“Dreams about the future are always filled with gadgets.”
The weather is still ghastly. I was out on the deck to fill the bird feeders and, despite a small breeze, the air was thick and heavy with moisture. I have to water the deck plants every day or they wilt and look untended as if for a long time. Gracie rings the bells, goes out, sniffs the air then wants back inside. I have learned to stand and wait for her.
When I was a kid, I feared nothing except that guy with the hook my father told us about. Any scratch on the window pane or the screen sent me frantically looking for a hiding place before the hook man worked his way inside the house. I don’t know how old I was before I realized the hook man wasn’t real. He was the main character in a story concocted, I thought, by my father. Much later I found out it was not my father’s story but was an urban myth.
It is much easier living without when you have no idea what you’re missing. When I was in Ghana, the only electrical appliances I had were a fridge and a cassette player. I realized I didn’t need gadgets. Turn the clock ahead to now, and I live in a house filled with gadgets. Some are essential, like the stove, while others, like my iPod, give life dimension. The rest could be replaced by two hands working. My electric can opener died so I now use the old silver one you wind around the top of the can. I just have to be careful not to cut my fingers or have the top fall into the can. I do some chopping by hand, and I sweep the kitchen floor, but mostly I use machines. They have become part of my life again.
I hope to go back to Ghana next year. When I do, I’ll sleep in an air-conditioned room. I don’t think I could sleep without it in the heat. I’ll rent a car with air-conditioning. I think I’ve already paid my dues riding in cramped lorries for hours and hours at a time way back when. As for the rest, it will be as it was. I’ll shop in the market in the coolest part of the day, the morning, but it will still be hot. I’ll use a hole in the ground if I have to. I still have skills. I’ll chop and mash food. I’ll survive without all the gadgets. I still remember how.
Explore posts in the same categories: MusingsTags: gadgets, ghastly weather, hand work, humidity, man with the hook, watering the plants
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keepthecoffeecoming.blog 
July 28, 2015 at 1:52 pm
And so the dream of Marathon runners blasting down the high street in Dennis and past the inter galactic world headquarters of KTCC is gone. Some nonsense from Mayor Marty about guarantees destroys Boston 2024. The poisoned chalice of financial excess is there and available for any LA that might want it along with a lackluster demand for the 2022 winter games.
I love gadgets and freely admit that I use them under capacity. Walkman lead to mini disc and on to team apple. I am thrilled if its in the cloud and moves from amazon to my phone to my car and even through some blue tooth speaker. I need that mirrorless wi fi connected camera from Nikon. You just cant get enough of this stuff. My buddy in London just got 4K cable service – I need 4k.
I am glad you think its Ghana next year. The siren of football calls me to France next July for a biggun on the 10th. I am trying to build the Tour de France and Bastille Day around it. I might have to be in Ulm, so much to think about but perfect for an over planner such as myself.
Its friggin hot in Detroit – I walked for a bit but wasn’t really in to it.
July 28, 2015 at 5:15 pm
My Dear Hedley,
I was ready to rent out my spare room at huge cost. Now I’ll just keep it for the infrequent guests and storage. Many of the plans were good for the city and would have developed areas currently needing the attention, especially near the waterfront. Kraft has his eye on a parcel for a stadium for the Revolution.
I don’t buy the newest gadgets but I do have a MAC, a mini iPad and an iPhone though it needs to be upgraded. My kitchen is filled with gadgets.
I’m planning for late August into September, still the rainy season and cooler though I use that word loosely when talking about Ghana. I plan to go upcountry a different way than I usually do and have Mole Park on my itinerary.
Friggin’ hot here too, but I am inside nice and cool.
July 29, 2015 at 12:02 pm
hi Kat
Can’t have AC w/ electricity…
http://store.balthropalabama.com/album/we-have-electricity
J
July 29, 2015 at 12:30 pm
J,
What an unique name for a group.
I love all the images in this song. The light beckoning us to play outside and how the night is bright than the day now that we have electricity are two great lines.
July 29, 2015 at 12:04 pm
And then there’s this
http://www.saidthegramophone.com/archives/plainer_craver.php
July 29, 2015 at 12:35 pm
J,
The introduction to this song is perfect, a reflection of what I’ve been thinking. That it is about Africa I find no less amazing. I’m thinking one of the contributors has been to Africa and understands. The song is wonderful!! Thank you, J.
July 29, 2015 at 1:07 pm
Kat
“Said the Gramaphone” is one of the earliest music blogs, begun by three guys from Canada. Two of the originals are gone; joining ‘Sean’ now are three new bloggers. Throughout its run, Sean (and the site) has introduced to me not only to good music, but to sensitive written responses to that music. (He’s also a published novelist.) I’m glad this entry worked for you…
July 29, 2015 at 1:13 pm
J,
I read about their background and when they started their blog. I think 2003 was when I first started following some music blogs and was then inspired to start my own late in 2004. I never ran into this one so I’m grateful for the link to this entry. I’ll definitely keep checking back.
This was a perfect entry for me.
July 29, 2015 at 11:44 pm
I love gadgets. I don’t know how we ever lived without, personal computers, iPods, iPads, GPS, remote controls and HD TV. I think need to continue acquiring gadgets is tied to the Y chromosome. Maybe being the first person to have the latest tablet, smart phone or other gadget gets the testosterone flowing. Today AC was absolutely important since the temperature hit a high of 102 degrees.
July 30, 2015 at 11:36 am
Bob,
AC is a necessity where you live, not a gadget. I know how bad life is without it when the temperature reaches 100˚.
My computer is totally necessary and I love my iPad and Pod. I do not have GPS but I seldom go anywhere. If I do, I’ll get one before I leave. I do upgrade my gadgets and pass along the old models. I am spoiled by those gadgets!