Well this has been in my Coming Attractions Que for some time. It was well before spring break that our washer went out on us. For the last two years it had to be held down when on the spin cycle. Our floor is a bit uneven and had something to do with the rapid decline of the washer. When we moved into this house it came with a avocado green washer and dryer from the 1970's. They lasted a couple of years and then the dryer went out and the washer began to not clean as well as it use to clean clothes. Sarah's parents got new machines and gave us their old ones. This is the washer that had to be held down.Well, we have been putting the idea of getting new machines until this summer, but we were forced to deal with the issue earlier than anticipated. I was okay with holding down the washer until the summer. In late February, the washer would fill up with water and just quit. I feared the worse. the worse being me ringing out the water by hand and driving wet clothes to the laundry mat. Out of frustration, I smacked the side of the washer and it started up again. Joy! Each time the smacking got harder and took longer so we decided to replace it sooner.
For most people this is not a big deal, but for me it was a huge project. First we shopped around looking for the best deal for us. We have 9 times out of 10 ended up with Lowe's over Home Depot, Menard's, or Sears. After we choose our new machines, I took measurements for the platform I needed to build so that these might last as long as possible. Emily and I went to Lowe's and bought the necessary material early the following day and I built a very nice and structurally sound platform. It took me ALL DAY to make a simple platform. However, I was impressed with my carpenter skills and I believe that this will hold up until I am no longer living here. The machines are level and working great. I have been waiting to show you photos but it will be some time before I get them off of Sarah's computer.
What did we do with the old washer and dryer? The washer went with Lowe's for them to recycle. The dryer, which still worked, went to a newlywed couple from Sarah's work. The photo I added this morning is of our second washer and dryer that came from Sarah's parents. The washer that shook. Jonah would help me hold it down when it started the spin cycle. He sat on top.
8 comments:
Good job on it all - though I think you may be missing the mark on your estimation of "most people." I would guess that it's a pretty big deal for all but the super wealthy. And setting up the delivery, etc., & getting them running is a big deal for all but those with servants.
Your point is valid my friend. What I really want to emphasize is that most people don't have to construct a platform for their washer and dryer to sit on because their floor is strikingly uneven. I also want to point out that most people either have handy man skills or at least have a relative that they can call to help with home improvement projects. There is nobody on my side of the family or Sarah's that have a trade in carpentry, plumbing, or electrical contracting. We are all teachers or we all have other jobs that are not fitting in home improvement.
Don't let me remind you of the time Gibbs and I tried to build a greenhouse at camp from the top down. One staff member has a scar that he can look at the rest of his life that will remind him of the horror of that greenhouse collapsing.
Excellent.
And to add to Dan's comment: 'most people' would find buying a new washer and dryer a significant financial impact, and most people don't have carpentry skills of any sort. That's why there are so many pick-up trucks with signs on the side of them driving around. All those guys whose trucks say they do siding, decks, remodelling, etc are doing those jobs for most people. Either that or people let their washers and dryers sit on uneven floors, or level them with old books, etc.
Truly you are not 'most people'. Keep up the good work.
Yes, and don't ever sell your own handyman skills short.
For you are a short handyman.
I guess that's better than being Jack Handy. I am proud of my SKILLS and look forward to more Iowa Tests of Basics.
Did anyone notice the Best Buy badge hanging on the key rack? When I visited Dan there a couple of years ago, the lady at the desk told me to keep the tag so that Jonah could play with it. We did, and obviously still have it for posterity.
Holy cow. I can think of better memory-making souveniers you could get from my state.
Post a Comment