The Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner

Yesterday a man came to give me a bid on some pool renovations. While we sat outside and he jiggled his numbers, he said, "Have kids?"

"Yep," I said. "Two."

He looked up. "They're awful quiet."

I laughed. "They're out of the house. They're 21 and 22."

"Oh, my!" he says. "You look so young."

I felt flattered . . . until I remembered he was trying to sell me something.


On to today's topic: I am an admitted gadget freak. I ADORE gadgets, especially if they serve a useful function.

The other day I was flying home and picked up the latest edition of Skymall magazine. You know the one--the catalog filled with overpriced whatnots and travel aids, garden chairs, creams guaranteed to make you look like you've had a face lift, and gargoyles for your living room.

Anyway, they had something new--the Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner. I was entranced. This little doodad hangs from your shower nozzle. After the last shower of the day (at our house, that would be mine), you press the little blue button. A warning beep gives you fifteen seconds to exit the shower, then the little nozzle at the very bottom spins round and round, spraying mildew-devouring Scrubbling Bubbles solution all over the shower walls, door, even your loofahs and shampoo bottles. No scrubbing necessary! (There are no bubbles, either, but I suppose that's beside the point).

The skymall ad even had a picture of a dirty "before" shower and a sparkling "after" shower--after about eight uses, I think. Anyway, I was hooked. Ordered the thing and now have it hanging from my shower nozzle. And every morning, I dry off, press the blue button, and step out of the shower, happily entertained while the little nozzle goes round and round . . .

My parents have a 50th anniversary coming up. What do you think? Isn't that more useful than, say, a trinket or tray?

Angie