Okay, Jokes Over!!

A few short weeks ago our dishwasher’s heating element wouldn’t shut off and we were forced to buy a replacement dishwasher.  We rationalized the entire event, thinking it was even lucky (aside from the cost and aggravation) because we averted a fire.  The dishwasher was delivered right on time.  But, during the installation we learned the job could not be completed in that one visit because we have granite countertops.  Apparently, the dishwasher needs to be anchored into the counter, since granite is too strong; the dishwasher needed side anchors, which the installers did not have on the truck.  So, for the first week, we could use the dishwasher, but very gingerly.  We couldn’t bring the shelves all the way out or the washer would tip; not a pleasant option.

Slightly aggravated and disappointed, I set up another day for installation after ordering the necessary part, which naturally cost an additional $30!  The second installation was three days ago.  Thankfully, my husband was able to come home from work early and the job was done.  Whew!  Crisis over, now we could relax!

The next night, we were doing just that relaxing, watching television, chatting, when we decided to throw a load of towels in the washing machine.  Big mistake!!  About a half hour later, the walls of the living room started shaking so hard that a huge picture over the sofa almost fell onto the soft cushion.  A loud “ba BOOM ba, ba BOOM ba, ba BOOM ba sound reverberated through the house!  It was absolutely deafening!  We ran, with truly surprising speed, down to the laundry room…the washer was smacking from side to side, bashing into the dryer, then the laundry tub, pulling away from the wall!  The hose was being stretched and was about to pull out which would have then spewed amazing amounts of liquid all over the place!  My husband turned the dial to off, but the washer refused to abide by the command…ba BOOM ba, it screamed back at us as it continued to jerk and spasm!! My husband jumped on top of the bucking washer and yanked the plug out of the wall! 

Silence…

After we each caught our breath, he jumped down from the washer and opened the lid.  We peered inside the drum like two lunatic detectives searching for a clue as to what in the world had just happened!

Pieces from the inside of the washer were lying in the lip that the lid rests on.  The agitator seemed disconnected.  Luckily, the washer was not full of water as it broke during the spin cycle, but the towels were still soaking wet.  We looked at each other with disbelief; another appliance bit the dust!  How could that be?

We twisted each towel as hard as we could into the laundry tub, the cold water freezing our hands.  We loaded the dryer with the towels and disgustedly climbed the stairs and reluctantly scoured the Internet for a good deal on a new washer.


The new washer was installed today...three days after the final installation of the new dishwasher!  Even the installers were surprised to be back so soon! My husband and I just ran the first load of laundry in this shiny new machine with the lovely blue dials.  So far, everything is running as it should. But, to be on the safe side, I think we'll bring in dinner tonight.  It's probably wise to put off using the oven for at least another day!!