Yes, Cyb and Tim, I managed to set off the smoke alarm while putting breakfast together. I put some bread in the microwave to defrost and went to help Lloyd with his blood work-up (as he's diabetic, he has to test his blood glucose three times a day). I thought I set the oven for a short time on very low heat, but it apparently ran until it set the bread on fire, which set off the smoke alarm. A bit of baking soda, much bustling about, several fans at open doors and a couple of scented candles later, the microwave oven is out on the patio waiting to go into the shed until next summer's community pick-up day. Everyone is unharmed and the scent of smoke will linger until I get some fabric spray.
This is not the first time this microwave has done this—running on long after the time for which I set it. Actually, breakdown of this unit should have been expected. It is, after all, nearly 30 years old: older than Cybil, I think. Not as old as the house, as we had another microwave when we moved here 30 years ago. That one had dials for the timer and heat set-up. The one I just set fire to was completely digital with the buttons behind a membrane so no spilled food would get stuck in the control panel. Heaven knows what bells and whistles they have now.
The word of the day for October 5, 2008 is "incendiary" — Pronunciation: \in-ˈsen-dē-ˌer-ē; -ˈsen-də-rē, -dyə-\
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural in·cen·di·ar·ies
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin incendiarius, from incendium conflagration, from incendere
1 a: a person who commits arson : arsonist. b: an incendiary agent (as a bomb). 2: a person who excites factions, quarrels, or sedition : agitator.
Our quote for the day is from Anna Quindlen (b. 1952), U.S. journalist, columnist, author. The New York Times, sect. 1, p. 25 (April 23, 1994):
Prosecutors insist they are mounting a “thorough investigation,” which sometimes means thorough and sometimes, historically, has meant long enough to let the fire burn down in an incendiary case. A thorough investigation is fine; an interminable one is disgraceful.; Jan
Thirty year old? Blimey I have never known one last that long, it was probably very dangerous anyway, get rid of it. I have never had one that lasted for more than about seven years.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean Jan about technology moving on. I am still trying to work out the TV controls for our new TV. Sheesh!
ReplyDeleteI hate parting with old faithful gadgets. It takes so long to get into the way of the new ones. Good luck with the next one you buy. I'm glad the house didn't catch fire..it sounds as though it mught as well have done seeing as how everything was permeated by the smoke and fumes. YOur microwave was a good age though...yes? That was money well spent.
Hugs
Jeanie xx
hi jan, sorry about your micro! Glad you didn't set the house on fire with it! Your new blog is looking good!
ReplyDeletemine is:
http://eternity-mrst.blogspot.com
and
http://thelilacdiary.blogspot.com
take care
mrs t xx
I know what you mean. I traded In my old microwave a few months ago, and I'm still trying to learn some of the settings. I tend to overcook things now, forgetting this one actually cooks for the right amount of time. My last one you needed dbl. the time to get what you wanted. (Hugs)Indigo
ReplyDeleteWe've got an old one we picked up on Ebay for $15. It's at least 15-20 years old. My Gradma's old one lasted nearly 25, but 30 does sound like a record
ReplyDelete