Another reason to have a truck

[TimUK]

On Sunday before Christmas, the 12 year old washing machine died. I suspected the main power board. They are a $300 part. New machine $850. Delivery, set up and take away the old one, $100 plus tax. Went with new and it was to be delivered yesterday.
As we told them, you need to cross over a bridge and drive up a twisty turny steep road.......bring a small delivery vehicle. Now experienced older drivers have got some pretty big vehicles to our house....think septic pumping truck.
The two young delivery guys called from down by the bring. They did not think they could make the turn. I said I would drive down in my 71 C10 and we could put the unit in the bed, they could hop in, we could go to house and do the deed. No, they said. They cannot leave the truck as its full of expensive appliances. Well, I said, one of you stay here and guard the truck and the other can come with me and we can do the swap and install between us. No, they said, that's "illegal"......I think they meant liability. They wanted to send someone with a smaller truck next week......I was not happy with that as I do not have an endless supply of underwear. So I suggested let's put the washer in the back of my truck and I will handle the installation and they can send a smaller truck next week to pick up the old washer ( we will see if that happens). I backed up my truck to the back of their truck, and the washer was slid across and lowered into my bed, probably about a 12 inch height difference. I tied it in and set off back to the house.
A new washer weighs 300lbs. The old washer about 250 I guess.
By using a wooden ramp, a sack barrow and some ingenuity, my 66 year old wife and myself (74), got the old washer onto the front porch and the new washer unloaded and into the house. It was not easy but rewarding. That machine was working all day yesterday.
I was self employed since I was 25. There was always a way to get challenging things done. And the people you worked with had the same mind set. These says, these younger types just do not have the same motivations.

And thank goodness for my old truck!