We just had our Electrolux dishwasher installed last week. It's very quiet, can't barely tell it's running. That's very important for us as our kitchen is open to the family room and both are small. But we were shocked at how wet the dishes came out. We too tried to avoid adding more chemical to our dishes so we experimented with different options on the DW and I think we've come down to an acceptable level after a few tries. First, both Electrolux and Bosch, as well as many other new models out on the market, do not have exposed heating element. It dries dishes by condensation. Water condenses on the wall of the DW and drips down to the pan. That's why glass and silver wares (which get hotter during wash cycle) dry better than plastic. We still don't use any rinse agent, just powder dishwasher detergent. Our water heater is set to the lowest temp setting. We loaded the plastic on bottom rack to avoid water dripping down to dryer dishes. When the DW is done, keep the door close for a couple of hours (to trap the moist air in so it condenses on the DW wall). Most items are dry with the exception of plastic but we're ok with it as we expect to use less and less plastic as the kids grow older. Still love our new DW as it's so quiet, no bad smell and is supposed to use much less energy than our old one.

After not having enough T-paper and dog food (with two hugh dogs) during the blizzard in Indianapolis in the late seventies and having to walk 10 blocks to get some to hold us over, I swore that would never happen again so I always have a good supply of both. Then, after we first moved down here to the boonies on top of a high hill and experiencing many power outages while living in a mobile, I decided what I would do and get to be prepared when we got our house built. The first thing I did was research woodburning stoves until I found one that didn't take up all the room in the world yet would provide all the heat we could want, light and plus I'd be able to cook on it. Bought it a little over a year before the house was done and stored it. Then we bought a generator which the one dog tore all of the wiring out of before it could ever be used much. Lesson learned. The next generator we bought is encased. I also started stocking my pantry, overstocking it as DH always complains. I don't think there is such a thing as overstocking it. Also put in a good supply of flashlights, batteries and candles. Since we were on a well, everytime they predicted a good storm or tornado or the wind just got up high, I'd fill the bathtubs and washer plus have drinking water on hand. About two months or so ago we went on county water. Just in time. No more problems with flushing. We heard this storm was coming in and got extra gas for the generator. I'd just bought a 40 lb. bag of dogfood and had my normal back ups of everything else. Didn't need to go to the grocery at all. The ice storm hit but power didn't go out until about 1:30 a.m. so the generator, already set up and filled, was fired up and we already had the woodstove going strong. We watched some weather reports on television for a little while, then on to bed where our CPAP machines worked great off the generator. When we lose power, we also lose our land line, so we make sure our cell phones are always well charged and we can always contact relatives to make sure they are well and let them know we're okay. We do have our backpacking stoves and some battery operated Coleman lanterns as well. When we got up, the house was pretty much as warm as we always keep it. The young man from the place down the road came over to make sure we were okay. He said no one could get up the steep hill that we live on or down it. I heated water on the woodstove for hot drinks and we had cereal and fruit. Later I started dinner on the woodstove, smoked sausage, onions, carrots and potatoes, and the power came back on. This was around 4:30 p.m. Finished cooking on the kitchen stove and its just like nothing out of the ordinary never happened. When we first found out this storm was coming, DH went out to the 5th wheel, put the slide in and started up the furnace. We figured we'd just move into it if the power went out. He'd just had the two big propane tanks filled so we'd be able to stay warm and cook in there. However, he didn't like the way the furnace sounded so decided to turn it off and stick it out in the house. I'd say the first thing we were going to do once we can get out of here was take the 5th wheel to have the furnace checked, but I know better. We were supposed to leave here for a warmer climate shortly after Christmas and kept getting delayed. When we can get it out of here, we're getting in that RV and heading south or southwest. We can get that furnace checked wherever we wind up and our ceramic heater or two will work until then. Something else everyone should think of is sleeping bags. Even with heat and blankets, my DH has been putting his Marmot -20 sleeping bag over the bed. He chills so easily and can't easily warm up. I, however, do not have that problem. Anyway, sleeping bags could be life savers for some and kids love them.

Naw, you'll need to use a good vacuum to get all the dust out. Make sure you remove the covering over the electric heating element on the rear of the machine if your dryer is electric, or if it's gas make sure you clean around the burner itself. I found it is easiest just to take the top off, remove the drum and a lot of areas that you can't see will be exposed. Once done properly your dryer will be safe to use and will dry clothes much faster than before. Don't forget to clean out the dryer vent that goes to the wall, either.

When I've had my home on the market, there has always been at least one realtor who doesn't leave a card. They are busy talking to the client, flipping on lights or whatever. Or maybe they run short while they are out for the day. As for not calling your agent, you are making some big assumptions that the buyer and/or agent tried to raise and lower the door (not something most folks do on a first viewing of a property -- or that I've ever done prior to an inspection) and knew that the wires had come loose. Chances are greater they came undone when your DH left and that the buyer and agent just stuck their nose in the door of the garage and saw how big it was, whether there were any cabinets or shelves built-in, etc and went back into the house -- IF they looked at the garage at all. If that was a new garage door and both wires came undone, it really sounds like a bad installation job. I'd call the company that did the installation and have them come take care of it. If it was DIY, time to call a garage door pro. I wouldn't worry about the lock box. The simple explanations are usually the right ones.