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08 November 2015

LIGHTS AND LAMPS

(picture courtesy of buydesignerfurniture.co.uk)
(picture from internet)
Old houses are not geared to modern technology. When we moved into our present home, twenty-four years ago, there were plug sockets to spare but not now, not with the laptops, Broadband connection, printers, scanners, land-line phones, lamps, electric shavers, hair dryers and tongs, televisions, radios, kettles, irons, washing machines, dishwashers, portable fires, lamps, and even more that need regular charging, like mobile phones and iPads. Admittedly some don’t need to be plugged in all the time but they’re in the minority. Then there’s all the extension leads needed to extend devices to the areas we want them. It’s not always possible to arrange furniture so that electrical items can be used where we want them, therefore extension leads and adaptors are vital assets. They run along the base of walls like starving white snakes, from electric sockets to wherever the next lamp is situated.  Other cables run across desks and counters, tucked in for safety. You should see my computer desk... you can’t see the desk for strewn wiring. Have you ever tried to tidy wires so they look respectable?

I had everything arranged to my liking but didn’t take into account the age of certain items which meant purchasing new stuff. And isn’t it strange how things pack up at the same time as if they've waged war and decided to leave the family that had given them house room for so long. Lamps seem 
to be the in-thing for deserting an already sinking ship. First the Mother-and-Child lamp packed up beyond repair. I take it you know what I mean but if not, well, an M&C lamp is an up-light (that’s mother) with a smaller light attached (that’s the child). It’s the only style of lamp that throws light everywhere ... up and around. After the anguish of losing that source of light, a smaller bedside lamp gave up the ghost. Fortunately (bad choice of word under the circumstances) I had other smaller lamps stored in a cupboard in case of emergencies such as this.  Out they came and one by one they broke and became unusable. It was time to go shopping.

I purchased a few smaller lamps together with their permitted bulbs in the mistaken idea that they would solve my problem. That’s when I discovered that all electric light bulbs are now designed to save energy, which means they don’t have the strength or lighting capacity they used to have. I am
told it’s called mood lighting. Obviously they don’t cater for my mood. So, now I am working in dimmed light which is no good at all. I need light to see with. Naked bulbs would be ideal since shades just dim the light even more but appearances do count. I mean, visitors would think we’d hit rock bottom. I would suggest moving but I don’t think that would go down well, especially since Joe is still suffering. It wouldn’t be fair, would it?

Somewhat reluctantly we have ordered another M&C light for the simple reason that I can’t see a damn thing in the ‘office’ I work in. It’s like working in the war years when using electricity was frowned on. And with my eyesight the way it is I need as much light as I can get so I can’t wait for the new M&C to arrive. The only drawback is assembling it. It’s not a job for the elderly but fortunately I have a wonderful cleaning lady who has a handy husband. Heehee I don’t know if he’s aware that she promised his help when the item arrives. 


22 comments:

  1. No it wouldn't be fair indeed, but hopefully getting better lighting will help with the dimness. Greetings to you and best wishes!

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  2. Lighting is so important to a home, especially when the times are dark and cold like in autumn right now. Little light accents can also help a lot, but a big light source is always needed. I also think that a dimmer on lights is a great idea.

    Mersad
    Mersad Donko Photography

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  3. I really hate bad lighting. Somewhere we acquired a small movie light. It takes a while to "heat up" but when it does it fills the room with light as bright as day. I do't even like to think what it consumes in electricity but it is amazing. For winter's darkest days only. :)

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  4. "You should see my computer desk... you can’t see the desk for strewn wiring."

    HA! Yes, Valerie....it's the same with me. I seem to have the same (lack of electrical outlets) as you do. I live in a very old apartment building that was once a hotel built in 1930, so I have very few outlets to plug things into. In fact, sometimes I have to plug, unplug, and then replug electrical appliances because I have so few outlets. And it's such a pain.

    And I also agree with you about the new light bulbs that save energy and money. They are waaaaaaay too dim for me. Even the 100 watt bulbs, which I have in my lamps.

    Have a faaabulous week, dear lady!

    X to you and Joe

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  5. Jenny, I am intrigued about your movie light.

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  6. Good morning, Ron. Yes, I too find plugging/unplugging exasperating. Extension leads solve the problem in a lot of cases but not all, but those leads drive me mad. I mean, what DO you do with so much extending? How fascinating that your building was once a hotel.

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  7. We have an old house so I completely understand!! I think ours has been described as 'cave like' with some of lighting issues. We have a decent overhead one in our kitchen and the bathroom is small and easy to light, but the living room… forget it… just have to feel your way around. LOL

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  8. Now that you mention it, our home is filled with extension cords and adapters on every outlet to fill the need of over flowing electronics. I would hate to hear what an electrician would say what it would cost to update the wiring.

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  9. I can empathize. Those new CFL's (Compact Fluorescent Lights) just don't do it for me either. The older I get, the more and better lighting I need!! Grrrrr.....

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  10. This is an interesting post Valerie, and I do love the light in the last photo. I used to be called the mole girl as I always felt more comfortable with the lights switched off. However, I've noticed lately I need light, light and more light.

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  11. Mary, our kitchen is the same. Two fluorescent light strips that are great for illumination. Now why aren't they fashionable for other rooms? Duh!!

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  12. kden, and there was me thinking my house was the only poorly lit one in the world. I wouldn't dare ask how much it would cost to change... smiles.

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  13. Mona, you're so right, age does have a part to play.

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  14. Denise, you and me both. I loved to sit in half light - or quarter light, but not now. I hadn't realised it was all about age, and there was me blaming the lights.... smiles.

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  15. Lighting can add so much to a room, mood, setting...but it definitely does still have to do the job it's intended for, in that particular place. I love softly lit rooms for relaxing in, with my kindle, I don't need lots of light to read, love that. But most of all, I love natural sunshine, streaming in the windows. The best of them all. :-)

    Have a super day Val and best to you and to Joe. G

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  16. I prefer lamps and soft lighting to watch the TV but for reading I need "the big light" on!

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  17. Pearl, I'm the same now, yet I remember the time when I could practically read in the dark.

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  18. Geraldine, I do agree about setting the mood with lighting and continue to adopt that idea... except when I'm reading! My eyesight doesn't like me reading the Kindle, though, no matter what lighting there is.

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  19. I like the adult coloring book hobby idea. Coloring is good therapy as well as getting in touch with your creative side. Nice picture, Valerie.

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  20. Hi Pam, good to see you here. I get a lot of pleasure with the colouring, and so do a lot of my friends. It certainly has made it's mark with us adults.

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  21. Let there be light. Nicely done, Val. I can't let the lovely Mrs. Shife look at this post because she's always on the lookout for a wonderful lamp and I don't need her to get any ideas.

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  22. Have a super weekend Val. I just noticed the last lamp photo, focusing on the details, it's so pretty!

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