I have never purchased a new refrigerator. Nor have I ever enjoyed a fancy-dancy fridge enabled with all of the bells and whistles that are so ubiquitious in modern, advanced technology, appliances.
My refrigerator, very small by today's standards, is probably original to the apartment. I have only a teeny-tiny compartment that is dedicated to keeping frozen stuff frozen.........and, I have to periodically defrost the freezer to maintain the space. Otherwise, ice grows and freezer capacity shrinks.
In addition to my small, old refrigerator, I have a new housekeeper from Guatamala. She speaks little English but we make do. I conveyed to Latesia, after offering her a soft drink, that I had no ice....."porque mi refrigerador es muy poquita." With a huge smile, she escorted me to the kitchen. She proudly opened the refrigerator to reveal two trays of partially frozen water that she had positioned on the pull-out defroster tray that is directly below the freezer compartment. "Brava!", said I.............."y muchas gracias."
After almost 19 years of residing with my little refrigerator and imbibing luke-warm martinis.........I GOT ICE!!!
Last Friday, I attended the graduation of Theresa's son, Kristopher, from Navy Recruit Training at Great Lakes. I am so glad that I went. The ceremony was impressive as almost 1000 new Sailors joined the Fleet......excellent Navy band composed of recruits, disciplined drill team, choral group, flag bearers displaying the flags of the home states of the graduates........even some inspirational speeches. And, the immense drill hall was packed with proud families who traveled to the Chicagoland area from all corners of the States.
I didn't recognize Kristopher. He has slimmed dow and buffed up since I saw him last at Mother's 90th birthday party. One of his shipmates led me to him and he looked resplendent in his impeccable Navy Dress Blue uniform. It was a proud day for him. I was proud of him.
We went to a local restaurant for lunch and I returned him to the base so he could enjoy his weekend liberty. Kristopher is scheduled to stay at Great Lakes Naval Station where he will attend Gunner's Mate Class"A" School. He said that it is a six month course. I look forward to seeing the nephew again soon.