Friday, April 9, 2010

Appliances @#*&%^

Every life has its challenges. Mine seems to be appliances. Big or small, I kill them all. You are familiar with the stove saga. Many of you know about the years we had the ancient upright freezer and the laundry pair from the 60's. The avacado green stove, the constant parade of used fridges.....
I used to think it was because we bought older, well used appliances that I had all of these dead things going out my back door. I have since been informed that the new ones come with a planned, yes PLANNED obsolescence.
I am at it again. My just over 8 year old washing machine has decided to retire. The bearings are gone. It doesn't spin anymore. Soaking wet (dripping actually) clothing is all you get from it. The bearings are in a sealed unit so you couldn't grease them. Have to replace the whole darned thing.
The dishwasher quit months ago. It makes a great place to hide things from other people. The Easter Bunny found it quite handy.
They know me by name at XS Cargo, I have to replace my rice cooker every six months. I stopped purchasing electric kettles eons ago. Coffee makers used to be at least an annual event until we found one that drips into a thermal carafe. No burner to quit!
My sister buys me some kind of small appliance for Christmas every year. Seriously! I always need something.
Last night I was preparing dinner when the can opener spit pieces at me and just stopped working.
This morning I thought I would test out the new (used) party-sized coffee maker my Dad found for me. Plugged it in and it let out a screech that set the dog to growling and running around the house looking for the dying animal....
I am not careless with these things. I do not abuse them. I make sure they get spoken to with kindness. They get all the love, care and attention any thing could want.
Anyone know of a support group for the appliance challenged? I could use some therapy.
The good news for now is, screech or not, the coffee is ready and smells pretty good.