On Emptying Crumbs From The Toaster

There comes a time in every toaster owner’s life when they will find that their toaster is in need of a crumb emptying. For some, this time will come sooner, and, for others later, dependent on how often the toaster is used, the degree of crumbliness of the food item having been toasted, and how often things come out burnt.

The task itself, while seemingly simple, can be accompanied by many difficulties and should not be attempted by those with a weak constitution. To begin with, the effortless unplugging of the toaster leads the emptier to believe that they are in control. However, the toaster has other plans to try to thwart this innocent being! One finds that the cord has suddenly become a snake, coiling in the most annoying fashion around whatever object it can catch hold. A quick yank is found to do no good other than forming a distinct tangle that looks as though it will never come undone. And upon staring at said tangle, the discovery that somehow other kitchen appliance cords have become ensnared with the toaster cord is made. Placing the toaster back on the counter, the individual proceeds with great care to separate the correct cord.

While engaged in the untangling of the cord, the individual with pets will have gained an audience who is most intent on finding out what is going on, so intent, in fact, that they stand right where the individual who has finally untangled the cord is going to step. At this point the individual quickly learns the skill of juggling while trying not to step on the excited pet who thinks it all a game and great fun to bat at the cord or to try get at the toaster. For the individual lacking in pets or who is an owner of a pet who is uninterested in such curious happenings, objects such a broom, a misplaced skate, or some other item that is not supposed to be there, will result in a similar experience. In either case, after completing their balancing act and getting the pet(s) under control the individual lets out a sigh of relief upon finally reaching the sink.

Feeling rather proud of themselves, the individual going to turn the toaster upside down or opening the bottom catch to empty the crumbs finds that there are now very few to empty contrary to the amount at the start of the ordeal. Upon turning to put the toaster back in its designated place, the individual finds that they have left a trail of crumbs that would have made Hansel and Gretel proud. Of course, this now leads to the need for a broom or vacuum, but the task they set out to complete has been accomplished. ♥   

On Literary References Made: September through December

As some of you will have noticed, I attempt to make some sort of literary reference, both direct and indirect, in each post. For those of you who are interested as to what references have been made, read on, if you are not then here is where you should stop and occupy yourself with some other reading.

On This Blog

-Lewis Carroll’s “The Walrus and the Carpenter” from Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There

On Shoes
- The Brothers’ Grimm “The Twelve Dancing Princesses”, “Cinderella”, and “The Elves and the Shoemaker”
-Hans Christian Anderson’s “The Snow Queen” and “The Red Shoes”

On Ships

-S. T. Coleridge’s “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”

On Sealing-Wax
- Lewis Carroll’s “The Walrus and the Carpenter” from Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There

On Conversing With Cats

- Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

On Scarf Peculiarities

-H.G. Wells’ The Invisible Man
-C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

On Assembling an Artificial Tree

-Rumer Godden’s The Dolls’ House

On Favorite Ornaments

-Eleanor Gates’ The Poor Little Rich Girl

And there you have the references made from September through December. ♥

On Favorite Ornaments

Every year as people take out their ornaments and put them on the tree, there are those special few that bring greater delight as they hang among the others. For some, these favorites are more traditional, while others choose those that stand out as being curious, unique, or one of a kind. Among personal favorites can be found…

A cuckoo clock

A little blue house  

A clown

An elf in a tiny box

 And a pine cone bird

(no salt on its tail--presumably it’s not a tattle tale)

Whatever they may be, though, one's favorites are sure to be looked upon fondly as they grace the branches of one’s tree. Merry Christmas! ♥

On Fruit Cake

Ever associated with the holiday season is the gift of the traditional fruit cake. While some fruit cakes are good, there are many that are not and it is due to them that the rest have gained their negative reputation. The ingredients are a primary, if not the most important, factor in determining whether or not the fruit cake can be deemed edible. If the fruits are not compatible when they are not baked into something, chances are that the recipient is not going to think much of them when they are baked into a cake. It is also dependant on these ingredients as to whether or not your fruit cake will last just a season or will last a decade or so.

Another factor is the appearance of the cake. There is great importance in one remembering that for an individual to have any desire to eat something that it absolutely must look edible. The look of a moldy sponge or that of an object having been coated in shellac is likely to bring neither admirers nor a wiliness to taste. Unfortunately, if these standards are not met the recipient often begins to look into other options for use of the cake as when deemed non-edible the purpose of the fruit cake can become numerous. Consider, as ever so many people have pointed out over the years, it can make a lovely door stop. And another option is a festive center piece to be used year after year in remembrance of jolly Christmas’ past. Or one might even turn it into a nice candle holder.

So, in conclusion, whether you are pretending to be some minor character with no name from a Dickens or Austen story while you eat your fruit cake or you have chosen to avoid it all together, have a very merry time as you celebrate this Christmas Eve! ♥