The "To Do" List

The “to do” list is never complete! I don’t know if it’s because we’ve never lived in a house for longer than 2 – 3 years, but I don’t remember all the upkeep required to keep the house, lawn, appliances, etc all working correctly. Sterling’s already had to take the dishwasher apart twice. It’s never “broken,” it just didn’t seem to clean like it did… In the pictures, the boys are installing a door to the back yard.

This week Shawna noticed a smell coming from our washing machine. Turns out that in the “energy efficient” washers the water is constantly being circulated during the load. (Saves water, since the machine doesn’t have to fill the tub completely full to get all the clothes washed.) Well, because of the recirculation, one must clean the machine every so often to remove any buildup of soap scum, etc that may develop. Let me tell you, it will build up – disgusting! Sterling had various pieces of washing machine in the sink, trying to clean the hard-to-reach places with a toothbrush and Shawna suggested he use the power washer sitting in the garage… What a good idea! (Did I mention it was cold and rainy that day?) It was cold and wet, but the washer did the job in a few minutes, and our clothes once again smell wonderful!