Great news GGG, does the heart good when things like this happen, the few I have are in bud but that darn Sam Donaldson is budless once again. I've had it for years soooo, the plan is to dig it, throw it on top of one of the compost heaps, lots of stress, stress, stress. Maybe that will shake a flower loose or it'll croak and I won't be grumbling over that one anymore. I've thrown out primula seed when they wouldn't germinate, they grew and bloomed on top of the compost box, I threatened a wisteria with an axe and a few choice words after 9 years of no blooms, the next year I had one bloom, it was gangbusters after that. Looking forward to a pic when your peony in bloom, they are such gorgeous flowers and very cottagey. Annette

@maxima9 It is most likely an air pressure switch. That is what the clear tube going into the back of the control panel senses. As the water in the drum fills it creates air pressure in the tube. The other end of the tube goes into the drum and is usually connected to the center agitator which has holes in it. As the water fills the drum the water will fill the clear tube and increase the air pressure. This pressure change is then read by the computer in the control panel. Once the correct pressure is reached for a small, medium or large load then water inlet valve is turned off. It is most likely all computer controlled and not defeatable. I suppose you could cut the tube and insert an tee. Then attach a tube to the bottom of the tee and route it outside your washer somewhere convenient. Then put a gas tight valve on the end of the tube. When you want more water in the drum open the valve to allow air to enter the clear tube and keep the pressure inside the tube low. Once the water level is close to your liking, close the valve and the pressure will then build inside the tube and eventually reach the proper pressure to turn off the water. That procedure above would all be premised on their being no timer on the water fill valve. Many computer controlled valves don't rely JUST on the pressure switch, but rather amount of time the valve has been open as well. This is to prevent a flood. The fill valve has a max GPM rating that can't really be exceeded by increasing pressure. The manufacturer knows what this rating is and programs the computer to close the fill valve before the tub would theoretically overflow. This is usually a safety in case the pressure switch fails. Even if you COULD increase the water level there is no guarantee that the motor is strong enough to properly agitate. If they designed it for 6-10 gallons of water and you can fit 25-30 in it that would mean the motor has to work with 240 instead of around 80lbs, plus the weight of the clothes. You see to be an eco washer also means they can cheap out on parts as well. Smaller motor, less cost, etc. I would not "trash" the washer. Just sell it used on any of the normal online places. Someone will take it. Then don't make the same mistake again.

Beautiful transformation! Love the blingy backsplash! The tri-trash center looks like a terrific use of a corner cab. Love the mullions in your glass cabs - very pretty! It looks like such a warm and inviting space, and I love how it's integrated in your home now. Enjoy your beautiful new space!

I agree Imamommy, it has to go both ways. Its so very true that just one parent behaving badly can affect the child, parent includes step too. I have some thoughts on your sitch Ulrike, but I have to run out of for a bit. I think to make it quick, that much of that is not unusual. Many parents don't want extra's at teachers meetings and stuff. And many studies show that children don't necessarily need more parents than they already have, even with one remaining they are usually more stable emotionally/behaviorally with just being parented by the one remaining rather than adding more on. (This also depends on variables, in Mom2emall's sitch she is a major stabilizing factor so taking her presence away would be detrimental to the children.) So many parents don't see the "need" for stepparents to be more involved than they are (right or wrong is up in the air) and don't feel that they were deficit as parents before the stepparent came along. The one marrying the stepparent may find parenting life easier and schedules easier to juggle but the other parent doesn't see a payoff. With that information, I go with the train of thought if the stepparents presence adds tension it's best for the child for the stepparent to back off. It may not be the best situationally or marriage (although I'm not really seeing how it could be detrimental to marriage either) but will require more work out of the bio-parent....as it should be. But all in all, your sitch doesnt sound so bad (we have had some doozies here lmao) and sounds rather amicable.