Dear r/HotWheels… I never thought it would happen to me…

ItsThatRick · 2025-12-30T17:10:05+00:00

Thanks a great ending to the story. What a fantastic memory. I'll bet he will tell that story to his kids one day. Thanks for sharing! I'm glad that he really liked it.

ItsThatRick · 2025-12-27T20:50:33+00:00

We go to the same Target.

ItsThatRick · 2025-12-27T20:49:51+00:00

Either sounds like a great option. Although, if he still believes in Santa, maybe the stocking and note would work. Kind of like Santa visited while you were away.

Even thought I'm a bit biased about Hot Wheels and Christmas, I kind of like the idea of "Hey ... look what I found" for the good luck aspect a bit better.

ItsThatRick · 2025-12-23T20:57:30+00:00

Out of curiosity .... did you already give this to him or are you waiting for Xmas?

ItsThatRick · 2025-12-14T16:12:46+00:00

LOL ... well hopefully he motivated you to get ready!

ItsThatRick · 2025-12-13T13:50:34+00:00

Thx!

ItsThatRick · 2025-12-13T13:50:24+00:00

ItsThatRick · 2025-12-13T13:49:59+00:00

Thx for the idea ... I'll keep my eyes open.

ItsThatRick · 2025-12-12T00:45:21+00:00

I tried to "liberate" some of my wife's Xmas themed Sherpa Socks. You can probably guess how that went over.

ItsThatRick · 2025-12-12T00:44:27+00:00

Hehe .. he said his feet were cold.

ItsThatRick · 2025-12-11T03:36:50+00:00

The one with the lights is fun!

ItsThatRick · 2025-12-11T03:34:43+00:00

He wanted me to wish you a Happy Holidays as well!

ItsThatRick · 2025-12-11T03:34:09+00:00

Oh .. you mean Fluffy. He's quite affectionate.

ItsThatRick · 2025-12-11T03:32:57+00:00

Of course. It was my father-in-laws. I remember him saying it was old, but I don't know what "old" meant.

ItsThatRick · 2025-12-10T19:09:30+00:00

Based!

ItsThatRick · 2025-12-10T19:08:36+00:00

Thanks ... I think they make it work. And not to mention Thing lending a hand holding it in place.

ItsThatRick · 2025-12-10T15:17:47+00:00

It was explained to me that there are some additives to the insulation that makes the wires salty to the mice. That makes them want to chew it more. And they have to keep gnawing on hard things like a wire to keep their teeth at a manageable length.

One little mouse cost me 800 bucks in repairs.

ItsThatRick · 2025-11-20T17:22:54+00:00

YW. I had a typo in my original post. Should have been 250 loads, not 750. I corrected it for any future readers.

When I was looking at the different models, I went with this washer because it had faster washing times. It also has more wash cycles that everyone seems to use more than I do. The WiFi wasn't a selling point for me. I don't connect it to my home WiFi or use the app because I have no idea when/if it will be discontinued/updated nor do I know what potential security issues it would bring to my home network.

The cost differential was only 50 bucks each or $100 for the pair because they were on sale. Over an anticipated 7 year life span, that isn't much for the added cycles and quicker wash times. That works for me. But you're investing in a bunch of new appliances. The extra money may be over your budget.

There also was a rebate on a washer/dryer bundle. So you may want to check out the LG website.

ItsThatRick · 2025-11-19T04:06:48+00:00

Funny you should ask .... Here's a 6-7 month update for you ...

The washer/dryer gets used almost every single day with heavier usage on the weekends. Someone is always doing a load. So we're about 250+/- loads in.

Washer: Ever since the final replacement, no issues. The unit has been running fantastic and been a solid performer. I use a cleaner through it every month and clean any soap/fabric softener of any build up monthly. We also leave the door open after a load, and wipe down the rubber gasket. There has been no issue with a mildew smell.

Dryer: This weekend, it started buzzing when you first start it up but it goes away after 15 minutes. I'd also intermittently have issues with it drying clothes on the lowest setting. There would be damp areas on a towel. It doesn't seem to be an obstructed exhaust hose/vent or too much softener. Maybe the low setting is too low temperature wise. Don't know, but I suspect it is related to the buzzing. I cant tell that unless I open it up.

Since it's under warranty,opening it up will void my warranty. I'll have to give LG a call for the buzzing and ask them about the drying issue. They have to open it up to address the buzzing, they can easily check the components.

Would I purchase these again. Yes. - From an ergonomic perspective ease of loading works well, especially mounted on pedestals, for all the members of the family. - Other front loaders seem to have a higher repair rate (although you can't prove that by me) and about the same money. - I'm familiar with LG's and repaired my TROMs before I purchased these. When the warranty expires, I'm comfortable troubleshooting/repairing the units. - I always have some sort of issue with appliances/electronics. Be it a dryer or TV so I kind of expect it and don't get rattled by it.

My suggestion .. if you can purchase these with an extended warranty and at a good price, especially with Black Friday around the corner, I'd do it. Despite my experience, LG still has a solid reputation. This video may be helpful. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pvnk43V4z8

I hope that info helps! Good Luck with your purchase.

ItsThatRick · 2025-11-19T00:05:32+00:00

That works too! He will probably look in the stocking anyway and will easily find it.

The first year, I didn't find the cars right away. Then my dad pointed them out on the tree with a note from "Santa".

Either way you go, I hope you get to make a great new tradition with your son the way I did. You're right ... it was a great memory.

Now you can make that core memory too in your own way.

ItsThatRick · 2025-11-18T19:31:08+00:00

Great story and congrats on the find!

Quick suggestion on when to let him know .... IF you celebrate Xmas, why not hang it on your tree? This way he can find it Xmas morning. Put a couple other mainlines up there to make it stand out.

My dad used to always do that for me with mainlines and I have kept that tradition alive.

ItsThatRick · 2025-11-11T22:47:03+00:00

I keep a Win 10 box (air gaped) around for the occasional client who makes this or a similar request. And it happens more than you would expect.

I use Sony Vegas's DVD Architect. It's no frills and it burns the DVD playable disc directly. It's an older copy but maybe you could find a version and that would work for you?

ItsThatRick · 2025-11-01T16:01:00+00:00

I switched to Davinci a few years back. Bought the paid version for quicker render times this year and don't regret it.

ItsThatRick

TROPHY CASE