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Around 1970 we bought a Phillips washing machine that lasted nearly 20 years. Since then, we've had countless, all lasting about 18 months. All parts, apart from a few, are plastic, with minimal life expectancy. Ripped off again.

Ah, Rusty ,now I know about Father Flanagan!
There was a film based on him ( an old b & w) - Spencer Tracy played Father Edward Flanagan, who founded a Home for delinquent and underprivileged boys. He named the Home "Boys Town".
I think Mickey Rooney was also in the film?
it's so long ago, I cannot remember much about it... I have a feeling the film was made long before I was even born!
But I'm sure it will be a very interesting book!

A washing machine repair man told a friend to hang on to her old machine for as long as she could. Legislation regarding water conservation has meant that many modern machines do not use enough water to rinse clothes properly.
But presumably one day there will be no washing machine repair men
My Hotpoint machine was third hand in 2001.Still fine

Sadly, I've just recently parted from my tumbler dryer! We were together for 41 years!

(I wonder how long the new one will last?)

I had my previous Bosch washing machine for 14 years and never a repairman near it.
41 years, Elle? That sounds tremendous going.
You should have told the maker, I am sure the longevity would have pleased them.

Yes, I vaguely remember the film. Tracy was awarded an Oscar for playing Father Flanagan. It turns out that he may have been given a replica, with the real one going to Father Flanagan!
Mrs Mike married a Flanagan!

Hi, Rusty!
From what I can remember, the film story is actually fictitious, but based on the real character of Father Flanagan and his good works with the Home he set up?
Is that right?
I believe that the script of the film was approved first by Father Flanagan himself.
I'd forgotten about Mrs. Mike being married to a 'Flanagan'!
It's been unbearably warm and humid this afternoon. We didn't even take the dog for her run - far too hot for her. She's been out in the garden , lying in the shade under a tree!
I wonder what weather the weekend will bring - I haven't heard the forecast.
Wimbledon for the next fortnight - that usually brings some rain to the area!

Hello, Elle!
I suppose it will be not quite the way it was.
Most films are like that.
With the book, I just want to learn about the man.
Apparently in the US Senate this week, there is a bill going through, to mint coins in 2017, to commemorate Boys Town and Father Flanagan. I was going to try and post a link, but am on Hudl and have no idea how should I do it! So I dont...
Also there has been a three year investigation into the life and work of Father by the Vatican, and he has started on the journey to be canonised.
In the Forties, you know, he went to Ireland and exposed the horrors of the industrial schools and the Christian Brothers. The Irish government and clergy denounced him and tried to belittle him. Now, of course, we know that everything that Father Flanagan said was true. My book is coming from America.
I am looking forward to it.
I wonder if there was a Girls Town?

We've had our Maytag washer since 1980; it has survived four children and was used at least once a day for many years. I did replace the water pump once (myself) and the timer chain, but it still works perfectly.

Regarding Boys' Town: I knew someone in college who had been orphaned at an early age and lived there till he went off to school. He seemed to have fond memories of it.

We've had our Maytag washer since 1980; it has survived four children and was used at least once a day for many years. I did replace the water pump once (myself) and the timer chain, but it still works perfectly.

Regarding Boys' Town: I knew someone in college who had been orphaned at an early age and lived there till he went off to school. He seemed to have fond memories of it.

Hi, Rusty!
Don't worry about not being able to post the link...I've just googled it - sounds good! Would you want to own one of the commemorative coins?
I've also tried to find out about the possible canonisation - it seems that Father Flanagan has got to a certain point in the process, but that now two miracles must be proved before he can be canonised?
Have I got that right?
You say your book is coming from America ( so did Mrs. Mike) so is this another book for 1p?
Your gift card is certainly stretching!
P.S. there is a film called "Girls' Town" but nothing to do with Father F!!!