We have a tree

Our tree this year is an 8 footer. Fatter than last year's for the same price!  All the new ornaments look really great on it. Jennifer purchased $40 worth of new LED lights at the store, and took them back as soon as she saw them on the tree. Something about them being too bright. I must admit, I do like the look of the regular old lights, even if it will cost us an extra 78 cents this season!

 

 

 

 

Heat Woes

For the last few weeks we have been without heat. Not because we
can't afford it, but because it keeps breaking. The heating repair
guy has now been here 4 times, and it seems to finally be working.
The last time he was here was yesterday, and right after he left the
house filled up with smoke and all of the wires inside the air
handler in the attic melted. That is what the photo is, one big blob
of wires. I took one look at the mess and figured we would surely
need to replace the whole system, but the workman was diligent and
fixed it. He replaced everything! And with parts that normally go
into a much nicer unit! Now we have heat, and Jennifer is happy.

septic: no worries in Black Mountain

Jen and I visited the Department of Health in Asheville today to see
about the septic situation on the land we are under contract on. We
gave the helpful people in the office the name and address of the
owner, and they were able to give us a tiny little map that shows the
basic location of the septic system. It is almost worthless. The good
news is that because the land was already permitted for a 3 bedroom,
they do not have to come out and do it again. They told us that if we
could locate the old system, they would come out, inspect it, and
sign of on it for $65. It will pass inspection as long as there is
not a mound of dirt or tree growing on it. It dawned on me while I
was sitting at a light next to a construction site that was pouring
concrete that the septic tank was more than likely concrete,
reinforced with rebar. Now if I could just score a metal detector I
could locate it! At Dick's sporting goods the cheapest one was $125.
At Target, a toy version that will certainly work was $14. I know own
a toy metal detector, stay tuned to see how it works!