Endurance
We have become a “throwaway” world. Everything from water softeners to furniture to floor coverings. Don’t get your hopes up for endurance.
I recall that in times past Raymond and Lena would get the cattle chores done so they and dad’s brother and his wife, Lester and Hazel, could take in the Minnesota State Fair. The men spent the day on Machinery Hill while the women took in exhibits under the grandstand. The latest in all gadgetry would be on display.
When Lena came home with the smallest of a box in a bag, it didn’t look as if she had purchased much for a full day of looking. The contents of that box changed everything from canning to everyday cooking for our farm kitchen. It was a small slicer that could easily fit over the edge of a bowl or a kettle. Just slide the food item up to the blade and it was easy peasy. Speed depended upon the user. The slicer had adjustment from thin sliced onions to chunky carrot rounds. I was still in high school and learned early on to reach for the slicer to make some chores easy.
When Mom moved out of her apartment when she was in her early nineties, I beat Elvera to nabbing the slicer. That gem came home with me. Dennis has sharpened the blade several times. The indents in the metal legs were worn smooth. They no longer had the ability to hold the thickness of each slice consistently. One hand had to hold the adjustment while pushing the food product through with the other hand. In truth, the cutting edge just couldn’t hold up to anymore sharpening. Dennis said it was time to buy a new slicer.
I went online and there were countless choices. It had to be compact as we don’t have the cupboard storage nor the counter space for much more than what is already on hand.
Today the new slicer came. For a whopping $19.99, plus shipping we are back in business. It came from a company in Ohio that sells a lot of what had been and is still used in homes. I could not believe that the trustee slicer of 60 plus years of service was still deemed a viable tool. Dennis is going to try it out for supper as he has been waiting for thinly sliced potatoes for raw fried potatoes. I am in charge of sautéing onions.
The slicer on the left is Lena’s vintage and on the right is Dennis’ new one with some nice grippers on the feet.
Whether it is a slicer, or two retirees, endurance just can’t be beat.