These days, everybody has some amount of technology in his or her home. Computers, smart phones, e-book readers, personal gaming devices, and Siri….don’t forget Siri. (Is it just me, or does anyone else feel like they are one of the Jetsons when they say, “hey Siri…). You see we all have some technology in our lives, but here at Red Acres, we have technology EVERYWHERE in our lives. See exhibits A-E for clarification
Now, please do not get me wrong, I am not complaining about all of our technology. We are a bit geeky (proud of it), and we are a little nerdy (we can own it), and we really enjoy both sides of the spectrum. We enjoy going back to basics and making our own fermented goods, growing our own food, making our own remedies, and now raising our own meat. However, we also enjoy embracing and utilizing emerging technology to engage our minds, stretch our creativity, and free up our time to live in the moment.
Now, sometimes this dichotomy causes a stir. Just this week, my family called me out on my “not embracing technology”. Seriously! With all the technology, and tech-gadgets we have in this house, it blows their minds that I have chosen this as a reminder.
However, to me, the white plastic step stool is a more effective reminder than setting an alarm on my iPhone, and I am okay with this.
Question: So, what exactly is the step stool reminding me of?
Answer: The step stool stands sentry in front of the fridge for 18 hours, approximately once a week; reminding me that there is kefir fermenting away above the fridge.
Question: Why won’t I get with the times and just set an alarm on my iPhone?
Answer: Well, to be honest…I have control issues!
It may be an age thing, or just an example of my inflexibility in some areas; either way here is my thought process on the matter of the white step stool:
- I am the one who makes, ferments, and then bottles the kefir.
- I try to start new batches at lunchtime.
- The kefir needs to be kept at approximately 72 degrees for 18 hours, and that just happens to be the constant temp in the cabinet over our fridge. (I used the infrared laser thermometer to check!)
- I am short
- I have to use the step stool to put the kefir up.
- Once placed in front of the fridge, I leave it there to remind me that the kefir is up there.
- In the morning, I wake up, see the step stool, and promptly use it to retrieve the kefir.
- I then put the step stool away.
So, this is why they teased me this week, and questioned my ability to keep up with technology. Needless to say they really don’t like having to walk around the step stool for 1/2 a day, but hey, it works for me!
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