Only recently, for like the last 3 months, the retracting cord button decided to stop working. But, no matter, the machine still worked great, and I would just loop up the cord when through. So while I was away on my picking trip 2 weeks ago, Mr. Ferguson brought our vacuum to our local shop, Buckhead-Midtown Vacuum, to see about getting the cord repaired.... Well long story short, he left with a brand new Miele vacuum and surprised me with it when I returned.
Now, this type of gift given can be perceived as a double-edged sword in its symbolic meaning (like the scene in Father of the Bride with Steve Martin, when his daughter Annie wants to call off the wedding because her fiance Brian has given her a blender and she questions his motive behind the gift - is he expecting a 1950's house wife?)....
But thankfully, I know Mr.Ferguson's intentions were purely honorable.... The new vacuum is really pretty (as much as vacuums can be so).... It's bright banana yellow, lighter in weight and quieter than our old one, and unbelievably powerful! The swivel head design easily maneuvers corners and the wand is "telescopic", allowing to adjust the length as needed.
