Sunday, December 14, 2008

Don't forget to clean out the lint trap

My brother-in-law lives in Worcester, MA, and has been digging out of the ice storm that hit much of New England. He has spent the weekend clearing ice and snow, repairing damage to his house, removing tree limbs from his roof and around the yard (see above) and cutting them up with a chain saw, and arranging for his power lines to be reinstalled. It is exhausting work in very, very cold weather.

His house has no heat or electricity. Luckily, his parents have a nearby apartment, which is vacant while they are "snow birds" in Florida. He has been using it, enjoying the warmth and hot showers. And, of course, doing his laundry.

My wife called Florida to report about her brother's activities and to generate some sympathy for him. Their mother had one response, "Tell him: Don't forget to clean out the lint trap."

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

And never ever wear crepe sole shoes when flying commercial. They may make it impossible to slide down the emergency chutes. You just never know.

jessica lipnack said...

So? Did he?

Anonymous said...

While that comment is funny, its a very important reminder that many house fires occur due to a clogged lint trap. Check the trap with every load.

Martha said...

Thanks for the update, Paul. I'm glad that everyone's OK and keeping warm. And the reminder about the lint trap is just like your mother-in-law!

Rob said...

I met my wife of 15 years when her apartment burned because...

...she didn't clean the lint trap.

Now, we're a happy couple. But I don't recommend this method to anyone else.

Also, I always clean the lint trap, wash the grease screens over the stove, make sure the extinguishers are full...it's about the love.