Further adventures in Surreality

(I'm not talking about washing machines now)
Sometimes you think you pick up the signals...
And you don't act.
And you wonder...
And sometimes you DO act...
And you fall flat on your face
So, what's the answer?

Went to put the washing machine on this morning, set the programme, pressed the start button and...
an ominous 'thunk', an irritating beeping noise, and flashing LED display: 'E 40'.

What the HELL does that mean???
Looks like the perfect way to round off my perfect week
It's a relatively new machine, so I don't understand its little foibles yet. A rising sense of panic as I rush up to attic and empty contents of filing cabinet over the floor looking for instruction book. It must still be under warranty, but who wants to go through all that hassle, and anyway, where did we get it from and where the hell are the details?
No luck. Back down two flights of stairs to the utility room, where in forlorn hope I switch it off, reset the programme, switch on again, to be greeted by a repeat of the 'thunk, beep, flash' routine.
(Ed's note: Nine years in IT left me a firm believer in the 'switch it off and on again and see if the problem goes away' technique).
I gaze at in despair... then notice something...
Touch the door... a little pressure... and... it closes!
Try again... bingo!!!

(If only all life's little traumas were so easily resolved.)

Message from Facebook:
'From: Steve (30, male, United Kingdom)
"is interested in Making New Friends"

Steve's first impression of you:
You are stunning!'

Steve, mate, whoever and wherever you are, I'm flattered, really I am
But...

I'm old enough to be your mum