In Memoriam

Day 136: "Planned obsolescence." That's what we used to call it when companies deliberately manufactured items to a lower standard so that they would wear out and need to be replaced. Consumerism was only beginning the meteoric phase of its rise when I purchased this mixer in the late 70s, and most people expected products to last them a lifetime (or at least close). In fact, many of us were using tools and equipment which had been handed down to us from our parents or in some cases, grandparents. However, the philosophy of consumerism was viewed as being "good for the economy," and products became less dependable.

Little Presto LN01-A lived a long and active life. His 50-year service was not diminished by his quirky, funky handle and, although his rich avocado hue had faded somewhat with the years, he could beat an eggwhite with the best of them up until two weeks ago. Perhaps affected by a yet-unidentified strain of mixer virus, he began to cough. His memory for speed settings faltered, but he struggled on valiantly when asked to assist with tapioca-making. It struck me that he was probably in the terminal phase, so I set about finding a replacement, and the decision was timely. Today, he spoke his last words while bringing eggwhites to stiff peaks, and died without meeting his successor.