Sam & Household Appliances, etc.

A little more than three weeks ago, our washer started making a funny noise. Actually, it wasn't very funny, and it was VERY loud. It kind of sounded like a rocket getting ready to launch, every time the washer went into its spin cycle. I got alarmed and called a repairman to come have a look. (Aside - getting a repairman to come to the house is a process in an of itself, which I will not discuss so my blood pressure stays level.) Bad bearings. Or barings. Or baerrings.?? Take your pick! Anyway, he basically said our washing machine was shot. So, we contacted our landlord and got a new one.... THREE .... WEEKS.... LATER! yes, that's another story I won't go into. Things just take long over here. We missed our first delivery time (Sunday a.m. right during church, go figure) and that set us back another half a week for delivery. Anyway, it arrived on Wednesday and let me tell you, I am SOOOOOO grateful for washing machines. Funny how going without makes me so very grateful for what I have. I've done 15 or so loads of wash in the past three days, and still have another few to go before we're back to zero.

Sam's been loving living in Appliance Land. Our washer opens in the front, and the dryer sits on top of it... kind of a different set up, I know. But with the washer broken, we took the dryer off and it's been sitting on the floor in our office for a week. Sam is THRILLED that she can fit inside. See below...

She's also been stashing things in the dryer... a butter knife? Some lotion, a few toys, one of her favorite blankets. It's been pretty cute to watch, but at the same time, I'll be happy when our dryer is safely on top of the washer once again! I also wanted to report that Samantha has been working to conquer her fear of the vacuum. It used to be that every time I got out the vacuum, she would scream and cry and baul the entire time it was out and in use. Well, just this week she's started dealing more rationally with her fear; when I open the closet and pull out the vacuum, Sam makes a b-line for her bedroom, closes the door, and plays inside her bedroom while I do the dirty work. When I'm done, I open the door and she comes out to investigate. If the vacuum is still on the premises, she gets the cord and helps me wind it up to put it away. What a good little helper!
Rats, I had more to write, and more pictures to post, but no time. Will have to wait for another day or something. Hope everyone has a lovely Memorial Day weekend!