HOME ALONE

Now I realize I have to somehow unplug the thing, but there is no way I can reach over the machine to reach that wall plug. So I have to do a “no-no” and find a stool, or something, to stand on to make the reach. When I look back, I cannot remember if I had my cell phone “on me” with all this back and forth between laundry and computer. I am not supposed to take one step without either cell or line phone with me. At all times when home alone. PERIOD.
Anyway, I went to my clothes closet and brought the chair stool out in front of the dryer, lifted the seat up, leaving 2 steps which I stepped right up on, pulled the plug, got right back down, and heard the motor noise still going strong. This gave me the feeling that I have a real serious problem here, and I even stuck my head inside the dryer, and the noise was still noising, and it was still warm in there. What to do, what to do? Well, the sensible thing to do is contact the Sears Service people and get them on it ASAP. The phone book is too much for me to lift, so back to the computer to find the 800 number to call.
This whole scene started around 10 AM, and after all the back and forth from income tax to wash and dry the laundry, it was now around 3:30 PM and I happened to get a real person to talk to, which in itself is quite an achievement these days, and tell him how desperate I was and that I am 92 years old and would the thing catch fire, and so on and so on. He even had me go out to the dryer and report back if it was still doing the same thing, and it was. Finally, we set an appointment for Saturday, the 13th between 8 and 12, along with a credit card charge of $139. There was no earlier time available, and by then, I was so weak from running – well, actually walking. I’m definitely not supposed to, or maybe I just plain- old can’t run anymore. So I agreed on the appointment time and day.
Next, my friend Alba called from the Tennis Garden where she does volunteer ushering. She was wondering how everything was going along at home, so I told her about the dryer and how the motor is still running, and I am out of my mind, and Sears can’t get here till Saturday. Didn’t even bother to mention the income tax was stuck with the pesky K-1’s. She tried to calm me down, and said she would be home when her shift ended. I tried to calm down to no avail.
When she did arrive home, she immediately was checking on the dryer since one walks right by it coming in from the garage. I was over in the dining room on the far side of the house, and she is telling me what’s wrong, but I can’t hear all of it, but could distinguish something about “the fan.” I am yelling “What? What?” I then go over to the laundry room to hear what she is telling me:
ALBA: “The fan is on.”
MELITAS: “What fan?”
ALBA: “The exhaust fan in ceiling.”
MELITAS: “Oh”
Well, it turned out I had never put my “hears” in that day.
So now, Sears is all primed to arrive Saturday morning, and the dryer is AOK. It is after 6 PM so I race no, that’s crawl – back to the office to call and cancel. Everything is peachy keen, I reached a real person (a gal this time) and I go on and on telling her the whole story, even about sticking my head inside the dryer. She was cracking up, and every once in awhile she would be gone from the line since she was relating the whole story to her entire office. I told about being 92 and the racing back and forth between income tax and doing the laundry. That phone call took about 20 minutes, and they didn’t mind at all having to cancel the appointment and losing the business because everyone got such a charge hearing all about my little caper while home alone.
I would imagine there will be another rule added to the “Home Alone Rule Book: “Hearing aids in at all times. PERIOD.” It’s funny that at the end of every rule in that book it has Period spelled out. PERIOD.
THE END
Another classic story Melitas! You had me laughing from the get go! You certainly have a knack for storytelling. I’m really enjoying Mondays
Jamie
Melitas,
I really enjoyed your “Home Alone” story. I am so sorry you had such an experience – bad day! I didn’t mean to, I really couldn’t help myself, I must admit I laughed so hard tears were running down my cheeks. My husband needs a hearing aid and he refuses to get one. I am so glad your day ended well and that Sear’s was kind enough to refund your money.
Hugs, Barbara Sullivan
Keep it coming Melitas, I now can hardly wait for Monday’s with Melitas.
Michele
You know what’s keeping you young, don’t you? It’s all about being able to laugh at yourself. And that’s the truth. PERIOD!
You’re the greatest Melitas! I love your stories.
Mena, You were kind enough to send me this story a while back; but I loved reading it again. I felt as though I was right there with you. I loved the picture of you too. You’re just as cute as you ever were.
Melitas…I get to read about you on Tuesdays…I love having a good laugh before I get to work..Keep it up gal…Barbara from San Luis Obispo..
Melitas, stop breaking those rules I set down in that Home Alone Rule book! alba
What a laugh-out-loud story, Melitas. I emailed a copy to my 88 year old Mom who printed it off to share with her friends. Can’t wait till next Monday to see what you’ll come up with next!
Melitas,
What fun this is to read about your fantastic life. I knew you were one fiesty lady. These experiences you are sharing are historically informative but also are written with such loving feelings. Mike and I have caught up with all your stories and will be anxious for Monday’s new blog. I will also pass these along to the rest of your SJHWGA cronies. Thank you so much for including us.
Linda
MELITAS, YOU ARE SOMETHING ELSE (SO IS ALBA, BY THE WAY) !! YOU GO GIRLS!!!!!!!!!!
SHIRLEY&BOBBYE
Melita’s that’s such a great story! Loved and laughed thru every moment of it! Thanks for sharing your life with us. You make me smile!
Still Laughing!