OUR OLD KETTLE

Email exchanges from (Joe & Mary) to Geoff & Eddi (Edwina) Kebby
Stratford-Upon Avon, England
28th August 2002
 
 
From US to Geoff & Eddi:

When we used to go camping, we once spotted a fine used small kettle, (sauce pot actually, with a handle), in a local thrift store and thought we'd take a chance on it. It was an unusually heavy one and worked very nice for a good many years in our tent, camper van and then the trailer.... even though it had been used before it worked great with almost any food.
 
Over the years it became one of our 'favorite' pots, and when we stopped camping, it made its way inside to the kitchen where it's been used even more years. I guess we finally wore it down, scouring it over the years, so that the food has begun sticking in it, so we finally decided to go to Walmart to pick up a new little kettle to replace the old one.

Silly subject, ..... how can one become attached to a KETTLE?? We did, and to see it finally go by the wayside after coming home with the new one, seemed almost cruel. It was hard each time we used it to keep from remembering one of our many camping trips we used to enjoy at the lake in one or more of the camping vehicles we had over the years. Sort of like finally getting rid of that favorite pair of old shoes or the old worn but comfortable sweater, ya'know? Silly? Yes, but "them's my feelings folks!" :o)
 
It won't be taken away 'till Thursday when the trash is picked up. I hope I can
keep myself from going out there to rescue it before the trash men finally come for it!
 
Well, feeling like that over a kitchen utensil is a sign we must be going to POT, so we better sign off now and get this on it's way!
 
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Reply FROM Geoff & Eddi:
 
Hello Mary and Joe, you stated, “It won't be taken away 'till Thursday when the trash is picked up. Silly subject,..... how can one become attached to a KETTLE??” Its the memories not the kettle - but let someone else sling it one day... RESCUE IT...Quick.... before it's too late ..

If we were burgled .. we would miss the sentimental things MOST ... can't you put it in the loft or somewhere where it's not in the way for a while? I have an old fashioned heavy glue pot and it was always used by my dad - I never use it but I have to keep it...
 
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Our reply to Geoff & Eddi:
(Next Day)
Good Morning Geoff & Eddi,
 
You will be happy to know you have saved the 'life' of our old faithful kettle!     After getting your note with you suggesting we "Rescue it, QUICK!".... I felt even more urgency about it. I went through the trash and saved it from a sad demise.
 
Tammy stopped by for a short visit on her way to work yesterday morning and I read your message to her, then our message to you about the kettle, and I think she      actually had a tear or two in her eye. On her way out, SHE took the kettle with    her!
 
She said she couldn't bear to see it tossed out any more than we could so I think it's destined to become as close to being “immortal” as any kettle ever has! :o) What a great children’s story this would make. “The Old Kettle”  :o)
 

I know exactly what you mean Geoff about the glue pot that was your Dad's. I have many tools in my workshop that were Dad's and they are extra special to me, even though there are more efficient ones today that do the same job.
He and I often worked on projects together in the workshop back then, and I grew to know each and every tool, especially those that were HIS favorites for one reason or another, (usually because someone handed them down to him).
Today they are even more special to me because of those memories, as you put it so well. Certainly it's not the item so much as the memories that the item represents, or brings to mind.

Well anyway I thought you would sleep better now knowing the kettle has been rescued and is in very good hands:o) Memories are made to be passed on, and I guess that kettle was too! Just think of the stories IT could tell, if it could speak.
God Bless,
Joe & Mary
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