A steady rain did not sway partner Amy from venturing out into the wilds of Galax, Virginia, last night in search of washers and dryers.

This would be a test of milady’s shopping skills. For the past 23 years, our choices when it came to such appliances were limited by the configuration of our condo in Arlington. In other words, few. Only a couple of manufacturers made the stackable units that fit into the cramped laundry room so replacing one when the time came was relatively effortless.