Barbara J. Hamby

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Electric Witch’s Broom

Why is it that I will put up with antiquated equipment for years before I’ll spend a buck or two replacing it? My old vacuum cleaner needed a huskier back than mine to push it around, but I kept telling myself I couldn’t afford a new one (cleaner, that is--not a new back). When I finally broke down and went shopping, I discovered a new one cost less than threee months of bi-weekly visits to a chiropractor. The replacement doesn’t require pushing; I just hang on and follow it around. It also has a detachable tank with devices for dusting and cleaning upholstery, etc. It’s red and shiny and stands proudly in the closet most of the time. But it does a great job when I need it.

Sometimes I hang onto old stuff because I don’t want to think about overflowing landfills. But my old vacuum cleaner can go to a younger person either directly or by way of Goodwill. It cleans well and gives a workout only slightly less strenuous than you can get at the gym.

There are belongings cluttering up my closets and cupboards because a friend or relative gave them to me. Actually, it’s ridiculous to hang on to all that stuff. I can’t recall having any of them ever ask me, “What happened to that antimacassar I gave you?” (or whatever).

So, here I go! As soon as I get through shredding all my ancient tax returns I’ll start recycling unreturned gifts. I can’t give them to anyone I know, unless I can remember who gave them to me. However, I can let a charitable agency do the job.