Update: I had a great time visiting with my mom. I took my spare machine and all my stuff with me, but the first time I plugged the machine in with the transformer, it made a popping noise and then expired. I lugged it all the way home, only to learn that the repair would be more expensive than what I paid for it. Luckily I had purchased a 2 year Replacement Plan from Overstock.com. It was very easy, and I don't have to send the machine back. Nevertheless, it was a little work horse and it broke my heart to throw it away.