Goodbye Ol' Friend

We recently got a recall notice in the mail for our dishwasher. I kind of snickered at this because it's like eight years old and has several indications that make it evident that it's a tiredly, well-used dishwasher. As I opened the letter, I kind of scanned it and set it aside. Then all of the sudden the words "fire hazard" sunk in so I picked it up to read more thoroughly.

Yes, indeed, our loyal friend was given a dangerous label. We called the manufacturer and were given the option for them to send out someone to fix it but we would have to pay for the other things that were wrong with it OR they would give us a credit towards a new beauty if we were interested in purchasing another Maytag, Whirlpool or Jenn-air product.

As my husband laid the decision before me, I said "Sold!" You had me at 'New'! It was a done deal with them promising to send out a rebate form. (Yes, I know...ugghh...a rebate form) After finishing up our call with them, I turned to look towards my mountain of dishes as my thoughts wondered off to a far away place where there's never a dirty dish. There nothing more mountainous in a big family then dishes and laundry.

Now I must tell you that I can't go without my dishwasher. Why, I'd have to hand wash them. That's a no-no in my book. How could this be happening. What did I ever do to deserve this punishment??? Why is it that there must be a waiting period between getting rid of the old and bringing in the new? It's...it's just not fair, I whimpered.

Then a thought (not one of my more brilliant ones I admit but necessary for my sanity) came to me. The problem was that the jet dry would leak and come into contact with the heating element which would then start a fire. BUT....what if your jet dry was all out and had been for awhile. Would it ignite if you were to use it IF, IF, IF it were empty leaving no opportunity for any leakage?

Well, in my mind it worked, sounded totally logical and just plain made sense. So I used it some (**snicker) but only if I was going to be right there with it coaxing my loyal friend along. It did me right and kept going not giving an inkling of smoldering and I'm thankful for it's long time service.

Our new black beauty is installed and has already given us some good memories. It promised to help me keep my sanity and promised to keep us in clean dishes as long as I could find someone to fill and empty him.....

Hmmm.....wonder where I might find that special someone.....