Clean fingernails

Yep. It died. The dishwasher. The "old" dishwasher that was purchased by previous owners of this home in the fall of '06. And it decided for a second time to protest the stinky dishes being put within. So it left some scummy water in the bottom and then for a good measure decided to melt some wires on a control panel. "Jeff" the eager repair-guy came out and surveyed the damage. Revealed the issues. He even called "Chicago" to see about the cost of parts. I didn't know "Chicago" had one number. But anyway, "Chicago" gave the info he needed. Then he told me the cost of repairs would range in the $300's. Cough. Sputter. Did you see a money tree in the front yard? And nothing against you "Jeff", but we saw you a mere 18 months ago for a completely other issue. Plus what gives me the heebies is that 'Consumer Reports' doesn't give a good report on the Kitchen Aid repair chart. So... what to do. What to do. Have "Jeff" order parts. Have "Jeff" rewire the entire unit? Or... take the plunge into the world of appliance research?

So for now I'm enlisting the cheap child labor. In fact yesterday one of the many small children here said, 'this is just like the old days mom'. Another said, 'it's fun working like this together'. And so we will... until the Chairman does his proper research. And until the Dawn bottle runs dry.