Repairman to the rescue. . .

Once again, our washing machines needed some first aid and we called Minor--the lone appliance repairman in these parts.

Not surprisingly, Minor is a busy man and much in demand. We have called friends and other hotels within a 75-mile radius and they all say the same thing: Call Minor.

He does a great job, though pinning him down is always tough. This time it was both of our washing machines. Both are Whirlpool and the same model and style that is most of the households in the States.

Here at the hotel, the machines get more of a workout as we're running four to five loads in them daily with the guests checking in and out.

We have one machine that is about 4 to 5 years old and another that's just about a 1-year-old. Both went down and that presents somewhat of a crisis.

Despite my best entreaties, no one seems keen on slapping towels and sheets on the rocks down at the river and are quite vocal and nasty when the subject is brought up.

Minor at last showed up three days and 15-some hours late, but with all the parts and balance was restored to the laundry world.

As an aside, if anyone buys a Whirlpool in the future, Minor's best advice?

Make sure it was made in the U.S.A. and not parts south, as the U.S. models tend to hold up longer and are more durable.