Just kidding. It was absolute nightmare from the second we walked in the door from work.
This morning as I was getting ready, I thought to myself, "Hm, it seems a little chillier in here than usual." Of course, this was also starting out to be the coldest day of the year, so I didn't think much of it in the rush out the door.
When we get home tonight and start to take off our coats, we realize something's really wrong. It's 48 degrees in the house. And it's after six.
Quick call to the home warranty people. The very nice operator tells me she'll put it in as a priority request -- but can't promise anyone will get back to us this evening.
So what to do? Wait around for a bit and see if anyone calls? Or just go ahead and phone our own repairman, realizing the cost could easily get out of control quick.
Lucky for us, Dave Allen of Dave & Kelly's Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc. called within 30 minutes. He had a call at 7:00 south of town, but could work us in tonight. Great. Let me get started on some dinner and we'll just chill till he gets here.
I put a pan of cornbread in the oven and just get started heating the cast iron skillet to sear some pork chops when Jeff comes into the kitchen with a sheepish look.
"There's a leak in the sink in the bathroom. The mat in front of it is wet."
This can't be good. Stress. I take a quick look, and the news is nowhere near as bad as it could be. The water supply lines are leaking somewhere. The faucet is older than dirt, so I ask Jeff to get new lines and a new cheapo faucet while he's at Lowe's, which he was planning on visiting anyhow.
Finish and eat dinner. Dave shows up right on cue and climbs into the attic to investigate. Good furnace, he says (though maybe not right for the attic -- more on that another time). And the problem is the hot surface ignitor, a regular maintenance item that takes "about three to four weeks for me to get in special order."
Gasp.
"Just kidding. I have one on the truck."
Ha ha. Actually, Dave's such a nice guy that the joke goes down fine. He installs the new one and is out the door for just the $75 home warranty deductible.
"Out of curiosity, what would I have been in the hole for without the warranty?"
"With the after-hours, priority and overtime, probably $380."
Wow. OK, so it could have been much worse. On to the sink, as Jeff's back with the parts now. Dismantle, and yes -- the supply lines are definitely worn out.
Unfortunately, Jeff picked up the wrong supply lines. We didn't know there are multiple types. Still 40 minutes left before Lowe's closing at 10. Hop in the car and am back by 9:50.
Installing the new lines was VERY crabby. The combination of the deep sink and the vanity cabinet makes for precious little elbow room. I got my hair in the plastic bowl we'd been using to catch the detritus. Ick.
New lines in by about 10:30. No more details.
After my shower, I looked down at my right foot, upon which I dropped a 2x4 with nails sticking out of it last week while dealing with another last-minute crisis. I knew it hurt, but I hadn't actually looked at the damage yet.
I hardly ever bruise. Seriously -- this is rarest of the rare.
And on top of all of this, Jeff isn't feeling so hot. Very tired and getting drainage. Hope this isn't ominous of what I dealt with over the past week-plus.
Grr.
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