Blessings in disguise

I have been thinking about this phenomenon lately. A lot.

My washing machine broke this week end. It is not repairable. I have the money to replace it, thanks to King George the Lesser and his economic stimulus cheque. But, replacing a washing machine is, unfortunately, not at all like ordering a pizza. There is research involved. And delivery men with moving dollies. And WAITING.

At first I was frustrated. I have laundry to do, for Pete's sake. Lots of laundry.

Then, the little voice in my head (don't worry, there's only the one) suggested that I stop fretting, find a solution, and discover the blessing in this situation.

So, I went to the fluff and fold just up the way from me, because S and I both needed clean work clothes for this week. (And I had a coupon for "free dry with each wash", so I thought, why not?)

I ended up doing 2 loads worth of coloured clothes, 1 load of whites, and every bath towel I own. In only one hour's time.

They are all now folded/hung and put away.

They are not forgotten in the washing machine, going sour.
They are not forgotten in the dryer, getting wrinkled.
They are not forgotten in the clean laundry basket, causing a frustrated search when their owner wants to wear them.

I know I need my own washer and dryer when all of my children are at home, especially in the winter, when I don't want to go outside at all, let alone to schlep my laundry several blocks to the laundry mat. But, for the moment, I am enjoying the nearly-instant gratification of doing 6 loads of laundry in less than 90 minutes, start to finish, including travel time.

I have another field trip scheduled for this evening. I am motivated to really catch up on my laundry (including the blankets, bed linens and the "stuff I would rather not deal with" laundry.)

Every cloud...well, you know.