forever to turn on to full brightness - using them gives the impression we are having a "brown out"!

  • I tend to get headaches from fluorescent bulbs too. Guess, I'd better go to Dollar Tree and stock up on light bulbs.
    A hawk would be a frightening sight for a little sparrow, but not for long.

    • I more often see hawks and crows being harassed by smaller birds - likely the sparrows. We have the natural light bulbs at work and they do make a difference!

  • @Aloysius_son: I'm ready. I have 4 large kerosene lamps, and 4 small ones, plus a supply of matches.

  • I use LED bulbs for my house. Scientific bulbs are undoubtedly more of a challenge, in that regard.

    • I'm thinking that the LED are the way to go since they don't contain any mercury. Currently we have to save the spent bulbs and then take them to the hazardous household waste pickup... a real pain.

  • "I am the hawk and there's blood on my feathers, but time is still turning , they soon will be dry... and all who can see me and all who believe in me, share in the freedom I feel when I fly..."

  • and I don't like those lights !

    • The new LED light is brighter but more focused... I'm not a big fan either since I have light sensitive eyes.

  • @murisopsis: you're so good, picking up on all my little quotes. So many things prompt the radio in my head to play back pieces of songs.
    and that makes two of us, about the light sensitivity.

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