1. my MIL bought the Kirby at a yard sale for $50. it was in its original case, mint condition.
3. i was wary of the Kirby at first glance; I didn’t think something so old would be useful.
4. my MIL had to talk me into the Kirby when she offered it to me. i think my reluctance offended her sensibilities; as an immigrant, she was always on the lookout for a bargain.
5. the Kirby was old and heavy, constructed of metal cast and burgundy plastic and plaid fabric, with a light on the front.
6. the light had a hood over it, like an eyelid.
7. some of the metal was ridged, like car grilles from the 50s.
8. the fabric bag had a long zipper and it was there that you emptied the dust by hand.
9. i hated emptying the Kirby.
10. when you started the Kirby it surged forward, self-propelled. it led me around the house.
11. the engine was very loud and growled.
12. you could raise and lower the Kirby’s clearance by use of a pedal. the vacuum thudded to the ground, shaking the floorboards.
13. sometimes the Kirby could swerve out of control when i rounded a corner, but there was a rubber bumper pad all the way around the motor head.
14. the kirby was powerful and had strong suction.
15. i don’t know why but i never used any of the extra hoses and attachments.
16. my dog was frightened of the Kirby.
17. come to think of it, i was frightened of the Kirby.