"It's as if a great bird lives inside the stone of our days and since no sculptor can free it, it has to wait for the elements to wear us down, till it is free to fly." Mark Nepo

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Out With the Old


The low growling noise coming from the washer last weekend was odd enough to bring Toby running from the kitchen. He cocked his head one way, then the other. He backed up, sat, and stared. I was aware of the new noise, but ignoring it. However, I decided if it was getting the dog's attention, I might need to check things out. 

I lifted the lid. The agitator was wiggling. Not agitating but wiggling. The water rippled a bit, but the clothes barely moved. I thought maybe the agitator just needed a boost, but instead of getting into gear when I twisted, it spun loosely in my hand. Uh oh.

Seventeen years ago next month, a beautiful new washer and dryer set was delivered to our new home before we even moved in. I took a day off work to wait for the truck, and spent most of it sitting in my new back yard reveling in the abundance and ownership of five acres, a cute two story cottage, and the sound of the river. Home.

The washer and dryer made my life easier for all those years, kept our clothes clean, and never once complained. In almost no time at all though, they went from shiny and new, to reliable and worn,  to touchy and old. 

Clothes didn't spin as dry. The dryer sometimes needed two full cycles to do its job; it sometimes nearly fried the clothes and still left them wet. It seemed like things weren't getting as clean, but it was hard to tell. The handle of the lint trap broke. A scratch mysteriously appeared on top of the dryer. And then the agitator stopped.

After some serious discussion we decided the best thing to do was to get a new set. Walt did his regular thorough job of researching, went shopping with my blessings, and made arrangements for our new washer and dryer to be delivered on Saturday.

I said goodbye to my old set on Saturday morning before anyone else was up. Told them how grateful I was for their help, and how sorry I was to see them go. It often takes me a while to warm up to new things bought to replace worn out things. I get attached. It never seems quite right to just replace appliances (or cars or furniture) when they get tired. Even when the time for new is clearly now, it's hard for me to release old.

So when my brother and I got back from our walk on Saturday, and the new set was already installed, I anticipated needing a day or two, if not weeks, to warm up to them. 

This time it was love at first sight. 

Where the old set was boxy and angular and utilitarian looking, this set is round and soft and feminine. The fronts protrude in beautiful baby bellies of glass. The multitudes of buttons sing soft songs to communicate various needs. Where the old set sloshed and rattled and growled, this set purrs and whirrs and gurgles. 

Clothes come out cleaner, smell better, dry softer. I don't have to think at all until one of the machines gently reminds me it needs my help. I'm pretty sure if I asked nicely, the dryer might even try to fold my clothes.

And although we went from a top loader (which I've spent my whole laundry life using) to a front loader (for energy efficiency), the learning curve was short. This new set is kind and shows me exactly what to do, and how long it will need to do the job I've given it. It makes me feels smart and savvy and green. It even whispers if I'm offended by a loud voice.

I feel a bit disloyal, letting go so quickly of my attachment to the set that served me so well for so long. I might even miss the familiarity and comfort of its steady presence. But mostly I'm grateful, happy, and looking for clothes to wash to see what the new set will surprise me with next.

photo from Flickr






8 comments:

Anonymous said...

A good washer and dryer are underrated I think. My dryer is on the blink right now and I've no clothesline outside either. I miss my dryer.

Carrie Wilson Link said...

Way to embrace change!

Deb Cushman said...

I thought I was the only one who got attached and sentimental about appliances and furniture (and dishes and towels and books and...) I'm glad to hear that you jumped the hurdle of loving your new washer and dryer.

I had to let go of my baby (trusty old Maytag) a couple of years ago. It was hard. I have three boys and that washer and I had been soulmates through load after load after load of dirty diapers and jeans.

Jerri said...

Letting go of attachment is always good, even when it comes to appliances.

Kathryn Magendie said...

I love my new w/d too! Oh the difference! I'm in love i'm in love i'm in love with a beautiful ....um, applicances!...teehee

enjoy!

Mark Lyons said...

The new washer and dryer definitely are beautiful works of technological wonder and I'm so happy that you have them sitting in your laundry room. And I'm glad I had the opportunity to help you break them in.

Thanks for the great weekend.

I love you

Your Bro

Amber said...

love the way you tell a story-- even when it just about laundry. LOL :)

We have old stuff...but it they both have been on storage for five years! I wonder if they will still work when we get them out? This post makes me kinda hope not...

:)

kario said...

I have to know if you caressed the 'baby bellies.' I would have.

I'm smiling such a big smile right now!