After doing much research and getting several quotes for insulating the attic and master bedroom walls, we've reached a decision.
1. We will not be insulating the bedroom walls.
2. We're insulating the attic with what we believe to be the best product on the market, and it's a green product called Icynene.
The reason we have decided not to do the bedroom walls, they will need to drill a hole every 18 inches from ceiling to floor board to inject the insulation, and neither of us are ready for that mess. Instead, we think we'll try to tweak the furnace to pull the air into the bedroom, but that's another post for another day.
So, the product is called Icynene, and it's a spray foam which expands to the roof of the attic in seconds. We believe (and research seems to back up our thoughts) coating the roof with this product will keep heat out in summer, and cold out in winter, to make the attic very close to the house temperature. Now, Michael knows more about this, and I've been pestering him to write a post, but alas, nothing. So, you get to hear from me. Want to know more about this cool sounding product? Check out http://www.ecotecinsulation.com/
We need to have 5 1/2 inches of Icynene sprayed on the surface, and there are 2 ways we can have this product installed; either directly over our joists in the attic, or by building up the joists with 2x4's, and having the foam sprayed between these joists, thus leaving the beams exposed. The pros of adding the wood, if we ever want to drywall the space, we can. And considering we want to use it for a ton of storage, the less likely my head will poke through the foam, since it will be covered. So, we're gearing up for this fun construction project.
So, before anything can be done, we need to add quite a bit of wood to our attic. In the summer.
Granted, we've had what I believe has been the coolest summer since I can remember, but I'm sure that will change the day we head up to start this work.
First order of business? But a cordless drill. Michael has been drooling over this cordless drill, so I can see that purchase in our future. Next, measure and purchase all necessities, wood, screws, nails. Finally, say goodbye to our nights and weekends for the next month or so. Currently, Peoples Gas plus the Federal Government are offering rebates on this work. But, in the case of the gas company, it's offered until the money runs out... so, we're sort of in a bit of a hurry to get this done.
Also, the reason I'm typing this post at this ungodly early hour? Because I lost the bet and won the bad side of the bed last night...
Friday, July 17, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Pain in the back
It's been one week since we've had our new bed from Costco, the Grande Elegance. Doesn't it sound just dreamy?
The bed comes in a box, and the instructions state it will take about 72 hours to fully decompress, but it also states you should be able to sleep on it the first night.
The first night, I had the worst night's sleep that I can remember. Although, I'm not sure I can really use the word sleep, more or less tossing and turning. My back hurt, but the worst was my arms and legs. It felt like I had slept on the floor all night. This bed is FIRM. Not exactly what I expected from this description:
"Your comfort begins with the breathable, top layer of one inch patented memory foam. The second layer of three inches of premium density memory foam along with the one-inch top layer, are supported by an engineered layer of patented high resilient poly spring foam. These three layers are then mounted on a seven-inch layer of polymer enriched base foam creating a sleep system second to none."
Finally, around 5:30am, I couldn't take it anymore. I got up, and paced the house. I checked more reviews on-line, but I couldn't find any bad reviews, only how this was such a wonderful bed, and blah blah blah.
Then I hear Michael get up. I was dying to hear what he thought. I walk in the room, and he proclaims "I love this bed! That was the best nights sleep I've had since I can remember!" He knew something was wrong since my jaw dropped and I was shooting daggers at him. So, we agree we'll wait the 72 hours for me to make up my mind.
After 7 full nights, the bed is still awful, and Michael loves it. What to do...? We decide to switch places last night.
Now, I admit, his side is a bit softer, but still, not very comfortable. He wakes up and said "There's something wrong with the bed. My arms and back hurt."
Now what? Well, he thinks it could be the box spring (I think it's the bed). So, couple things to try. Rotate the bed, and see if my side is still bad. Also, he wants to try putting plywood between the mattress and box spring.
I'm game for trying, but not sure how much more I can take. Maybe we got a defect?
The bed comes in a box, and the instructions state it will take about 72 hours to fully decompress, but it also states you should be able to sleep on it the first night.
The first night, I had the worst night's sleep that I can remember. Although, I'm not sure I can really use the word sleep, more or less tossing and turning. My back hurt, but the worst was my arms and legs. It felt like I had slept on the floor all night. This bed is FIRM. Not exactly what I expected from this description:
"Your comfort begins with the breathable, top layer of one inch patented memory foam. The second layer of three inches of premium density memory foam along with the one-inch top layer, are supported by an engineered layer of patented high resilient poly spring foam. These three layers are then mounted on a seven-inch layer of polymer enriched base foam creating a sleep system second to none."
Finally, around 5:30am, I couldn't take it anymore. I got up, and paced the house. I checked more reviews on-line, but I couldn't find any bad reviews, only how this was such a wonderful bed, and blah blah blah.
Then I hear Michael get up. I was dying to hear what he thought. I walk in the room, and he proclaims "I love this bed! That was the best nights sleep I've had since I can remember!" He knew something was wrong since my jaw dropped and I was shooting daggers at him. So, we agree we'll wait the 72 hours for me to make up my mind.
After 7 full nights, the bed is still awful, and Michael loves it. What to do...? We decide to switch places last night.
Now, I admit, his side is a bit softer, but still, not very comfortable. He wakes up and said "There's something wrong with the bed. My arms and back hurt."
Now what? Well, he thinks it could be the box spring (I think it's the bed). So, couple things to try. Rotate the bed, and see if my side is still bad. Also, he wants to try putting plywood between the mattress and box spring.
I'm game for trying, but not sure how much more I can take. Maybe we got a defect?
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
What NOT to do to a Chicago Bungalow
Today, I bring everyone a new series titled "What not to do to a bungalow". Lately, we've been driving around, and just cringe when we see what could have been a beautiful house, but the owners have destroyed it by either adding what they think looks good (usually doesn't) or hiring people or doing work themselves that they clearly shouldn't be doing.
So, Part 1 of this series will start with our own Happy Bungalow. I'm not sure what the PO (previous owners) were thinking, but they sure have left us cussing them out.
Do not use a gray silicone-like material to patch tuckpointing. It looks like crap, and causes me to frown. Also, when painting outside, mask off area's to be painted and try to be careful. Little drips of white paint all over the red face brick doesn't look cool.
When you actually do the right thing and use mortar for patching the tuckpointing, USE THE SAME COLOR as the rest of the mortar! No, pink is not red.
When you have beautiful wood crown molding and beams in your bungalow, do NOT paint them.
Well folks, there is part 1 in our upcoming series.
Also, I must mention that last night, Sidney discovered fireflies. For awhile we were convinced Sid is not a cat, but last night proved us wrong. He went straight into hunt mode, and was running around the yard like crazy. Turns out, we have a cat!
So, Part 1 of this series will start with our own Happy Bungalow. I'm not sure what the PO (previous owners) were thinking, but they sure have left us cussing them out.
Do not use a gray silicone-like material to patch tuckpointing. It looks like crap, and causes me to frown. Also, when painting outside, mask off area's to be painted and try to be careful. Little drips of white paint all over the red face brick doesn't look cool.
When you actually do the right thing and use mortar for patching the tuckpointing, USE THE SAME COLOR as the rest of the mortar! No, pink is not red.
When you have beautiful wood crown molding and beams in your bungalow, do NOT paint them.
Well folks, there is part 1 in our upcoming series.
Also, I must mention that last night, Sidney discovered fireflies. For awhile we were convinced Sid is not a cat, but last night proved us wrong. He went straight into hunt mode, and was running around the yard like crazy. Turns out, we have a cat!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Happy 4th
We had a great long weekend, and ended up getting a lot done around the house, with enough time left over for some much needed relaxation.
Saturday started out rainy, but by the time everyone arrived, it was wrapping up. We had a nice BBQ with some happy mark&tina-gria.
(Don't mess with Beth when she's packing corn!)
Turns out, this neighborhood gets pretty nuts on the 4th. There were so many fireworks, almost as much as we saw when we headed out to Palatine the night before to hang out with Michael's mom, brad, and my mom. It was like our own personal backyard show.
Feeling quite full, and wanting to walk around in the weird smokey fog which descended upon us, we decided a walk from our past was long due, and walked the 2 blocks over to the 2 flat where all of our family grew up. We sat out side and sang amazing grace... I'm sure if anyone saw us they would think we were nuts, but it was an ode to the legend that was Aunt Gracie.
We were going to walk around some more, but people were lighting fireworks on that block, and since some were blowing up in the street, we quickly got the hell out there.
We wrapped up the night with some s'mores (Hollie, you're the BEST). Yummmm. It's been forever since we had those.
Sunday morning, we went out to the backyard to lay in the hammock. About 6 hours later, we finally got up since our neighbor next door was barbecuing and made us up a plate (they rock!). So we had to move to go sit at the table, then back to the hard work that is chilling in the hammock. It was just what we needed.
Saturday started out rainy, but by the time everyone arrived, it was wrapping up. We had a nice BBQ with some happy mark&tina-gria.
(Don't mess with Beth when she's packing corn!)
Turns out, this neighborhood gets pretty nuts on the 4th. There were so many fireworks, almost as much as we saw when we headed out to Palatine the night before to hang out with Michael's mom, brad, and my mom. It was like our own personal backyard show.
Feeling quite full, and wanting to walk around in the weird smokey fog which descended upon us, we decided a walk from our past was long due, and walked the 2 blocks over to the 2 flat where all of our family grew up. We sat out side and sang amazing grace... I'm sure if anyone saw us they would think we were nuts, but it was an ode to the legend that was Aunt Gracie.
We were going to walk around some more, but people were lighting fireworks on that block, and since some were blowing up in the street, we quickly got the hell out there.
We wrapped up the night with some s'mores (Hollie, you're the BEST). Yummmm. It's been forever since we had those.
Sunday morning, we went out to the backyard to lay in the hammock. About 6 hours later, we finally got up since our neighbor next door was barbecuing and made us up a plate (they rock!). So we had to move to go sit at the table, then back to the hard work that is chilling in the hammock. It was just what we needed.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Whoopsy
Apparently the lawn is not ready to get cut. We started out, and quickly realized instead of cutting the grass, it was pulling it all out, leaving nothing but mud. Oops.
Here, Michael is scolding the lawn for not being agreeable.
But all is not lost... (except for the grass) for we fixed both gates in the back yard so now we can actually open and close them without it getting stuck on the ground.
Success!
Here, Michael is scolding the lawn for not being agreeable.
But all is not lost... (except for the grass) for we fixed both gates in the back yard so now we can actually open and close them without it getting stuck on the ground.
Success!
More presents for the bungalow
With a nice long weekend ahead of us, it's time to do run to our 3 page to-do list, and start getting this house in order.
We've lived here for almost 9 months, and have yet to hang most of our art. With plaster walls, it's a pain in the butt to even get a straight nail in the wall, but today's the day. Yay.
Speaking of art, when we were in Hawaii, we came upon an artist that we fell in love with, Brigitte D'Annibale.
We ended up purchasing an artist proof of a piece titled Vintage Hawaii, however 1 1/2 months later, when it came, we were sent a limited edition instead. Oops. Luckily, the gallery admitted their mistake, but it's been a bit of back and forth (island time) for them to correct the problem. For the meantime, we have the wrong piece in our living room, but hopefully we get the correct one shortly. We also fell in love with the piece Hula Blues. Maybe a birthday present Michael?
Next on our to-do list... the bed. I had bought a bed a little over 3 years ago. In the beginning, it was so comfortable, we nicknamed it cloud-gate. Now, 3 years later, it's a lumpy, bumpy, piece of crap that makes us toss and turn all night. I started doing some research, and we thought the Tempur-Pedic would work well for us. You know, where you can put a wine glass on one side, jump on the other side, and the wine won't spill?
So, Costco sells a similar brand, and because they're return policy is awesome (you can return anything at anytime, as for the bed, they'll even send a truck to pick it up for free if for any reason you don't like it) we decided to go ahead. I've been checking out there website waiting for it to go on sale, and Wednesday was the day, and the order is in. I can't wait for the bed wine party!
Another thing that I was able to cross off the list, an address plaque. Because of all the trouble we've been having with mail service, the USPS and I agreed that an address plaque listing our address AND street name would help the postman deliver our mail. So, the order is in for that too, just waiting for it to arrive.
Lastly, and this was a big one our our list, is to insulate the attic. I perused Angie's List for some highly rated contractors, and picked 3 to come and give us quotes.
The first came yesterday. He first explained how he would do it, and then said with the insulation on the floor, we would not be able to use the attic for storage. Um, not an option. Then, he quotes us a price for building a sub-floor in the attic, and blowing the insulation under the floor. That would work, but I'm picturing us not being able to stand up in there. Regardless, I was pretty surprised at the cost for building a whole new floor and the insulation. Not too bad, but obviously not cheap.
Monday we have another guy come who uses the spray foam, which we believe will be placed on the roof, instead of the floor. Plus, it's an all-green product. And next Thursday, another place comes.
Looking forward to getting this over with soon.
We've lived here for almost 9 months, and have yet to hang most of our art. With plaster walls, it's a pain in the butt to even get a straight nail in the wall, but today's the day. Yay.
Speaking of art, when we were in Hawaii, we came upon an artist that we fell in love with, Brigitte D'Annibale.
We ended up purchasing an artist proof of a piece titled Vintage Hawaii, however 1 1/2 months later, when it came, we were sent a limited edition instead. Oops. Luckily, the gallery admitted their mistake, but it's been a bit of back and forth (island time) for them to correct the problem. For the meantime, we have the wrong piece in our living room, but hopefully we get the correct one shortly. We also fell in love with the piece Hula Blues. Maybe a birthday present Michael?
Next on our to-do list... the bed. I had bought a bed a little over 3 years ago. In the beginning, it was so comfortable, we nicknamed it cloud-gate. Now, 3 years later, it's a lumpy, bumpy, piece of crap that makes us toss and turn all night. I started doing some research, and we thought the Tempur-Pedic would work well for us. You know, where you can put a wine glass on one side, jump on the other side, and the wine won't spill?
So, Costco sells a similar brand, and because they're return policy is awesome (you can return anything at anytime, as for the bed, they'll even send a truck to pick it up for free if for any reason you don't like it) we decided to go ahead. I've been checking out there website waiting for it to go on sale, and Wednesday was the day, and the order is in. I can't wait for the bed wine party!
Another thing that I was able to cross off the list, an address plaque. Because of all the trouble we've been having with mail service, the USPS and I agreed that an address plaque listing our address AND street name would help the postman deliver our mail. So, the order is in for that too, just waiting for it to arrive.
Lastly, and this was a big one our our list, is to insulate the attic. I perused Angie's List for some highly rated contractors, and picked 3 to come and give us quotes.
The first came yesterday. He first explained how he would do it, and then said with the insulation on the floor, we would not be able to use the attic for storage. Um, not an option. Then, he quotes us a price for building a sub-floor in the attic, and blowing the insulation under the floor. That would work, but I'm picturing us not being able to stand up in there. Regardless, I was pretty surprised at the cost for building a whole new floor and the insulation. Not too bad, but obviously not cheap.
Monday we have another guy come who uses the spray foam, which we believe will be placed on the roof, instead of the floor. Plus, it's an all-green product. And next Thursday, another place comes.
Looking forward to getting this over with soon.
Monday, June 29, 2009
BBQ Fever Part 2
We started Sunday with some of the best weather we've seen this summer - Sunny, with a nice cool breeze to start out the day.
Off we headed to the Taste of Chicago, where Michael was playing with the Jeannie Tanner Quartet.
Joe, Annie, Alan and Page were able to make the trip down to watch Michael perform, and the band sounded GREAT!
Sorry about the seasick inducing camera work...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27v6ZJ18VOQ
Afterward, we took the El home to get ready to host a BBQ for both of our families. It was a smashing success! We were so happy to have everyone be able to join us and see the Happy Bungalow.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4hbd1X9Mng
It was simply the perfect day.
Off we headed to the Taste of Chicago, where Michael was playing with the Jeannie Tanner Quartet.
Joe, Annie, Alan and Page were able to make the trip down to watch Michael perform, and the band sounded GREAT!
Sorry about the seasick inducing camera work...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27v6ZJ18VOQ
Afterward, we took the El home to get ready to host a BBQ for both of our families. It was a smashing success! We were so happy to have everyone be able to join us and see the Happy Bungalow.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4hbd1X9Mng
It was simply the perfect day.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
BBQ Fever
Our guests have left, headed on the road to traverse America, but before they did, we had several more BBQs and a few more jam sessions. It's pretty insane how well brick and glass-block windows insulate the sound of live music being played at 1am.
Cathy helped by unpacking a ton of boxes, (remember this sight), and organized the basement so we can now actually walk in each of the rooms down there! I didn't think it could be done, but she really gave us the jump start we (Mike) needed. Now, next week I get to make calls to get quotes to insulate the attic. Then we can move all the basement crap to the attic... of course, a big yard sale, or huge donation to charity may not be a bad idea either. Only problem is that forces us to actually look in all the boxes, I don't see that happening any time soon.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The Bungalow vs. The Mean Man
Today’s tale involves the mystery of the driven over garden. After Michael and I had spent 8 hours planting the corner garden full of day lilies and lily of the valley, we had noticed that someone had been driving over the curb, thus driving over our plants.
W.T.F.
So, yesterday I’m out watering the lawn, and I witness a van turn the corner, realize there’s no parking, then it proceeds to backup right over the corner garden and park.
I’m literally in shock, I walk over, and see tire marks over my poor little crushed plants.
He exits his van, and here’s what ensues:
Me: “Dude, can you be careful when you backup, you just drove over my plants.”
Mean Man: “No I didn’t.”
Me: “All I’m saying is be careful when you back up around that corner. You just drove over these plants” (as I point to my crushed plants with his obvious tire marks).
MM: “Why don’t you move out of this neighborhood you racist. You hate Hispanics and I’ve lived here for twenty years, so get out of here.”
Me: I stared at him for a bit unable to respond. “But YOU drove over my plants, I just watched you do it. And how does you driving over my plants make me a racist?!”
MM: “I DID NOT. You hate Hispanics so move out of my neighborhood”.
Apparently, there's no reasoning with a jerky freakshow. As he walks away, he calls me a racist again and walks down the alley.
I go in to tell Mike what happened, and he comes out to look at the plants. Back comes MM with another guy. Again, he says he’s lived here for 20 years and to move away. Now Mike has the WTF look on his face. We kind of shake our heads and walk back in the house.
I’m almost positive we will have no plants left after this encounter, but I’m still scratching my head.
W.T.F.
So, yesterday I’m out watering the lawn, and I witness a van turn the corner, realize there’s no parking, then it proceeds to backup right over the corner garden and park.
I’m literally in shock, I walk over, and see tire marks over my poor little crushed plants.
He exits his van, and here’s what ensues:
Me: “Dude, can you be careful when you backup, you just drove over my plants.”
Mean Man: “No I didn’t.”
Me: “All I’m saying is be careful when you back up around that corner. You just drove over these plants” (as I point to my crushed plants with his obvious tire marks).
MM: “Why don’t you move out of this neighborhood you racist. You hate Hispanics and I’ve lived here for twenty years, so get out of here.”
Me: I stared at him for a bit unable to respond. “But YOU drove over my plants, I just watched you do it. And how does you driving over my plants make me a racist?!”
MM: “I DID NOT. You hate Hispanics so move out of my neighborhood”.
Apparently, there's no reasoning with a jerky freakshow. As he walks away, he calls me a racist again and walks down the alley.
I go in to tell Mike what happened, and he comes out to look at the plants. Back comes MM with another guy. Again, he says he’s lived here for 20 years and to move away. Now Mike has the WTF look on his face. We kind of shake our heads and walk back in the house.
I’m almost positive we will have no plants left after this encounter, but I’m still scratching my head.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Time for more Bungalow guests
This time around, we have Tom and Cathy chilling at the Happy Bungalow. They'll be leaving on a road trip shortly to head over to Pacifica, CA, where Cathy will be starting on her new adventure to see how life treats her on the West Coast.
In the meanwhile, that leaves plenty of time for some "Goodbye Chicago" jam sessions and yummy barbeque's before they go. We've all been soaking up some much needed R&R in the backyard, and here's our latest relaxing addition, the hammock.
And here, The Wichmann's make an appearance as we make our long past due phone call to China...
Also, I'm happy to report our front lawn is growing like crazy. Although, we seem to have lots of holes from all the squirrels who like to dig up the lawn searching for some food... I'm sure Sid would like to resolve that problem for me...
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Damn you Lolla...
A quick glance at the evil schedule has me shaking my head in sadness.
Lou Reed vs Snoop Dogg
Vampire Weekend vs Neko Case
Jane's Addiction vs The Killers
Beastie Boys vs Tool
Kings of Leon vs Depeche Mode
decisions... decisions...
Lou Reed vs Snoop Dogg
Vampire Weekend vs Neko Case
Jane's Addiction vs The Killers
Beastie Boys vs Tool
Kings of Leon vs Depeche Mode
decisions... decisions...
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Going Postal
I have had it with the USPS. The Ravenswood post office is quite possibly the biggest bunch of lazy idiots, and here's proof I'm not the only one who thinks so... http://www.yelp.com/biz/united-states-post-office--ravenswood-chicago
(First 5 reviewers' sentences...
1. Slothful, indolent...just a few adjectives that cross my mind when I think of the employees the USPS has serve us at the Lawrence Avenue location.
2. rude rude rude.
3. This is the worst post office in the history of post officedom.
4. Worst service in my life.
5. (And personally my favorite) You know, I've lived in a few really poor third-world countries, where the post offices are about as well-funded and well-run as a garage sale on Skid Row, where queuing is a foreign concept and mail is tied up with twine and takes about five months to arrive . . . and I can recall getting better customer service there. )
It's unbelievable they can get away with this. When your job is to deliver mail to an address, how can you twist that to... I'm lazy, I'll just return all mail to sender stating the address is unoccupied?
Since we moved into the bungalow, we've experienced this a couple of times in the past. Most noticeably in December when my birthday cards were returned to senders!
Now it's happening again. Our neighbor's next door hand delivered some mail from Friday which was delivered to them instead, and we never received anything Sat, Mon, or Tues. I saw the postman walking by and asked what the deal was. He looked down and grabbed some mail to hand to me. What the hell?!!? He had no answer for me by the way.
Of course, early last week we ordered the new $116 city stickers plus permits (grrr on the increase). Michael's was in this batch of mail, but mine wasn't. I have a dreadful feeling that will be the next battle... the lost sticker I'll have to fight about with the city. But first, back to this battle...
On Monday I tried calling the branch only to be met with a busy signal on about 5 tries within an hour. Giving up, I decided to call the Toll Free number, and gave my complaint to Rick, a seemingly nice fellow. He told me they would find out what was going on, and get back to me no later than 24 hours (Tuesday afternoon).
Fast forward to Tuesday afternoon. After no call, I decided to call back. I didn't get to speak with nice Rick, I spoke to someone else who told me their computer system is down, and they can't help me. I'll have to call back later. What? Are you kidding me? OK. 3 hours later, I call back and get the same answer. They can't help me. Now I call back my local useless branch... they tell me they'll speak with the mail carrier and call me by 11am. Nothing.
Oh, how I hate the United States Postal Service.
(First 5 reviewers' sentences...
1. Slothful, indolent...just a few adjectives that cross my mind when I think of the employees the USPS has serve us at the Lawrence Avenue location.
2. rude rude rude.
3. This is the worst post office in the history of post officedom.
4. Worst service in my life.
5. (And personally my favorite) You know, I've lived in a few really poor third-world countries, where the post offices are about as well-funded and well-run as a garage sale on Skid Row, where queuing is a foreign concept and mail is tied up with twine and takes about five months to arrive . . . and I can recall getting better customer service there. )
It's unbelievable they can get away with this. When your job is to deliver mail to an address, how can you twist that to... I'm lazy, I'll just return all mail to sender stating the address is unoccupied?
Since we moved into the bungalow, we've experienced this a couple of times in the past. Most noticeably in December when my birthday cards were returned to senders!
Now it's happening again. Our neighbor's next door hand delivered some mail from Friday which was delivered to them instead, and we never received anything Sat, Mon, or Tues. I saw the postman walking by and asked what the deal was. He looked down and grabbed some mail to hand to me. What the hell?!!? He had no answer for me by the way.
Of course, early last week we ordered the new $116 city stickers plus permits (grrr on the increase). Michael's was in this batch of mail, but mine wasn't. I have a dreadful feeling that will be the next battle... the lost sticker I'll have to fight about with the city. But first, back to this battle...
On Monday I tried calling the branch only to be met with a busy signal on about 5 tries within an hour. Giving up, I decided to call the Toll Free number, and gave my complaint to Rick, a seemingly nice fellow. He told me they would find out what was going on, and get back to me no later than 24 hours (Tuesday afternoon).
Fast forward to Tuesday afternoon. After no call, I decided to call back. I didn't get to speak with nice Rick, I spoke to someone else who told me their computer system is down, and they can't help me. I'll have to call back later. What? Are you kidding me? OK. 3 hours later, I call back and get the same answer. They can't help me. Now I call back my local useless branch... they tell me they'll speak with the mail carrier and call me by 11am. Nothing.
Oh, how I hate the United States Postal Service.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Kermit was right!
It's not easy being green... but, we're getting closer!
Here's the latest pics. It's getting better, but we're still having a heck of a time with the patchy spots. I seeded again today since more storms are on the way, but my fear is if we get too heavy of a rain, it will just wash all the seed away. We'll just have to see.
I must add, I NEVER EVER thought I'd have fears over grass. Geesh...
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Soon, the grass won't be greener on the other side...
Today, I walked over to the front windows to look outside. I must admit, I was left speechless... there are sprouts of grass starting to grow on the mud outside! Whoohoo!
Now, we're talking little patches of sprouts, but I'm beyond happy, I'm thrilled! So, now I have to run to crafty beaver after work to buy more grass seed, as I can see where we already have patches of no seed. The only thing I'm concerned about, all the Maple tree helicopters are all over the mud, everywhere. Not sure if that will be an issue, but I'm hesitant to rake it and disturb the grass seed. Anyone have any advice??
Will keep updating with hopefully greener pics!
And, check out what just popped open in the backyard~
Now, we're talking little patches of sprouts, but I'm beyond happy, I'm thrilled! So, now I have to run to crafty beaver after work to buy more grass seed, as I can see where we already have patches of no seed. The only thing I'm concerned about, all the Maple tree helicopters are all over the mud, everywhere. Not sure if that will be an issue, but I'm hesitant to rake it and disturb the grass seed. Anyone have any advice??
Will keep updating with hopefully greener pics!
And, check out what just popped open in the backyard~
Monday, June 1, 2009
The new addition to the family
Yes, it's been less than a month since we've officially tied the knot, but we're ready to introduce you to our wonderful new addition: Meet Mr. Weber!
The Weber Performer:
This Weber grill is one of the most versatile pieces of outdoor cooking equipment ever invented. This 22 1/2 inch diameter charcoal grill gives you all that with the addition of a large cart, loads of workspace and a gas powered charcoal lighter. This added convenience makes this a very easy to use, almost mess free charcoal grill. Pour in the charcoal, turn a knob, push a button and you are grilling in ten minutes. No lighter fluid, charcoal chimneys or electric charcoal starters. All that is taken away by a single gas burner powered by 14 or 16 ounce disposable propane bottles.
When I first met Michael, I believe he had 4 or 5 grills in his possession. When he moved into the condo with me last year, I believe many tears were shed that he could only bring Mr. Smokey Joe, as the others wouldn't fit on the deck (plus, it was way easier hiding the smokey vs. the 22 inch mammajamma that was the "official" Weber BBQ with my condo rules stating NO charcoal grilling on the wood decks).
Since moving to the house, we've been using the smokey joe, plus another little 14 inch knock-off to grill on. This has made Michael very sad, and the constant whines of missing his old Weber's, and yearning for the days of old made me finally declare over Memorial Day weekend.... dear, get your butt in the car, for we are going to Home Depot to return with a "real" BBQ.
Ok, so 3 hours later, after having to rent a Home Depot truck to bring home our new baby, plus our new patio set, solar lit umbrella, and 8 tiki torches, (yes, this is why I try to order things online... damn impulse buys...) we were ready to set up this bad boy.
The boys got to work on putting it together (ok, so The Rock didn't help too much) and I setup the umbrella. (Sad but true). We worked together to get the patio set done, and voila, we had a new kick butt backyard oasis!
(notice the cool lights working by solar power on umbrella!)
We've had 3 yummy BBQ's since, and now I have a very happy husband :)
This Weber grill is one of the most versatile pieces of outdoor cooking equipment ever invented. This 22 1/2 inch diameter charcoal grill gives you all that with the addition of a large cart, loads of workspace and a gas powered charcoal lighter. This added convenience makes this a very easy to use, almost mess free charcoal grill. Pour in the charcoal, turn a knob, push a button and you are grilling in ten minutes. No lighter fluid, charcoal chimneys or electric charcoal starters. All that is taken away by a single gas burner powered by 14 or 16 ounce disposable propane bottles.
The Weber Performer comes with a great ash catcher system that makes clean up easy. The second you take the last burger off this grill close down the vents and let the lack of oxygen kill the fire. This will stop the remaining coals from burning any further. Once the grill is cool give it a shake and pull off the ash catcher and you ready to go again. The coals left behind can be re-lit for the next cookout.
Hell yes! Sold!When I first met Michael, I believe he had 4 or 5 grills in his possession. When he moved into the condo with me last year, I believe many tears were shed that he could only bring Mr. Smokey Joe, as the others wouldn't fit on the deck (plus, it was way easier hiding the smokey vs. the 22 inch mammajamma that was the "official" Weber BBQ with my condo rules stating NO charcoal grilling on the wood decks).
Since moving to the house, we've been using the smokey joe, plus another little 14 inch knock-off to grill on. This has made Michael very sad, and the constant whines of missing his old Weber's, and yearning for the days of old made me finally declare over Memorial Day weekend.... dear, get your butt in the car, for we are going to Home Depot to return with a "real" BBQ.
Ok, so 3 hours later, after having to rent a Home Depot truck to bring home our new baby, plus our new patio set, solar lit umbrella, and 8 tiki torches, (yes, this is why I try to order things online... damn impulse buys...) we were ready to set up this bad boy.
The boys got to work on putting it together (ok, so The Rock didn't help too much) and I setup the umbrella. (Sad but true). We worked together to get the patio set done, and voila, we had a new kick butt backyard oasis!
(notice the cool lights working by solar power on umbrella!)
We've had 3 yummy BBQ's since, and now I have a very happy husband :)
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