What? More water heater drama?

I swore I wasn't going to waste any more blogging space on our water heater. But, I can't let this pass. The home warranty company (it shall remain nameless, but suffice it to say we're finding another one when this policy expires) will kick in $509 today towards a new water heater from the same plumbing company that's been dealing with them this week (Wind Benders out of Springfield - roughly $1300 for a new one and  installation) or in 3-5 days, the home warranty people will have a new A.O. Smith water heater installed, but charge us $115 for a drain, $65 for a flue, $125 for a permit, $74 for a pan, and $520 for some other stuff (Bob didn't annotate the quote completely - for a total of ~$900). Bob talked to Wind Benders, and they'll install a new gas valve for a bit over $500, without the home warranty company's involvement. So, we've got about $800 for a new water heater ($1300 - 509), about $900 (all in "additional charges"), or about $500 for a new valve. Kill me now. We're debating. I've got a call in to my nephew, who does water heaters among other plumbing stuff, just for his advice (he lives in Pennsylvania). Plus, Bob wants to talk to Mike, the Wind Benders tech who's been to our house twice. Nice guy and he seems to know what's going on. Meanwhile, we turn the water heater off except for once a day heating of a tankful of water, so we can bathe, run the dishwasher, and do laundry. It's still leaking natural gas into the utility room. :(

On a completely different note, Isabella went to see Dr. Nguyenba yesterday in Worthington for her cardiac check-up. She's doing well and Dr. N is pleased. Plus, he showed us pictures of his three kids (the baby is only 5 months old) on his new iPhone. The kids are adorable. :)

Is that natural gas I smell?

On Saturday, I went downstairs and smelled natural gas. It was especially strong in the utility room where the water heater is. We called the plumbing people who had been here on Friday, and they told us to call the home warranty people. We did, and they said they'd contact the plumbing people, which they did (I guess a gas leak is considered moderately important). The plumbing people sent the same tech who was here on Friday. He brought his handy natural gas detector (it makes a screechy noise when it detects gas). Sure enough, I heard little screechy noises coming from the utility room. He said the gas valve on the water heater needs to be replaced. Of course, he didn't have one with him. He ordered a valve and we hope to have it installed Monday or Tuesday. Meanwhile, we turn off the water heater except for a couple of times a day when we want hot water for bathing, washing dishes, etc. We asked the plumbing guy if this would be safe to do, and he said yes. We also put a fan in the utility room to move any leaking gas out to a bigger area. Never in all my days have I had this much trouble with a water heater. Do you suppose it will really be fixed with a new gas valve?

Hot water!

The second plumber came, replaced a whole bunch of stuff, fiddled with more stuff, and abracadabra - hot water! We are so thrilled. We're going to draw straws to decide who gets the first shower ... or should we run the dishwasher ... or should we wash some clothes? Decisions, decisions. I admit it. We're spoiled. We love hot water. I don't for one minute think I have the pioneer gene. I would have stood on the steps in St. Louis and waved bye bye to all those people and their covered wagons. I'd have said, "I'll come and see you after freeways are invented!"

No hot water

We hope this turns out to be only a 3-day event. We thought our water heater was fixed yesterday, when we called the home warranty people and they sent a plumber. He said the thermocouple was dirty - he cleaned it, and pretty soon, we had hot water and we thought the problem was gone. Wrong. During the night sometime, the water heater went out again. We called again and the plumber guy came back. He contacted the home warranty company and told them the thermocouple needed to be replaced. They said they were sending someone for a second opinion - which, of course, wouldn't happen until Friday. Second opinion? Like an important operation or other medical treatment? It's a water heater! Meanwhile, we all went to Penny and Jack's for a shower. Tonight, I heated water on the stove to wash dishes. Gosh, it's just like camping. I hate camping.

Disc golf

Bob and I have been playing disc golf (aka frisbee golf). No training required and minimal equipment - so it's easy to do. I ordered 3 discs each (driver, middle distance, and putter) online. Yes, the three are different (and not just the color). The driver gets beat up the most, since it's thrown more often and is more likely to smack into a tree (I'm especially good at hitting trees). Here we are at Troy's 9-hole course, in the park by Hobart Arena and close to the new Adams Street Bridge, set to open Oct. 16.

Bob sets up his shot.

I get one in!

Apple Fest

Last weekend, we went to the Aullwood Farm, near Englewood Metropark, for their 2012 Apple Fest. Apple pie, apple dumplings, apple butter - of course! But also corn on the cob, steamed in a steel garbage can (clean!) from steam generated by an old (really old - I think it belonged to James Watt!) steam tractor. So cool. We also saw lots of animals, including alpacas - those guys are the cutest. I want one for the back yard. Bob says city regulations prohibit livestock in the yard. Oh pooh. Who makes up these rules, anyway?

Seriously cute.

Also cute.

The old steam tractor.

Swallowtail caterpillar.

What happens if you hold a swallowtail caterpillar too long. Caterpillar frass (aka poop).

They say have tofurky for Thanksgiving.

I'm underneath the combine chute. Not to worry - it's not running.

3 little pigs. I'm assuming these are the ones who built their house from straw.

Don't know this lady, but she had a chicken on her head. Couldn't resist a photo.

Pat and Sylvie make the blog

Pat and Sylvie came to visit (Pat is Bob's sister). I found out they're readers of the blog, so naturally, I have to include them in a post. The four of us went on a little hike in Englewood Metropark, north of Dayton. We followed one trail to a waterfall, though not much water is falling right now. Bob and I are going back to the park later - they have an 18-hole disc golf course (Troy's is a 9-hole course).

Pat and Pat at Patty Shelter at Englewood Metropark (no, I don't know why a shelter is named Patty).

Pat and Sylvie on our hike.

Penny was so proud - Ed hopped up to see her. Don't tell her he made friends with Pat & Sylvie right away.

One of our chipmunks with full cheeks. Too cute for words.

They're harvesting these soybeans. It's dusty work.