SOLVING THE TEENY-TINY TV DILEMMA

As I have mentioned numerous times, Perkins Place is tiny. Outfitting it has reminded me of when my ex and I were prepping our sailboat for extended stays on the water. Every item brought aboard had to be as compact as possible if we were to enjoy the most basic of comforts.

Shortly after I settled into my little Florida bedroom, I quickly realized I missed having a TV. I like watching the morning news as I get dressed, and I absolutely require a dose of mindless drivel to lull me to sleep at night. It’s my version of counting sheep—except the sheep are usually characters from the “Masterpiece” historical series.

The problem was there was so little space available, even on the walls. I searched every local store for a small TV—something I could perch on the corner of the dresser without creating an eyesore or causing logistical issues. I simply could not find one small enough.

Then it hit me - My Echo Show up north plays Hulu, Netflix, and all the other streaming services. Bingo. That was my solution.

I immediately ordered the Amazon Echo Show 8, along with the proper stand. By bedtime the next evening, it graced the end of the dresser that doubles as my nightstand, looking like it was custom‑designed for tiny‑house life. And honestly? It suits my needs perfectly.

The bonus is that it’s so much more than a TV:

• Alarm clock: It wakes me up gently, unlike my phone, which generally blasts me into consciousness.

• Yoga companion: It plays meditation music while I do my morning anti-aging stretches.

• Personal assistant: It prods me with helpful reminders of what I intend to accomplish on any given day.

Who knew the solution to my tiny‑TV dilemma was sitting in my northern kitchen the whole time? Perkins Place may be small, but with a little creativity—and one very hardworking Echo Show—it’s feeling more and more like home.