My Favorite Labor-Saving Device

For the past two weeks we've been hand-washing dishes because the dishwasher broke. It would wash the dishes just fine, but the handle snapped off, so we were unable to open it to get the dishes in and out.

I never realized just how dependent I am on the dishwasher. I still do a sinkful of dishes by hand each day, because some of my pots and pans must be hand-washed, and my younger son's plastic cups tend to flip upside down in the dishwasher and that just makes a mess.

I know people who won't bother to own any dish or pot that isn't dishwasher-safe. And after these past two weeks, I will admit to envying them just a little, imagining that after dinner, the dishwasher would be loaded up and would take care of every last plate, fork, pan and glass.

Of course the dishwasher had to be broken during my kids' spring break, so they were home to eat more meals and use more dishes. Even though I left a big pile of paper plates on the kitchen counter, not everyone got the message. Somebody around here thinks that a new glass is necessary for each glass of water.

We had some tag-team dish drying during the past two weeks, which actually turned out to be fun, though I didn't trust my two teenagers to handle the dishes alone. That would just degenerate into a huge water fight, and last time that happened, my cookbook collection across the room from the sink was in jeopardy. I wasn't ready to risk that kind of water damage again. But although doing the dishes as a group was a nice experience, I was thrilled when the new door latch arrived and it was time to call the repairman to get it fixed.

And this morning, I opened up my newly-repaired dishwasher and put away the sparkling clean glasses, plates and silverware.

COUPON TIME

My dishwasher was easy enough to fix. But if you need to replace something in your kitchen, don't place any orders before checking out these deals.

10% off Energy Star appliances over $398 at HomeDepot.com
Valid through: April 29, 2009

20% off Kenmore and Kenmore Elite Appliances at Sears.com
10% off other brands!
Plus Free Delivery or 0% for 12 months on Appliances over $399
Valid through: April 25, 2009

Free shipping on $50 or more of select Appliances at Target
Eligible items will have the following text on their product pages: "free shipping when you spend $50"
Valid though: April 25, 2009