A couple of years ago I picked up an Autumn leaf, brought it home and fed it through my laminating machine. Compressed in clear plastic laminate, that most glorious sight of Autumn was preserved on my desk for more than a year until eventually it vanished in the mysterious way things do. So today I tried to repeat the experiment and as Amydog and I went for our walk, I collected a good sample of leaves. I put a selection inside a laminate sheet and fed it into the machine : and then, alas, noticed that it was not emerging from the other side. A smell of burning plastic was soon accompanied by some severe black smoke and I hurriedly chucked the entire contraption out of the door. Which just goes to show that some things cannot be, shouldn't be, preserved. Life is for living, not for laminating.
Tomorrow is my new appointment for my personality upgrade. Wish me luck.
And I have just had yet another phone call from the Subcontinent to tell me that I am having problems with my Windows PC - even though I use a Mac. You's think they would learn that we are all aware of this scam by now. I must have had half a dozen similar calls in the last two months, and no matter how rude you are to them, they still keep trying. Enjoy the upgrade.
ReplyDeleteYou had me at laminating machine - it really brought out my inner office supply nerd. So sorry it went kaput but you're right: to do lists can be laminated, nature, maybe not! Good luck with the upgrade
ReplyDeleteYou have a laminating machine?, that's neat, or should I say had..haha
ReplyDeleteThe Revolt of the Leaves. Love your title. Maybe another walk with Amy instead.
ReplyDeleteHere's to a great day of increased clarity in hearing.
Oh so sorry about your laminating machine but thanks for the tip. I would try to do any leaves. Blessings
ReplyDeleteQMM
Huh! I didn't know there was a possibility of feeding something like a leaf into a laminating machine. Now I learn it's probably not a good idea. Forewarned is forearmed. Thanks, Alan!
ReplyDeleteOh, and good luck on the upgrade!
You are the first person I've ever known with a laminating machine. So cool.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the upgrade! As long as the new version doesn't erase or delete the delightful aspects of the original, I'm happy.
I'm with Kate here - I reluctantly admit I love, love office supplies. And find the smell of melting laminating plasic conjures up strolls through my favorite stationary house. You must replace your laminator!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the failed laminating experiment, Alan. I'll be thinking of you, tomorrow, when you're undergoing the upgrade.
ReplyDeleteHi Alan, next time try preserving by melting down parawax--works for leaves, fruit, etc. Sorry to hear about your laminating machine....
ReplyDeleteOuch! I must say, you've approached this with great equanimity & perspective! The lesson is of course, true & valuable: thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck with your upgrade tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI have a laminating machine, it's somewhere under the bed and keeps getting in the way. I might try your leaf picture. If it succeeds, I get a neat image. And if it fails, a little more space.
Alan, You are my mentor. -J
ReplyDeleteFor a moment I thought you said time for lamenting! Lamenting your old life of quiet and peace, the old you.
ReplyDeleteNice to be able to get up close and personal with your Fall Leaves. Hoping for and wishing you all the very best with this new model. Maybe you need a new name too. iOS Alan 2011?
Oh my you do make me laugh! Who has more fun then you Alan!
ReplyDeleteA dear old friend of mine spends her daily walks picking up leaves, and stones, or shells, but her house was filling up fast...so I helped her paste them in a large scrapbook and we threw out the rest! Well so good for now....wait until next year!
I'm so sorry I'm laughing at your expense. Oh dear! I only wish you had a video clip of that experience. It sounded like such a good idea to me. Just press them in an encyclopedia like the good ol days! :)
ReplyDeleteNow you know why leaves and flowers were often preserved between the pages of books...
ReplyDeleteI hope the new implant is trouble-free.
You're becoming very philosophical in your old-- I mean, your middle age, sir!
ReplyDeleteLovely title! Your post made me laugh.
ReplyDeleteSpecial good luck with your appointment tomorrow, of course!
And thanks for the very nice comment on my blog.
You've really got my curiosity for tomorrow...personality upgrade???I hope it doesn't hurt.
ReplyDeleteI like the old leaves pressed in a book. They still drop out of books around my house and are a surprise.
Bonfire of the vanities?
ReplyDeleteHope all goes well with the upgrade. What a pity about the leaves though; in theory it should have worked. Perhaps, as you so cleverly put it, someone is trying to tell you something!
ReplyDelete¡Buena suerte con el señor Burnett de la mejora!
ReplyDeleteHope the technological upgrade has more success than the laminating! I am thinking of you. I know how hard it can be to adjust (in my case to new hearing aids) but you just have to persevere and the end result is worth it. Hope you get the support you need from the NHS and family.
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted one..not so much anymore:)
ReplyDelete