Michigan Accent

I said good bye to a faithful friend this week, selling my Kenwood component stereo.  Having purchased the stereo my freshman year in college, we’ve experienced many events together: graduating from college, getting married, moving to Virginia, and on and on.

Thanks to the wonders of craigslist, I was able to sell it for the asking price within a day.  I was comforted by the fact its new owner is a Kenwood enthusiast who lost his original stereo in a house fire.  He’s been searching for a replacement, and was happy to provide a loving home.

Thanks for all the memories, Kenwood.  You’ll be missed.

On a family outing to Home Depot this morning, we decided to check out some coffee makers.  Our trusty coffee maker we’ve had since getting married (Mr. Coffee special at Target for $20) has served us well, but is showing signs that it may not be long for this world.  After cranking out an estimated 50,000 pots, I’d say that’s $20 well spent.

Not seeing any coffee makers, we asked some helpful Home Depot employees where we might find them.  They responded by saying they didn’t have any, because coffee makers are seasonal.  Um.  What?  That’s like saying they don’t sell toilets right now because they’re out of season.

While we’re on the topic, does anyone have any recommendations for good coffee makers?  We’re looking for something with a carafe and built in grinder.  Suggestions?

This past week marked the 45th anniversary of Ronald Reagan’s “A Time For Choosing” speech, given for Goldwater’s campaign in ‘64.  In listening to the speech again, I was struck by how timeless his words are.  While the world is a much different place now, and the political players are different both within our country and around the world, it’s remarkable how applicable the principles remain.