HVAC

Doesn't this tomato hornworm look so at-home on this plant? They can defoliate a plant in a few days. Since it's almost the end of October, this one can eat away. It was huge, btw. Almost as big around as my thumb.

Today I signed a contract to have a new furnace and air conditioner installed. It's my second big ticket purchase since buying my house. The first was new floors, in 2006. I've replaced my dishwasher, disposal, washing machine and garage doors. That's not much. I had three people out to give me estimates. I learned more than I ever wanted to know about the world of HVAC. I wanted to go with the first guy because my neighbor used him and was very pleased. I wasn't sure if I trusted the information I got from the second guy after talking to my neighbor. I really wanted to go with the third guy because he backed up what my neighbor said about the second and because he gave me such an education. The first two used Carrier products. The third used Trane. The Trane contractor talked to me twice on the phone after his initial visit. He spent a lot of time with me. I asked a million questions. I asked if anyone had ever asked as many questions as me. He said only once, and it was an engineer. I was a little proud of myself :) He told me his feelings wouldn't be hurt if I didn't choose him. I fretted over my decision. I compared Carrier and Trane. I read a ton of customer reviews. I called the county about permits. The second guy was the only one who was correct. I did need a permit. The HVAC system he proposed was the better one. The warranty was good. I called him back to ask a few more questions. I chose #2. He jokingly asked if I'd like a job. No thanks!! I'll be sending #3 a thank-you note for all his help. BTW, with the available tax credit and the rebates it's a great time to buy a new HVAC system. I'm going to get a new hot water heater too. I've been told it's just a matter of time till it will go. I don't plan to research this one. I have a price from guy #2 and will get one more price. End of that story. Next year I'll get a new roof. That's gonna hurt!

Tomorrow will start with the funeral of my good friend Patty's son. Another young life lost to suicide. Another devastated family. I'm so, so sad for them. Their lives are forever changed and I don't know how you live with this kind of loss.