Look out Bob Vila!

Maybe not. But, I did install a gently used gas range today! Our old range (original to the house) was on its last legs. We had made several repairs, but the control panel was starting to go. The cost of the replacement part alone was too much.

The original range (I forgot to take a before shot before I started to pull it out.)


I decided we were better off getting a cheap range to use for the next few years before we renovate the kitchen. I've got two wonderful words for you - Craig's List!

I picked up the 18-month old Maytag gas range on Friday for a great price. Today, I had to pull out the old range, cut the counter top wider (3/8" on both sides) and attach the gas line.

Power tools!


The new range - I still have a few small finishing touches. I have to re-connect the gas line so I can push the range in further. I also have to paint the edge of the countertop since the range is about 1/4" shorter (height-wise).


Our first meal on the new range. (Baked chicken and corn on the cob, yum!)

More windows

Here's the big LR window. You can see that we lose some window area due to the larger sashes, but thankfully we have nice big windows to start with. I frankly don't notice the difference until you put the before/after photos together.

BEFORE:


AFTER:

Windows are in!

I finally downloaded the photos on the camera! Following are photos of the DR windows.

BEFORE:


AFTER:

A rose is a rose

These are what the landscaper called "NoCal" roses. They're very low maintenance and bloom for most of the year. I absolutely love roses, so I was thrilled when he suggested them. We've got them in the corner bed (see below) as well the bed by the front door.

New flower beds

I've finally gotten the photos off my camera! Above is what the corner bed used to look like. Actually, those bushes were at least twice as high, I didn't get out to take the "before" photo before the landscaper had cut them down to a more manageable size.


It's amazing what some fresh mulch will do for a flower bed. Oh yeah, and a few new flowers & bushes, too. For those of you haven't been to our house, this is the bed with the highest visibility from the road.

Heat - Part II

I thought I had posted yesterday, but I guess not!

The reason the heat felt so glorious yesterday afternoon was because we went without any heat for about 24 hours. Came home from PA on Tuesday with the report that the furnace was pulled. They tried their best to get the new heat pump running, but they ran short on a few parts. So, we bundled up under lots of blankets Tuesday night and I drank lots of tea on Wednesday! Didn't get my shower until about 5 pm yesterday because I refused to get wet in a cold bathroom!

We had a wonderful visit in PA. Lots of good food and company. The kids are already campaigning for a return for one of Tony & Ginny's famous crab bakes.

Glorious Heat!

Yesterday afternoon, the geothermal heat pump went live. It felt glorious after being bundled up all day. This morning, the house feels very cozy. This heat definitely has a different feel to it then the gas furnace - in a good way!

Today, the contractors return to install the new thermostat controls. They tried to put them in yesterday, but one of the circuit boards had a short so they had to pull it all out. Other odds and ends to finish up as well, including insulating the hot water pipes and finishing the drains for the two hot water tanks. They also still have to install the new light in my closet. The hole has been patched and looks good.

Other excitement today - a termite treatment. The geothermal contractors found some termite damage in the crawl space while they were working. Had the termite guys inspect yesterday, he said we caught it just in time. The wood damage is very localized and shouldn't require any repair. PHEW!