Monday, I cleaned out the "Whatsit?" catch-all shelf in our trastero cabinet. We'd bought the two section trastero from a Zirahuen organic ranching couple back in 2006, and it's since served us for clothes drawers, overhead storage space, wine cellar and liquor cabinet, and as a "Whatsit?" catchall compartment.
 |
| Doña Cuevas checks the trastero when it moved in |
The Whatsit? held a miscellaneous collection of flashlights, candles, mosquito coils, locks, Hallow'een masks and other junk.
Yesterday's big find were the numerous eyeglasses, in their snazzy cases, of which at least two had higher quality frames than the ones we'd gotten in Pátzcuaro. The electric extension cord and surge suppressor went out to the storage boxes in the garage. The goofy looking candle holder, mosquito coils and some other items are going to giveaways. The massive padlock which had originally been the main line of defense at our gate was defective, so we tossed it in the trash.
It was a productive and satisfying way to occupy an hour or so. We had to take a long nap afterwards, but that was partly in response to the change to Daylight Saving Time, and the previous two long but enjoyable days of house cleaning and prep for Sunday dinner.
8 comments:
I've neither seen nor heard the word trastero before. But it looks kind of nifty.
-- Felipe
Felipe, I thought it's called that because it was intended to hold trastes. (dishes)
But I'm wrong! My Spanish-English software dictionary says a trastero is a junk room or storage room. That's spot on.
Also, the same Ultralingua Dictionary says "trastes" are "frets". (stringed instruments)
However, I'm certain I've heard "trastes" for "dishes" around here.
The expression, "Dar al traste con" means to throw a wrench into, or to spoil plans.
Saludos,
Don Cuevas
I'm disappointed you didn't take your stuff and display it on a blue tarp on the sidewalk in front of your house.
Who knows you could have gotten 5 pesos for the padlock, 2 for the mosquito coils, and goofy candle holders always bring a premium, but only from the expats.....
There is something about being able to throw things away that gives peace to the soul. The grackle of want is, once again, held at bay.
The word "trastes" is used here in Guaymas for dishes and kitchenware.
My landlady and also my Spanish teacher both use the word in that way and naturally so do I now.
Thanks, Brenda. You have confirmed my previous understanding of "trastes".
Saludos,
Don Cuevas
Was it an interesting padlock?
Lor
Lor, it depends on what interests you.
The padlock was made many layers of dark stained hardened steel. It looked as if it once may have guarded the gate of some vast crystal caverns, its entrance a narrow fissure high on a steep Ozark hill.
However, the little hasp hook thing was lying loose inside the worn body of the lock.
So, we somewhat reluctantly let the lock go.
Saludos,
Don Cuevas
Post a Comment