It started with the icemaker, which after 9 years decided to stop producing cubes. So much for John’s “extra-cold” martinis.

That was one month ago. I went on-line to see what the problem might be and based on reading numerous discussions, concluded that a plug of ice was blocking the water line. “Hello, Mr. Plumber, could you come check out the water line?” The plumber came and the line was fine. Still no ice.

About two weeks ago the freezer began making funny noises–a fast whizzing sound, followed by a few seconds of silence. More whizzing, more silence. The next morning, the milk in the fridge had turned sour. The freezer was warm. I had to go to Utah for 4 days. When I returned, I called a repair person, who replaced the start switch. Still no ice. The refrigerator was humming away, but not cold.

Clearly, it was time to buy a new fridge. But what kind to buy?  The Whirlpool model we bought 9 years ago was a top pick for value and quality on Consumer Reports. Admittedly, we’d never had a problem with it, until it conked out. Since I wasn’t ready to buy fancy foodie fridge, I went on-line and looked at mid-level models with a top freezer. I needed it in a certain size. I wanted it immediately and in black to match our dishwasher and stove.

Yesterday, I drove to my local Lowes store. Mark was on duty and showed me the various models. When he told me he was a part-time fire fighter in my town, I felt we’d reached a new level of understanding. “Okay, Mark,” I said lowering my voice, “what’s the best fridge? Honesty.” Mark brought me over to a line of refrigerators and pointed to several that fit my criteria–Whirlpool, Maytag, and Frigidaire–all the right size, with a top freezer, and black.

“They’re pretty much the same,” he said, gesturing to the line. I told him about the second fridge in our cellar that came with the house when we purchased it over 15 years ago and still worked like a dream. 

“Yup, I know,” he said, shaking his head. “They just don’t make ’em like they used to. Nowadays, they break all the time.” Great, I thought. Gotta love the American economy. Build things cheap so they’ll break.

This afternoon my new black Whirlpool fridge will arrive.  I’ve emptied out the contents of the old fridge–seems my husband, John, and I live on condiments–and look forward to filling the new one. 

Mark told me the icemaker would be free. I also could get a $50 rebate from Energy Star. I thanked him for everything. “See yah later,” he said smiling. “Let’s hope not in Newton!” I said with a nervous laugh.

Well, that was last week. Friday afternoon the delivery truck broke down. The delivery was delayed. At 6:30pm on Friday I cancelled the delivery because I had a dinner to attend. Back into the old, warm fridge went all my condiments. I put the milk, yogurt, and eggs in the basement fridge and the fruit and veggies in a box outside, since it’s been in the low 40’s recently. This morning–Monday–the new fridge arrived. Yay! “But we don’t install the icemaker,” said the delivery man. “It’s not in our contract.” Oh, no. I called my friend, Mark, at Lowes.

“I don’t know what to do,” I said. “Can you help?” Mark told me they don’t install icemakers. Had I known that, I would have bought a fridge with the icemaker already installed. “Please, could you send someone?” Mark, paused, and then agreed. A few minutes later Mark’s supervisor called the delivery man. Suddenly, the delivery man was attaching the icemaker!

“For you,” he said. “I’m doing this for you and my boss (at Lowes). He’s a good guy.” Four hours later, I have a new fridge. It’s smaller than my old one–despite being the same model–and the holding bins are more flimsy. However, just a few minutes ago I just heard a sweet sound–the kerplunk of an ice cube dropping into the holding bin. Tonight, I just might have to celebrate with a martini.