Yesterday’s WordPress prompt asked the question, “What’s the oldest thing you own that you still use daily?”
That question required some thought. I’ve actually got two answers. The first is my antique dresser in our bedroom. We bought these at an antique shop in Connecticut shortly after we moved there in 1991. It was my first call, and we brought a bed, a crib, and a table with chairs when we moved into the 2,700 sq. ft. church parsonage.
We purchased two antique dressers and still use them today. They have to be at least seventy-five years old. Made of real wood, they have dovetail joints.
A second answer to the question could be the Revere Ware mixing bowls in the kitchen. My mom gave me a set of Revere Ware in 1979 when I graduated from college and headed off to my first job and apartment. I still have one small saucepan and three stainless mixing bowls from that set. They’ve served me well for over forty-five years.
A runner-up answer would be my trumpet. It’s a silver-plated Bach Stradivarius 43 I purchased brand new in 1979 from Red Bank Music in New Jersey for $600. I had to go trumpet shopping when my old one, a lacquered model, was stolen from my car in West Long Branch. I still play it, although not every day.
We decluttered our house when we remodeled it six years ago, so we don’t have a lot of old things around. If we weren’t wearing it or using it, we sold it or gave it away. It’s just about time to do that again. Funny how stuff accumulates on shelves and in drawers.
A couple of weeks ago, I was sitting in Starbucks, in between appointment, drinking coffee and scrolling through some Reddit stuff when — get this — this guy came in, sat down, and did nothing else other than enjoy his coffee. That’s right, no phone, no book, no tablet, no computer, no friend to talk to, nothing. He just sat there and sipped his venti whatever. I can’t say that I’ve ever seen someone do that before. There were plenty of other people there, some like me focused on a smartphone screen. A few were engrossed in their laptops. A couple of friends were talking.
But when the hurricane is breathing down your neck, you urgently have to accumulate things. Gas cans (4), extension cords for the generator (2), battery-powered lanterns (2), disposable plates and utensils, candles (#?), bottled water, ice (5 bags from our own ice maker), a new cooler, a new fan (a life-saver), chains for the chain saw (2), a yard rake, a new pair of work gloves, and calming toys and bones for the dog (3).
Waite for it... 