Percolator

Again my coffee machine broke down. I kept forgetting to add the filter in the basket resulting in all the water pouring all over the counter, down the kitchen cabinets ending up on the floor. Somehow, the freshly ground coffee spilled in a neat pile in the back of the coffee machine near the plug that cannot be washed! It was the worst wake up call ever! When this happened for the third time one morning, I decided to put a stop to this and headed straight for Target. Yes, in my pajamas! I walked in fast even steps heading straight for the appliance section. I was about to pick up the same coffee machine when suddenly this slim compact coffee maker caught my eye. Amongst the numerous different brands to choose from, this one was different. It looked a bit shy and lonely so I picked it up and read...PERCOLATOR.

And then I thought, oh no, not you! I saw you in "I Love Lucy" and "Ossie and Harriet" sitcoms many years ago! I decided to ignore this telltale coffee machine and continued searching other commonly boxed coffee makers with their baskets calling my name and filters laughing at me. Was I again going to make the same mistake? I had to hurry as shoppers began to fill the store and point at me. I looked around to say, "What, have you never seen pajamas before?"

Then at this rushed moment, I decided to take the challenge and try this one out. After all, I had nothing to lose and I was really getting fed up mopping the floor each morning. I picked up the unfamiliar box with the old fashioned, slightly embarrassing and age revealing Percolator. I read the directions on the side and they were simple and it could make ten cups in the same container. It looked a bit fool proof as well. No glass decanter to break and no flooding should I forget to add the simple disc shape filter. Should I forget this time to add the filter before the coffee, it would make water and coffee grains but not spill all over. This was worth the trial.

Why did the Percolator become extinct anyhow? Did all the Mr. Coffees push the Percolator aside? I was curious to find out what happened to such a potentially perfect coffee maker? Why was I not given this option before? A million questions raced through my mind and I starred with my sour (German style) look at all the Mr. Coffees and Krups, etc. in sheer disgust and picked up my shy little in size but big in coffee amount adorable Percolator and actually hugged it! I was proud of my Percolator at the check out counter and gave the cashier a beaming smile. The cashier was not as excited as I was and gave me that are you nuts, look? Then she gave me that age revealing glance at which I immediately stuck my nose up in the air after paying and left just as fast as I entered.

I sped home with my Percolator and in my pajamas eager to make my first cup of coffee late in the morning. I started by throwing away my coffee maker and filters and then washed the parts inside my new Percolator. This was easy and I could not help but admire the small disc filters. My Percolator took little room. I could not wait to taste my first cup of coffee. The fun part was watching the coffee perk up into the little clear cap on top of the cover. How many times had I seen this in the "I Love Lucy" episodes with curiosity! The water became darker with each perk and continued perking for several minutes and then stopped. This was fast as well.

I poured myself the most aromatic and heavenly coffee I had ever tasted at home. After the pot cooled, it was easy to remove the parts and clean under running water. You still have to be careful not to get the plug wet but it is so much easier to care for and I have to say that my Percolator and I will have a very happy life together, even with matching pajamas!

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