Getting Ready for Winter

Having spent the last thirty-five years in AZ it is not easy to remember winter in the Northwest. Snow was part of my childhood; I remember shivering on the playground, making snow angels and games of fox and geese. I remember driving on packed snow and the occasional black ice. I remember heavy winter clothing (of which I now have none) and boots. But I don't remember how we obtained wood for the fireplace, or the type of furnace we had (maybe oil), or who shoveled the walk (not me apparently). I need to learn all of this and more and soon; December, January and February at a minimum will be cold. Mom does not do well in the cold, and so my first step was to replace the antique furnace in the basement.

The asbestos ducting and tape was removed ($1200 plus) and a new 90% plus efficiency gas burning furnace with electrostatic and hepa filtration is installed ($4800). This replaces a converted coal burning furnace which operated at 40-50% efficiency and leaked carbon monoxide (8 ppm). The new one is better for the environment and will lower the gas bill.

Unfortunately this huge pile of scrap metal went to the "haz mat" dump instead of recycle due to the asbestos tape on the seams. The furnace was removed by one group of disreputable individuals and driven away by another. None of them seemed to have proper regard for their own safety, nor at times for ours. However badly done, it is finished and I am moving on. Storm windows, fireplace, garage door, deck, attic, porch, railings, an endless list of things to do. A chill is in the air and leaves are beginning to turn. One thing at a time. I cheer myself with the Oriental proverb "House finished, owner die." Clearly I will live forever.