"We must learn to accept circumstances as they are, not as we would like them to be. How many times have you said, 'If only it wasn't raining, then I would be happy'? A happy person will accept the rain and go on with her life."

Try a solar water heater

Water-heating often is the largest energy user in the home, and about 30 percent of the average electric bill is for water heating, according to the Hawaiian Electric Co. HECO offers reasons homeowners should consider solar water-heating systems:

• Solar can save a family $5 to $10 per person per month. A family of four can save up to $480 a year.

• A HECO-approved solar system qualifies you for a $750 rebate.

• Solar increases home resale value.

For more information, call 947-6937.

Reader's Tip

"As a surfer and swimmer who spends lots of time in the water, I want these thoughtless people to know that the butts are washed into storm drains, into canals, and then into the ocean," White e-mailed. "Yeah, it's a small piece of litter, but these are small islands, and keeping our beaches and shorelines clean must be a priority."