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Saturday, November 26, 2011

The Toaster

When we were married in 1966, my husband's co-workers wanted to give us a wedding gift to which everyone contributed and they asked what we might like to have. I decided a toaster would be very useful and we didn't have one. They gifted us with this beauty and it has worked all these years to serve us warm, golden toast. My grandchildren don't believe me when I tell them our toaster is older than their father.

 


Unlike many of our household appliances that have come and gone,  been discarded, or given to Goodwill, it has never needed repair. In spite of my best efforts to accidentally ruin it by dropping it during one of our moves, it still chugs along, doing what it does best. The little dent in one corner gives it a slightly distressed look, and the crack in the base of the control panel hasn't affected the toast at all.

 

Its design reminds me a bit of the first screen savers called "flying toasters" which I naturally used on my earliest computers. By the way, it is still available. Our toaster looks very old-fashioned, and I often wonder why don't I replace it? After all, I have replaced countless coffee makers. I added a toaster oven when they became popular because it is quick to warm rolls or bagels, or  to make toasted sandwiches with cheese, etc. However, when I want a slice of toast quickly, it goes into the little slot and is quickly ready. It is faster than the toaster oven for just one slice of toast.

I keep it because it isn't just a toaster. It is a reminder of the days when the secretary (before they became administrative assistants) at work was in charge of "hearts and flowers" and everyone was a team. When someone had a special occasion, most were long-term co-workers and even though the community had some disagreements, everyone would come together to celebrate their occasions and mourn their losses. It represents a first job and the camaraderie of the office environment of yesteryear.

I'm just not ready to part with it and call me a pack rat, but as long as it works, it has a place in my kitchen. Even if it stops working, I might plant geraniums in it. Everything has its use, and I can find a use for everything. I don't like a disposable world with mountains of garbage like in the movie Wall-E. Such a cute movie and so profound. Maybe I will watch it again and see if there is a clone of our toaster in it.


 

7 comments:

  1. You are correct that a toaster is faster than a toaster oven when it comes to toasting bread. We gave our toaster oven away for that reason besides which it took up a lot of counter space. Our present toaster is about 5 years or so old. It has buttons for FROZEN and for BAGELS, etc., as well as 2 slots for over-sized items, so I love it.

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  2. I made a comment but it disappeared, I fear.

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  3. Well, it disappeared, but I did want to say how much better your toaster is than one I recently purchased. Today they are all made with built in obsolescence rather than meant to last for decades.

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  4. I agree with you completely! I'd keep it too. Things built these days don't last as long or work as well. Besides which, if something gives you such a good feeling, that's the best reason to keep it.

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  5. Your toaster service has longevity, like your marriage. It is so nice to know some things are long lasting and still serviceable. Good for you for taking care of important things.

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  6. I wish I still had the toaster that shot the toast out into the air. I waited and waited to try to nab it, but I ended up screaming every time. It was great for the old cardiovascular system.

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