I did good with taxes this year. Managed to skate away with a nice newer vehicle (downpayment, anyway) AND a top notch washer.

About a month ago, our washer took a dump. Because it was close to tax time, and because it made no sense to purchase another $75 POS, I told my wife that we would get a brand new washer...and a GOOD one, at that, with our tax check.

We alread knew exactly what we wanted...a front end loader, with a large capacity. My choice of vehicles notwithstanding (a choice, I must protest, brought about by the unavailability of fuel efficient vehicles to suit our needs), We ALWAYS try to "think green" in our lifestyles, and a front loader seemed more convenient in many ways. I had forgotten about the fact that front loaders: 1) Use about 1/3 less water than top loaders (also meaning less energy needed to HEAT water for the washload); 2) spin out better than top loaders (meaning less energy consumed by the dryer); and 3) require less detergent. I had, of course, remembered that you can put larger loads in; this appeals to me as much for the prospect of fewer washloads as it does for environmental purposes.

So after getting our car deal squared away, we headed up to Sears and checked out washers. We had a price range in mind, and it was NICE to look at the "cheap machines" and turn away, knowing we DIDN'T want those. We looked at the front loaders, and had a choice of two in our price range (I had researched ahead of time and knew what they would cost). We verified that it could be delivered, and ordered our washing machine. It arrives Thursday.

When I was single, there's NO WAY I would have appreciated the benefits of a good washing machine. Even when our oldest was quite young, it still hadn't hit home to me. Now, though, a good washing machine is the second biggest highlight of the week (sorry, Kenmore...you ain't gonna upstage the truck!)