As you know, last week was my birthday. I am now 48 years old. Now I know some younger folks might think that's old. I can assure you my 98 year old grandmother thinks I'm just a spring chicken. Age is really a pretty relative thing, and I truly believe you are as young as you feel, and I feel pretty darned young.
As I was considering MY age, I started thinking about the age of things around me. And while the things around me aren't OLD (well most of them anyway), I really am not surrounded by new things. Here are a few examples:
1. My House - Here is my house.
I would have described my house as "older" although since its not as old as me, I have to rephrase that. My house is "not new." Our house was built in 1968, so its 44 years young. It needs a new roof. Our roof leaks in a hard rain (although since it hasn't rained in forever that hasn't been a problem lately). And our basement leaks too (see above comment about it not raining here forever).
2. My Car - My car is so dirty, that I couldn't show you a picture of it. Now remember, I live in the country, on a farm, on a gravel road, that cows walk across. And when cows walk, well, let's just say that dark stuff on my car isn't mud because, as I mentioned earlier, it hasn't rained here in forever. Sunday morning on my way home from church the odometer rolled over to 150,000 miles. My car isn't old, I bought it in 2007. I put a lot of miles on my car. It needs new tires. I am hoping to get 200,000 miles before I trade it in.
3. My Microwave - Again, sorry, no picture of my old Sears microwave. I bought it in 1986. It is 26 years old. SERIOUSLY!! But it still works. I mean, all I do is reheat leftovers, pop popcorn, and boil water to make a pitcher of tea. So why would I buy a new one?
4. My Vacuum Cleaner - I have an Oreck Vacuum Cleaner that I bought in 1996. That makes it, yep, you're right, 16 years old. I really like my Oreck. I took it to an Oreck store last summer and had it cleaned and the little "hook" that you hang the cord on replaced. It (the hook) broke awhile back, so my cord was always just laying on the floor. I will use it until it won't work anymore.
5. My Bedroom Furniture - My mother-in-law purchased our bedroom furniture when she got married. It is made of ash, a light stained wood. She used it for years. When my husband lived at home he used it, and when we got married we moved it to our house. We don't use the headboard and footboard anymore because it's a "double" bed and we wanted a king sized bed. So I bought a very inexpensive metal heardboard probably 6 or 7 years ago and that's what we use along with the dresser, chest and nightstands. I would LOVE to get new bedroom furniture one day. But for now, my 58 year old bedroom furniture is working just fine. It was made back in the days before veneer and particle board. It is solid wood and I think it will last forever.
6. My Kitchen Table - I have a solid oak kitchen table and chairs that we bought around 1987. Honestly, I don't remember exactly, but we've had it about 25 years. I had to have the top refinished last year. It is solid wood and, like my bedroom furniture, I think it will last forever! One day I hope one of my kids has that table and it brings back good memories for them.
7. My Washer and Dryer - Of all the things I have, my washer and dryer I would call fairly new. I bought them in December of 2006, so they are not quite 6 years old. I average about 10 years per washer and dryer. We've been married nearly 27 years, and this is my third set. I think I must be pretty hard on washers and dryers. My husband is a farmer and the clothes I am washing for him aren't just sweaty. They are FILTHY. Sure hope this set lasts a long time. My mother-in-law had a Maytag washer and dryer that she used for 30 years. I don't think they make washers and dryers to last that long anymore. Not even Maytags.
Are you someone who buys new, or keeps the old until it quits on you (like me)? Honestly, I'm just kind of CHEAP and I want to make certain I get my money's worth. I like to buy good quality items that will last. So . . . how old is the stuff at your house??
