Unplanned Vacation Costs

Things break when I go on vacation. It just seems to be the way it is. 

Broken Garage Door Opener

Last year the garage door opener was broken when I returned from vacation. I was able to buy new parts and rebuild the opener within about a week.

This year when Chris and I returned from vacation we had three broken items: the washing machine, the pool, and my truck. Ugh!

The pool was a mess because the skimmers got clogged and there was too little water circulation meaning the chlorine levels fell and the water became cloudy and tinged green. After four tough days, I am winning the war of the pool!

My Broken Truck

My truck developed a transmission cooling line leak.  It has been towed to the garage for repair.

The most frustrating has been the washer. I had though an $18 part would fix it, but the results so far have been mixed. Last night I ordered the next part in there troubleshooting checklist-$110. But, then, magically, with a little cleaning and readjustment the washer started working so now I don't know if I need the $110 part--too late, it is not cancelable or returnable!

Broken appliances and a messed-up pool are the hidden price I seem pay for a fun week away.

I just wish I could come home and have everything working.

But, that would be different.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD