Ah, technology. No peace. It’s always something.
Yesterday, as soon as I finished the blog, I decided it was time to get my Halloween to Xmas Eve Hawai’i plans nailed down. Text the people who handle the condo. Hearts and Hibiscus emojis come back. So happy they are that I am returning. Yes, they have my time blocked off. The price they quote is more than fine. Coffee and a pickup at the airport are promised. Aloha, see you on Halloween. Not five seconds pass, and I get a text that says OOPS. We accidentally rented some of “your” days. Sad face emoji. Well, sorry. That’s not going to work. Sad face emoji.
Well, that’s the price you pay for not owning your own place. But it’s a small price. I scuttled around VRBO and found what I hope will be a satisfactory place. It’s at the outer limit of my grocery store walking range. And the laundry is in the basement, not in the apartment. But it will be fine. And, if it isn’t – I’ll leave. Go to Papeete.
So. With that accomplished, what to do but work on the dying orchid?
I take it outside and remove it from the pot, and cut off all the dead roots. And all the roots were dead. But the arial roots are fine. I submerge what’s left in a bucket of water
Now what? Should have devised a plan before starting. Ask ChatGPT.
ChatGPT told me to get the orchid out of the bucket immediately and let it dry. Then it described a possible rescue plan:
Sphag-n-Bag Method (traditional recovery)
Wrap the base of the orchid and the aerial roots loosely in moist (not wet) long-fiber sphagnum moss.
Place in a clear plastic bag (like a gallon Ziploc) with air holes or opened once a day to prevent mold.
Keep in bright indirect light, warm temps, good humidity.
Wait. Over weeks to months, the orchid may grow new roots into the moss.
When new roots are at least 2–3 inches long, you can re-pot in bark.
✅ Best for: slow, stable root recovery.
🚫 Downside: can mold if you’re not careful.
ChatGPT was pleased that I am making a serious effort to save the orchid. We’ll see.
But today’s real accomplishment was: 17 minutes 22 seconds mile. Who knows I might even break the 17-minute mile!