Day 561: This 'n' That

You remember I told you yesterday was shaping up to be another of those running-around days? Much like the Red Queen in "Through the Looking Glass," we need to run full-tilt just to stay where we are. If we slow down, we lose ground...

The washer: it's a strange (to me) hybrid machine. It's a combination washer/dryer. In theory, I load the clothes, add detergent, set the type of wash (quick, heavy-duty, whatever), then set the drying cycle (gentle, auto, whatever) and in a couple of hours - voila! Clean, dry laundry ready to fold or press. (We'll pretend I know how to use the iron in the event of an emergency.)

In reality it's living down to my expectations.

Now, my philosophy on mechanics is fairly simple. I don't understand machinery and I don't want to have to study physics to operate appliances. A machine has its dedicated task, and it should do it right, do it well, and do it with minimal input from me.

When I first heard of a machine that combined washing AND drying, I was skeptical. Then someone pointed out dishwashers operate on that principle - that is, if I choose to have a dishwasher run its drying cycle after the wash cycle, the dishes are (usually) (more or less) dry. So why wouldn't that work in a washing machine for laundry?

Well.

I've used this thing four times now. For the first time since my very early newlywed days I'm researching local laundromats. Each load - and keep in mind, during this trial phase I've been deliberately keeping the loads small and light, like underwear and socks and washcloths - has taken a minimum of five hours. FIVE HOURS. And even then the clothes aren't dry. Oh, sure, they're not sopping wet, but far more than damp. Being in an apartment, I have no clothesline; I have folding drying racks. Place looked as though I was taking in laundry for pin money.

Hence cometh ye young repairman.

He ran the diagnostics, pronounced the machine fine, then replaced a circuit panel anyway on the off-chance that's where a timer problem could be. I'm eyeing the machine warily. It gets a chance to wash a few shirts later today. We shall see.

Meanwhile, I feel as though I'm supporting the local electric company single-handedly.

* * *

Today is the annual eye-exam. I've grown to heartily dislike these things.

Back in the old days it was no big deal. Often, going to the ophthalmologist meant a couple of hours off school, or the fun of getting a new pair of glasses. Not so much anymore.

Evil terms like "retinopathy" and "macular degeneration" hang over these visits like dark clouds. Doesn't take much to stoke my anxiety. Add to that the "discomfort" (their word; "burning" or "searing" would be mine) of the series of eye drops and it renders the whole thing a most unpleasant experience.

I have a feeling today will bring some not-so-good news, as I'm having what I call bad eye days - some days my eyes just do not want to focus. A change in the prescriptive lenses may help. I hope.

Meanwhile, I'm grateful for computers: I have Windows 8.1, and it's wonderful to be able to enlarge on screen with a simple touch.

* * *

A sign of the times to keep me going:



It's Friday. 'ave a good 'un, Sparklers - carpe diem!