Maui Home Maintenance: A first world problem
Disclaimer: These posts happened in 2019. Before the COVID–19 virus turned our world upside down. Although I had plenty of material, I just couldn't get motivated to write. Things may seem a bit out of date, but I just needed to decide to get busy and move on to 2020.
The good part to owning a half interest in the condominium in Maui is that Earl and I can use 24 weeks a year. Our partners have to get by with only 8 weeks a year. The bad part is that we get more meetings and home maintenance. I know, I know. Quit whining. A first world problem...
The day before we arrived, there was a huge brushfire. It closed the only road between Kihei and Lahaina. Closing roads is a very low bar, since Maui isn't known for having many alternate routes. Fortunately by the time we got there, the road was open, the traffic was manageable, and all we had to contend with was the fire smoke. Since the condo had been vacant for a while, Earl spent the first part of the trip cleaning the bird poop off the lanai and scooping up dead bugs. More work for Earl. I was not particularly useful. Encouraging and appreciative, but not helpful.
When we arrived, we knew we had to have the kitchen ceiling painted, but then the appliances started making strange noises. It's kind of amazing that after 14 years they are still functioning. Considering they were low end to start with, they had to be the near their lowest possible level at that time. Unfortunately, there was a lot that was broken. We replaced the dishwasher and fixed the air-conditioning thermostat. The microwave, oven, and refrigerator are trying to die, but they're hanging in there. The good news is that when you have to replace an appliance, it's not all on us. We split the expense among the partners—yay!
One of our motorized shades was making a strange noise and slowing down. As of April 2020, it covers the window, can be raised manually, but is no longer motorized. As owners, we've collectively adopted the "if it isn't broken, don't fix it" mentality. Strange noises aren't enough.
Probably one of the best things about Maui is that we can invite friends and relatives to join us. Earl can be in Maui and ride his bike indefinitely, but I need friends If we are going to be there longer than a month. Having other people around ensures that I don't snap at or kill Earl. That would be a tough one to explain.
I have to admit another advantage is great food and restaurants. We go out on occasion to give Earl a break from cooking. There's only so much he can do. Even though it's a lot of work, I always try to remain a thoughtful and considerate spouse. He's so fortunate to have me.
We headed home in November because our family reunion in Las Vegas was scheduled for Thanksgiving weekend–really. Thanksgiving in Las Vegas sounded out of the ordinary, but it turned out to be lots of fun. Earl, Skeeter, and I took one last scoot/walk in Maui before we left. However, we were scheduled to return January 3rd for six weeks. Tough life. I am such a good sport.
The lesson: A vacation home in paradise is definitely a first world issue.
The day before we arrived, there was a huge brushfire. It closed the only road between Kihei and Lahaina. Closing roads is a very low bar, since Maui isn't known for having many alternate routes. Fortunately by the time we got there, the road was open, the traffic was manageable, and all we had to contend with was the fire smoke. Since the condo had been vacant for a while, Earl spent the first part of the trip cleaning the bird poop off the lanai and scooping up dead bugs. More work for Earl. I was not particularly useful. Encouraging and appreciative, but not helpful.
When we arrived, we knew we had to have the kitchen ceiling painted, but then the appliances started making strange noises. It's kind of amazing that after 14 years they are still functioning. Considering they were low end to start with, they had to be the near their lowest possible level at that time. Unfortunately, there was a lot that was broken. We replaced the dishwasher and fixed the air-conditioning thermostat. The microwave, oven, and refrigerator are trying to die, but they're hanging in there. The good news is that when you have to replace an appliance, it's not all on us. We split the expense among the partners—yay!
One of our motorized shades was making a strange noise and slowing down. As of April 2020, it covers the window, can be raised manually, but is no longer motorized. As owners, we've collectively adopted the "if it isn't broken, don't fix it" mentality. Strange noises aren't enough.
Probably one of the best things about Maui is that we can invite friends and relatives to join us. Earl can be in Maui and ride his bike indefinitely, but I need friends If we are going to be there longer than a month. Having other people around ensures that I don't snap at or kill Earl. That would be a tough one to explain.
I have to admit another advantage is great food and restaurants. We go out on occasion to give Earl a break from cooking. There's only so much he can do. Even though it's a lot of work, I always try to remain a thoughtful and considerate spouse. He's so fortunate to have me.
We headed home in November because our family reunion in Las Vegas was scheduled for Thanksgiving weekend–really. Thanksgiving in Las Vegas sounded out of the ordinary, but it turned out to be lots of fun. Earl, Skeeter, and I took one last scoot/walk in Maui before we left. However, we were scheduled to return January 3rd for six weeks. Tough life. I am such a good sport.
The lesson: A vacation home in paradise is definitely a first world issue.
Thanks for the laughs.
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