Thankfully, life goes on, and I am doing OK.
Everything changes, but now, it is going too quickly. I can't keep up. I have come to the point where I think, "why learn", it will be different tomorrow. I used to be excited about the next big thing, what was new, and the joy of mastering a new skill. There used to be time to learn and to take things in. There was satisfaction in mastering a new concept, and thinking that knowledge would take me to the next step. Now there is no time, and I don't climb steps as easily now. More than ten stairs leaves me breathless.
I was thinking of a tea kettle today. For most of my life, there was always a kettle on the stove. The sound of that whistle brings me back to my beginnings. All things started with that - the tea, the dinner, the sitting down together to talk, to laugh and to cry. I have not had a kettle since we moved into this house 13 years ago. I boil the water for my Earl Grey in the microwave, and now that we are only two, less boiled water is needed. We eat out a lot; I like to cook, but The Retired Man does not like the fuss (or my mess). I hate that big contraption called the Keurig that is taking space up in my kitchen. I don't drink coffee and the tea pod does not make my drink of choice, my choice. I could have hot chocolate, but I rather make it in a pot with real chocolate and not something compressed. I miss the whistle of my kettle, I miss simplicity, I miss, I miss...I am going to buy a kettle this week - if they still sell them. I need to have something simple and real. I want to hear the whistle again. It is a sound that will give me joy, at least for the first few seconds.
Arleen, they still sell whistling kettles --I saw them on the top shelf in the coffee aisle of the grocery store after buying another kind at another store with no whistle. I'm going back for a whistley one!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Geo. May we both be hearing the sweet tune of the kettle whistle calling us back to good times and sweet memories of easier, less complicated times. As you can tell, I am feeling a little melancholy tonight and your sweet and kind comment was a nice blessing to end my day.
ReplyDeleteI hear you.
ReplyDeleteI refuse to use the microwave to make my (many) cups of tea.
A kettle each and every time and often a teapot as well.
The microwave is an easy alternative and I got used to using it for my tea when I worked. Now, though, I want to put more "home" into my house.
DeleteUsually an electric kettle here but in winter a good old fashioned whistling one on the wood fired stove.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds (literally! so nice to have your kettle on a wood stove, Susan.
DeleteArleen, I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding a whistling tea kettle. It is a calming sound, especially if you turn it off right away. I think it's nice that you and your husband often go out for dinner. It's fun to try new restaurants and to visit your old favorites.
ReplyDeleteJulie
Yes, Julie, the whistle can become annoying if it goes on too long. I think, though, it will give me a reason to move faster.
DeleteI think if the sound of a kettle whistle will give you peace, go for it! I kinda wish I cold just buy something that would give me peace. I still like learning, I like the challenge. What I don't like are aches and pains that get worse every year. (And why didn't anyone warn me about bladder control when you pass 50?!) But I muddle through, even if it seems like parts of me are falling off like in a zombie movie...
ReplyDeleteI love you last line, Lexa. I can relate.
DeleteI can relate to all you have written in this post. I am happy to hear you are buying the kettle. Sometimes we have to be proactive about making things the way we want them. As long as we're sharing wishes for a return to simplicity, I wish I could just turn on the TV with a switch, and then change channels with a dial.
ReplyDeleteToo often I think about doing things, but tend to put them on the back burner. This time that is right where it belongs. I am going to suggest or hint to The Retired Man about ditching the flowers for Valentine's Day and getting me a kettle.
DeleteI do not drink tea, but I appreciate your need for the kettle. A corner of my friend Ann's kitchen is a shrine to tea and the kettle. Loose tea stored in glass jars line two walls, the cupboard above holds mugs and on the counter, her electric kettle, which does whistle. The ritual of coming in from anywhere begins with "I need my tea," and the kettle is switched on and we do small things--put away purchases, use the loo, until the whistle summons us back to the kitchen island to enjoy tea and coffee.
ReplyDeleteJoanne, you described beautifully how a cup of tea (or coffee) can make the day.
DeleteThey do still sell whistling kettles. Microwaves...hate em. I have one and it barely gets used from one month to the next. The hubs may not like the mess I make cooking but he doesn't have to clean it up....I do.....life can't be all about the hubs you know.
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Delores, for ignoring the microwave. Other than boiling a cup of tea, I use it mostly for reheating and melting chocolate.
DeleteI agree! I have my whistler, and last year I bought a percolator. The old ways are still the best!
ReplyDeleteSome things from the past, just give us comfort.
Deleteooooo, Arleen....there are beautiful tea kettles in the stores now. Would make one want to drink tea, even if not a regular. My daughter bought me a shiny RED one for Christmas 2 years ago. It matches my kitchen...it's heavy duty, and I love it. A little "push-back" where the spouse is concerned helps keep things on an even keel. Else they get the "King" mentality!!! Good luck...stick to your guns!
ReplyDeleteMy mind is made up now. I want a red kettle, also.
DeleteCouldn't live without my kettle. It sits on the Rayburn permanently in the winter. It's been pouring down with rain all day today, so cups of tea 'on tap' are very welcome.
ReplyDeleteI got used to not having any kettle on the stove. Now, I realize, Molly, that a house is not a home unless you surround yourself with things that remind you of people and things that give you comfort and love.
Delete"something simple and real"....yes, yes, yes!
ReplyDeleteToni, in this crazy world, we need simple and real more and more.
DeleteGet the kettle! The tea will taste much nicer. Do you put your tea in a teapot? One cup (mug) is never enough for me so I like another one in the pot. If you are feeling down try sipping chamomile tea with a little honey-it is not just for night time. Twitchy husbands (I have one)-you never know what they are going to take against-I cook ahead during the day (2 or 3 meals at a time)-by suppertime time everything is clean and calm. Hang in there-Spring is just around the corner.
ReplyDeleteI am a two cupper, and as soon as the snow stops this week, I will have my new kettle.
DeleteGo find the perfect kettle. I have to use a kettle to boil my water for tea. If you find a great kettle let me know. I am needing a new one.
ReplyDeleteLinda mentioned a red kettle she has, and now that is what I want.
DeleteWe have two. One is a multi temperature choice electric job, and the other is an old fashioned lime-scale filled one for the wood burning stove. Both good.
ReplyDeletePutting a kettle on the wood burning stove sounds so nice and comfy. Alas, I have a gas fireplace and will never have that pleasure.
DeleteOh Arleen, do go and buy a kettle (and enjoy some flowers for Valentine's Day) Tea tastes so much better for having boiling water straight from kettle on to tea. And although it's nice to go out for meals, if you enjoy preparing a home-cooked meal, you do it! The Retired Man has, I'm sure, appreciated all his meals produced magically and out of sight over many years, so he shouldn't get to dictate what goes on in the kitchen now, should he? xx
ReplyDeleteI know I will get the flowers as I have always gotten on Valrntine's Day and I have told him about wanting a red, whistling kettle. I am keeping my fingers crossed.
DeleteThis is the third post about changes and getting older I'm reading today, so my friend, we are not alone in the wildnerness of all the new gadgets. Good luck finding a kettle.
ReplyDeleteHalfway through winter, we get melancholy and rant at what drives us crazy. In the spring, things will look much better.
DeleteNo kettle? NO KETTLE? There isn’t a home I know that doesn’t have a kettle. ‘Put the Kettle on’ is everybody’s favourite cry round here. After all, tea is the panacea for all ills and the water for tea comes out of a freshly boiled kettle while it’s still bubbling away.
ReplyDeleteOh, the horror! No kettle?
Yes, I know. I chose the quick, easy answer which isn't always the best.
DeleteI like my coffee in the morning and tea in the afternoon and evening. I grew up with the tea kettle, too, and had one for a long time until about 10 years ago. I had to give it up more because it sat on the stove and was constantly getting splattered with grease and food and whatever. And what's a tea kettle if you can't see it sitting so cozily on your stove? So I made the move to microwave tea. Not much difference in flavor, certainly faster, but missing the nostalgia and warmth. :(
ReplyDeleteThank you for the sweet birthday wishes!
Jane
That was the main reason that I no longer had a kettle; it was something else to clean. However, now I think it won't kill me to wipe it down every now and then.
DeleteYes, change is constant. It's not always bad though, which I'm still learning.
ReplyDeleteI've always thought that a Keurig might be nice to have. I've never owned a kettle.
The Keurig takes up a lot of room and my tea comes out stronger than I like. However, my children like that I have one when they visit.
DeleteThere is something so comforting about a kettle and the whole ritual of brewing tea and making coffee. I couldn't be without one but perhaps that is peculiarly British. Glad you are going to rectify that omission in your kitchen!
ReplyDeleteI am a second generation Irish-American and tea is part of my DNA.
DeleteI have a tea kettle on my stove but miss the pot that made it easy to brew several cups at a time. Right now I'm cold sitting here at the computer and a pot of lemon tea sounds so good!
ReplyDeleteWe could all use a little warm-up.
DeleteWe have a whistling kettle on the boat where we have a gas stove! I agree the whistle sound evokes memories of my mother's old simple utensils in her homely kitchen.
ReplyDeleteHappy February days
Shane
Old wonderful memories, I think that it is what it is more about.
Deletenice!
ReplyDeleteSancta simplicita! I like your ruminating on the simple object of the kettle - it is so true! we need simple things in our life not to lose ourselves!
ReplyDeleteI always just use the microwave as well... Just quick and easy. But an old fashioned kettle is so nice! Maybe your valentine present could be a nice tea kettle they whistles and sings....maybe bright red! ?
ReplyDeleteI am pretty sure that is what I will get. I have hinted quite a bit.
Delete"That" whistles, not they
ReplyDeletePs... I refuse to buy or use a keurig...use a nice old fashioned percolater coffee pot! love it and love to hear it percolating
ReplyDeleteMy family like the Keurig and use it when they visit. They taught me how to use it, but I forgot.
DeleteGood for you, Arleen! I hope you bought your kettle! :)
ReplyDeleteI couldn't stand going out to eat all the time...I'm a real home-body...I love being at home...but that's just me. :)
I like both. It is nice to go out with friends and family, but just going out when I bought food for home seems like such a waste.
DeleteMy tea kettle is red, too. My brain tells me water boiled in the microwave is just the same as water boiled in a kettle, but my stubborn heart refuses to believe it. :)
ReplyDeleteWe go out to eat more now than we ever did when the kids were growing up, and that's partly because we can better afford it now, and partly because it makes my hubby feel good to treat me to an evening of no cooking or dishes. Still, most of the time, I'm happy to stay home and do it myself, and he's finally starting to understand that. (It isn't a CHORE when we ENJOY it!)
Happy Valentine's Day. I hope you get your kettle. :)
The weather has been awful, so we did not have a chance to shop. Next weekend is looking more promising.
DeleteThank you for leaving the nice comment on my blog today. I really appreciate it. Blessings to you! xo Diana
ReplyDeleteI hope to read that your your husband is doing well and everything has been cured or put into remission soon.
DeleteI do have a whistling teapot...a white one with tiny blue Mickey Mouse heads.
ReplyDeleteLove it for all the reasons you stated. Reminds me of my Mother's teapot when I was young. My Mom, who is 87, still heats her water in a teapot rather than the microwave. So I say, go for it! It will make you smile every time it whistles!
I imagine that you got that kettle at Disney World. That kettle should bring you back warm memories also.
DeleteMy old (circa 1926) 6 quart revere ware kettle finally became unsafe to use for drinking, since the inside coating had worn away, leaving the copper exposed. It took awhile but I found one online, 7 quarts, and simple. No whistle. I need the large size since most of my water is heated on the woodstove in the winter. so they do make 'em.
ReplyDeleteMy mother in law gifted me with the old kettle 40 years ago when we moved into the house, here. It's never been out of service in all that time, so you know Revere Ware makes good stuff.
I have never had Revere Ware, but my sister does and she agrees with you.
DeleteThere is a LOT to be said for simplicity!!!!!
ReplyDelete