This is Smooch's and Alex's favorite toy.
It's big enough to play with together,
assuming both are in a sharing mood.
This is Smooch's signature move (paw on head)
when she wants a toy for herself.
And this is Alex's signature move (stand under Smooch so she can't move)
when she believes it's her turn.
***
Meanwhile, back in the kitchen, the refrigerator is still broken. If you watched last Friday's video, you probably heard me say the refrigerator broke (now 12 days ago) and the Sears repairman was scheduled for the day after the big storm. He couldn't get here because the road was washed out, and the appointment is now scheduled for August 15. (Anybody want to bet on how much rain I'll get on August 14?)
I'm at a crossroads with this stinkin' refrigerator and am not sure what to do. It's only a year and a half old. I don't know what's wrong with it – when it was working correctly, I would hear a click, like a switch, and the compressor would start to run. When it broke, I'd hear the click but the compressor would never start.
Once I figured out that Sears is the only repair service that will come out here and that it would take a week for them to do so, I went to Lowe's and bought a compact refrigerator to get by. Smooch's homemade dogfood must be refrigerated, so half of our 2.65 cubic feet of refrigerated space is devoted to that. Surprisingly, I can fit all the cold stuff I eat weekly in the other half. All the cold stuff I drink is another story, and there's nothing like a warm glass of white wine to remind me that not having a regular-size refrigerator is a bit of an inconvenience. But my point is, I've realized I don't need a refrigerator as large as the one that is broken. This all adds up to one great big quandary.
The way I see it, my options are:
- Wait for Sears to get here and fix it. That might be August 15 if it doesn't rain and if he has the parts on hand. If he has to come back again with parts, when will that be? One week? Two weeks? And what if it rains then? (Monsoon season usually lasts through mid-September.) I'll be charged $100 for the service call, plus parts.
- Try to figure out what's wrong with it and fix it myself. Are refrigerators hard to fix?
- Cut my losses and buy a new one. Lowe's will deliver it and haul away the broken one. I've never liked this refrigerator – it's always been loud and it sticks out too far from the countertop. This would be the most expensive option, but compared to the frustration of dealing with the barely English-speaking people who answer Sears' phone and the thought of trying to fix my own refrigerator, maybe it's worth it.
Buy a new one. Smaller one. We had a Sears guy check out ours and he told us to buy a new one. Which we did. From Lowe’s.
ReplyDeleteIf money is not critical, buy a new one. I like to keep things easy and simple, when they can be. You save 100$ on the call, get rid of the old without a headache and get one more suited to your needs. Besides, the probability of a serviceman to come out and find out a repair will be very expensive (aren't they always) is high...
ReplyDeleteCut your losses and go for the gusto!
ReplyDeleteI only deal with Lowes anymore ... IMO, they’re easier to deal with and their prices are right. Go for a new one Carson, and take the stress out of your life.
ReplyDeleteBTW, we’ve had our normal August rainfall amount already met here in the Smokies. Crazy rains with more to come. Anxious to hear what your rain totals are.
Pat in east TN
As a long-time reader, but rare commentator, I agree with Brigitte (and Liz). Benefits: 1. You get a replacement within a reasonable time frame; 2. Even if you do wait for repair, you don't know the outcome (worse case scenario: buy a new one; parts take six weeks to get there...) 3. You dislike this refrigerator; 4. Who's to say that it won't have the same (or another problem) again. Perhaps it's just a lemon; 5. Replacement, all around, is a simpler solution; 6. Cold white wine. Burdens: 1. Expense. We look forward to a shiny new, but smaller, refrigerator in your recently redone kitchen!
ReplyDeleteI vote buy a new one. we had not one but 2 Sears that went bad the first 2 years. so if you buy don't buy Sears. to me a fridge is the most important applicane in the kitchen...
ReplyDeleteBuy a new one. Repairman will come, diagnose problem (maybe), will need to order new parts and then you will have to wait for another two weeks, by then you will have gone insane, lol. (One can only take so many warm beverages). We don't want to lose you, neither do your animals, bite the bullet, buy a new one!
ReplyDeleteAh, the "paw on head" move. Yeah, that's what I would use on my little brother :)
ReplyDeleteI have NEVER had a fridge repairman bring the necessary parts for the issue. I have attempted to have repairs done three times. Each time required a second or third appointment. Because you hate the fridge and you're looking at an extended repair scenario, I would opt for the new fridge if it's in the budget.
ReplyDeleteBuy a new one! I am living with a refrigerator I HATE and I wish it would bite the dust so I wouldn't feel so guilty about replacing it. it is about 15 years old and came with the house. My refrigerator looks big enough, but the french style doors make each side too small and it is impossible to fit anything large (like a turkey) in the freezer or refrigerator compartment. So beware of getting one that is too small. My next one will certainly be styled and set up differently. Perhaps a counter depth one would appeal to you since it wouldn't stick out so far?
ReplyDeleteIf it were an old refrigerator, still made well, I'd say wait and fix it. It's not. Move on. Grrrrr...
ReplyDeleteYou're going to love your new refrigerator!!
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking as you sip your cold toddy, you will be smiling and patting yourself on the back as you deduct the cost of the new refrigerator, as being the best decision you ever made! It sounds like you got a lemon from the start, and as old as I am, I have learned that that usually means a 'chronic' problem.
ReplyDeleteNew fridge.
ReplyDeleteIf the old one is broken now after a year and a half, my thoughts are it will break again.
I vote new one with extended warranty. Then a letter writing and social media approach to current fridge company. 1 1/2 years...that is just junk.
ReplyDeleteMy husband keeps wanting to replace our 33 year old Kenmore fridge, I have said no way because they don't make them like that anymore.
Love the pup pics! Lisa G in TN
Because they really don't make them well anymore, I would probably go for a refurbished old model instead of a brand new one.
DeleteOur beloved repair man, who can fix anything, finally declared our 40 year old Frigidaire DOA. It was so fabulous; everything metal, etc. The delivery guy from the appliance store, (came alone to install the replacement), could barely move it by himself. He said 'I haven't moved one like this before!)(all metal/heavy). He rolled in the new 'plastic' version with one hand on the dolly. It's been like living with an ice chest. Wish I had my old one back!
DeleteI agree with Liz and Brigitte … Buy a new fridge from Lowe's! When a fridge gives up the ghost once, it will keep doing it! BUY A NEW FRIDGE and you'll end up being money ahead in the long run!
ReplyDeleteHugs from CO … Marcia
Wow! I do believe you've convinced me to buy a new one. You all have given me the perspective I so badly need sometimes, here in my personal echo chamber. I appreciate you all very much!
ReplyDeleteI was going to agree with everyone else (aka: buy a new one!), but it sounds like you've already decided to do that. Compressors are $$, not to mention the 'hurry up and wait' for the service call AND the likelihood that the repairman will have to make a 2nd visit w/ the necessary parts (and you'll end up w/ a 2nd charge for service). My suggestion is to stay away from a side-by-side model; Laurie's right - neither side is large enough for platters or large(r) items. And you might also want to rethink the brand. Good luck! Maggy
DeleteCut your losses and buy a new one.
ReplyDeleteI'd opt for Lowe's as well. (BTW, you take on repairs I'd never dream of doing.)
ReplyDeleteI wonder if lighting got your fridge in the huge storm you just had? If so, then you will have to buy a new one anyway. I vote go for a new one that you like!
ReplyDeleteSydney
NE Oklahoma
This happened also to my 1.5 year old fridge several years ago. The compressor was kaput and to replace it would have cost more to repair than the cost of a new fridge. Drinking warm wine is a sin so go and buy a new one ;)
ReplyDeleteA problem appliance will never cure itself. I don't trust Sears to follow through on anything any longer. We had issues. We also had a problem fridge, bought at Sears but not Kenmore. We do not live out in the wilds of the high desert. We are twenty miles from Lexington KY. While still under warranty they were not going to send someone to fix it for ten days. B.S. The other half is the son of a old time Maytag repairman. Those are fighting words. Get your new fridge so that you can enjoy the New Mexico you love with the chilled adult beverage that goes so well with a sunset. Those new chicks are going to start producing eggs soon too.
ReplyDeleteReliability is not just a necessary quality for machines. It is also for businesses that sell them. We are fortunate to have found what works for us.
—Is old fridge hooked into GFCI? If so, reset
ReplyDelete— is there power to refrigerate. (?light on when door open)
—reset refrig. breaker
If above to no avail, cut losses, buy new with extended warranty (AND) one large enough for guest pitchers of margaritas), and considering added kitchen value IFselling home is in your future......🤪 🏠
I have a friend whose refrigerator broke a very short time after purchase. (It’s a Kenmore) They have had a nightmare scenario of it taking forever to get repairman out, then he needs a part he doesn’t have, then he comes and replaces the part, then the refrigerator breaks AGAIN and the cycle starts over. They have been dealing with it for almost a year now. I think I’d just cut your losses and get a new one, and do your research on reliability of both the refrigerator and who you would call for repair if it needs it. Good luck! I hate buying new appliances because it seems like the reliability factor has gone way down for many companies and models.
ReplyDeleteLife is too short to put up with keeping a refrigerator you have never liked..broken or not. Get a new one that better suits your needs. Also get a
ReplyDeleteWine fridge. Friend has one and loves it . There is a section for cheese and other appetizers and you can other beverages including Coke or Pepsi. She is always prepared for drop in guests.
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ReplyDeleteYou’ve known my vote for a while (get a new one that you like!!!!), but I am standing by, ready to place a service call to Tall Paul. He has room on his schedule today to advise on potential repairs. :-)
ReplyDeleteBuy a new one as this one sounds like a lemon.
ReplyDeleteDump the damn thing and get a new one.
ReplyDeleteNo one should have to drink tepid wine for any length of time.
ReplyDeleteBuy a new one, but have the old one repaired and put it in your laundry room, use it to store ALL your cold beverages and watermelons for the kids.
ReplyDeleteNew new new. Don’t try to repair the old one.
ReplyDeleteThat sound you are hearing is the relay switch trying to get the compressor to work. Unless your frig is an Amana or Whirlpool.....dump the old one. Compressors are more expensive than a new frig. Yes, I did have the same problem....of course the roads were passable. It's such a pain to not have a frig. Best of luck. xoxo Oma Linda
ReplyDeleteBuy a new one from Lowe's and take their 12 month free financing! You know a new one that fits exactly how you want it to fit is what you really want... life is short... buy a new one! Sandy from Edgewood, NM
ReplyDeleteBuy new:
ReplyDeletehttps://thewirecutter.com/guides/buying-a-refrigerator/
https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/the-best-refrigerator/
kristi
I have a lot of experience in broken refrigerator hell. It seems that nowadays most fancy refrigerators are lemons. While I was fridge shopping, I read review after review about people having their refrigerators break down within a year of buying them. It seems the bigger and fancier they are, the sooner and more often they break. Stick with the little, basic models. We have one that got banged up sliding around in the back of our truck, and it's been chugging along like a pro, while our expensive fancy fridge has already had to have its ice maker repaired. I will never go again without two refrigerators. We have too many pet medications that need to be refrigerated, and ice in an ice chest week after week just doesn't cut it.
ReplyDeleteIf your fridge got fried by the storm, it is probably covered by your homeowners insurance. Call them, you might get a new fridge AND not have to pay for it:)
ReplyDeleteWhen Sears comes out, they will ID the problem and then come back a week-10 days later to replace broken compressor.
ReplyDeleteI know WAY TOO MUCH about dealing with Sears repair services.
Just fyi--you can replace the compressor yourself, assuming that is the problem. YouTube has all DIYs.
Buy the new one. :)
ReplyDeleteWhile easier to get a new one, I guess I'm a fix it kind-of person. When I had a big electrical storm surge a few years ago it blew out every major appliance (fun times). I had to replace my relay switch and overload on the fridge, it didn't fry the compressor. (Also replaced on the microwave and TV, both have been fine after that) Your mileage may vary, and sometimes life is just easier if buying a new one is an option!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I have used fixitnow.com (the samurai repairman). Sorry to hear about your frig.
ReplyDeleteCut your losses and buy a new one. And then maybe try to fix the old one yourself and keep it in your garage for extra space for drinks. ;)
ReplyDeleteGet a new fridge!!! Life is too short to let Sears jerk you around and they will. (Sears is circling the drain, corporate-wise) Especially if Lowe's will deliver it. If you have a Lowe's credit card you can save 5%. No, I don't work for Lowe's but I love that store. My dog uses the paw-on-head to persuade other dogs to play with her with mixed results, heh.
ReplyDeleteLaurieB
Just get a new one. You are right about if the guy comes he may not have parts and would be weeks again.
ReplyDeleteGet one you like and does not stick out and you will be happy!!!!! My two cents.
I agree with many, buy a new one!!
ReplyDeleteLife is too short to wait for the repairman to come in a week or two, then to come back again later, and then again!!
Living in the middle of Phoenix, I’m hardly qualified to enter this discussion because of your location, but several years ago I had issues with my refrigerator that was pretty old at the time. Just to give you a different perspective on your decision, when my old refrigerator died, I went to a discount appliance store and looked for the perfect size for my older house where the newer models wouldn’t fit without major kitchen renovations. They had a smaller black model on the floor. It had a small scratch on one side of the refrigerator because they had used it as a loaner for a family that needed a bigger refrigerator they had to order. The scratch was on the side of my pantry so it wouldn’t show anyway. Several years later the refrigerator is going strong, and I’ve had to replace my old stove with a black stove/oven, purchased from the same store. I’ve found that I really like discount stores and black appliances!!
ReplyDeleteLana in Phoenix
Lol those two are too funny.
ReplyDeletehttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MUWe0gIqH48 might be useful if that's the case here and you wanna give it a try. I'm probably not savvy enough to do it even if I wanted to...
Felix
LOL... 50 comments. Well you can say what you want about us, but there is one thing we LOVE: giving advice! lol
ReplyDeleteI agree with the millions here ;-). It’s too hot to be drinking warm beverages...if it was winter you wouldn’t need the fridge for awhile. Just pretend your are on Survivor till the new one gets there!
ReplyDeleteI tried to leave a comment yesterday,but apparently it vanished into the ether (I thought I saw an error msg).
ReplyDeleteMy vote is for a new fridge that will fit your kitchen and needs.
It went something like this: living in a city in NC, it will still take multiple visits to get an appliance repaired. Even if you diagnose the problem, give them all the model details and tell them what to bring. They will still come out to diagnose the issue, then have to return with 'parts' that might not address all the problems.
We have a mid-size bottom mount freezer with a single fridge door on top. It's not the quietest of appliances, but it works fine. It has a bit of duct-tape on the inside fridge door, (plastic tray molding cracked and we didn't want all the little bottles dumping on the floor. No ice maker (we don't have water access anyway
As some comments noted ... pick the simplest model you can live with. Less to go wrong!
Some people are all for matching all the appliances. My family tends to pick things that don't match for various reasons (it was on sale, we needed the "whatever" now and we purchased what was available, or we picked the best appliance for the job, with color/appearance not being the top purchase parameter).
Since you did purchase a small fridge for essentials, you may be able to pick a 'small' model for the kitchen.
Fridges are most efficient when 'full' (or so all the experts say).
Good luck and now you have another subject to write about!
M in NC ... oops, forgot to sign my comment
ReplyDeleteWhen life gives you BS, get a new refrigerator...
ReplyDelete