Marilyn, it's good to know that at least some of your things are salvageable, especially the washing machine. I think of you often. I hope Jody remembers where he put the truck keys! Hugs!

I do not envy you that cleanup! Take it easy and don't overdo.

I am shocked that the washer works! We also have an old washer, a Kenmore that my FIL used for years before we 'inherited' it. Still chugging along like a champ, although it isn't energy efficient.

Does Jody think that the trucks will run too? I always thought that any submerged appliance or vehicle would be a complete loss. It's good to have a handy husband that can make things work!

Take care and watch out for getting dirty stuff in any scratches or cuts. I'll bet y'all are a bit beaten up with all of the recovery activity.

That's awesome about the washer - mama pinky needs to see this thread!

My heart's with you, Jody, and the animals, Marilyn.

You should contact GE and let them know about the washer. You would be good for a commercial.

You might want to do the first load empty with just water and bleach to clean it. People are snapping up used 'old school' washing machines because they aren't happy with HE's. You can bet a fancy digital machine with all kinds of bells and whistles would be a goner. $35 well spent! Hope the keys turn up soon they could be anywhere after all that chaos

So good to hear a little good news today,Marilyn......

I would have put the keys inside the trucks in case someone else needed to move them. Maybe look there. ( Well...you probably have. :-( )

Marilyn are you wearing protective gear to do this cleaning...I picture you going like gangbusters cleaning and not thinking about this...your a hard worker for sure.

Dawn...I did read this about Marilyns GE washer..and you all are right if it was a current day washer with all the control boards Marilyn would be buying a new washer....Marilyn run it till it dies than repair if you can..you won't find anything new to compare to the old ones.

Don't forget to rest Marilyn and get some darn gloves on lol.

Those old appliances take a licking and just keep on ticking. I'm so glad your old washer is working. Now I hope you can find the keys to the truck and I pray they can both be fixed. Listen to Mamapinky and wear gloves. And don't over-do it....take time to rest.

I have an older top loader myself and it is a true workhorse. It does a sparkling clean wash with no complicated settings. I would buy another just like it tomorrow if ( heaven forbid ! ) anything were to happen to mine.

Great news! I bed it feels really good to make some progress on the cleanup.

Elizabeth, I will be looking for one! I used to hoard towels. I think now I will hoard old washing machines! :))

Happy for some good news! Like we all say, these old appliances were built so much better than the current ones. Glad something worked out nicely for you

Hope the keys are quickly found. Good news about the washing machine. Please wear a face mask also when cleaning to avoid inhaling mold and dust, and who knows what else, in addition to gloves! Hope the trucks can be salvaged, also. So glad you are able to start the clean up, and meals are available.

When my fancy, with all the gadgets, top of the line Whirlpool had to be replaced after 6 years because the control board was completely rusted out, I bought a basic, stripped top loader Speed Queen and I love it! I'm so happy at least something is going right for you, Marilyn. I surely don't envy you all the work in the days ahead.

Good advice about wearing gloves and mask although I am the worst for doing it myself. Hope the keys are found soon and wouldn't it be something if the truck works just like your washer. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

i am sure u will find the keys. its was a very stressful time that we don't remember what we are doing, just doing & quickly.

thinking of you and hoping most is salvageable. feel so bad for your donkey's. just so sad :( (((((((hugs)))))))) from PA

That GE story is fantastic! I purchased an old Kenmore Elite set for the last rental we set up. Paid $150. They work as well as my expensive new Samsung set....but..... they don't hold as much and they're noisy.

Glad the situation isn't overwhelming you. That was a VERY cool house...and it will be again!!!!

If he put them in his pocket, he could of taken them out where you have been staying.

Isn't the old stuff just the best! It always holds up so well.

Gorgeysmom. I have heard that about the Speed Queens before.

I bet it feels good to get some laundry done. Wow, it never occurred to me to think anything underwater could be salvaged.... A lot of work ahead, but also, hope! Blessings to you.

Just fabulous, Marilyn. I know that this is just a little something in the midst of your struggles and sorrows about losing the animals, but hopefully you'll find solace. What's the status of the smaller animals, like the squirrels, cats, etc.? I'm so sorry for those you've lost.

That is just great about the washing machine. I had a Kenmore years ago which I bought when my baby was born. Used it all the time and even got $25 when I sold it when he was 26 years old. I just checked and I have an old GE with the middle agitator. I was thinking one time, I sure would like that agitator gone so I'd have a bigger tub. Now I'm rethinking. Don't want digital. I'll keep this till it dies. Good luck in your cleanup. I'm sure you'll get it back to beautiful again.

I just assumed with the level of the water that animals in crates would have perished and wouldn't have mentioned that to avoid bringing pain on top of pain.

Suzique, for reference as to how high the water was, please see the pictures of the horses after they moved to higher ground.

The horses in higher pastures

The little raccoon was the only animal in a crate and that was so we could grab her and go. I worried it would fall in the water and she would drown, but it didn't. The possums were in cages outside and all but one perished. Same for my two rehab pigeons. They were high enough up that they should have been okay but the cage, which was big enough they could fly from one end to another, blew over.

Dogs and cats were loose in my house and on my porch. Four kittens were on my bed in a basket. One didn't make it and the other 3, I brought here with me.

The little squirrel died but he may have died anyway. He was out in the weather when the hurricane hit. Was blown out of a tree.

The pigs were a nuisance but I feel very badly how they went. I think there is only one out of 12 that is left.

And of course, the horse and the donkeys. That is hard for me.

WOW! Never in a hundred years would I have expected an electrical appliance that had been under water to work! That is amazing!

I am so sorry about the animals, I know you are heart broken about TwoLo and the donkeys. But I am also very glad you and Jody are safe! How did his boat (boats?) fare? If you mentioned them, I missed it.

(((((Marilyn)))))

Rusty

Both boats are fine. I expect Jody to try and go to work this week.