Not having the part necessary to fix the washing machine yet, and with the pile of dirty clothes growing in size, I found it necessary to resort to drastic measures.
I had to go to the laundromat. I gathered up the clothes, grabbed a book, then headed out the door.
We had snow overnight, with high winds blowing it around today. The wind made being outside feel much colder. I was careful going down our hill, which wasn’t too bad. The bigger problem was the parking lot covered in ice when I got to the laundromat.
When I went inside, I was the only person in the place. It was a strictly utilitarian space, washers running along one wall, dryers on the other. White walls. A Ms. Pacman video game console in one corner, snack and drink machines in the other. A change machine and soap dispenser were next to the door, and two small benches rounded out the decor.
Security cameras, many more than you would expect in such an establishment, gave it the feel of being in a prison. It made me feel a little self-conscious, like I was doing something wrong, even if it was just laundry.
I had to get change to put in the washers. The only change machine gave you quarters, no way to break a larger bill into smaller bills. All I had on me was a $20, so I ended up with eighty (80) quarters.
I noted that there were clothes going in a machine at the other end of the room. I enjoy being the only one in the place. I don’t have to make small talk with anyone. But I know that at some point, the owner of the clothes in that machine will be back. I also don’t like doing my laundry where other people can watch me. Not exactly the same meaning as the old saying “airing your dirty laundry in public”, but it just feels weird.
I put the two loads of clothes in two of the washers, then pump $3.00 per machine in to them to get them started. I brought laundry detergent with me instead of having to buy it at the laundromat. I’m sure the security cameras have noted this behavior and I’m being put in a database of cheapskates who should be banned from ever using the laundromat again.
I sit down to read my book while waiting for the clothes to wash. The clothes are about two-thirds done when the guy who owned the clothes in the far machine came in. He went to get his clothes. He was soon followed by a young family (father, mother, son) who brought in their clothes. The parents went about selecting machines to put their clothes in, while the kid gravitated to the Ms. Pacman game. They were followed by a third man and wife couple. The place was getting crowded. Other than making eye contact, giving a smile and a nod of acknowledgement I buried my book in my nose and continued reading, avoiding having to interact with anyone.
Soon the clothes were finished. It occurred to me that we had a working dryer at the house, so there was no reason to pay to use the dryers at the laundromat. I gathered up my clothes and left. I’m sure that too was noted by the security cameras and my database entry was updated with further evidence as to why I shouldn’t be allowed back.
I carefully made my way though the icy parking lot to the car. The drive home was fine.
The clothes went into the dryer when I got home, then I made lunch, my laundromat adventure over.
Now, what do I do with $14 in quarters?
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