Wishing for Washing

Mr R has taken over all domestic duties since his wife has had two strokes and one of the things he’s been struggling with was getting the washing machine to work. I was slightly worried when I signed up for the task that there may be technical, electronic or plumbing expertise needed - but I went along with bags of enthusiasm and a knowledge of how my own machine works. Mr R had the front door open before I’d even walked up the front path and was so pleased to see me. I was slightly worried when he introduced me to his wife and the physiotherapist as “the washing machine expert “, but soon got myself into the kitchen and had a look at the offending article. 1st job was to plug it in and get it turned on. Fortunately Mr R had the instruction booklet, and told me he had paid for the delivery person to explain how it worked but the delivery man had said he didn’t have time for all that. Anyway it didn’t take me long to work out what Mr R needed to know. He wanted to be able to do a quick hit wash with a fast spin cycle and all he was currently getting was cold soaking wet towels. I sorted out the settings then showed him 2 or three times how to select the settings before together we put a load on. I waited round to check it was heating up properly and then sat down to write him some simple instructions for future use. While I was sat down he asked what I was like with a video player. Well I haven’t used VHS for so long I wasn’t sure I’d be of any use, but Mr R disagreed, “you worked out the washing machine so I’m sure if you take a look you can work this out too.” I was worried there would be spaghetti wires to contend with and at home I have my own AV technician (ie my hubby). But again it was a simple case of working out how to turn it in, inserting a tape, turning the tv on and finding the play button. He was absolutely thrilled as an old Elvis movie he’d recorded many years ago came to life on the screen m. Once again I drew a diagram and wrote him some instructions as a reminder. Both he and Mrs R were absolutely thrilled and were looking forward to an afternoon movie.