I purchased an extended warranty for my front loading Kenmore (rebadged Whirlpool Duet) washing machine. Since the Maytag front loaders had been so trouble prone I was a little concerned so I figured it was worth it for the peace of mind. I haven't had any trouble with the machine but I did have Sears come and service it once a year - why not - it's already paid for and who knows they just might find something. But they never tried to see me anything when they came to the house.

I'm 73 years old, and used to be a light runner. Now I go to the gym and use aerobitcs machines, and walk fast on the running track. Walking is really good exercise. Get yourself a device that measures the distance you walk -- or measure the distance using your car's trip odometer. Start easy -- walk at a comfortable pace and gradually increase your distance and your pace, until you reach about 30 minutes. The only thing you need is a good pair of shoes and good socks. If cold weather bothers you, join a group that walks in a mall. And walk outside and enjoy the sunshine when the weather is good. Get a good book that gives tips on walking as an exercise, and make sure you stretch, so you keep you limbs flexible. For the long-term, what will work for you is something you enjoy, that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine and that makes you feel good when you're finished. As you gain strength, take the opportunity to walk or climb stairs when the occasion arises. Don't rely just on your exercise routine to keep you fit. Make it a way of life.

It is necessary to drain the water that remains inside the machine in order to access the drain filter and clean it. If you wish to properly maintain your machine, you should periodically remove the filter and clean it out. I usually don't find anything other than the occasional piece of plastic or bits of sand in mine, but I like to check it quarterly. This filter and drain isn't unique to LG washers. Most front loaders that I know of have them.

My cleaning "profile" is probably closest to Ginger's. This is definitely a YMMV situation--for me, cleaning a bit every day just doesn't work. I really need the satisfaction of looking around, at least once weekly :), at a clean, shining tidy house. I have learned though that the little daily cleaning routines help greatly for liveability. So our daily routines are: Morning and evening quick tidy results: All dishes washed, left in drainer, sink and countertops clear (husband does most, I wash anything random left over) Bathrooms wiped down, all grooming stuff put away (I do during 5-minute tidy before leaving work and before going to bed) Public areas of house tidy-no clutter lying around (Me during tidy times)* *Kids responsible for gathering and putting away their things, though I have to remind them, they don't do it automatically Trash in kitchen emptied daily, after dinner. My son does it. On a weekly basis I prefer, when I'm doing my own housecleaning as I am now, to use a block of time to try to get as much as possible done. I divide into "wet work" ie bathrooms and kitchen and "dry chores" ie tidying, dusting, mopping, vacuuming, changing linens etc. So I use my caddy and do both bathrooms: Scrub bathtub, including bleach misting any visible mildew in the bathtub tiled area. Wipe down top of shelves Clean toilet with comet/brush followed by bleach mist Clean sink with Soft Scrub, followed by Windex wipe. , Windex is incredible for leaving a fantastic shine/sparkle on tile, chrome, glass etc in the bathroom. I Windex the soap dispensers, tile top of windowsill etc. Ammonia/water mop floor Change trash bag in wastebasket Take out bath rug, exchange for clean one (bath mats are washed weekly) Kitchen: Wipe down all countertops with Soft Scrub, followed by Windex (tile counters) Take apart plastic dish drainer, bleach clean Clean stove including drip pans, wipe surface with, yep, Windex Clean microwave Sweep and mop floor General: Dust furniture Sweep and dust mop wood floors Sweep and mop tile family room floor Vacuum carpeted areas (area rugs in DR and hallway, wall to wall carpet in bedrooms) Change bed linens Straighten up office desk area Sweep front entry way (outside front door-small tiled area) Sweep back patio Periodically: Wash entry way mats (every couple of weeks) Polish brass mailbox VERY periodically :): Clean windows with Windex--spring cleaning chore is to enlist kids' help and wash all exterior windows. Oye, what a job. CLean refrigerator-hate this and don't do it regularly Wipe down walls where I can see visible smudges and stains. I've never been one to 'wash' my walls; can't actually see the point of that. Wipe down doors as above-periodically I repaint my french doors that lead to backyard as they get grungy with stains and bug juice. Pressure clean patio-son loves to do this. Teenage boys and hi power jets of water, what a combination! There are other tasks but as noted, I'm not real good at the in depth old fashioned spring cleaning type things. Ann