What Stink Looks Like

A few weeks ago now our dryer stopped working. Maybe on some level it was working, but as a dryer it had become a pathetic failure. We had relied on it for fifteen years and I’d like to think that it relied on us to give it a purpose for existence and every now and then we would look the other way when it ate a sock or two.

I’m going to miss the dryer; it did a pretty good job and was always willing to perform any hour of the day or night. The dryer featured prominently in a youtube slide show I made while on holiday. I had a new camera, a will to play with Photoshop and too much time on my hands. It was fun and called “Sock Thieves”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wmghI_vnYg

I also have pictures of Hurricane and Tornado on the day I was looking after them and put them inside the dryer. Don’t give me a hard time, I didn’t turn it on, although I think they would have had a story to tell the rest of their lives if I had. Dryers are dependable, they don’t do very much to stand out and if they do their job to perfection no one will ever take notice of them.

So, for the past few weeks we have done a full laundry at Brendan’s and bits and pieces here. We would just hang the clothes out on a rack and the sun and wind would dry them. It is funny; I have noticed that the clothing smells so fresh when dried outside. It is the smell that manufactures of fabric softener has struggled to duplicate. Unsuccessfully. Over the years I have thought about getting one of those umbrella type clothes lines, but since I don’t do the laundry it really isn’t up to me.

The clothing and towels are stiffer and scratchier somehow and I kind of like that in a towel. Not so desirable in underwear of course, but you get the good with the bad.

Today was the last day our washer was used because it is leaving to make room for the new washer and dryer that will arrive in two days time. I tossed in my greasy bike repair apron, two glue, paint and dust covered aprons, assorted work gloves and any really grungy cloths for the last wash. Tomorrow when Tornado comes for the day we will disconnect the washer and prep the room to receive a brand new washer and dryer. I think that Tornado will prefer to use the drill in the other room, but we will see how things go. He can be bribed!

I imagine that the new machines will be the last ones that we will ever buy. There is a good chance that Louise and I will be approaching 80 by the time these puppies die and the home should have laundry facilities. With any luck the scientists will come up with disposable clothing or better yet, self cleaning clothing. Just take it off and shake the dirt, sweat and stink out of it. I am looking forward to that day because I’d love to see what stink looks like.