shellylh

Brisket and pork ribs. That hits the spot!

Time to move or start hugging a lot of trees.

Greg, you obviously live in California where it actually gets cold sometimes. That is a good idea and hadn't thought about that but I don't really see a firepit/outdoor heater in the future (for the three cold days a year we get here). Also, I refuse to use a gas grill - charcoal all the way!

Ha, I wish. Here is the progress so far. They haven't had to pull up too much of the deck.

This makes me feel better about our decision. Also, thanks for the suggestions about mapping the lines! That is a great idea.

After thinking about our options, we went with the going for broke plan. They started things up a bit yesterday but the big work started today. We now have big trenches in our backyard and caution tape up. They are going to work tomorrow (probably not Sunday but didn't ask) and it is supposed to be a "3 day job" so hopefully it will be done on Monday. Luckily, the air conditioning guy came by today and we just had a bad start capacitor which was relatively cheap to replace (and luckily they had the part in stock). Now we have nonstop airconditioned fun. We also no longer had the small drip in our wall that started the other day when the plumbers started messing around with the hot water heater which broke the old pressure/temperature valve. At that point, we found out that the stupid people who lived here before us had the temperature/pressure drain going into the wall instead of having the pipe go all the way to the ground. And no *new* problems!!! Matt: I know you guys in FL are terrified of gas but there is no way I am using an electric stove.

Heh, that is what I feel like right now.

Sorry about your kitty Dusty.

and now suddenly the downstairs air conditioner isn't working properly.... i think i need to scream or cry or something.

The problem is that it is in the gas lines not water lines... there is water in the lines but it is not running water or leaking out of the lines. Also, it is somewhere in our back yard under the ground so they would have to dig up the whole back yard. They also claim that the city won't let them fix old corroded gas pipes (our house is from 1940) which I believe. I think the main problem is that there may more than one point where they might be corrosion. There are also spots under the house which may be old an causing problems. Gas is something that is dangerous enough that I am willing to err on the safe side.

Yes it would... sadly it does not.

First bid on the gas problem, not good news: ~$11,000 and it will take 3-5 days. They basically want to run all new gas pipes from the meter in the back yard to all the appliances. The other problem is that they need to also tear up the deck because we have very little space in our back yard that doesn't have a deck or tree. Didn't really like that deck (and the wood is rotting a bit anyway) but it does keep our entire backyard from becoming a jungle. We knew the bid would be high (since this place is a well known good but expensive plumbing company in the neighborhood) but I was not expecting quite that high. We're going to get at least one more bid to compare it to. Time for the gym so I can get a warm shower and then a drink. Edit: Could have bought a really nice bike + SR-009 for that cost.

Nice Jim!

Seems we probably have water in one of our gas pipes somewhere. So now we the gas turned off and have no gas until it is fixed and will have to pay a plumber (most likely) several thousand dollars to find where the water is leaking in.... FML.

Came home from vacation to find the water heater and stove not working well. Gas company here right now. Guess the vacation is officially over. sigh...

Is it a cake or donut? It looks delicious.

Good luck - you will need it.

You can always do a clean install later.

Just had a not so fun flying experience on United where I had to wait in line for an hour - not exaggerating - to check a bag and was stuck in a window seat near the back that did not recline. Luckily my hubby gave me the window and took the middle. I forgot how much it sucks not to be elite. Can't wait to get home and have a drink.

Good.

Fuck Jacob, that sucks. Hope things can be resolved soon.

What kind? Pics please.

(Many) congrats! That is super awesome Dusty!!!

Do you think hotels will fill up quickly?

Dinny, buy planes tickets and I will meet you at the bar.