The end of an era

About two weeks ago when I was removing a lightbulb from one of my painting lamps, there was sort of a grinding sound and the threads stuck, causing the bulb to break off in my hand. I was able to remove the bottom half with a pair of pliers, and it worked fine when I put a new bulb in. Friday that bulb went dead. I was a bit curious, given the short life span, but went ahead and put a new one in. Upon turning it back on the bulb flickered for a bit before it came on to full brightness. I suspected maybe the fittings were getting loose on the lamp, and then later that night it flickered again and crackled. Today I noticed that the lamp is giving off a 'Next time I make a crackle-pop sound it will be accompanied by bursting into flames' sort of smell, so I promptly escorted it to door, and into a rubbish bin.

None of this is noteworthy really, except that as I was bringing it to the trash I realized I'd had that lamp since junior high, if not elementary school. Who holds onto a lamp that long? I guess I do. I will be impressed if the $14.99 replacement I got at Target today lasts half that long.

I'll try to not write any more posts about my lamps any time soon.