A 'QUICK FIX' PROJECT CAN TAKE ON A LIFE OF ITS OWN

Dear Mr. HandyPerson: I consider myself a fairly handy person around the house, though maybe not in the same league as a Mr. HandyPerson. I enjoy learning things from your columns. My similarly handy friends and I show each other our newest accomplishments and earn the others' approval. When I read your column about labeling electrical circuits, I found myself overcome with pride, almost to the point of insufferability.

I have had two diagrams, in separate sheet protectors, mounted next to my circuit breaker box for the last 15 years. One is organized by the breaker number, and the other is according to the location of each fixture and outlet. You wrote that when you saw a similarly labeled circuit box, you were impressed to the point of light-headedness. I considered that one of the best compliments I've received.

I have a philosophical question for you: Why do ...