Relatively Minor
Laughter does not have to come from a major source. It could indeed be ... relatively minor.
I’m sorry to inform you that one of our family members has passed away unexpectedly. This news is especially difficult for us as we are approaching the holiday season. Although there will be no investigation into the cause of death, we are planning curbside services for a later time.
The microwave had been working perfectly when it abruptly stepped over the rainbow bridge while cooking a pair of frozen potato patties. I had set the timer for two minutes and left the kitchen for a moment to make a phone call. When I returned, no operating lights existed, the machine was lifeless, and the potato patties were half-baked.
The microwave had been an active part of our family for over ten years. I will never forget its electromagnetic personality and how it displayed caring messages to advise when the meal was ready. No other appliance has been able to melt my chocolate or bring my water to a boil quite like that ever since.
As the saying goes, “You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone.” Since last week, we have been unable to cook, reheat, defrost, bake, or steam anything. I miss my microwave dearly.
Still mourning our loss, my husband and I traveled to Des Moines to retrieve a replacement. I was so excited to look for a new appliance that I forgot it was the last shopping weekend before Christmas. I couldn’t even buy a parking spot. And doggone it, the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile was also in town to take up three prime spaces.
We finally parked outside of Lowe’s to shop for a microwave without the aid of a salesperson ... until we were approached by Jolly Old St. Nick who pleaded to have his picture taken with me. I was all in until I saw the animated reindeer behind him shake his head to the left and the right as if to say, “No don’t do it!” I politely declined the photo and wished Santa a Merry Christmas as we continued to the appliance area.
We were lost amidst a sea of microwaves, from Whirlpool to Samsung, each with a variety of features. I was interested in finding one that would cook and reheat my food, make my coffee, pop my popcorn, and remotely start my car at the same time. Although the model we chose won’t remotely start my car during the coldest days of winter, it will at least warm a “pizza” my heart.
www.wintersetmadisonian.com
Iowa Writers Collaborative
Sorry for your loss. . .