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SEE WHAT'S NEW!

No, silly, it's not an early Christmas present...

it's a late birthday present! You don't get off the hook that easily!

This is one of those things that defines my personality somewhat. I know women who love receiving beautiful jewelry and perfume and other such things on gift giving occasions. Me, not so much. Don't get me wrong, I think jewelry is great and I have some favorites - most of which have far more sentimental value to me than dollar value. Examples are the beautiful cross of rubies and diamond my mom had custom made for me for my birthday this year. It truly is priceless because it is made from rubies she and my grandmother received for their years of dedicated service to the same company and a diamond that belonged to my father. She had it set in a cross for a necklace. Another is the Christmas necklace made of fabric and marbles (yes, you read that right, marbles)by Christina as a school project. She was surprised to discover that I still own that necklace and still wear it during the season. I also received a beautiful heart necklace from my oldest daughter for my birthday this year. I have many special items John has blessed me with over the years. He especially likes perfumes from many of the places he has traveled. But whenever it was even suggested that I needed a pricey diamond to replace my original wedding and engagement ring I made it crystal clear that I do not want nor will I wear a ring on my finger that would have made half the payments on a car. The way I work with my hands the chances of losing something like that just seems unreasonably high to me. Not to mention the fact that I would much rather see that money put to some other good use.

However, kitchen gadgets, that's another story entirely! I love being in the kitchen, I love gadgets that make preparing meals and other edible wonders easier and more fun. *Please note: washing dishes is not included in the things I love to do in the kitchen! I have become more selective in the gadgets I have though. Most take up too much room and are too limited in what the can do. I prefer good quality tools that can perform several functions and I don't mind spending a bit more on those types of items. You can find good deals on them sometimes. Both of my favorites were good deals. The Kitchenaid mixer was on the shelf of the BX in Puerto Rico as a return. Whoever ordered it didn't like the color and when they put it back on the shelf it was at a discount price significantly lower than the regular price. It was mine, I didn't mind the color so much. The other was my bread machine. I was introduced to bread machines in California by a neighbor who made the most delicious pizzas! As I began my search for a bread machine I was assured that a Zojirushi was the best. I became convinced after sampling breads made from several different machines. Sadly, I discovered the Zo was one of the most expensive machines available. Imagine my childish glee when I came across the exact machine I wanted at the base yard sale :-) This is also the first moment I ever really came face to face with the fact that my dear husband knew what he was talking about when he said "cash talks". I don't even remember the price that was marked on it but I knew what I had in my pocket and it was about half. I couldn't imagine that they would accept such an offer but I took a chance anyway. I think the heavens really wanted me to have that bread machine so my timing became key in the deal. I approached the family that had it for sale and just moments before the wife had left to tend to something and her husband was left to do the bartering... I don't think he had any idea what was about to happen but I've always wondered what kind of conversation took place after I walked (skipped) away with bread machine in hand. He didn't even bat an eye. I offered him what I had, in cash, even though it wasn't close to what they were asking and he took it on the spot.

Now, you might be chuckling thinking I'm the one who got suckered but I can tell you I was not. That bread machine lasted through five more moves and made countless delicious breads and doughs for our family and friends. I never regretted the money spent on it and I knew that when and if it died on me it would be replaced immediately by the same type. Imagine my disappointment and frustration when the only thing that ever happened was the gasket going bad and the fluid leaking from the bottom of the pan. All I needed was a new gasket. No problem I thought; I'll call the company and get a replacement part or even a new pan if necessary. Hmmm, sorry ma'am, we don't make that model any longer and there are no replacement parts available. It's been replaced with this big beautiful, even more expensive model :-) That was put on hold for a long time. The machine sat in my basement awaiting it's fix but, alas, there would be no repair. I even checked e-bay and online at all the parts suppliers. Nothing. I could buy another used machine, the same model for $75 and $25 shipping and handling... (that was as much as I paid for the original over ten years ago)

Since I have been seriously contemplating a return to more simple things, including making our own breads again, I started the process of looking for the newer model. I found it, on sale with no tax and no shipping. There was that check my mom sent for my birthday that I had not decided how to spend yet and there was the fact that I still didn't have my promised creme brulee set dear husband promised for my birthday :-) Okay, I'll take it.

It arrived three days later and the first loaf of hot steaming bread was ready to serve about six hours later (I had to unload groceries first and make dinner - give me a break!) I am so glad I took the plunge! I love hot, fresh baked breads!

This appears to be an even better machine than the original. I guess some things really are worth the price.

Comments

  1. fresh baked bread is one of my fav things. Chad has a recipe for this great sandwich style bread.. YUMMOO I will see if i can snag it and pass it onto you. Enjoy the new machine!!!

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  2. Warm, freshly baked bread....If I arrive at your door tomorrow morning with puppy dog eyes, you'll know what I'm begging for *wink*

    I haven't seen you in a while Susan! I hope all is well and that you and your family are having a wonderful week!

    Hugs,
    M~

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