Monday, June 16, 2025

Sunday, Sunday...

I've had better days than yesterday. 

I realized I really have to replace my three bathroom faucets, over 30 years old and builder's standard. 

They're all getting difficult to turn, corroding, generally aged out. They're not leaking, which is why I haven't rushed to fix them. Then I checked the price for even modest replacements and the potential plumber's bill.  About three times my estimate. 

I want to hire a plumber because local friends have done enough lately, also I've done better with an expensive plumber than with willing but less experienced friends. I can't do the contortions required myself though it's not that skilled.  Soooo, big sigh...

Then while I was moaning about this I thought I'd melt some butter in the microwave for pancakes. I'd made a little supply of strawberry sauce with the last of the strawberries getting overripe. So pancakes with strawberry s. seemed like a good idea. Melting butter is part of the recipe. So I did, using the same butter, dish, cover, everything as usual.

Whereupon the microwave literally shot flames out. I unplugged and checked the back, and found the panel completely blackened, oops, could have been a fire. I also found the label saying this appliance was made in 1995. Another 30 years of service coming to a close. 

Now I have a heavy thing to dispose of if I can lift it. And I'm deciding on whether I need to replace it or whether a different appliance might be good, or whether a new replacement would last long enough to be worth it.

Hippolyta is a bit achy this morning, lack of walking because of rain, and I was about to reheat my rice bag then remembered that was one handy use for a microwave. Ah.

So I posted a request on Freecycle, my usual shopping outlet. That's where I got the current microwave, many years ago, in excellent condition from a nonprofit whose staff used it to reheat lunches and tea. Their boss gave them an upgrade and they Freecycled the perfectly fine as-new one.  

All this is so first world compared to what a lot of my countrypeople are enduring. But I think a brief whine is okay now and then.

And there's Foyle. Last evening I watched  the anthrax episode. At least I don't have anthrax. And I didn't burn down Notre Dame, nor throw a military snoozefest in the rain.  So there's that.

Happy day everyone, cold rain here again. The flowers like it, good for them.  And there's a sparrow out there breakfasting on little bits of pancake leftovers.

And the first daylily came out yesterday, among the lavender 


I think these are seedpods from the vetch growing all over. Officially a weed, I like it, along with day flowers, various creeping viny things, bittercress,  sorrel, with which I'm blessed. This used to be farmland and it still supports all the plants that used to drive farmers mad.

I think I'll make soup today. Mid June and soup weather, doesn't seem to compute. But I have stock and chicken bones, so I can see a tomato chickpea soup in my immediate future.  And crisp tofu katsu sticks maybe.


When life hands you lemons, make chicken soup sez Ted and Big Ursy. And it's Bloomsday, and I finally did finish reading Ulysses. 







43 comments:

  1. I hope you get good replacements for the faucets and microwave.

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    1. I think the faucets are a given. Not sure about the microwave yet.

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  2. It’s always the way. Everything is going along nicely, then, bam. Everything starts to fall apart Well they say it comes in threes. I hope that doesn’t prove correct for you. I think you have enough to be going on with

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    1. I'm already up to four -- three faucets, one microwave! No more, no more!

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  3. Get a plumber in! Plumbing always requires tools you can't find and impossible contortions - according to Husband.
    I do find the microwave quite useful but mine never last as long as yours.

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    1. I think husband is right. It's the Big Wrench that I don't have.

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  4. One wonderful thing we experience here is plumbers do not charge a fortune. Wish I could send one your way. Two new faucets, cheap! And, oh, the microwave. Ours is now nearly 14 years old, and even that is old for that kind of appliance. My mother had an Amana RadarRange from the early 70s until she died in 2016. In perfect condition but I was nervous every time I used it. Sorry bout the headaches!

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    1. I wonder about the lifetime of appliances. I normally get at least 30 years out of the first one, but its successors not so much.

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  5. W replaced our toilets last year or the year before. I thought they would last forever, but I was wrong -- again!

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    1. It was a neighbor fixing a leaky valve who over tightened and ended up cracking the toilet bowl. Big expense. So I just plan on plumbers now.

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  6. Congratulations on getting to the end of Ulysses. Reading it once was enough for me.
    Good luck with the taps/faucets and microwave.

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  7. I have no idea how old my microwave is. I guess just saying that indicates it's not that new.
    I'm sorry about your faucets. That really does present a situation you have to deal with. I mean- running water. Quite important. But I think that getting thirty years service from them is pretty good.
    I might make soup too. Thanks for the idea.

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    1. The faucets are getting too hard to open and shut. The opposite of a leak -- unavailability!

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  8. Never finished Ulysses. Bought a new microwave (made in China) at Walmart for $80 when my donated one also had the potential fire coming (just smelled like smoke every time I used it.) The new one does everything it should, but is small inside. It can hole a dinner plate which is the main requirement, and I used it probably for every meal (coffee, warmed over left overs, cooking frozen things.) But a real plumber is definitely worth the cost.

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    1. I used my microwave so marginally I wonder if I can bypass it if free cycle doesn't yield anything. No rush. But yes, friends aging and their abilities likewise, it's better to pay up. I've avoided a lot of expenses over the years though.

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  9. You actually made it through Ulysses! You deserve a party. It does seem things like to break down in groups. I have an inexpensive Magic Chef microwave that is close to 20 years old. In this case inexpensive was just fine. I do find a microwave to be a valued appliance. We are having a storm.

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    1. I may end up with a new microwave, just taking a moment to see how useful it actually is. At this point a lot of builder's items which came with the house are old enough to break down, so they're taking turns.

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  10. Isn't it amazing how "weeds" persevere no matter how hard humankind tries to subdue them? You gotta admire that. I also enjoy my weeds.

    Sorry it was a day full of challenges. Sounds like you are meeting them all capably.

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    1. I love the wildflowers other people call weeds. Right now out front are yellow, blue, purple and pink tiny flowers and interesting foliage. I'm not a fan of catbriar, but most plants are welcome. There's also lavender, daylilies, black eyed Susan and Montauk daisies in bloom or starting. But I planted them.

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  11. If the weather turns hot your soup will taste good cold. I would definitely get a plumber, particularly if there are that many taps needing replacing.
    And I think making it through Ulysses is an accomplishment worth celebrating. I, however, will not be attempting that one!

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    1. The weather this week may soar into the low 70s at best, so I think hot will be ok.
      Ulysses isn't for everyone. I'm in a discussion with an online friend who hates it because he never gets to the point! She's a research scientist and only sees the value in a straight shot at a solution. Not how novels work!

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  12. I would definitely miss my microwave as it is so handy to use. Best of luck with the plumbing and faucets. A good investment in your home.

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    1. Looking on it as an investment is helpful, thank you, rather than just an expense.

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  13. This is a good opportunity to get lever-handled (?) faucets. We replaced our faucet handles (same as yours) several years ago and what a difference!

    I'm interested to see if you decide a new-to-you microwave (if available) is worthwhile. We too evaluate appliances before replacing them. It's a bit frustrating when these expenses come in 3s and 4s, isn't it.

    Chris from Boise

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    1. I'm not familiar with lever handled faucets. Must check. I don't replace anything without considering how much I use it. Even groceries, very few are repeats. Every time is a chance to think about what's needed now. You clearly get this.

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  14. What a pain, but I think you did have good service from a plumber in the past.
    Thirty years service from a free microwave is impressive.

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    1. I think all in all, I'm not hurting too much from appliance costs.

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  15. 30 years old! I wish cell phones were that durable.

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    1. They're definitely designed to fail. And be updated out of useful life.

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  16. You had me at the military snooze fest! Lol.

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  17. I don't know anyone but you who has ever finished Ulysses! Congratz!

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    1. Thank you. It was spread over years! Also it was never set at school so it didn't have that obligation attached. And it's a very funny book.

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  18. I had a similar microwave incident - boiling a cup of water! I thought I caused a nuclear explosion! It is a shock when you think about the age of small appliances (or actually how old I am too).
    We have picked out new faucets for the bathroom remodeling that is still in it's infancy. I made sure I got the ones recommended for accessibility.

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    1. It's a surprise when an appliance suddenly checks out like that. I always think I should have noticed earlier. I suppose accessible usually means handles that don't require squeeze and turn like my current ones. Noted.

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  19. I live in an apartment and have a lever handed faucet in the bathroom. At first it took me some time getting used to it because I was used to the hot and cold taps, but it is quite good! I wish you all the best for the faucets. I used to have a microwave but I actually got rid of it a few years ago, as it was making me lazy. I was buying frozen foods instead of cooking myself. I really don't miss it...I am 68 now and I love to cook.

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    1. Interesting thought about doing away with the microwave. I'm testing what I do without one,to see if it's necessary.

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  20. I had faucets and all the fixin's replaced in two bathroom sinks and one shower last year. It cost a small fortune, I'm sorry to say. I'm impressed that you read Ulysses. I intend to read it before I die but time is running short. Do you have an air fryer? I have one that does everything except fold the laundry. It grills, roasts, bakes, fries, toasts, and about a million other things. If I had to choose between a microwave and an air fryer, I would choose the air fryer.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. I was wondering if people would choose an air fryer. I have a toaster oven for some of those functions. Noted, anyway, thank you.

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  21. You are correct about builder’s grade fixtures as it’s here in the mill apts too. Thankfully when they fail or need repair all that’s required is a maintenance request. There was no microwave in the kitchen when we moved in, but one was installed during an upgrade even though we would have preferred the former extra cabinet space. Good luck on finding a suitable and inexpensive replacement.

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    1. It sounds as if you're not seeing the microwave as vital, either. I like the extra counter space I've freed up now.

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  22. I was thinking the old "comes in threes" with the three faucets...but then the microwave flaming explosion! I hope that is it now. Over and done with.
    I never did manage to read Ulysses. Kudos to you!!
    I hope you have a quiet day--no more surprises. ;)

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