Kenmore Blues

Okay...so, the refrigerator was making a really loud grinding noise, and the contents were warming considerably. Called "the guy", who came out and said something to the effect of. "Well, it might go out tomorrow, it might keep working for another 14 years" (we've had the unit for 14 years with no problems). It's just a noise, and it does still work...let it lie.
Flash forward to yesterday morning, when I go in and pull out a warm Diet Coke (unpaid endorsement)...from the fridge. Check the freezer: everything's melting. Transfer contents of freezer to deep freeze (in the garage). Transfer contents of fridge to the now-vacant freezer. It's Saturday - "the guy" is not in. Check with another "guy", who is willing to come out, but must bring his kids - no problem. Allison and Sara are good hostesses. That "guy" arrives, opens everything up and pulls everything out, says that the defroster (pronounced, DE-froster, not deFROSter) is not functioning, but that it's probably because the compressor is going out. Fixing it will cost as much as a new one. Recommends buying a new one - recommends buying one at Lowe's.
We go to Lowe's, last night, to purchase said appliance. Locate the one we want and arrange for Monday delivery. $1500 later, we have a new fridge. We go home, satisfied in the knowledge that this week's major crisis will be over soon. The new fridge has the water and ice in the door, which the girls just LOVE! If it doesn't cool, it's under warranty, which I just LOVE!
Sitting at home last night, preparing the girls for bed...go to the fridge for a Diet Coke (another unpaid endorsement), readying myself to drink a warm beverage...but wait - it's cold! The whole fridge is cold! It's working!...wait....oh, no...the freezer. I open the freezer to find frozen milk, orange juice, bologna, frozen cheese, frozen yogurt (NOT the kind you get a Braums).
The lesson here - take time to talk to your appliances. Take stuff out, take stuff apart. Pet them, coo to them - or they may stop working until SOMEone gives them the attention they desire. And it just might cost you $15oo.oo.