So. Our fairly new, not-inexpensive GE refrigerator broke last week.
We noticed the temp seemed to be getting warmer and warmer and when we finally put a thermometer in there, we found it was 50 degrees. Not so good.
Steve called a repairman who came out and said the fridge needed Freon. He added it and then said it would take twenty-four hours for the temp to return to normal. The next day, the thermometer said 48 degrees. Not exactly the kind of normal we were hoping for and unfortunately, the repairman was unavailable for the Fourth of July weekend.
we had to throw out all our perishables because we hadn’t realized how truly warm it had gotten until we put the thermometer in there. We bought a few new basic items and stowed those away in the extra fridge which is down the long flight of stairs to the basement.
Going down to the fridge.
Coming up from the fridge.
Oh, the joy.
Steve’s still dealing with with shingles vaccine side effects and I have not been feeling the best over the past few days–a little gloomy, a little weary, and to top it off, my ongoing lower back problems have kicked up. And then to have to trudge down the stairs whenever I want a piece of cheese or Tippi’s dog food–well, it has not added to my general merriment.
I would be the first to admit that this is a first-world problem but if you’ve ever had to walk a good distance to get one egg, you know that even first-world problems can be a bit annoying.
Because of the fridge situation, we’ve been eating hit-or-miss meals, whatever we can scrounge from our limited mid-fridge-repair rations. Because of that, I was very excited on Friday when some people at work ordered too much pizza for their department and offered some to me.
And this was not just your basic, run-of-the-mill pizza–this was fancy expensive, pizza.
I burst into the house Friday afternoon and said to Steve, “Look! We don’t have to worry about trying to get dinner together tonight. I have great pizza!
And there was rejoicing all around.
When dinner time came I put the pizza in the oven/air fryer and then busied myself with a few things while I waited for the pizza to reheat. Alas, it seems as though I busied myself with too many things because when I went back to check on it, I discovered it had burned to the proverbial crisp. (Turns out I had set the air fryer temp too high.)
I imparted the sad news to Steve and he was all gallant and said, “Oh, it’ll be fine. We can eat it anyway.”
After we had each taken two alarmingly crunchy bites we decided that maybe it was inedible, after all. (Insert sad face here.) But it was all we had in the house since just about everything else had been spoiled. Steve finally got the idea of making us grilled cheeses and although a grilled cheese for dinner wasn’t terribly exciting, at least it wasn’t charred and ruint. (As a true Southerner would say.)
After dinner, I suggested to Steve that maybe he could try fixing the fridge himself since he is the Fixer of All Things. He took a look at a YouTube video, did some troubleshooting, and figured out the problem was the fan. Before I knew it, he had taken the whole thing apart.
he got on the phone to locate a replacement fan but couldn’t find a place open due to the holiday. My unrefrigerated, back-aching, gloominess increased so I did what I often do when I get into a mood: I got in the car and just started driving in the country, letting the the peace of the backroads do their therapeutic work.
I was driving along up in the foothills when my cell rang and Meagan’s name came up on the caller ID. I attempted to put on a cheery and voice and said, “Hello!” We talked about 30 seconds when she stopped mid-sentence and said, “Are you okay?”
So, quite obviously, my fake cheeriness did not fool her. I love that both of my daughters have a sixth sense for when someone is not feeling up to par and offer their compassion and listening ear.
Another thing that happened while I was out meandering was that I got behind a funeral procession. I wasn’t in a hurry so I just moseyed right along at the end of the line with them. I was interested to note that the cars coming in the opposite direction pulled off to the side of the road as the procession went by, even though there was plenty of space and they didn’t really need do.
I recognized it was a sign of respect and was so touched by it. And then I wondered if this is just a local regional thing or if it is done in other parts of the country. I’ll be asking more about that at the end of the post.
I was feeling a bit blah this morning when I got up which was made even worse when I looked in the mirror and discovered two things: there is a pimple growing on the tip of my nose and (worse yet) it appears as though I forgot to wash the conditioner out of my hair last night when I took my shower. (I was in a hurry to get through it.) That means my hair looks like it hasn’t been washed in 6 weeks which, along with the glowing pimple, is setting a new standard for an impressive corporate appearance. It’s also enhanced by my hobble-walk since my back still hurts.
Am I pitiful or what?
I’m hoping that by next week, my gloominess will have dissipated, my back will be happy, my nose pimple will be gone, and the fridge will be working fabulously.
here are two random photos; one old and one new.
This was one was taken Saturday night when Steve went over to babysit the grands so Nathan and Meagan could have a date night. They were all watching a movie and Steve said first one little guy came and laid down with him and before long, the other one came along, too. One of the precious moments of grandparenting.
And this other photo is one I’ve always loved. My Grandma Clemmerson gave this bracelet/ring set to me for Easter one year and I felt as gorgeously attired as the queen of England. I’ll never forget that feeling.
So there you are. A little bit of cheeriness with which to end the Saga of the Refrigerator and the Gloomies.
Have a great week!
What about you?
What irritations, big and small, have you dealt with this week?
Do you remember a particular gift you got as a child that you loved especially much?
Do people in your part of the country/world pull over when they encounter a funeral procession?
Is there someone in your life who can see through “your chipper voice” and know when you are struggling?
Oh how frustrating! They just don’t build appliances like they used to. I hope it’s back up and running again by now.
Yes, back in the town we moved from, and the smaller towns around, people would pull over for a funeral procession. Even on the highway. I haven’t seen one yet where we live now so I don’t know how they do in a bigger city.
So glad I’m not the only 65 year old that still gets an occasional pimple. 🤦♀️
LeeAnne,
Well, the repairmen are at the house right now; the fridge started working but the freezer didn’t. You’re right about appliances not being made with the same quality. Some of those old one would go 30 years and more!
Here’s to the Middle Aged Pimple Sisterhood! 🙂
We’ve had refrigerator woes as well. We ended up buying an indoor/outdoor thermometer with three sensors. The unit sits on top of the fridge, one sensor inside the fridge, one in the fridge freezer, and one in the garage freezer. At a glance we can see if everything is working as it should.
Jeff,
What a great idea; I didn’t know such a thing existed! Thanks for the suggestion and thanks for commenting.
Becky,
I haven’t commented in a while, but I can certainly relate to your fridge gloom. A few weeks ago a severe storm passed through our area. Our electricity went out and was out for three days. We lost all the food in the fridge and freezer. Unfortunately, we had just filled the freezer with a large order from Sam’/ Club. The temps were in the 90’s and the humidity was high. That was bad enough, but with no electricity, we had nothing. No fans, no oven, no microwave, no internet, no phone charger, etc. we, like many of our neighbors, sat in the hot car, motor running charging so we had at some charge in case of emergencies. However, we were blessed that we weren’t
hit my a tornado as several touched down in surrounding municipalities
I hope that by now you and Steve are feeling better. Your fridge is working properly and your gloomies are gone.
Blessings and hugs,
Linda in Pittsburgh
Linda,
Oh my. No electricity for 3 days and with all that food wasted. Right after Nathan was born, our electric was knocked out about the same amount of time. Thankfully you were not affected by the tornadoes in the area and were safe.
I always hate wasting food so throwing all our refrigerated/frozen food away was tough; I know you can relate to the feeling. Sounds like Sam’s Club is about to get some more of your business!
It was good to hear from you again. Enjoy your A.C!
Have a feeling that my left knee that went out on me while in Gatlinburg will continue to be a pain (excuse the pun) until I pass or the Lord comes. So thankful though that the pain is about a 1 and 2 and am able to walk further each day. A gift when I was a child. Was staying with my grandma and we decided to go to a movie. When we got home, I went upstairs where her bedroom was and on the bed was a new dress and shoes. Must have been around the holidays. I was tickled (only a girl would be tickled about clothes). Another Christmas, my uncle made my sister and I matching buggies for our dolls. Still have the picture. Yes. you should pull over regarding a funeral. Don’t know if it is the law, but one time I turned into a funeral procession. The light changed and I turned the corner. Did not realize it until the policeman gave me a stern lecture.
Sharyn,
Sorry your knee has gotten a little cantankerous on you but thankful the pain isn’t too bad.
Yes, a new outfit would definitely warm the heart of a little girl; what a wonderful memory for you. And having matching doll buggies? What a treasure!
I hope by now your refrigerator has been fixed. I have an extra one in the garage that I use primarily for frozen food and water/soda. Much easier than going up and down stairs.
So many of our streets in the KC area are 4 lanes with medians in middle. I haven’t seen a funeral procession lately to know for sure that people do pull over. I know with both my parents’ funerals this year, people did pull over. With my dad’s funeral the police were at the funeral home and led us to the cemetery. Once we got to the turnoff to the cemetery, the blocked traffic coming from the other direction. The turn is right before a hill and you can’t really see that great. With my mom’s funeral, they weren’t at funeral home but picked us maybe 1/2 a mile later.
No big or small irritations this week that I can think of.
Trying to remember gifts I got as a kid, not coming up with anything. I did get a cameo necklace from my mom when I was probably in my late 20s or early 30s. Her mother had worn it to her wedding in 1919 and my mom had worn in it in 1949. It will go to one of my nieces at some point. She stipulated that I get a new chain for it as the chain was pretty delicate and she was afraid it would break.
Phyllis,
You don’t see many cameos anymore; what a precious gift to receive and eventually to pass on.
I love that it was worn in a wedding over a hundred years ago. Amazing!
I am from South Dakota and we always pull over for a funeral procession. The police direct traffic at a main intersection and stand at attention and will sometimes salute.
Mona,
I love that the police stand at attention and salute. It brings comfort to a difficult day to have the officer honor the deceased.
Hmm, too many irritations to list, but you said just this week. Mainly tropical storm Beryl causing me to be without power today and job hunting but I can also relate to the appliance problem because my stove hasn’t been working. Isn’t it nice to be able to just google a tutorial and at least have a chance at being able to fix things yourself?
Your steep stairs look like those to my apartment (but with only one railing). At least I don’t have to climb them every time I’m hungry, but who thought that would be a good idea?
Yes, people do yield or pull over for funeral processions in my part of Texas.
That’s such a cute younger pic of you…the family resemblance is strong.
Hey, at least with the breakout and greasy hair you can temporarily feel like a teenager again.
Kristen,
Ha. Thanks for giving me a new perspective and helping me feel teen-agey. 🙂
I’ve been reading about all the people who have lost power with Beryl and many of them are in very hot areas. Don’t know what the temp is with you but I hope you get your power back very quickly. And God bless the men and women out there working so hard to accomplish that!
Good luck as you continue to job hunt.
I hope your gloomies are short lived and you are back to your happy, chipper self soon!! I’ve had a pretty good week; and my irritation is also a first world problem. I’m visiting family in Arkansas and my laptop is extremely slow loading pages on their wifi. North Carolina was the first place I experienced drivers pulling over as a show of respect to a funeral procession. I’ve seen it occasionally in Arkansas & Texas so maybe it’s a southern thing? Here’s to no more back pain for you and no more shingle side-effects for Steve!
Sue Ellen,
I agree. It is SO frustrating when pages load slowly. I love to just click and have things happen! At least you know when you get back home it will be speedy again. 🙂
Steve and I are both feeling better and we think he may have gotten the fridge repaired. So that’s good news!
First of all, let me say I thought that picture was of Sarah as a little girl! Wow! You two are twins.
In South Georgia, we pull over for funeral processions regardless of which direction the procession is traveling. I recently stopped on a four-lane highway with other drivers as a funeral procession passed us going the opposite direction. It’s just a sign of respect that I love so much about living in the south.
I have had several gifts through the years that I treasure and love so much. But, one that I treasure the most is my grandmother‘s pearls. My mother gave them to me after my grandmother died, and I have treasured them for years. My husband bought me some for one of our anniversaries and, while I love those very much, ones from my grandma are special. I will pass those on to my daughter and hopefully she will be able to pass them on to her daughter or daughter-in-law one day.
I know you are relieved that Steve was able to fix the fridge. It’s a hassle when are conveniences are taken from us.
Lisa,
Hmmm. I had never thought of that old picture of me looking like Sarah! Interesting to note the similarities.
How wonderful that those pearls of your grandmother’s will be passed on and on and on. It’s not just the beauty of the pearls but the beauty of the love and the tradition that are passed on along with them. Sarah got Vernie’s pearls and treasures them so much.
I’m in Florida, and yes people generally pull aside for funeral processions. Good luck with the fridge! My mother-in-law has gone through three fridges in about five years. A short while ago her latest one died, she’d only had it for nine months or so. Repairman said all the electronics in it were fried, probably from a power surge and that it wasn’t worth fixing. He also told us that fridges nowadays are designed to last only five years or so. Our fridge is 28 years old and going strong. I’ve often wished it would hurry up and die so that I could get a newer fridge with fancy features on it, but I think I’ve changed my mind on that…
Melissa,
That is crazy that fridges are designed to last only 5 years. I think the next time, we will get the full warranty for what we purchase.
I understand your feelings about sort of wanting your current old fridge to break; I felt the same way when we inherited Vernie’s old fridge. But I tell you what, those old fridges really get the job done . . . not just for years but for decades!
I agree that those stairs are way too long to go up and down. Maybe you need to borrow one of the grands for a few days to be your stair runner.
I remember a cat pin my grandma gave me. I don’t even like cats, but this was just the head and it had real fuzzy fur in it, with green glass eyes.
Growing up in a big city I never saw anyone pull over, but all the roads were divided. Moving to a rural area I began noticing the cars pulling over. It is a nice gesture
A very big and gruff stepdad of someone I worked with always knew when I needed cheering up. His gruffness left and he showed a gentle caring side. Goes to show that you can’t judge a person by one side of them, they may have that gentle side.
Prayers that your fridge is fixed soon and keeping cool.
Patti,
I love reading about someone who was gruff but with a very caring side. Sometimes it can be a surprise what can hide beneath a gruff exterior. Love that!
Steve did get our fridge fixed but the freezer is still broken; thankful to have the fridge, at least!
I am dealing with the gloomies this week because it is hot and humid and it makes it hard to breathe. I want to get our grass cut…it is looking like a hayfield in places. I am struggling feeling aggravated and I really want to feel happy. Jim can hear through my fake cheeriness.
Rachel,
I can definitely relate to it being hard to breathe in this muggy weather. Looking forward to Autumn!
I’m glad you have a husband who hear through your fake cheeriness; that’s the best kind of hubby to have. Hugs.
Have you been up to Mount Airy yet? I was just wondering because we all do pull over for a funeral procession. It is a courtesy and the police will do that and also stand out with their heads down and their hats over their chest. I was in Ohio once at a funeral and Nope, noone even pulled over and was passing all of the funeral folks fast as they could. I for one don’t like to be in a funeral procession…. coming or going.
I get the gloomies sometimes too. Especially since my hubby has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. I find myself down and out because I can’t help him be well again and because I am worried I won’t be able to take care of him when he gets worse. But, I know the good Lord is going to help me whatever comes along.
I hate your fridge broke. Not a great time for that at any time. We need both commodes fixed but haven’t got anyone to fix them and I sure can’t.
Have a blessed week and try to smile and let the sunshine bring back your cheerfulness. God bless you…
Kaye,
I haven’t been to Mount Airy yet but from what I’ve heard, it’s a delightful town. Love hearing about the officers putting their hats over their hearts for a funeral; so inspiring.
So sorry to hear about your husband’s diagnosis; that is definitely a heavy burden for your heart. I can certainly understand your worries that you’ll be unable to care for him when he gets worse. When that time comes, the provision will come, too.
Blessings on your week, as well.
Yes, pulling over in Massachusetts as well. So sorry you both are feeling so under the weather. I also suffer from lower back pain at times (osteoarthritis) and it turns my life gray when it gets triggered. I finally did a stint of PT for it with good results. Now I can do the exercises at home when I feel it acting up. I have to lift my daughter (95 pounds) a couple of times a day so that doesn’t help but it is what it is.
My sister is the one who can hear through my chipper voice. I can fool everyone else. OK, maybe my brother too-he’s tuned in pretty well. Alright, one more- my daughter-in-law. She’s good too. I guess I have 3! Very lucky indeed.
Why do we get the occasional pimple at our age? It seems inappropriate. Don’t we have enough problems.
Do not fall down those stairs! Just sayin’.
Lesley,
I’ve always said no one should have to deal with pimples AND wrinkles at the same time; we are definitely on the same channel there!
Glad to know PT was a help to you; I’ve been going to a chiropractor for a couple of months and am feeling better. I’m sure you’ve learned the most efficient ways to move Sarah but that is still a lot of weight to shift. Bless you with continued physical strength as you care for her so well.
And you are definitely blessed to have have THREE people who can hear through your fake cheery voice!
Yes I always pull over for a funeral it must be a southern thing although I hope everyone would do that. So sorry about your fridge, the only thing I can think of that is worse is a Commode that won’t flush 😱😱
My daughter can always tell if something is wrong with me as well as my husband’s sister who incidentally is also my best friend. It is a blessing to have a person who is also your person who knows you that well
Praying this week is much better for you
Gail,
You’re right–a non-flushing commode is a pretty bad situation.
How fabulous that you sister-in-law is also your best friend. I know you’re thankful you married into a family that has great people in it!
Hi Becky. My mom passed away at the end of May and the majority of cars pulled over for our procession. We are from Ontario, Canada. I like to think that this is the norm for many areas.
Funny little tale about my son fixing my dryer. My dryer had quit working and because of his job, he knew how to take it apart and determined that it was the motor. He called an appliance place and asked if they had one and they did. He drove over and picked it up. His job is going into people’s houses after floods and fires etc. and assessing their electronics and appliances for damage. He does not have to repair them but he does have to clean some. So, while the dryer was apart, he decided he would do a complete clean on it. He told me that it would look just like new. When he picked up the motor, the old gentleman said, “Good luck getting the motor out.”. Long story short, motor would not come out and something broke while trying to take it out and I ultimately ended up with a new dryer so I guess he was correct when he told me it would look just like new!!
Mary,
I may be mistaken, but I think you are a first-time commenter? If so, welcome to the neighborhood!
I’m sure you enjoy kidding your son about the “looking like new” hairdryer. He did not lie! 🙂
What an interesting job to go into areas after floods and fires to assess electronics and appliances. He’s probably never quite sure what he’s going to run into day after day.
Thanks for commenting; enjoy the rest of the week!
I’m from Nebraska and we most definitely pull to the side for a funeral procession. I remember my Dad and Grandpa would always take their hat off too.
Good Luck with the fridge!
Shannon,
I love that sign of respect that comes with removing one’s hat. It’s the simple things that mean so much.
We have refrigerator woes as well. Had a storm come through last night and we lost power a couple of times. That must have done something to the frig. It runs for a couple of seconds and then shuts off. Woke up to water pooling on the floor and all my YASSO bars melted in the freezer. So I have been doing the trudging up and down stairs relocating freezer and frig items to the basement freezer. We have a small frig down there I use at holiday times so plugged that in. Max, my ever handy hubby repairman will take a stab at fixing it.
Nina,
Although I’m sorry your fridge broke I am happy you mentioned YASSO bars. I had never never heard of them and Googled them. They look wonderful!
Here’s hoping your ever handy hubby can fix the fridge quickly. Steve has our fridge part humming along beautifully but the freezer is still not as cold as it should be. It could be it just takes it a little longer to catch up.
I truly hope your stair-trudging does not last long but I do have much sympathy for you in your plight. We miss you guys!
Yes! Pulling over for a funeral procession is done as a sign of respect in the south. I love our old traditions that show kindness and respect.
Laura,
Pulling over is such a beautiful tradition, isn’t it? Showing respect is always the right thing to do.