Home Improvements Part 02 - new furnace

Posted Dec 02, 2008 by Herbie — Comments (0) — Filed under: Personal, Cross-ing's

Other improvements that have taken place is our new furnace (Actually it is an electric boiler that replaced our old boiler). I have been concerned about that old boiler since I bought the place. It would leak water all over the basement and run for hours before any heat would come from it. My parents came to the rescue to help us out by getting us this new boiler and a water heater (the thing that looks like a missile ). So, my Uncle Marlin and my folks came up to also help install it mid October. We ran out of time to completely complete the job that weekend but there was enough help around us to keep the project going. All of these new electric appliances also needed a new electric panel which was put in by a good friend from camp Will Scott.

This boiler has been “fun” to install . To make a long story boring, even after all the pipes and electricity were connected we couldn’t keep the pipes to stop leaking. Mostly it was due to my inexperience on how to sweat a pipe properly. I even tried to fix one of the leaks with an old rubber ball and some hose clamps. It kinda worked - at least it helped build up the pressure in the system to expose other leaks I created in other areas But then there was this new invention called the PEX system. Specifically, the “Shark Bite” system. It is a true gift from the Lord. It is as easy as putting LEGO’s together . You can see how happy it made me.

We just received our electric bill for the Month of November and we don’t know if we are to believe if it is the truth. It is 1/3 the bill it was last year at this time. We pray that this is a truth we can depend on for this coming winter.

Back from the Honeymoon

Posted Oct 06, 2008 by Herbie — Comments (1) — Filed under: Personal, Cross-ing's

Hello all once again

Well Lisa and I didn’t fall of the face of the earth though digitally it may seem that way. If you haven’t yet heard - we are now married. The Wedding was from all reports thus far a “simple yet elegant wedding.” Both Lisa and I couldn’t be happier.

At the reception we chose to do the receiving line by dismissing each table ourselves - neither one of us felt we could eat right away so we thought guests should come first. It meant so much to us to see so many people from all the past places we’ve grown up, worked with, served with, and cared for. Thank you to all who shared this wonderful moment with us.

Lisa and I that night headed to Minneapolis to catch a flight to Hawaii the next morning. Roughly 10 hours later we landed at the Kahului Airport in Maui. Now… People are continually asking us - “How was the Honeymoon?” And I have to answer (to which I’m constantly getting hit for by Lisa ) ... it was terrible! I mean, 85° to 90° all the time, no rain, blue a skies, crystal blue seas, fabulous hotel report, great sea food, no schedules, all sandals all the time, amazing sea life, waterfalls, amazing landscape, even more amazing company to do it all with . I mean… it’s NOTHING like Wisconsin . Needless to say - we had very memorable and pleasant honeymoon.

We arrived home the 30th and to Lisa’s surprise, Brent Johnson and “crew” were in doing some finishing touches of the re-remodeling of our hallway and dining room walls. (But… I’m getting ahead of myself) You see - for those of you currently not on our mailing list, earlier this year the staff of Camp Forest Springs came and did a “home improvement shower for Lisa and I. They completely took off the old paneling in the family room and replaced it with drywall, reversed the staircase to the basement which provided a new pantry area in the kitchen, AND removed a 6’ section of wall between the dining and family rooms (all with-in three hours). If that wasn’t enough - another source of help came from some family campers (The Galle’s) who helped us with the mudding, taping, and priming of the family room, hall ways part of kitchen, and dining room. After all that we textured and painted almost all of it. However, we had a “live and learn” experience when it involves paneling - NEVER try to texture paneling unless you completely scuff up and remove ALL dust from it. When all the texture was said and done - only the family room and kitchen actually turned out. NOW, back to Brent Johnson and crew… during the honeymoon they came and took out all the paneling and also replaced it with drywall. To make a long story boring, we have drywall on all the walls in the main living spaces of our home through many wonderful contributions of friends. We are so thankful for all the help.