We have become such a throwaway world, yet there are some of us who just are not going to ever fit that mold. That old saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” suits many of us just fine. And we’ll keep using something so long as it is in good working condition, even though it’s no longer new and shiny. Enter my old toaster.
I can’t tell you how old this toaster is, though it’s well over 20 years, probably 30. They just don’t make stuff to last like this anymore. So as it will soon be moving on, I thought to give it a nice farewell in the photo above, Still Life with Toaster.
It has been a faithful appliance, never giving me a bit of trouble. Until recently, when it started making that awful grating noise before coughing up a piece of toast. Worse yet, I caught it flashing a little spark one morning before it handed me my bagel. And that’s not good. I mentally went over all the things I should do if my toaster were to actually catch fire, the most important one being to write an e-mail to someone who always wants to know what they can get me for a gift. “I have an idea,” I said, and they were on board in two seconds. A little online research into types of toasters, scouring reviews, considering prices (did you know you can buy toasters for $200.00?) and I was able to offer some options.
It wasn’t long after, the following arrived. How exciting! Why is getting a new toaster so exciting? Simply because it’s been over 30 years since I’ve needed a new one. Who knows what new features will now turn bread into toast?
How nice will it be to toast a bagel without having a thought about the kitchen catching fire? Or listening to a ratcheting sound when a nice English muffin is really all I want? I am still a big believer in the simple things in life, and if a new toaster some every 30 odd years or so comes my way, I’m happy. And the old toaster can move on, knowing it more than fulfilled it’s purpose in life – it sure doesn’t owe me a thing.
p.s. What fun would opening a large box be if not without a little help from the premiere local box specialist, Jazzy?
Still A Dreamer 
I totally get it. Our kitchen has two ranges. (That’s oven/stove combination for any younguns who might see this.) They are coppertone. Remember that? They were installed in my husband’s family home in 1967ish. They still work. Each one has a unit that no longer burns but combined we have plenty of cook top eyes. Remember the term “eyes” and “coils” when discussing stoves? We want to update but keep putting it off till more things really die. Like you said, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
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I do remember coppertone and certainly “ranges.” The idea of any new major appliance is fairly exciting, but hard to justify when what we have is already working just fine. And there is never a shortage of stories about problems people have had or a too-short life expectancy of some of the new appliances that are electronic. Entire circuit boards needing replacement instead of a $35 adjustment on one thing or another. While the new and digital really is amazing and dazzling in so many ways, they sometimes can not really compare with practical, well-built items that were built to last.
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Wonderful, wonderful post, Jeanne! Hope you enjoy your new toaster! Glad your old one got a respectful send-off.
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Thanks, Pat. I will have it in place and ready to toast this afternoon! 🙂
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The passing of an era. Shall we toast it?
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I think we should. Here’s to all trusty appliances that’ve stood the test of time and served us well. Cheers!
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Duh! I just got the pun, believe it or not! Yes, we shall toast it. 🙂
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So how has the new toaster worked out?
Many things are no longer built with skill or the intention to last. We are in the disposable age for sure. How Ironic.
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The toaster is quite nice, but talk about ironic. I’d only had it a short while and then had oral surgery after which I couldn’t eat anything crunchy, sharp edges, etc., so it’s waiting to be called back in service any day now!! LOL.
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