The New Rumba Partner

by Rondo, mischief and blogger

Can you believe it? I get to say my piece two weeks running.  And so, here goes...

This week has brought another change to Mischief and Mayhem Central.  Oh my!  It has caused quite a kerfuffle, really and truly.  But a good kerfuffle.

As you must know Grammy has been advised to be more careful on her feet.  One of the adjustments is to no longer use tripping hazzards like the vacuum.  So she hired cleaners to come in monthly to do a thorough clean.  She can manage all except said vacuum, dusting the tops of book cases and scrubbing the tub.  These things that require using a step ladder or kneeling are as unsafe for her as tripping.

And so, this past week she spent a lot of her knitting time thinking of ways around these limitations.  Cleaners only come once a month and the place is usually knee deep (cat knees, that is) in discarded fur and dander despite sweeping floors with a broom.   Add to that the expense, especially when Grammy isn't all that satisfied with the service and there had to be another solution.  

Well, the thinking has paid off.   She hauled out a long-handled scrubber for the tub and will give it a go again.  Hopefully she can manage it.   Then while doing a search on the computer she saw a couple of other possibilities.  A long-handled Swiffer duster for the bookshelf tops - articulated, no less!  That should do it. 

And then, a SALE of an android to help her learn to balance... a rumba robot.  What do you think of that? Eh?   Teach her to dance the rumba and she should be able to recover when she trips.  Yes, that's the ticket!

What's that, Sweetie?  It's not rumba?  Well, what is it then?...a  Say that again? ...long pause.... OH!

Sorry folks,  It's not a rumba dancer.  It's a Roomba.   Actually, a Roomba Robot.  Well, it sounded like Rumba to me.   Hmph!   

This new dancing partner was on sale so Grammy decide, why not?  Let's give it a try.   Well, it arrived the next day... yes, the very next day.  I was thinking something must be wrong with it if the store wanted rid of it so quickly but Grammy says they are very efficient at delivering purchases.. a consequence of COVID restrictions and a competitive market.

So, back to the story.  Grammy set up Roameo Roomba, charged the battery for 3 hours and then they started dancing.  Well, that's what it seemed like.  He lead and Grammy followed him around watching and dodging his every move.

Alright, she didn't follow him around she just sent him on his way.  For an hour and a half he rumbled around bumping into walls and furniture as he learned the layout of the rooms. AND a boot mat got the treatment 6 times and the kitchen 5.  They must have been particularly filthy!  Shame on you, Grammy!  When he was done Roamin' danced a two-step (actually two wheel) back to his docking station to recharge.   

Boy, oh boy!  Was he dusty and filled with debris!  Grammy gave him a good clean, emptied his bin and left him to rest.  Second trip a few days later was shorter and there was less bumping and banging into walls.  His little computer brain is remembering where to stop and change direction.  What a smart wee fellow. 

Bottom line?  ... The cost of three 'professional' cleaning visits and this wee fellow will have more than paid for himself. And if Grammy wants Mr Roomba to be run every day that's not a problem either... just push the button twice and off he goes.  BONUS! 

P.S.   He's noisy... singing as he dances.  We'll let you know what we think about him once we are not so scared of him.  Grammy doctored the photo below.  So far Sweetie is the only one who's gotten that close to him.

Comments are welcomed.  We especially love the funny ones.

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