Meet my new friends

Let me introduce you to my two new friends: washer and dryer.

Our dryer has never been good - even from the beginning. We had a service call on it within one week of getting it. That should have been our first clue. We've babyed it along for about five years. It doesn't work well (about four hours to dry towels), it's noisy and the lint screen is on the top of the dryer (which I absolutely hate!). I told Greg the next time it goes out we are getting a new one.
Imagine my surprise when our washer went out instead. I wasn't expecting that. We weren't planning on replacing appliances now (we just replaced our dishwasher in December), but our washer was old (about 17 years) and I really wanted a new dryer.
We researched Consumer Reports, looked at websites and settled on Kenmore from Sears. Greg works near a Sears and he was great to stop in on his lunch break. He ordered them and set up delivery.
When the washer and dryer were installed I was conflicted. They didn't match. The washer was a front loader with a round black hole for the opening and the control panel on the front. The dryer had the control panel on the back and a silver square opening. I walked past them every ten minutes for about three hours. Finally I called Greg and told him I didn't think I could live with it for the next 15 years. I know I was being bratty about it, but I knew it would bother me. Greg didn't seem to understand what the big deal was, but he is a wonderful husband. He went back to Sears, got me the matching washer, set up delivery and never once complained about taking more time to go back or paying more for the upgraded washer or restocking fee. The only thing he said was, "Happy Mother's Day." I am so completely good with that!
At first I was convinced I wanted a front loading washer. Now, I'm so glad that my washer is top loading. A few reasons: 1. I've been told by a few people that because front loader doors lock securely in place to prevent leaking they also trap in extra moisture in between loads. So if you don't want your washer smelly you have to wipe it down, use special detergent or leave the door open when not in use. 2. You can't add items in after you have started the load. I can't tell you how many times I have put in a load and then walked down the hall to find the kid's jammies, socks, etc in their rooms. I'll run it back to the laundry room and throw it in. 3. On the model we had, the control were in front. After installation of our first washer, Enoch walked into the laundry room and immediately said, "Awww, buttons!" And started happily pressing every button on the machine. Not a good idea at our home.
Since we had a week's worth of laundry piling up, I put my new friends to work Saturday morning after our washer was installed. It took a bit of time to figure out how to use the things - they are so high tech. I was having the hardest time trying to find where you set the water level until Greg informed me that the washer did it for you. And another thing - my washer is huge. Really huge. I did a load of jeans that before would have been at least two loads (if not more) and I did it in one load with room to spare. Oh my goodness! As I was folding clothes I noticed that stains weren't there any more (or significantly faded). And my dryer is faster than my washer. Wow!
I am so happy with them. The kids love to watch the clothes spin around (the lids are clear on both the washer and dryer). I know they are going to save me a bunch of time. But the best part - how great Greg was about the whole thing. Thanks, honey!