Long-time (okay, long-suffering) readers will recall that me and my washing machine haven't always had the most harmonious relationship.
Waay back in July 2005, I was doing my washing while working on the computer when the power went out. The power went out because the old battle-axe that was my top-loader in my previous life had decided that not only would it cease to work, it would do so in an explosive manner and the safety switch had determined it - and everything else in the house (including my computer) should receive no more juice for it to work up into combustive manner.
Luckily, I had done my tax early that year, and the relationship with the Electrolux Ecovalve began.
Pretty soon after I moved to Paradise, it started to play up, and during an ongoing liaison with the LERF it has sort of behaved - right up until the day after the warranty expired.
Since then, it has been a steadily more unreliable partner in the washing stakes, complaining when the water wasn't draining quickly enough (that happens when the laundry tubs have tiny outlets), when the load was too heavy (a call that happened with lighter and lighter loads as time went by) or when the Moon wasn't in the right house.
Add to that the fact that the computer board within no longer took any notice of what programme you have dialled, it would only do one wash program (even if you asked for drain or turned it off).
By last week, it had gotten to the point where I was having to restart it 3 times per load - which when extrapolated against the time it takes anyhow to do a load meant that my 3 loads every two days meant I was washing all day, every day (it seemed) and getting my 10,000 Steps in on the back steps alone.
And then - and then on Friday, with a more than usually full laundry (great decision, that strip beds one, hey?) it got one and a half loads into the quota for the day - and decided it would thumb its nose at me, curl up its toes, emit a few piteous alarmed beeps and die.
As it hasn't worked properly for so long, it is more the financial and laundromatical aspects of our relationship being over that is causing any trauma.
We have decided we are going to save and invest in some quality engineering (possibly German) this time around, and in the interim the 28 year old Simpson has been hauled back into action.
I mean, it might be a brute, but it is fast (aka on laundry on SPEED), it tries hard and it is far better than handwashing - oh, and its lid-sensor has been deactivated, so only have to go down and encourage it once per load.
So please - sell me the vices and virtues of your laundry equipment - we have an idea of what we might want, but willing to be swayed with your reviews.
Showing posts with label the Electrolux Ecovalve Saga. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the Electrolux Ecovalve Saga. Show all posts
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Scrumptious Silverbeet Omelette
This is one of those posts where you have to imagine the fantastic photos, because you probably need a few images to go with the sensational meal I will concoct with you this afternoon.
We have been child-free for the last 5 days (no, turn off your imaginations on that one - that is a by-the-by statement, not one to generate any sort of related picture) and resultantly, we have been eating some pretty fantastic stuff that 'Salina would delicately decline (you can put up a picture of that if you want).
We have had surprise salad (several times - so yummy it is a repeater that I will definitely post - maybe even with pictures - one day), tuna pasta bake with a parsley and lemon sauce (another successful creation), curry, burritoes with lots of onion and chilli and the most scrumptions silverbeet omelette ever!!! In fact, I think we might even sneak the last one past 'Salina's palate because it was really THAT GOOD!!!
Begin by harvesting the silverbeet that has been growing copiously in perfect conditions. No, I didn't take photos BEFORE the harvest - but here are half of the plants two days after the harvest.
I request that you imagine just how much silverbeet that is. It is the biggest bowl that you have to overflowing, it is your largest saucepan three times filled with steaming silverbeet, it is about 3 cups of post steamed silverbeet all chopped up - it is lots and lots!!!
If I had been buying silverbeet, I would have had to buy about 4 bunches - so folks, get planting because once you are addicted to this it will save you a FORTUNE! Six plants, two weeks between harvests and you're home and hosed. Either that or frequent a shop that buys lots of silverbeet, sells little and loves you for taking it off their hands...
So without ado (or adieu as my grandmother would say) rinse in a large sink of water any dirt off the leaves, chop off any stems, and throw into said saucepan - you should have enough water on the leaves to steam them if you keep turning. As this silverbeet is "coloured", the water turns a lovely pink colour. Can you imagine that for me please?
Chop up all that silverbeet. Do you know I thought silverbeet was spinach for many years because it grows so well over here it is regarded as interchangeable on all recipes? I now know better, and regard it as interchangeable on all EXCEPT salads - raw silverbeet just doesn't do it as well. Of course, my childhood was not exactly packed with spinach in salads, so I didn't know that then...
Chop, chop, chop that silverbeet. Turn it over and chop, chop, chop. Give it a quarter turn and (you guessed it) chop, chop, chop.
Drain off more of that pink juice. Imagine that you now have a mound of rich green mush.
Separate 5 eggs. Do this individually into a cup and then put into your bowl, because as sure as eggs you will have one "oops" and you don't want that moment to ruin your bowl with 5 egg whites - we need the whites to be pure.
Mix your yolks with the rich green mush. Grind on some salt and pepper, a good grating of parmesan cheese and the leftover ricotta you have in the fridge from the spanikopita(silverbeet wrapped in filo pies) you made on the weekend. (See a theme here?)
Instead of the photo that should be here, I ask that you imagine the silver bowl reflecting the greens, yellows, whites and black flecks half-mixed, because the picture would be all arty like that.
Start some butter melting in a large frypan, and then get out your handy-dandy electric hand-beater.
Of course, you could use a whisk, and good luck to you. I used to be the sort of foodie hippie that did that sort of penance, but ever since my brother struck the jackpot in the Christmas gift selection one year, I have been very attached to my handy-dandy electric hand-beater. It is still the same one - my brother is going to fluke such present selection about once every 25 years, so he still has about11 24 years to top or replace it.
Plug it in (very important part of the instruction) and whip those whites.
Imagine these whites in my white jug (I am a big believer in using the handy-dandy electric hand-beater with my white jug - not just for aesthetics but also because it stops stuff from plastering the walls - something to remember when you have children joining you in the handy-dandy electric hand-beater fun) going all hard-peaky.
Of course, if I was a certain food blogger (actually, any sort of food blogger at all) I would offer a handy-dandy electric hand-beater give away at this point, but until I get old enough for my brother to replace it OR I win some money OR the cheap-ass-brand that didn't even put its name on thecheap-ass economical handy-dandy electric hand-beater gives me a couple to give away (with postage) I can't do that sort of thing.
I am the sort offood blogger girl who asks you to imagine the photos so I don't think THAT is happening any time soon...
Where was I? Oh yes...
Fold the hard-peaked egg whites into the green-yolk mix very gently. Do this fairly much straight after you have beaten them, because if you stop to yarn about how you would do things differently if you won lotto or gave assessments on your family's gift giving stakes or whatever, then the whole "peak" aspect of the eggs is gonna get lost.
Someone once explained to me that eggs are like elastic - and when you beat them, they are "stretching" around the air. If you stretch them to max (hard peaks) and then have them all sit around, its going to be like those trackies that have been all stretched out one time too many and they no longer had the body stretching them out - if you get the imagery (or have checked out my laundry).
You are thanking me for that information, aren't you?
Anyhow...
The picture here would have the silverbeet mix all nicely in your polished frypan, so that is what you should both imagine (if you are playing the game by my rules) and indeed do (if you are cooking). You would also notice that I had grated the leftover knob of parmesan over the top because I am fairly decadent when it comes to parmie.
Have it cook gently over medium heat for 5-10 minutes - until it sort of starts to bubble at the very edges because the mixture is so dense and the air cannot force its way through all that greeny goodness.
When it is at that stage, put it under the gorilla for another 5-10 minutes (medium heat again).
Once it is cooked, you can either gobble it up immediately OR take advantage of being child free and let it go as cold as it likes and heat it up when you finally get around to eating.
And here would be the picture of the empty plates with only one artfully draped crumb of egg-coated spinach fleck and two very, very happy people, sated with our scrumptious silverbeet omelette.
Isn't imagination wonderful - of course, I would edit out the bit where V then said "I am still starving" and cooked these cheese quesadillas - but forgive him, because he is a bricklayer who eats infrequently, but when he does clear the decks!!!
Oh, and he does do a mean cheese quesadilla!!! - as a bonus - here is the recipe (no pictures).
Take a tortilla. Slice some cheese. Wrap the cheese in the tortilla. Nuke.
We have been child-free for the last 5 days (no, turn off your imaginations on that one - that is a by-the-by statement, not one to generate any sort of related picture) and resultantly, we have been eating some pretty fantastic stuff that 'Salina would delicately decline (you can put up a picture of that if you want).
We have had surprise salad (several times - so yummy it is a repeater that I will definitely post - maybe even with pictures - one day), tuna pasta bake with a parsley and lemon sauce (another successful creation), curry, burritoes with lots of onion and chilli and the most scrumptions silverbeet omelette ever!!! In fact, I think we might even sneak the last one past 'Salina's palate because it was really THAT GOOD!!!
Begin by harvesting the silverbeet that has been growing copiously in perfect conditions. No, I didn't take photos BEFORE the harvest - but here are half of the plants two days after the harvest.
I request that you imagine just how much silverbeet that is. It is the biggest bowl that you have to overflowing, it is your largest saucepan three times filled with steaming silverbeet, it is about 3 cups of post steamed silverbeet all chopped up - it is lots and lots!!!
If I had been buying silverbeet, I would have had to buy about 4 bunches - so folks, get planting because once you are addicted to this it will save you a FORTUNE! Six plants, two weeks between harvests and you're home and hosed. Either that or frequent a shop that buys lots of silverbeet, sells little and loves you for taking it off their hands...
So without ado (or adieu as my grandmother would say) rinse in a large sink of water any dirt off the leaves, chop off any stems, and throw into said saucepan - you should have enough water on the leaves to steam them if you keep turning. As this silverbeet is "coloured", the water turns a lovely pink colour. Can you imagine that for me please?
Chop up all that silverbeet. Do you know I thought silverbeet was spinach for many years because it grows so well over here it is regarded as interchangeable on all recipes? I now know better, and regard it as interchangeable on all EXCEPT salads - raw silverbeet just doesn't do it as well. Of course, my childhood was not exactly packed with spinach in salads, so I didn't know that then...
Chop, chop, chop that silverbeet. Turn it over and chop, chop, chop. Give it a quarter turn and (you guessed it) chop, chop, chop.
Drain off more of that pink juice. Imagine that you now have a mound of rich green mush.
Separate 5 eggs. Do this individually into a cup and then put into your bowl, because as sure as eggs you will have one "oops" and you don't want that moment to ruin your bowl with 5 egg whites - we need the whites to be pure.
Mix your yolks with the rich green mush. Grind on some salt and pepper, a good grating of parmesan cheese and the leftover ricotta you have in the fridge from the spanikopita(silverbeet wrapped in filo pies) you made on the weekend. (See a theme here?)
Instead of the photo that should be here, I ask that you imagine the silver bowl reflecting the greens, yellows, whites and black flecks half-mixed, because the picture would be all arty like that.
Start some butter melting in a large frypan, and then get out your handy-dandy electric hand-beater.
Of course, you could use a whisk, and good luck to you. I used to be the sort of foodie hippie that did that sort of penance, but ever since my brother struck the jackpot in the Christmas gift selection one year, I have been very attached to my handy-dandy electric hand-beater. It is still the same one - my brother is going to fluke such present selection about once every 25 years, so he still has about
Plug it in (very important part of the instruction) and whip those whites.
Imagine these whites in my white jug (I am a big believer in using the handy-dandy electric hand-beater with my white jug - not just for aesthetics but also because it stops stuff from plastering the walls - something to remember when you have children joining you in the handy-dandy electric hand-beater fun) going all hard-peaky.
Of course, if I was a certain food blogger (actually, any sort of food blogger at all) I would offer a handy-dandy electric hand-beater give away at this point, but until I get old enough for my brother to replace it OR I win some money OR the cheap-ass-brand that didn't even put its name on the
I am the sort of
Where was I? Oh yes...
Fold the hard-peaked egg whites into the green-yolk mix very gently. Do this fairly much straight after you have beaten them, because if you stop to yarn about how you would do things differently if you won lotto or gave assessments on your family's gift giving stakes or whatever, then the whole "peak" aspect of the eggs is gonna get lost.
Someone once explained to me that eggs are like elastic - and when you beat them, they are "stretching" around the air. If you stretch them to max (hard peaks) and then have them all sit around, its going to be like those trackies that have been all stretched out one time too many and they no longer had the body stretching them out - if you get the imagery (or have checked out my laundry).
You are thanking me for that information, aren't you?
Anyhow...
The picture here would have the silverbeet mix all nicely in your polished frypan, so that is what you should both imagine (if you are playing the game by my rules) and indeed do (if you are cooking). You would also notice that I had grated the leftover knob of parmesan over the top because I am fairly decadent when it comes to parmie.
Have it cook gently over medium heat for 5-10 minutes - until it sort of starts to bubble at the very edges because the mixture is so dense and the air cannot force its way through all that greeny goodness.
When it is at that stage, put it under the gorilla for another 5-10 minutes (medium heat again).
Once it is cooked, you can either gobble it up immediately OR take advantage of being child free and let it go as cold as it likes and heat it up when you finally get around to eating.
And here would be the picture of the empty plates with only one artfully draped crumb of egg-coated spinach fleck and two very, very happy people, sated with our scrumptious silverbeet omelette.
Isn't imagination wonderful - of course, I would edit out the bit where V then said "I am still starving" and cooked these cheese quesadillas - but forgive him, because he is a bricklayer who eats infrequently, but when he does clear the decks!!!
Oh, and he does do a mean cheese quesadilla!!! - as a bonus - here is the recipe (no pictures).
Take a tortilla. Slice some cheese. Wrap the cheese in the tortilla. Nuke.
Monday, November 05, 2007
The Ides of November
Well, my interesting week to come and thus far I think it might have more to do with providence colliding with nicotine withdrawal than with auspicious stars.
Yesterday we put up the swing set without any major relationship fall outs, which I have had said to me is the first test. I have also learned that just because an idea crosses my mind, it is not a fantastic idea to then weave it into perceived reality and then disappointment when it does not happen AT THE EXACT MOMENT I think it should happen. It did happen, and it happened before the world collapsed - which was in God's (and V's) infinite plan, no doubt.
I also finally finished washing all bedding and clothing littering my laundry. Well, we would have had I remembered to put anything in to 2 of the loads. See, I have a method to my laundering that goes thus:
I blame swing set construction distractions for my x=2.
But now all the washing is finally done and dusted. Which just makes the sadold 3 year old shelf space Electrolux Front-loader a more dominant feature. Sigh, I have calling my lovely friends at LERF on my to do list today.
As are several little jobs, a promotional blitz and organising a trip away at the end of the week - by 3 today - so won't be here long.
Both Saturday night and Sunday did not fall into the "restful" category, as I had the most vivid dreams where I could have sworn I was awake - but really, really tired.
Saturdays involved making out with V on a school bus, being busted by his cousin, meeting an extended (and rather judgemental and nasty) family, lots of food, accusations of not being Christ-like (what the?) and V getting progressively younger, until as my 17 year old boyfriend unrecognisable.
I awoke, thought that it was strange, went back to sleep and proceeded to have the same dream over. Some bits were changed - the extended family grew to include my extended family including the outlaws, a gay couple I don't know and some other friends; my ex-BIL was very obnoxious and my aunt bawled him out, the gay couple were caught making out and we had a discussion and 'Salina was a nightmare in sass and behaviour, leading me to not get any food and then accused of not being Christ-like.
Last night, I had many vignettes, but all so real that I truly panicked at a few turns.
I was very glad to wake up, but exhausted.
I got one call about confirmation of work I have to do by tomorrow evening (won't take long), one call about a query on past work I have to look up (again, won't take long) and one call about something quite exciting but huge that may be of interest to me in the future.
On Wednesday I have to meet my sister somewhere and give her my child then drive to where I am doing training. According to whereis, it will take me between 9-10 hours driving time (add an hour to that as NSW is on daylight savings), so will be a huge day in the driver's seat.
Thursday and Friday I will be learning all there is to know about some rural software packages so I can be able to pass on my wisdom to the software company's clients and possibly entice new business for them, too.
I have to long-distance negotiate a drop-off between my extremely reliable sister and my slightly erratic outlaw family. Ever since my ex-SIL took her extremely drunk boyfriend round to my sister's one time - or the other version, took her Zimbabwean boyfriend round to my racist brother-in-law's one time - more diplomacy has been required. Thank goodness for Baka, who thinks all my family are wonderful ladies and gentlemen - and my family look most kindly to her - all we need is for her to not be visiting the casino at that point in time and it will be sweet.
Friday night to Sunday morning I will be catching up with one of my oldest girlfriends and her posse on the beach in Northern NSW.
Sunday morning I will collect 'Salina from the outlaws and come back here to collapse!
Edited to add - LERF just CALLED ME! As exciting as that is, even moreso is the fact that their technicians are coming to my place to fix the machine - RIGHT NOW!
Yesterday we put up the swing set without any major relationship fall outs, which I have had said to me is the first test. I have also learned that just because an idea crosses my mind, it is not a fantastic idea to then weave it into perceived reality and then disappointment when it does not happen AT THE EXACT MOMENT I think it should happen. It did happen, and it happened before the world collapsed - which was in God's (and V's) infinite plan, no doubt.
I also finally finished washing all bedding and clothing littering my laundry. Well, we would have had I remembered to put anything in to 2 of the loads. See, I have a method to my laundering that goes thus:
- Sort washing into n loads.
- Put in powder into machine.
- Manually turn on hot water tap.
- Start machine filling.
- Start pegging out.
At a provident moment go back to the machine.Manually turn off hot water tap to save the entire downstairs from flooding.Load the clothes in to the washing machine.- Hear the machine stop filling.
- Swear and dash inside.
- Manually turn off hot water tap to save the entire downstairs from flooding.
- Load the clothes in to the washing machine.
- Finish the pegging.
- When the load finishes, manually switch it to spin cycle.
- Unload the clothes into basket.
- Repeat the steps 2-15 n times - or n + x times, depending on how many times you forget step 8/12.
I blame swing set construction distractions for my x=2.
But now all the washing is finally done and dusted. Which just makes the sad
As are several little jobs, a promotional blitz and organising a trip away at the end of the week - by 3 today - so won't be here long.
Both Saturday night and Sunday did not fall into the "restful" category, as I had the most vivid dreams where I could have sworn I was awake - but really, really tired.
Saturdays involved making out with V on a school bus, being busted by his cousin, meeting an extended (and rather judgemental and nasty) family, lots of food, accusations of not being Christ-like (what the?) and V getting progressively younger, until as my 17 year old boyfriend unrecognisable.
I awoke, thought that it was strange, went back to sleep and proceeded to have the same dream over. Some bits were changed - the extended family grew to include my extended family including the outlaws, a gay couple I don't know and some other friends; my ex-BIL was very obnoxious and my aunt bawled him out, the gay couple were caught making out and we had a discussion and 'Salina was a nightmare in sass and behaviour, leading me to not get any food and then accused of not being Christ-like.
Last night, I had many vignettes, but all so real that I truly panicked at a few turns.
- My father bought me a four-wheel drive that came with a boat, a coat, toys in every pocket and was part of some new film promotion.
- I stayed at a friend's parent's house but I couldn't remember whose. '
- I put my foot in my mouth about someone's employment.
- Another friend was laid up in bed after a mysterious "accident" that involved flooding.
- I let a poodle into a secret hallway that then barked and woke the whole house.
- I forgot to pack anything and we were away from home for 5 days.
- V's tongue had green spots and glowed in the dark.
- 'Salina had to start at a new school and I couldn't find it.
- I had to find my sister and it was getting dark and she didn't know where we were staying, and I couldn't tell her as that would admit I didn't know whose house we were staying at.
- Mum wanted to take the car back as Dad didn't have the money, but we couldn't find where it had come from or my car.
- People were talking to me but I couldn't keep my eyes open as I was so tired
I was very glad to wake up, but exhausted.
I got one call about confirmation of work I have to do by tomorrow evening (won't take long), one call about a query on past work I have to look up (again, won't take long) and one call about something quite exciting but huge that may be of interest to me in the future.
On Wednesday I have to meet my sister somewhere and give her my child then drive to where I am doing training. According to whereis, it will take me between 9-10 hours driving time (add an hour to that as NSW is on daylight savings), so will be a huge day in the driver's seat.
Thursday and Friday I will be learning all there is to know about some rural software packages so I can be able to pass on my wisdom to the software company's clients and possibly entice new business for them, too.
I have to long-distance negotiate a drop-off between my extremely reliable sister and my slightly erratic outlaw family. Ever since my ex-SIL took her extremely drunk boyfriend round to my sister's one time - or the other version, took her Zimbabwean boyfriend round to my racist brother-in-law's one time - more diplomacy has been required. Thank goodness for Baka, who thinks all my family are wonderful ladies and gentlemen - and my family look most kindly to her - all we need is for her to not be visiting the casino at that point in time and it will be sweet.
Friday night to Sunday morning I will be catching up with one of my oldest girlfriends and her posse on the beach in Northern NSW.
Sunday morning I will collect 'Salina from the outlaws and come back here to collapse!
Edited to add - LERF just CALLED ME! As exciting as that is, even moreso is the fact that their technicians are coming to my place to fix the machine - RIGHT NOW!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
LERF? I nearly cried
Well, its only 28 here, but in this little hotbox I call my office (other people may call it the closed off bit of verandah attached to my bedroom) it is stinking hot - especially trying to work out money matters by the end of the month!
So, who put money on the Local Electrolux Repair Firm (to save typing, referred to hence as LERF) fellas actually getting back to me yesterday? Anyone? Nah, odds are definitely stacked against them on that one.
Todays update is I rang LERF (again - that would be the 13th time since the latest breakdown from my end) and spoke to Gail (again - I have had the pleasure on about 5 of those occasions) who had no idea who I am (again - I have offered to make them a dartboard with my name as the bullseye).
She is very good at the local brand of customer service.
Sorry, Pshe is berry goob ad vae locl bwanb of cushomer serbice (thats how you say it with your tongue in your cheek).
Before I began my breezy self-introduction she cut me short and wanted to know my address. Why? Because there are so many LERF customers in this town with the same name, apparently it is easier to file your cards by street address. Hmmm.
I explained the latest development of the saga, and she told me that no-one by the name I mentioned worked at LERF. (I wonder do any of them?) I said "perhaps someone with a similar name?" and then listed the many similar names to that particular handle. Ah, yes, someone did actually call that spot their workplace with one of those names...
(I have a problem with Gail - she is also the one who advised me that Rosscoe had retired and expected me to roll over and play dead).
She finally found my card and informed me that the part was not in. When I enquired what day would be a good day for me to continue the LERF brand of self-abuse, she ASSURED ME they would call when it came in. (Doubles or nothing, anyone?)
She then said that the wholesalers must not have any in stock for them not to have received it, so I should expect it on Thursday - which defies logic.
Why? Because I figure that LERF may well be passing the pain down, and that their wholesalers may have taught them the "cushomer serbice" that I have come to expect.
Silver lining on the experience is the blogging - you gotta admit, if it wasn't for blogging, this carp would be unbearable...
To the person who found my blog by googling "Electrolux Ecovalve" - great while it works, get to know your LERF and develop a positive relationship before you have to get up close and personal. Apparently you should budget on a two year turnover - which unfortunately is the rule of thumb with whitegoods in this day and age.
Other googlers:
Of course, some purverts (yes, I know its spelled wrong, but I don't want them to google me on it) looked for a lot of things they are unlikely to find on this blog - although if you are still looking for boob, you still have a chance to help save them, as I have internet friends doing all sorts of fundraising for Breast Cancer in the next few weeks - drop me a comment and I can connect you!
So, who put money on the Local Electrolux Repair Firm (to save typing, referred to hence as LERF) fellas actually getting back to me yesterday? Anyone? Nah, odds are definitely stacked against them on that one.
Todays update is I rang LERF (again - that would be the 13th time since the latest breakdown from my end) and spoke to Gail (again - I have had the pleasure on about 5 of those occasions) who had no idea who I am (again - I have offered to make them a dartboard with my name as the bullseye).
She is very good at the local brand of customer service.
Sorry, Pshe is berry goob ad vae locl bwanb of cushomer serbice (thats how you say it with your tongue in your cheek).
Before I began my breezy self-introduction she cut me short and wanted to know my address. Why? Because there are so many LERF customers in this town with the same name, apparently it is easier to file your cards by street address. Hmmm.
I explained the latest development of the saga, and she told me that no-one by the name I mentioned worked at LERF. (I wonder do any of them?) I said "perhaps someone with a similar name?" and then listed the many similar names to that particular handle. Ah, yes, someone did actually call that spot their workplace with one of those names...
(I have a problem with Gail - she is also the one who advised me that Rosscoe had retired and expected me to roll over and play dead).
She finally found my card and informed me that the part was not in. When I enquired what day would be a good day for me to continue the LERF brand of self-abuse, she ASSURED ME they would call when it came in. (Doubles or nothing, anyone?)
She then said that the wholesalers must not have any in stock for them not to have received it, so I should expect it on Thursday - which defies logic.
Why? Because I figure that LERF may well be passing the pain down, and that their wholesalers may have taught them the "cushomer serbice" that I have come to expect.
Silver lining on the experience is the blogging - you gotta admit, if it wasn't for blogging, this carp would be unbearable...
To the person who found my blog by googling "Electrolux Ecovalve" - great while it works, get to know your LERF and develop a positive relationship before you have to get up close and personal. Apparently you should budget on a two year turnover - which unfortunately is the rule of thumb with whitegoods in this day and age.
Other googlers:
- "killer tummy ache" - I am sorry, but I am glad you found one of my whinges rather than one of my recipes.
- So many people are looking for variations on "hole in the bucket" its astounding. I wonder how upset you were when you found a moan about the washing machine?
- "Is cat eat corned beef safe" - I would say yes, make sure there was plenty of water available.
- Many, many, many people wish to fold fitted sheets - and do you know how much it empowers me that I have provided this service to the hordes? If you wish for an even easier method, one of the commenters has invented something or other and wants to sell it to you - if anyone buys it, let me know (cause I know how to fold fitted sheets!)
Of course, some purverts (yes, I know its spelled wrong, but I don't want them to google me on it) looked for a lot of things they are unlikely to find on this blog - although if you are still looking for boob, you still have a chance to help save them, as I have internet friends doing all sorts of fundraising for Breast Cancer in the next few weeks - drop me a comment and I can connect you!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Wishy Washy
Gee, its been a while, hasn't it?
I have been meaning to get back here, tell you all about the little inspirations of my life - but you know, life, computers, work, family and washing machines are conspiring to stop me and my blog from connecting anywhere but in my imagination.
Life update - going on at a rapid rate - everything still wonderful, just more busier...
Computer update -
Family update - I have had the pleasure of hosting every member of my immediate family in the last 5 days! Unfortunately, one of those visits was due to 4yo Rockgirl having a nasty accident involving boys, a barbeque, a door and her little finger... The good news is she didn't lose it - the confusing part is the medical dramas to get to that point. I have since heard that my uncle cut off the top of his finger the next morning with a chainsaw and my BIL split his face open with a branch yesterday - so that is the 3 thanks fate.
Ah yes, the washing machine update. Where were we at with this little drama?
Quick recap for those who haven't yet and don't really want to read the backstory (because they know I have a verbose habit):
Inspirations that did not make it to this blog: - 'Salina's current nightmares; Wednesday night television; thank you notes; V (the bits I am allowed to blog); construction; Rockgirl's medical drama and the conundrums of modern medicine in a rural setting; environmental impacts and 'Salina; and Eddie, the wonder cat and our food fights.
Sorry I have not been by to visit many of you of late - I will once the computer and I are talking more civilly.
It has taken about 2 hours to do this 1/2 hour job this morning, so its more swearing than gentility we are using at present.
I have been meaning to get back here, tell you all about the little inspirations of my life - but you know, life, computers, work, family and washing machines are conspiring to stop me and my blog from connecting anywhere but in my imagination.
Life update - going on at a rapid rate - everything still wonderful, just more busier...
Computer update -
- I have good anti-v!rus stuff on board now - excellent.
- It found 80 threats in the first 12 minutes of scanning my machine - not so wonderful.
- It has resulted in my computer g-o-i-n-g very slowly - especially surfing - during the moments when I wish for speed - hmph.
- It gives me a lovely breakdown of who is using my wireless network every 10 minutes - great.
- This results (my own router and V's computer) in interrupting whatever I was doing every 10 minutes - huh?
Family update - I have had the pleasure of hosting every member of my immediate family in the last 5 days! Unfortunately, one of those visits was due to 4yo Rockgirl having a nasty accident involving boys, a barbeque, a door and her little finger... The good news is she didn't lose it - the confusing part is the medical dramas to get to that point. I have since heard that my uncle cut off the top of his finger the next morning with a chainsaw and my BIL split his face open with a branch yesterday - so that is the 3 thanks fate.
Ah yes, the washing machine update. Where were we at with this little drama?
Quick recap for those who haven't yet and don't really want to read the backstory (because they know I have a verbose habit):
- July 2005 - Bought an Electrolux Eco-valve front-loader. Small drama with delivery, but happy and very impressed with outcome.
- December 2006 - had a few problems. Used 25yo Simspon washer until fixit guy fixed it.
- December 2006 - 25yo Simspon washer had a few problems. Fixit guy fixed it and front-loader. Front-loader back in action, 25yo Simpson becomes useable spare with drip-dry issues.
- April 2007 - had a few more front-loader problems - Used 25yo Simspon washer until I could find some paperwork.
- June 2007 - Front-loader fixed under warranty. 25yo Simpson washer back in reserve.
- 9 September 2007 - Front-loader had a few more problems. 25yo Simpson washer back in action. I write a snarky email to Electrolux.
- 10 September 2007 - Electrolux reply, but not with the answer or concern I was looking for.
- 10 September 2007 - Rang and was assured front-loader would be fixed under warranty - they would call me.
- 11 September 2007 - was called and advised they didn't ever manufacture my washing machine as could find no parts. After my assurance they would keep looking and call me when the part came in.
- 12 September 2007 - was called and advised they didn't ever manufacture my washing machine as could find no parts. After my assurance they would keep looking and call me when the part came in.
- 24 September 2007 - Rang and found guy who assured me front-loader would be fixed under warranty had retired - they would call me back when they knew more.
- 2 - 12 October 2007 - Rang every other day and found no-one ever knew what I was talking about - even if I had spoken to them two days prior - they assured me they would call me back when they knew more every time. They never did.
- 16 October 2007 - Rang and found no-one knew what I was talking about - they would send the technician on Thursday.
- 19 October 2007 - Technician came and I was assured they would find out about the warranty status and how much/when it could be fixed - he would call me back on Friday when he knew more.
- 26 October 2007 - a load (containing a school bag with remains of week old banana mashed into the seams) managed to dislodge the pin advising the 25yo Simpson that the lid was closed.
- 26 October 2007 - Rang and and found no-one knew what I was talking about - but it was the manager who answered the call, so he went to check my card. He was gone a VERY LONG TIME. He returned 10 minutes later and assured me it would be fixed under warranty. They will call me when the part is in on Tuesday (which would be TODAY).
- 22 October 2007 - the amazing V, with the assistance of a screwdriver, several cups of coffee and some creativity has fixed the 25yo Simpson... Of course, the lid is no longer connected and wires held together with a clamp protrude from the back - but it goes nicely with the drip dry problem and the hot water adjustments required to get a good wash happening, so all in all - he got well rewarded for his efforts (even got some clean clothes).
30 October 2007 - I am taking money on the odds they will not call back. I am trying hard not to show cynicism - but I have to face at least 5 loads today, which will involve 15 interactions with the Simpson and am not believing in fairy tales...
I have a partner who works in construction therefore tends to get a little dirty laundry, a daughter an active nearly 8yo girl therefore tends to get a lot of semi-dirty laundry, every family member visiting therefore acres of sheets to wash regularly and me getting fatter, therefore limited wardrobe choices and more reliant on clean laundry...Inspirations that did not make it to this blog: - 'Salina's current nightmares; Wednesday night television; thank you notes; V (the bits I am allowed to blog); construction; Rockgirl's medical drama and the conundrums of modern medicine in a rural setting; environmental impacts and 'Salina; and Eddie, the wonder cat and our food fights.
Sorry I have not been by to visit many of you of late - I will once the computer and I are talking more civilly.
It has taken about 2 hours to do this 1/2 hour job this morning, so its more swearing than gentility we are using at present.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Ahhh Holidays - UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE
It is the September school holidays here. 2 weeks and 4 days of joy. Thus far we have:
Notice a pattern here - nothing (except the groceries) has cost much money - and nothing has been outrageous, tell the girlfriends about, exultant fun!
That half changes today - today we start the half of the holidays that is both fun AND doesn't cost too much. We are heading off this morning for a week at the family property in Central Queensland.
Well, we are heading off after:
'Salina awoke at 5.30 and is raring to go - she has everything she wants to take alreadypacked in a pile all over her bed and is eating breakfast and working how to nag me until we leave.
Off for a full week at my childhood home, for 'Salina toboss around play with her cousins and ride horses and open gates for grandpa.
Off for a full week at my childhood home, for me to get a session of training on the Stock program and do data entry backlogs for the property andnegotiate intriguing family relationships enjoy being a grown up in my extended family and miss V like crazy.
(I sound like such a sap, don't I? I actually will have a great time. I get to stay with my sister, BIL and their children (who I have not yet got names for on the blog - they are both beautiful and adorable - although her daughter is a little too much like mini-Jeanie in temprement - it warms the cockles), spend a night or so with brother, SIL and their children (Flowergirl, Rockgirl and Brutus), have some time with my lovely Mum and Dad as well - and I will get paid for the work that I contribute. I love my family a lot, its just that I insanely think I am more witty when I gripe. Apologies all)
Still, I will miss V like crazy - he will be working here and come over on the weekend. We haven't had this long apart since our "courting" days!
I need coffee!!
See you in a week and give me a yell if you notice any burglars.
NOTE 1: Those of you keeping up with the washing machine drama will know that my lovely front loader is not working at the moment and last you heard I sent an email to Electrolux.
To update - they sent back an email saying "who told you" but no "oh, we will bend over backwards to keep your custom".
I rang the local Electrolux company and ended up talking to Rossco, a technician who made the right calls to the right places and assured me Electrolux would cover this little problem and he would call when they had the parts.
The next day, Rossco called and asked again about my washing machine as he couldn't find parts or records of such an object ever being manufactured or fixed. I gave him the info again and he would call me back when they had the parts.
A few days later, we repeated this step. I waited patiently for a week for this call back.
To check on their progress I called this morning. It seems my mate Rossco has retired in the interim - they will call me back before lunchtime to advise on what they can unearth about the saga...
NOTE 2: I finally got all my superannuation funds rolled in to 1 account. What a feeling - until on Friday I got the details of one AMP one, and basically I am unhappy with the fact that 67% of the value vanished into a bucket called "fees".
On Friday I spent 40 minutes on the phone, listening to hold and before being told someone would call me back about it.
Today I spent 40 minutes on the phone, listening to hold, explaining to Jess, listening to hold, explaining to Daniel, listening to hold, explaining to Susan, listening to hold, explaining to Kay before Kay told me someone would call me back about it. Oh, okay, she would mark it urgent as I have to leave town by 12.
NOTE 3: Last Monday I sent problems I had with a project to my client to follow up.
On Tuesday, a colleague of hers advised me that she was on 2 weeks leave and had sent it on to their suppliers IT/Marketing manager.
On Wednesday I called the IT/Marketing manager to find that she was on 1 months leave. I spoke to her colleague who I sent the email to and she would follow it up.
On Thursday that lady and I played phone tag while I was volunteering at tuck shop.
On Friday I was the only one playing tag.
Today she told me Friday was her 1 day a month leave, and she will have it to me this afternoon - so it looks like work will be coming on holidays with me...
I need more coffee!!
- Been grocery shopping
BabysatMiddle child-sat a friend's son and had him to play/played at his house all day- Gone swimming at the causeway
Notice a pattern here - nothing (except the groceries) has cost much money - and nothing has been outrageous, tell the girlfriends about, exultant fun!
That half changes today - today we start the half of the holidays that is both fun AND doesn't cost too much. We are heading off this morning for a week at the family property in Central Queensland.
Well, we are heading off after:
- I do a blog about it - DONE
- I do another load of laundry - DONE
- I peg them - DONE
- I unpeg everything dry (due to hot and windy weather, the above load will be in that category quickly) - NEARLY DONE
- I pack my port and toiletries - NEARLY DONE
- I do the washing up - DONE
- I have breakfast - DONE
- I call Electrolux about my washing machine - AAAARRRGGGGHHH!! NOTE 1
- I call AMP about taking 67% of my fund in fees when I rolled an account - AAAARRRGGGGHHH!! NOTE 2
- I call my client's suppliers and get the answers I have been hounding them for for a week - AAAARRRGGGGHHH!! NOTE 3
- I finalise a little job - see NOTE 3
- I pack the car with bikes and ports - TO DO
- I copy all I want to take with me from the computer - TO DO (LOTS MORE)
- I write notes to remind V of things he will remember anyway - TO DO (if I remember)
- I wait and wait for phone calls (see NOTES 1 AND 2)
'Salina awoke at 5.30 and is raring to go - she has everything she wants to take already
Off for a full week at my childhood home, for 'Salina to
Off for a full week at my childhood home, for me to get a session of training on the Stock program and do data entry backlogs for the property and
(I sound like such a sap, don't I? I actually will have a great time. I get to stay with my sister, BIL and their children (who I have not yet got names for on the blog - they are both beautiful and adorable - although her daughter is a little too much like mini-Jeanie in temprement - it warms the cockles), spend a night or so with brother, SIL and their children (Flowergirl, Rockgirl and Brutus), have some time with my lovely Mum and Dad as well - and I will get paid for the work that I contribute. I love my family a lot, its just that I insanely think I am more witty when I gripe. Apologies all)
Still, I will miss V like crazy - he will be working here and come over on the weekend. We haven't had this long apart since our "courting" days!
I need coffee!!
See you in a week and give me a yell if you notice any burglars.
NOTE 1: Those of you keeping up with the washing machine drama will know that my lovely front loader is not working at the moment and last you heard I sent an email to Electrolux.
To update - they sent back an email saying "who told you" but no "oh, we will bend over backwards to keep your custom".
I rang the local Electrolux company and ended up talking to Rossco, a technician who made the right calls to the right places and assured me Electrolux would cover this little problem and he would call when they had the parts.
The next day, Rossco called and asked again about my washing machine as he couldn't find parts or records of such an object ever being manufactured or fixed. I gave him the info again and he would call me back when they had the parts.
A few days later, we repeated this step. I waited patiently for a week for this call back.
To check on their progress I called this morning. It seems my mate Rossco has retired in the interim - they will call me back before lunchtime to advise on what they can unearth about the saga...
NOTE 2: I finally got all my superannuation funds rolled in to 1 account. What a feeling - until on Friday I got the details of one AMP one, and basically I am unhappy with the fact that 67% of the value vanished into a bucket called "fees".
On Friday I spent 40 minutes on the phone, listening to hold and before being told someone would call me back about it.
Today I spent 40 minutes on the phone, listening to hold, explaining to Jess, listening to hold, explaining to Daniel, listening to hold, explaining to Susan, listening to hold, explaining to Kay before Kay told me someone would call me back about it. Oh, okay, she would mark it urgent as I have to leave town by 12.
NOTE 3: Last Monday I sent problems I had with a project to my client to follow up.
On Tuesday, a colleague of hers advised me that she was on 2 weeks leave and had sent it on to their suppliers IT/Marketing manager.
On Wednesday I called the IT/Marketing manager to find that she was on 1 months leave. I spoke to her colleague who I sent the email to and she would follow it up.
On Thursday that lady and I played phone tag while I was volunteering at tuck shop.
On Friday I was the only one playing tag.
Today she told me Friday was her 1 day a month leave, and she will have it to me this afternoon - so it looks like work will be coming on holidays with me...
I need more coffee!!
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Muddying the Waters
For those of you not in the loop - I wrote a few long blogs about my washing machine in the past. If you want to wade through and catch up:
And, in lieu of
- Part 1 from December 2006 - There's a hole in my bucket
- Part 2 from April 2007 - Bucket hole #4 and #5
- Part 3 from June 2007 - Can I bring it home for the boys
And, in lieu of
- the happy blog I was going to write today about the sunshine and flowerbeds and muesli bars,
- the traumatic blog going to write today about the screaming teenage couple having a domestic in front of our house and the plight and fear of the abused woman,
- the moving blog I was going to complete alluded to in the previous post,
- the funny blog I was going to write about my hairdressing therapist daughter,
Dear Sir/Madam
I write to you concerning my front loader washing machine.
I bought my Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine from Myer Megamart in late July 2005.
Until April this year, I had no problems with the product. However, I was required to exercise my 2 year warranty with the problem at that point. The local Electrolux servicemen took the machine away as some motherboard component had failed (to quote his words quoting the big Electrolux repairman training them that week, it always happens on these machines.)
Obviously, my Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine will have run out of the 2 year warranty period recently, so (it seems with all household products these days) it decided to stop working today.
During a normal load, the "end" light and "door" light both came on and nothing will change that configuration.
Using the users manual, we have drained the machine and checked and cleaned the filter - to no avail.
During the time of having the machine turned off, we were able to open the door and take out the load - but upon reconnecting, the "end" light and "door" light both came on no matter what cycle we tried or button we pressed.
Could you please advise if (a) it is worth while attempting to repair your product, given the 2 year warranty period has expired and the design is set for that factor, (b) what we should be looking for if it is a repairable problem, and/or (c) which of your competitors products we should consider when replacing this.
I anticipate your response.
Jeanie InParadise
Slightly disgruntled (previous to April relatively joyous) Electrolux client
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Bucket hole #4 & 5
I know, I know, those of you who have been really into my life via the blogosphere since the very beginning (ha ha ha ha ha ha ha) will be scratching your heads saying "but what about #2 and #3?" Suffice to say that some things that upset me in real life regarding this ongoing saga have not been blogged about. Don't worry, I will probably (and at great length) precis those dramas here.
Oh, and for you that found me post the very beginning, here is the drama that shall henceforth be referred to as
Bucket hole #1:
(abridged in case you don't want to wade through the 1,700 odd words)
Way, way back in my blogworld beginning, newly arrived at Paradise, I had a little laundry problem. To quote:
Oh, I blathered on and on, but basically it was a bit about how disorganised I was that I had not found the paperwork and how I had to rely on a clapped out 20yo Simpson which worked 300% as fast and gave about 10% of the results. I must admit I also went into dramatics about phoning various companies and - well, it was pretty futile. End result - use the one that sort of works and procrastinate for 4 months and several days really on my Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine.
Bucket hole #2:
(previously unblogged and I promise not to extend to the grosse words on this)
Nameless Appliance Guy (who actually does have a very French name with a very Aussie accent I have found - and a wife who is a definite hand on the iron judging by his uniform) read the serial number on the Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine but I sort of filed that as N.A.G. offered to track down a reconditioned spare part that will make the old machine smoother and more efficient (and who knows, maybe it will bring back the heady days of clean laundry of yore). Indeed, within 3 weeks (okay, it was over Christmas that he did the tracking) he had rung me up with a semi-reasonable price. And as it was over Christmas, it only took me about 3 weeks to ring him back and okay the installation of a reconditioned timer into the old girl.
Okay, probably wasn't a full verse in my Bucket Hole saga, but it was one of those long, drawn out interludes that I felt deserved a number all to itself. I probably could have padded it to the 1000 words, but you would have noticed the stuffing.
Bucket hole #3:
(also previously unblogged but something happens in this one)
So, upon the return of N.A.G. (which happened to coincide with a time of many visitors and little money here in Paradise) the part was duly installed, the moula was duly doled out (right down to several 5c pieces from 'Salina's stash) and he went upon his merry way.
Given my all over the shop nature at the time, it was not until the next day that I tried out the effectiveness of my friend, the Simpson.
Tick to the no longer working at 300% speed. The wash cycle time was again doubled, which was still about half of what the Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine offered - but unfortunately there was a problem.
You will note the qualification "wash cycle time" - not the time it takes to dump in dirty clothes and extract clean clothes - because, well, the old girl just decided that all clothes would henceforth be dealt with as "drip dry".
This now means that the time it takes to do a load of laundry is dependent upon the person in charge of the laundry manually making the washing machine recognise that the spin cycle is now safe to be undertaken.
I rang N.A.G. and explained the matter. He made patronisingly sympathetic noises down the phone and said that I must have accidentally switched the washer to Drip Dry myself and to call me back only if it was not my stupidity standing in the way of me and efficient laundering.
Well, that was back in the weeks of headless chicken activity, so it was 2 days before I could connect the "check if I am not completely stupid" box, be near a phone and call him back - so really, part of the subsequent pain is due to my own ditziness - and he castigated me soundly for taking so long and he would swing by and fix it - some time...
Guess what?
I am still waiting...
Bucket hole #4:
(which is really the subject of this blog - all that blather above is just intro)
Anyhow, I now have another body in the house. A large body which needs clothing at least once a day in fresh clothes. Add that to the small body which can change clothes 4-5 times a day, especially during holidays and post cycling spills, and myself, who would really like to rely on (okay, really has to rely on) maximum options within my wardrobe.
This has increased the regularity in which I have to bound up and down the back stairs to do another pile of washing - which we must remember to double, given the additional step in my washerwoman life.
Now, as you know, I am as keen an exerciser as your average Jeanie (unless you know some really fit ones, in which case I am slightly below average) and so would have kept on doing that as procrastinating and not complaining about irritating things is much more my style than actually getting jobs out of the way.
But I occasionally saw glimpses of the woman who felt:
I almost wept when time after time after time things remained unpegged as they would need another soak, another wash, another spin before I could try and peg again.
It was the last straw when I saw the same pair of white socks for the 3rd time lying in the basket, begging me for a better chance in life that I decided I would take control of my problem and do something about it.
I rang the local Electrolux folk again (I think the same woman answered the phone - her technique has not improved) and they are willing to visit me for only slightly more than N.A.G. asked for his services - but unfortunately my the Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine is now definitely out of the warranty period (we will put that on the procrastination account) so any parts will be out of my pocket.
And within 3 days of that phone call they came. They pulled apart. They put the little prongy things onto metal things and advised me that the door switch was dead. They will call me back with a quote.
Sigh. I saw front loaders in the junk mail for 1/2 of what I paid on special only 2 (and a bit, according to Electrolux) years ago. The "a bit" is the difference between them and me footing the parts bill. The part may well be over 1/2 of what the machine costs these days.
This Liza is feeling stressed and STILL doesn't have the answer to her laundry crisis answered...
Edited to add:
Bucket hole #5:
Well, I have had the call - should cost around 1/2 of a new machine, which plus the call out fee for today would represent my net cash worth!! I then had a rant to the poor girl on the phone about whether 'twould be economically more wise to just budget to buy a new machine every 2 years and she eventually got so worn down she passed the phone over to someone wiser.
Wiser woman asked for my serial number - it appears the machine may STILL be in warranty - the only catch is that I have to find some proof of when I bought it - a bank statement should do it, and odds are I have every statement ever issued to me in the "filing" pile filling the black hole to my right.
So, theoretically if I attacked that pile and found that bit of paper, I would stand to save approximately 1/6 of the large amount it would cost to repair (including the call out fee). Or to put it another way, I could also pay another bill in the growing stack I am trying to ignore near my mouse hand.
Still, makes me want to be an Appliance Gal when I grow up - I figure the "labour" required to change this thing and test it would be near to the 15 minutes mark (I am actually being generous), and as they took approximately 7 minutes to locate the fault on the call out today - allowing for travel time, they are on about $170 an hour - I want that kind of pulling power!!!
Which sort of makes the amount I will save by undertaking the monumental task of tackling the filing pile divided by the time consumed by undertaking the monumental task of tackling the filing pile (without the factor of what if I don't find it) sort of miniscule - I think about $5 an hour?
Oh, and for you that found me post the very beginning, here is the drama that shall henceforth be referred to as
Bucket hole #1:
(abridged in case you don't want to wade through the 1,700 odd words)
Way, way back in my blogworld beginning, newly arrived at Paradise, I had a little laundry problem. To quote:
But now – well, Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine, thy name is DISENCHANTMENT. It seems that there is some little inner thingy that checks that the door is closed, and until that condition is met nothing happens – and that little inner thingy has decided that the door is always open, even when it is definitely shut, darn it.
Oh, I blathered on and on, but basically it was a bit about how disorganised I was that I had not found the paperwork and how I had to rely on a clapped out 20yo Simpson which worked 300% as fast and gave about 10% of the results. I must admit I also went into dramatics about phoning various companies and - well, it was pretty futile. End result - use the one that sort of works and procrastinate for 4 months and several days really on my Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine.
Bucket hole #2:
(previously unblogged and I promise not to extend to the grosse words on this)
Nameless Appliance Guy (who actually does have a very French name with a very Aussie accent I have found - and a wife who is a definite hand on the iron judging by his uniform) read the serial number on the Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine but I sort of filed that as N.A.G. offered to track down a reconditioned spare part that will make the old machine smoother and more efficient (and who knows, maybe it will bring back the heady days of clean laundry of yore). Indeed, within 3 weeks (okay, it was over Christmas that he did the tracking) he had rung me up with a semi-reasonable price. And as it was over Christmas, it only took me about 3 weeks to ring him back and okay the installation of a reconditioned timer into the old girl.
Okay, probably wasn't a full verse in my Bucket Hole saga, but it was one of those long, drawn out interludes that I felt deserved a number all to itself. I probably could have padded it to the 1000 words, but you would have noticed the stuffing.
Bucket hole #3:
(also previously unblogged but something happens in this one)
So, upon the return of N.A.G. (which happened to coincide with a time of many visitors and little money here in Paradise) the part was duly installed, the moula was duly doled out (right down to several 5c pieces from 'Salina's stash) and he went upon his merry way.
Given my all over the shop nature at the time, it was not until the next day that I tried out the effectiveness of my friend, the Simpson.
Tick to the no longer working at 300% speed. The wash cycle time was again doubled, which was still about half of what the Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine offered - but unfortunately there was a problem.
You will note the qualification "wash cycle time" - not the time it takes to dump in dirty clothes and extract clean clothes - because, well, the old girl just decided that all clothes would henceforth be dealt with as "drip dry".
This now means that the time it takes to do a load of laundry is dependent upon the person in charge of the laundry manually making the washing machine recognise that the spin cycle is now safe to be undertaken.
I rang N.A.G. and explained the matter. He made patronisingly sympathetic noises down the phone and said that I must have accidentally switched the washer to Drip Dry myself and to call me back only if it was not my stupidity standing in the way of me and efficient laundering.
Well, that was back in the weeks of headless chicken activity, so it was 2 days before I could connect the "check if I am not completely stupid" box, be near a phone and call him back - so really, part of the subsequent pain is due to my own ditziness - and he castigated me soundly for taking so long and he would swing by and fix it - some time...
Guess what?
I am still waiting...
Bucket hole #4:
(which is really the subject of this blog - all that blather above is just intro)
Anyhow, I now have another body in the house. A large body which needs clothing at least once a day in fresh clothes. Add that to the small body which can change clothes 4-5 times a day, especially during holidays and post cycling spills, and myself, who would really like to rely on (okay, really has to rely on) maximum options within my wardrobe.
This has increased the regularity in which I have to bound up and down the back stairs to do another pile of washing - which we must remember to double, given the additional step in my washerwoman life.
Now, as you know, I am as keen an exerciser as your average Jeanie (unless you know some really fit ones, in which case I am slightly below average) and so would have kept on doing that as procrastinating and not complaining about irritating things is much more my style than actually getting jobs out of the way.
But I occasionally saw glimpses of the woman who felt:
Anyone who doesn’t have an Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine (I should get them to sponsor me) or indeed any frontloader should know something – they really CLEAN your clothes. Like really, really clean. Like you have never seen in your life before your clothes/linen/plastic bags (okay, inherited from Mum and it makes environmental sense before you start scoffing) flapping on the clothesline so happily.I tended to see her best when pegging out the laundry from the system in place currently, and I almost wept.
I almost wept when time after time after time things remained unpegged as they would need another soak, another wash, another spin before I could try and peg again.
It was the last straw when I saw the same pair of white socks for the 3rd time lying in the basket, begging me for a better chance in life that I decided I would take control of my problem and do something about it.
I rang the local Electrolux folk again (I think the same woman answered the phone - her technique has not improved) and they are willing to visit me for only slightly more than N.A.G. asked for his services - but unfortunately my the Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine is now definitely out of the warranty period (we will put that on the procrastination account) so any parts will be out of my pocket.
And within 3 days of that phone call they came. They pulled apart. They put the little prongy things onto metal things and advised me that the door switch was dead. They will call me back with a quote.
Sigh. I saw front loaders in the junk mail for 1/2 of what I paid on special only 2 (and a bit, according to Electrolux) years ago. The "a bit" is the difference between them and me footing the parts bill. The part may well be over 1/2 of what the machine costs these days.
This Liza is feeling stressed and STILL doesn't have the answer to her laundry crisis answered...
Edited to add:
Bucket hole #5:
Well, I have had the call - should cost around 1/2 of a new machine, which plus the call out fee for today would represent my net cash worth!! I then had a rant to the poor girl on the phone about whether 'twould be economically more wise to just budget to buy a new machine every 2 years and she eventually got so worn down she passed the phone over to someone wiser.
Wiser woman asked for my serial number - it appears the machine may STILL be in warranty - the only catch is that I have to find some proof of when I bought it - a bank statement should do it, and odds are I have every statement ever issued to me in the "filing" pile filling the black hole to my right.
So, theoretically if I attacked that pile and found that bit of paper, I would stand to save approximately 1/6 of the large amount it would cost to repair (including the call out fee). Or to put it another way, I could also pay another bill in the growing stack I am trying to ignore near my mouse hand.
Still, makes me want to be an Appliance Gal when I grow up - I figure the "labour" required to change this thing and test it would be near to the 15 minutes mark (I am actually being generous), and as they took approximately 7 minutes to locate the fault on the call out today - allowing for travel time, they are on about $170 an hour - I want that kind of pulling power!!!
Which sort of makes the amount I will save by undertaking the monumental task of tackling the filing pile divided by the time consumed by undertaking the monumental task of tackling the filing pile (without the factor of what if I don't find it) sort of miniscule - I think about $5 an hour?
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
There's a hole in my bucket
Not really - it’s just that I am feeling rather Liza like, dealing with all the Henry's out there in regard to my current washing machine saga. I am beginning to realise that I may have this sort of affinity with all large electrical appliances.
I was going to begin my journey in blogworld with insightful and witty reflections of the Paradise part of life, but there appears to be a problem in the whole move to paradise thing, and that was my very efficient packing strategy. I thus far have not managed to find
There are possibly a myriad of other lost objects, but I haven't had to look for them yet!
This should not be a problem, as I always chose to shop and do business things with large anonymous stores that would keep details like this for me in case I did something silly like move 400km from Metropolis and lose my paperwork.
And this strategy worked for my tax stuff – fair enough, has added about 2 weeks to getting my return in, but I was running late anyhow so just means that my bonus will be 2 weeks later than anticipated (and heck, family & friends can look forward to Christmas goodies mid-January, therefore allowing me to get more bang for my bonus and them to have an extended festival – win-win I say).
However, it seems to have come unstuck on the old battle with the laundry. See, the reason that I got this whiz-bang you-beaut front-loading washing machine was because – well, my last one sort of blew up – like quite a spectacular noise and very efficient cessation of all power to my house type of blowing up – and I had just received my tax return (I was more on the ball last year) and man, I needed to spend that money quickly or else it would be put towards frivolous things like clothes and Christmas. Good thing I had an appliance to buy.
So I trotted off to the nearby Myer Megamart at Coorparoo. The Coorparoo Centre always holds such memories for me, as it was where my Grandma used to take us for shopping and iced coffee treats when we came in from the sticks to visit her. Also, Myer is a BIG NAME in shopping – you just know they are going to look after you and care when your shopping needs meet their inventory list. With care and appropriate nudging from the sales guy (who I am sure was doing it from love for his job and loyalty to the company) I chose my Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine. It had as many Water Saving Droplets on the front sticker as I could afford, and he did me a good deal.
I had a few concerns with delivery. I HAD told them anytime EXCEPT between the time of 8.15am and 8.45pm when I would be depositing my child at school. Well, doesn’t take a fakir to know that meant the delivery guy would therefore arrive at 8.20am and deliver a phone call irately informing me that that I should KNOW that I had to be there for delivery guy. But that was smoothed over, and I now had my Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine.
It took my ex-brother-outlaw ($20 bucks fuel money) and I about 2 hours to unwrap it from its packaging, but then I fell in love.
Anyone who doesn’t have an Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine (I should get them to sponsor me) or indeed any frontloader should know something – they really CLEAN your clothes. Like really, really clean. Like you have never seen in your life before your clothes/linen/plastic bags (okay, inherited from Mum and it makes environmental sense before you start scoffing) flapping on the clothesline so happily.
I have never had many problems with it.
Okay, it takes about a century to do a load, as there is only one inlet for cold water and then it gently heats the water (and not too much water) to the optimum temperature for your load – plus side is that you get to do more than washing in your day – set, forget and so long as you remember before mould sets in, you can get your weekly washing done across the space of the week.
Okay, if you decide to recycle any water for washing floors or stuff (thanks Mum for handy environmental household routines) and forget about doing that, it will siphon the water back into the machine.
Okay, at one point the screeny thing on the outlet hose decided to block the outlet hose, which is sort of fundamental (especially as the door won’t open until the water is out) but a nameless appliance guy fixed that without any eyebrow raising (and within his reasonable callout fee) when I first moved here.
But now – well, Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine, thy name is DISENCHANTMENT. It seems that there is some little inner thingy that checks that the door is closed, and until that condition is met nothing happens – and that little inner thingy has decided that the door is always open, even when it is definitely shut, darn it.
Which I can live with – at least until it is fixed – as there is a 20 year old Simpson toploader just sitting there unused as this house used to be a holiday home and it was part of the holiday experience. Happily it will chew and mangle your clothes (okay, not that bad, but when you are used to an Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine, toploading action is just uncouth) for about 20 minutes a cycle. Fair enough, you are left with enough suds to think about doing it all over again. Fair enough, the clothes are still wringable at the end of what it thinks is a spin. Fair enough, it too can siphon out your tubs if traces of liquid remain when it stops (as does happen, as it pumps out too quickly for the miniature plughole).
But hey, at least it works… Or rather, it worked – it seems that 1 1/2 weeks worth of clothing for a grown woman, a 7 year old girl and a part-time man (in situ part-time, not confused about gender part-time – makes for different washing conditions I am sure) and the entire linen for the above plus several guests plus approximately 25 stuffed toys that got a little bombed when I decided to nuke the house for unidentified biting things – well, anyway, it was working, and then it don’t work no more.
Anyway, nameless appliance guy is very happy to come and visit me again tomorrow (for only $66 including the first 2 hours labour – can’t argue with that), but he will not touch my Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine as it should be under manufacturer warranty. And I should have the paperwork to back that up.
Should is such a dirty word… It exists, I put it in a safe place – and now I am not sure where that safe place is… But hey – bought it from a big store – they should have the records, right?
Hooray, I went to get the phone number – hmm, but it seems that after haemorrhaging money for 5 years, it was closed by the parent company November last year. That is okay, parent company should keep records, right? Nah, they only did that for a year – try with the extended warranty people (I paid the extra, as it is a big, important appliance).
Unfortunately as it is still under manufacturer warranty, their records don’t have it available yet. Have I tried with the store? Oh, well then, give the serial number to the manufacturer and they should be able to track it.
There are 4 visible sides to my Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine where it is sitting – lots of stickers extolling its virtues but no identity. If I heaved a lot, I could see that the 5th side was also useless as far as serial numbers go. My Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine is a heavy mother –oops, appliance – so maybe the manufacturer’s representative could give me a hint or two.
Now, the woman answering the phone for Electrolux did not inspire me that she could really help me with my enquiries. I never got her name, as she never gave it. As she only started yesterday, no doubt that will be covered in the training in the next few weeks. In fact I only knew it was Electrolux as I asked directly – someone saying “oh, there is someone there. I wasn’t sure that the phone rang” as a greeting does bring to mind large and benignly helpful to the customer company.
I advised her my story thus far in regard to the Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine and that I could not find the serial number on any visible portion of the appliance. She was of approximately -0.05% help in directing me to where I would find it. She suggested it might be beneath the machine – I don’t know if you have ever attempted to look beneath a floor standing Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine, but it is not as easy to do as it is to say.
So I am back about where I started – looking at the confusing pile of papers and feeling despair, feeling the piles of washing growing behind me and looking forward to another visit from nameless appliance guy. I am going to get him to try and read the serial number as part of his fee.
Wow – what a gripe – to offset, letting you know that the weather is excellent here, and I would be enjoying an garden exploit if 7 year-old was not home from school “feeling sick” – heartless mum sent her yesterday with the same complaint and had to retrieve her, so giving her recuperation but trying to make recuperation as boring as possible. Well, gives me a chance to look through papers…
Or maybe dream my latest money-making venture, whereby someone like me can hand over just bits of paper to the representative at the store in the first place, say "file this for me" and then only have to call 1 number when crises develop... I think the idea has legs, just so long as I am not running it!!
I was going to begin my journey in blogworld with insightful and witty reflections of the Paradise part of life, but there appears to be a problem in the whole move to paradise thing, and that was my very efficient packing strategy. I thus far have not managed to find
- a citrus juicer;
- my tax return from last year (but hey - if you want to see the one from 10 years ago, I can lay my hands on it straight away); and
- the paperwork from my washing machine and dryer.
There are possibly a myriad of other lost objects, but I haven't had to look for them yet!
This should not be a problem, as I always chose to shop and do business things with large anonymous stores that would keep details like this for me in case I did something silly like move 400km from Metropolis and lose my paperwork.
And this strategy worked for my tax stuff – fair enough, has added about 2 weeks to getting my return in, but I was running late anyhow so just means that my bonus will be 2 weeks later than anticipated (and heck, family & friends can look forward to Christmas goodies mid-January, therefore allowing me to get more bang for my bonus and them to have an extended festival – win-win I say).
However, it seems to have come unstuck on the old battle with the laundry. See, the reason that I got this whiz-bang you-beaut front-loading washing machine was because – well, my last one sort of blew up – like quite a spectacular noise and very efficient cessation of all power to my house type of blowing up – and I had just received my tax return (I was more on the ball last year) and man, I needed to spend that money quickly or else it would be put towards frivolous things like clothes and Christmas. Good thing I had an appliance to buy.
So I trotted off to the nearby Myer Megamart at Coorparoo. The Coorparoo Centre always holds such memories for me, as it was where my Grandma used to take us for shopping and iced coffee treats when we came in from the sticks to visit her. Also, Myer is a BIG NAME in shopping – you just know they are going to look after you and care when your shopping needs meet their inventory list. With care and appropriate nudging from the sales guy (who I am sure was doing it from love for his job and loyalty to the company) I chose my Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine. It had as many Water Saving Droplets on the front sticker as I could afford, and he did me a good deal.
I had a few concerns with delivery. I HAD told them anytime EXCEPT between the time of 8.15am and 8.45pm when I would be depositing my child at school. Well, doesn’t take a fakir to know that meant the delivery guy would therefore arrive at 8.20am and deliver a phone call irately informing me that that I should KNOW that I had to be there for delivery guy. But that was smoothed over, and I now had my Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine.
It took my ex-brother-outlaw ($20 bucks fuel money) and I about 2 hours to unwrap it from its packaging, but then I fell in love.
Anyone who doesn’t have an Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine (I should get them to sponsor me) or indeed any frontloader should know something – they really CLEAN your clothes. Like really, really clean. Like you have never seen in your life before your clothes/linen/plastic bags (okay, inherited from Mum and it makes environmental sense before you start scoffing) flapping on the clothesline so happily.
I have never had many problems with it.
Okay, it takes about a century to do a load, as there is only one inlet for cold water and then it gently heats the water (and not too much water) to the optimum temperature for your load – plus side is that you get to do more than washing in your day – set, forget and so long as you remember before mould sets in, you can get your weekly washing done across the space of the week.
Okay, if you decide to recycle any water for washing floors or stuff (thanks Mum for handy environmental household routines) and forget about doing that, it will siphon the water back into the machine.
Okay, at one point the screeny thing on the outlet hose decided to block the outlet hose, which is sort of fundamental (especially as the door won’t open until the water is out) but a nameless appliance guy fixed that without any eyebrow raising (and within his reasonable callout fee) when I first moved here.
But now – well, Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine, thy name is DISENCHANTMENT. It seems that there is some little inner thingy that checks that the door is closed, and until that condition is met nothing happens – and that little inner thingy has decided that the door is always open, even when it is definitely shut, darn it.
Which I can live with – at least until it is fixed – as there is a 20 year old Simpson toploader just sitting there unused as this house used to be a holiday home and it was part of the holiday experience. Happily it will chew and mangle your clothes (okay, not that bad, but when you are used to an Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine, toploading action is just uncouth) for about 20 minutes a cycle. Fair enough, you are left with enough suds to think about doing it all over again. Fair enough, the clothes are still wringable at the end of what it thinks is a spin. Fair enough, it too can siphon out your tubs if traces of liquid remain when it stops (as does happen, as it pumps out too quickly for the miniature plughole).
But hey, at least it works… Or rather, it worked – it seems that 1 1/2 weeks worth of clothing for a grown woman, a 7 year old girl and a part-time man (in situ part-time, not confused about gender part-time – makes for different washing conditions I am sure) and the entire linen for the above plus several guests plus approximately 25 stuffed toys that got a little bombed when I decided to nuke the house for unidentified biting things – well, anyway, it was working, and then it don’t work no more.
Anyway, nameless appliance guy is very happy to come and visit me again tomorrow (for only $66 including the first 2 hours labour – can’t argue with that), but he will not touch my Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine as it should be under manufacturer warranty. And I should have the paperwork to back that up.
Should is such a dirty word… It exists, I put it in a safe place – and now I am not sure where that safe place is… But hey – bought it from a big store – they should have the records, right?
Hooray, I went to get the phone number – hmm, but it seems that after haemorrhaging money for 5 years, it was closed by the parent company November last year. That is okay, parent company should keep records, right? Nah, they only did that for a year – try with the extended warranty people (I paid the extra, as it is a big, important appliance).
Unfortunately as it is still under manufacturer warranty, their records don’t have it available yet. Have I tried with the store? Oh, well then, give the serial number to the manufacturer and they should be able to track it.
There are 4 visible sides to my Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine where it is sitting – lots of stickers extolling its virtues but no identity. If I heaved a lot, I could see that the 5th side was also useless as far as serial numbers go. My Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine is a heavy mother –oops, appliance – so maybe the manufacturer’s representative could give me a hint or two.
Now, the woman answering the phone for Electrolux did not inspire me that she could really help me with my enquiries. I never got her name, as she never gave it. As she only started yesterday, no doubt that will be covered in the training in the next few weeks. In fact I only knew it was Electrolux as I asked directly – someone saying “oh, there is someone there. I wasn’t sure that the phone rang” as a greeting does bring to mind large and benignly helpful to the customer company.
I advised her my story thus far in regard to the Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine and that I could not find the serial number on any visible portion of the appliance. She was of approximately -0.05% help in directing me to where I would find it. She suggested it might be beneath the machine – I don’t know if you have ever attempted to look beneath a floor standing Electrolux EcoValve 6.5kg Frontloading Washing Machine, but it is not as easy to do as it is to say.
So I am back about where I started – looking at the confusing pile of papers and feeling despair, feeling the piles of washing growing behind me and looking forward to another visit from nameless appliance guy. I am going to get him to try and read the serial number as part of his fee.
Wow – what a gripe – to offset, letting you know that the weather is excellent here, and I would be enjoying an garden exploit if 7 year-old was not home from school “feeling sick” – heartless mum sent her yesterday with the same complaint and had to retrieve her, so giving her recuperation but trying to make recuperation as boring as possible. Well, gives me a chance to look through papers…
Or maybe dream my latest money-making venture, whereby someone like me can hand over just bits of paper to the representative at the store in the first place, say "file this for me" and then only have to call 1 number when crises develop... I think the idea has legs, just so long as I am not running it!!
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