Cold to idea of buying new refrigerator
I don’t think we need a new one. When we bought our home here in town, it came with certain things the previous owners did not want to move. There was a nice washer/dryer combo, a couple of twin beds and a refrigerator and stove.
While the appliances were older models, each was in good repair and functioned properly.
Several years ago, however, we had to get a repairman to replace the thermostat in the fridge (things were getting way too cold in the bottom and the freezer looked like an experiment in reaching absolute zero). But, other than that, it has been a very reliable appliance.
Yet, my lovely wife would like to have a new one.
Why?
“It’s noisy and it runs all the time,’ she says. “It uses too much electricity.’
“But it still works OK,’ I reply, adding, “And have you looked at the price of new refrigerators today? We’d have to live another 50 years to recoup in electricity savings what one would cost.’
In the end, however, she can do what she wants about the appliance. I learned a long time ago that when it comes to the fridge, it’s better to let my wife rule.
Why?
Well, there is probably no more disgusting thing than a rank refrigerator. I know. I was once a bachelor. And I have never liked to waste food. Throwing perfectly good food out is anathema to me. Always has been and probably always will be.
Now most single people realize that if they cook for themselves they are going to have leftovers. The cans, boxes and other containers that hold our edibles are usually sized according to families, not the lone home eater. When you open, for example, a can of beans, it’s highly unlikely you are going to consume them all. Ergo, leftovers. Which go into the fridge.
And, unless you enjoy having the same meal day after day, these appetizing afterthoughts are usually pushed to the rear of the shelf. Until the evening you decide you want something different from your local larder. That’s when you start casting an eye toward the rear refrigerator shelves to see what might be living there.
On more than one occasion I spied something that looked like a green vegetable only to be surprised by some kind of fungus growing on what was once baked beans or macaroni and cheese or some other part of an ancient meal. On more than a few occasions the stuff looked like it could have grown legs and walked out on its own.
That’s when I’d start tossing away the now obnoxious provender. Maybe I should have just tossed out the leftovers when they were still edible rather than allow them to ferment? No. It’s much easier on my conscience to dispose of spoiled food than usable food.
Which brings me back to the question of a new fridge.
Do I really want to get into an argument over it? No. After all, I’m the one who refuses to toss the jar that has but one pickle left in it, the container of cottage cheese that has a bite or two left and the juice bottle still holding less than a swig. I still don’t like to waste things and if it weren’t for my wife, our fridge would probably contain a number of unintentional science experiments.
So, I have to acquiesce in favor of my wife’s wishes.
Oh, my aching wallet.
Have a good day.
James Pletcher Jr. is Herald-Standard business editor. He can be reached at 724-439-7571 or by e-mail at jpletcher@heraldstandard.com.