There’s a concept, in fiction, of “writing yourself into the story.” Doesn’t mean writing about yourself per se, more like writing a bunch of detail that the readers won’t need or even want to know but you the writer need to access before the actual story reveals itself to you. Like hemming and hawing before you speak, or wiggling your arms before you dive into a big swim race.
(How are you?) Here are some details.
In these past 30 days our 18-year old washing machine broke; I finished my home repair projects, as best I could; I had the 20-year old water-damaged floors refinished.
I lit the house as though we were a space station on Mars, signaling to the universe, “Come find us!”; my kids and their partners came home; most of my family went out for Chinese food together on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day I felt so happy I tried to make my heart bigger to find a place for it all.
In addition, I put many strings of lights away without jamming them in a crumpled mess into boxes*, enjoyed serious self-satisfaction at the badly-painted-but-better-than-before roof leak stains in the corners of several rooms of the house, and spent several mornings in our local laundromat. We are wading through the exquisitely painful process of choosing a new washer and a dryer.
In for a penny in for a pound.
The laundromat, down by the freeway, just up from East Palo Alto, serves the Latin American immigrant population. This is the group whose children I briefly helped teach. I’m still thinking about mornings with giant washers, and the poisonous smell of commercial detergents and dryer sheets. I’m still thinking about the man folding his shirts in thirds carefully, carefully, and laying them in the laundry cart. The husband and wife laughing at what I couldn’t tell because I don’t speak Spanish. The older white man, opening the coin boxes with a key on a jangling, circular key chain and pouring quarters into his lockbox.
The bulletin board with a flyer offering (in Spanish) “English Taught In Return For Work.”
I haven’t got anything insightful to say about laundromats, this or any other one. I wish that someone would travel the US, visiting hundreds of them, and write up the revelations.
At minimum when something breaks it’s a chance to learn.
Have a good weekend. How were your holidays?
*(trick I’m sure you all knew–roll each string around a wrapping paper tube, or bubble wrap taped into the shape of a tube, as you take lights off the tree or down from the house)
45 Responses
Best wishes for 2024! Dishwashers and laundry washers and dryers, the unsung scullery maids of modern domesticity. Never think about them till they’re broken, then all hell breaks loose. You start thinking of the older eras, and the progress in women’s liberation over the past decades. My mother had a washer-wringer, and we were allowed to turn it to squeeze the water out of clothes when we were youngsters (70 years ago!). Fun for us, drugery for her. The family used to do dishes together after dinner, one person washing, another drying, with another putting them away in the cupboard. Then that faded, and the relics of ancient times which remained were just washing delicate plates and crystal glassware after a party – remember the ’80s and ’90s? Then that too, faded when people refused to buy non-machine washable anything, and a casual, low-maintenance style gradually became the fashion for homes, clothes and gardens. Women lead more liberated lives nowadays (not entirely though, as they assumed most of the burden of childcare during COVID, and still undertake more than their fair share of the burden of caring for the elderly). Of course I’m glad of it, it allowed me and many others to exercise a profession for decades, but I think a gentle throwback around holidays and important parties is not an entirely unwelcome. Interested in your thoughts!
I think you’ve got something. Around the holidays it’s as though when we are a larger community, the tasks that feel burdensome in our small families become a sort of celebration in and of themselves. Like quilting, if you will.
Hello Lisa, The lesson of laundromats is how much nicer it is to have your own washer and dryer. For a while in Taiwan I resisted the dryer, but the air is damp here and laundry must be put away totally dry or it will mildew. I wish you many problem-free years with your new purchases.
–Jim
Thank you! (And hi to you!!) I agree, one of the things I felt most strongly was how much of a luxury it is to have laundry machines in our houses. And to have American dryers, which may cook our clothes a bit but certainly mean that we don’t have to live damp;)
You’re back! I’m so glad you had a happy Christmas. I had “In the Bleak Midwinter” (Lisa’s version – with Bob Dylan’s lyrics!) in my head many times over the holidays. I really like that one better.
Many jarring memories remain of places I stayed around age 18 during an awful time in my own life… stark pictures of how different life is for people who don’t look or sound like me. Most were positive or neutral like yours, but not all; and they’re all still little vignettes that haunt me sometimes. It was probably the most effective unintentional growing-up experience I could have had.
Here’s to making our space our own with our own handiwork: I have a faucet to replace soon and am procrastinating. :) Have a lovely weekend!
Standing ovation for faucet replacement! Go you! I am so sorry you are haunted by that time when you were so young. And I am ignorant, did I quote Bob Dylan’s lyrics? Are there different versions? Enlightenment appreciated, if you have a minute, I didn’t find an answer on Google…
Thank you so much for the kind words and encouragement. I’m a little intimidated by plumbing, but I already have the new faucet, so it’s happening. :)
I only meant that “In the Bleak Midwinter” and Bob Dylan’s “Shelter from the Storm” seem to have blended in my head to make an entirely new song after reading your previous post. They do flow well into one another: “In the bleak midwinter, I’ll give you shelter from the storm.” I don’t think that song exists (except in our heads?), but it should!
A comment about your font…it’s difficult to read when it’s so light. I can edit it to a larger font but it’s still so light it’s hard to read.
Kate, I’ve darkened it once, and I can read it fine. But I hear you, you can’t. Can I ask you a favor? What computer/phone do you use this on, and what browser? I am wondering what to do about it!
I agree about the font, and have written you about it. I use a Dell XPS 8930 desk top computer with a large Dell separate screen. Have used both Chrome and Foxfire search engines — no difference between them as far as readability of your blog. It seems to me that design-oriented blogs tend to use the spare, pale, tiny fonts. It looks elegant with all the white space, but is unreadable for some people.
I had a Maytag washer & dryer that worked well for 20 years, through three babies, then teenagers. Bought a Sears washer, which lasted a few years, then another Maytag W & D, which are working well for over 25 years.
L,
I noticed the darkening of the font and appreciated the improvement, but still find it really hard for these old eyes to read. I believe it’s an *age* thing since lately I’ve had to pump up ALL my devices to fatter font. It’s the thickness perhaps, rather than the darkness? I’m on a Mac air laptop by the way. Super good screen. Happy New Year! xox
Every so often, I drop in the local laundromat and leave a roll of quarters.
That’s wonderful.
I thought about giving my remaining quarters to someone, but I didn’t want to embarrass the recipient, because not everyone there is in need of supplementary funds. Where do you drop them off? I’d like to do that too.
I just place them on a table by the dryers. Finders keepers
A washing machine and a dryer — I’m so happy I’ve enjoyed the privilege of having these in my house or apartment most of my life. Married young, we didn’t get a washing machine for our first two years together but had parents or a laundromat nearby. And the first baby year, with a washing machine but no dryer, so diapers on the clothesline, rain or shine, left me with enhanced appreciation for that convenience as soon as we could afford it. . .
Happy New Year to you and your observant and thoughtful writing! xoxo
Happy New Year, Frances, and thank you:). I cannot IMAGINE having a baby in cloth diapers and no dryer, in Canada. Where did you hang them? Outside? Yikes! But of course you are sturdy, and I’m guessing you managed quite well.
20 years with one washer, that will not happen again. Today, they are built to last maybe 8-10 years if you are lucky. The last time I had to buy a new washer, I went to the laundromat and met a couple traveling the US in a mega camper. They were very interesting but the wife was starving for conversation with other women. It is surprising what women will do to please their husbands. Even today. Your holiday sounds like it was festive and joyful surrounded by loving family. Mine was similar and fortunately my prime rib roast was delicious. My cooking can be unpredictable but I threw caution to the wind and all came together well. Just in case, I had a good supply of spirits to keep everyone smiling, should things go downhill. As we all know, backup plans are key. Happy 2024!
I have read exactly what you say. Why on earth would they have decided it was good to build washers that lasted half as long? I suppose we know why. What a waste.
I feel for that woman, missing the company of other women so much. It is surprising, and also not surprising at all:(.
Hooray for your rib roast, and the discarding of caution. Abandon with a backup plan, what could be more fun!
Did you know that Eric Clapton frequents laundromats when he is on tour? Evidently, he is very picky about how his laundry is done and prefers to do it himself. I’ve read of people seeing him while they are in their neighborhood laundromat.
I think choosing a new washer/dryer is daunting. I’m currently happy with ours, and so happy to have an old fashioned top loading washer again.
I had no idea and somehow that has really enriched my concept of the world.
It seems that when I left my parents’ house I left cohabitation with a washer and dryer behind for good; I’m finally sharing a *building* with them now, and that feels like a luxury.
I have been writing about space stations on Mars, as it happens! Dust will be a problem, I’m told, though not as much of a problem as it would be on a lunar space station, since Martian water has gentled its regolith.
Happy new year, my dear friend.
I mean, the confluence of Mars dust and washing machines can only be seen as fortuitous. I want more opportunities to use the word “regolith.”
When we were in Portugal in October we visited two laundromats. We always schedule an extra laundry and miscellaneous reading and lolling day every week or so when we travel for more than a couple of weeks. I could not believe how wonderful the laundromats were in Porto and in Evora, Portugal. Helpful fellow patrons who showed me how to work things. Attendants who pretty much did everything for me. Put card in, press this button, input this amount, choose this setting etc etc. Moving chairs for me to sit. Offering to fold. They could not do enough. One young man said when we returned to Canada could I please tell everyone that Porto laundromats are the best. So I did.
Isn’t it cool to meet people when we travel who are not necessarily fellow tourists? Just people doing their every day jobs, or their weekly chores… like laundry. Much more fun than sending out one’s laundry from a fancy hotel.
P.S. We are shopping for a dishwasher soon. But putting it off until after our ski holiday. Girding our loins so to speak. Ha.
Good luck with the dishwasher! Appliances definitely require some girding of the loins…
And now your friend in Porto can perhaps feel through the vibrations of the universe that the stellar quality of their laundromats has travelled even further:).
A few scenes in my favorite bingeable TV series, Slow Horses, takes place in a laundromat, where Gary Oldman engages in some spycraft while yelling about the prohibitive cost of running these machines. He and his clothes could use a heavy wash and tumble dry.
Glad your family was home for Christmas…that’s the most important thing. And, of course, the music (and candles, always). I play ‘ In the Bleak Midwinter’ by both Shawn Colvin and the King’s College Choir. Don’t know the Dylan version.
Love your BS!
Oh gosh yes I just watched this! His entire character needs a serious hose down LOL.Oldman is such a genius. And thank you. BS shall, in that case, continue!
The last time I needed to call a repairman for my now 40 plus years old Maytag, the young man wouldn’t even come look at it and suggested I just get a new machine, I called someone else and it turned out he was old enough to have originally installed it! He knew right away what the problem was and ordered the part needed. The bad news was the machine is so old that finding the part was tricky and it was just luck that there was still one in the warehouse. And, of course, it was a dear price but one I was willing to pay. I live in fear of the day l need to call for a repair again, although in truth I think this was only the third time in all those years.
Oh yes, if only the part that broke on our old Kenmore had been findable, I surely would have just had it repaired, rust spots or no. The lifespan of current machines verges on criminal, in my opinion.
What a coincidence…our 27 year old Maytag washer is sitting in the basement waiting for a USED (!) timer bought on eBay because the new ones are no longer being made. Fingers crossed. My husband went with me to the laundromat yesterday, first time for him in 50 years, I have gone there on occasion to wash the heavy things. I want my Maytag (bought just before the company sold and the quality went south) to “see me out,” as my late father used to say. Our repairman rebuilt it up underneath when I began to see little oily bits on occasion about 3 years ago, to the tune of $940.00. That was fine with me, I could still pick my water level…down as low as 8 gallons for tiny loads…this model has a smaller tub as well. It doesn’t spin the clothes so hard that you are left with set in wrinkles either.
Our serviceman said if the part is not a good fit, what I will be wanting is a Speed Queen. They are the only ones being built right now that will last. Write that down! You will not find these in the typical big box stores. Ferguson’s carries them and Lee Supply and they are $1400 and up. And the model he said I will want is the one without that ridiculous locking lid.
Good luck! And our laundromat takes credit cards and turns it into a card for the machines. Growing up, a wash was 25 cents and one use of a dryer was a dime. We used three small washers yesterday…two loads of Matouk towels…different colors, and my underwear! These three were nearly $10.00! Loaded them up and dried them in our 27 year old still working Maytag dryer at home.
Margaret
The timer was the part we needed for our Maytag and it cost more than $300 due to its rarity. Thanks for the information about the Speed Queen. I’m hoping my Maytag lasts me for at least as long as I’m in this house. Good luck with yours!
Yes my new friend is “Badger” in Utah. Every reply from him ends with NO RETURNS. I’m a bit nervous but try hard! I just sat here and read loads of euphoric Speed Queen reviews so I will get that if the part doesn’t fix the old Maytag. Here is another hint: Our repairman, really a genius in the art of appliance repairs said that if we ever wanted to get rid of the washer, let him know because he always wanted one! He said the other day that his girlfriend (keep in mind these people are probably 55 at least) needed a washer for her apartment and he came across a 30 year old Speed Queen. He said he went over it with a fine-toothed comb, deemed it worthy and set her up with it. What does that tell you?!!!
Years ago, a Maytag repairman told me to never give up the Maytag even if someone tries to convince you. Years later another repairman told me the machine showed no signs of rust and was in worthy condition. Just wish they still made them the original way – simple and no fancy gadgets.
Good luck with your timer!!!
I did look into Speed Queen, however they really use a lot of energy and water, so in drought-prone, electricity-infrastructure-struggling California, I decided to go with LG.
Our dishwasher broke first then the washing machine all within days of each other!I just send The Italian out to buy a new one afraid it will be too computerized for me!
He got the BEST WASHER AND DRYER!
The simplest they had it’s a MAYTAG!
Love it and it looks smaller to me than our last set!He says No but I disagree!
Yes it has been years and years since I have visited a laundry mat!It would be a good place to observe people that’s for sure!
As for those Xmas lights!I don’t DARE TOUCH THEM!It would be a mess!!
Sending you all best wishes for your new Maytag! Simplicity is underrated!
Your post brought back childhood memories of running errands with my mother on Saturdays. First stop was the laundromat. We loaded clothes and then ducked out to shop groceries while the wash was running. Came back to get washed clothes to hang dry at home to save time and money. We didn’t have a lot money but I will never forget that time with my mom, she worked full-time while raising six kids.
I bow to your mama. That’s amazing. And that the time she had to put in at the laundromat become one of your indelible memories.
As a woman with a job, I consider it my right to have a washer and dryer in my home. As such, I have replaced six washers and dryers over my lifetime three each. I think that the next one that I buy I am going to go for a top loader with an agitator. I’ve had a front loader. I’ve had a top loader without an agitator, and I have to say that I think I prefer the top loader with the agitator.
I had a dishwasher blowout this Christmas season. I didn’t think I could get a new dishwasher delivered before my eight guests appeared so I paid about half the price of a new dishwasher for a repair. It was interesting because the dishwasher suddenly started working much better. I have watched Amy Acquino , of Bosch fame, on Instagram, loaded her dishwasher up to the hilt with dishes that look pretty darn dirty to me and have them come out looking sparkling. Was never able to do that with my dishwasher and felt the people who Say that dishwasher should be able to watch really dirty dishes were living in another world. However, now that I’ve thrown a bunch of money into my dishwasher, it does appear that they will do that.
Oh, I think the invention of the washer and dryer, and their proliferation throughout houses and apartment buildings in the USA, has been a huge boon for working women. I don’t, however, see why they need to build them to wear out so soon. I truly do not.
And why should your dishwasher work better after repair than it did before it broke? Makes no sense! Glad you got it doing a good job before Christmas crowds though:)
I have also had the laundromat experience a number of times over the past few years, as well needed the giant capacity machines due to both a leak and two elderly dogs who had a number of accidents in their last days. It is a totally different world. My local laundromat is quite nice, clean and always has machines available. Each time I used it, I have been surprised anew by how much it cost to do what I needed to do. It made me understand why some users were jamming all the colors and fabrics into a single load. Sympathies for those who do not have options I generally have.
A totally different world. And so expensive! $8.50 a load for the large capacity washers, $7.25 a load for the medium capacity. I too see why you’d want to wash everything in one. And then the dryers seemed to take a very long time and very many quarters to finish.
I begrudgingly accept the planned obsolescence reality now prevalent in the large appliance industries many years ago. The wastefulness and absurdity still rankles me though. My husband painstakingly ripped apart and rebuilt our gas stove 2 years ago after a futile search for a replacement with the same features. Just prior, we had a fridge warranty issue that wore on for 18 months until the company finally admitted they did not want to create a new door just for us and gave us credit, forcing us to buy a brand new one which was most definitely NOT their brand. When our basic Sears Kenmore washing machine gave up the ghost 5 years ago after 20 years of fantastic service, we found only new luxe front loading washers in its stead that allow half the load for half the ability to clean and require a special costly pedestal in order to function and keep you from bending over to insert and remove laundry. But it is very pretty by comparison with its luminous champagne colored sheen and its touchscreen and the computer ditty it plays when it finishes. Some progress.
I suppose we don’t have any choice but accept it, I agree.
“But it is very pretty by comparison with its luminous champagne colored sheen and its touchscreen and the computer ditty it plays when it finishes. Some progress.”
Thank you for the laugh. Just what we always wanted, washers that chime in harmony when they finish.
The used timer arrived at 11 Saturday, was installed at 3 that day and works! So far so good.
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