Things We Take for Granted-Microwave Edition

 

        We were eating breakfast last week when both of us noticed a strange smell in the kitchen. It was that warm plastic/electrical smell that always bodes trouble. After some wandering around, we confirmed that the smell was coming  from the microwave. The smoke coming out of the vent after I heated a cup of tea confirmed our suspicions. 

        After checking the plug to make make sure there were no sparks, C prudently unplugged it. Our plans for the next day had changed. We were going to go microwave shopping.

        I use the term shopping loosely because we weren't really going to go to different stores. There is one locally owned appliance store down the street and that's where we went. We have bought things from them before. We prefer to patronize the smaller businesses when we can. It may cost slightly more but the customer service is better. If we have a problem with our purchase, we can talk to a live person  about it.

        We found what we needed fairly quickly and paid for it. Someone would call us to arrange for delivery and installation since our microwave is over the stove. That meant for a few days we would have to learn to live without the microwave.

        I knew we used the microwave a lot, but didn't comprehend just how much we depend on it. Many mornings I heat up my tea in the microwave. In just a few minutes my tea is just the right temperature and I can pour it into my cup. Without the microwave, I have to heat it in a pan on the stove as my glass cup is not stovetop safe.

        Several times I needed to use a kitchen timer. I found myself going to the microwave only to realize that I couldn't use it. I had to learn to use the one on the stove. It's a good timer, but I liked the microwave one better.

        The other day I wanted to bake some banana bread to take to our neighbors. I forgot to take out butter so it would soften. That's ok I'll just soften it in the.... nope, can't do that. I looked online to find out how to soften butter without a microwave. Turns out you can put it on a plate over warm water. Unfortunately, I was not paying attention and the water boiled and I wound up with half melted butter. I used it anyway.

        Yesterday, I wanted to heat up some soup. I put the soup in a bowl and carried it to the... no that's not going to work. You'd think I would remember that we don't have a microwave right now. I found a clean pan and put my soup in it and heated it on the stovetop.  

        I'll be glad when the new one arrives. This space of time living without one will make us more grateful for it. It's a good reminder about taking things for granted.