We Have Heat!

 

Another Completed Gift

A peek at the lap blanket I crocheted as a Christmas gift for a friend of mine.  I washed and dried it, on Monday, and wrapped it up.  She is getting a "Winter Warmth" themed gift of a blanket, a new kettle (that she had requested) and a box of her favorite tea.

I was up early (6:30 a.m., after going to sleep at 2:30 a.m.) on Monday morning, to be ready for the gas company technician who could arrive at any time between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., which was the best they could do when I called on Friday to schedule an appointment.  As things turned out, I could have slept in a bit longer because the technician wasn't able to arrive until after 6:00 p.m.  I rather suspected that he wouldn't arrive first thing in the morning, but, I didn't want to be sleeping if he did get here early.  They do call first, to let you know that they are on their way and will say something like, "Be there in 15 minutes".

Backyard in the Early Morning Light

There's a picture that's rarely seen on my blog!  The backyard (which faces east) in the early morning.  You can see the shadows of the bags of mulch on the patio roof, holding down the roof panels!  That's another project I've spoken about with new neighbor E.

While I waited for the gas company technician, I mended another pair of my knitted socks, washed and dried the crocheted blanket, wrote out a few Christmas/New Year cards, checked on the garden, and put away a load of laundry.  Somehow, by late afternoon, I had developed a pain in my left hip, which felt like the beginnings of a sciatica flare-up.  I was limping as I warmed up some leftovers for our brunch and did a few other things.  I wondered if I was dehydrated or if it was due to the lack of sleep or, perhaps, stress/anxiety over the gas heater.  Or, could it be because I had simply slipped on my sneakers to go out into the garden, instead of wearing the shoes, properly?  I decided to put on my sneakers properly, tying the laces, etc., when I went out to take the trash cans to the curb.  And I kept my shoes on, even when I came inside (I usually don't wear shoes inside the house).

By then, it was around 5:30 p.m. and I started to make us a cup of tea.  That's when the gas company technician called to let me know that he was on his way and should be at my house in about 20 minutes or so.  About 10 minutes later, he called again to say he had been redirected to attend to an emergency (which takes priority over any appointments), but, he was still planning to come over afterwards.  Then, he called around 6:15 p.m. to say he was on his way and should be here shortly.  I told him that he could park in my driveway because there's very little street parking available on Monday nights when people put out their trash bins.  

Jacob, the gas company technician, was here a little after 6:30 p.m.  He was a very nice young man, who offered to put on a mask as soon as he saw that both my daughter and I were wearing ours.  He listened to me while I explained about the heater and the delayed ignition problems I've been having almost from the start, and took a look at the heater.  He confirmed that the safety mechanism had turned the gas off and caused the pilot light to go off during that last very delayed ignition.  At least we know that the safety mechanism works!  He was able to turn the gas back on and relight the pilot light.  He tested the heater by turning it on and off a few times, trying to replicate the delayed ignition, but, the heater worked without any problem, each time.

He did say that the gas control valve should open more, but, it wouldn't do so when he tried.  He recommended that I got a heating maintenance company to come out and take a look at it.  In the meantime, he said to call the gas company any time if there are any further issues, they have 24-hour emergency service and work during holidays (non-emergency service calls are scheduled during regular hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.)  As he left, he thanked me for letting him park in my driveway (there really wasn't any street parking available).

And the cost of today's service? There was no charge! It is a free service provided by the gas company to its customers!  

The heater has been working well the rest of the evening.  I have set the thermostat at 70F and it has turned itself off when the temperature reached the setting and come back on without any delayed ignition. I think I will turn off the heater when I go to sleep, but, it is a blessing to have a working heater and a warm house.  I hope it continues to work for a long time to come!

After Jacob left, I realized that the hip pain had stopped. Whether it was due to wearing the shoes all evening or not being stressed about the heater, I don't know!  I haven't removed my shoes, yet!  

I cooked fresh rice and stir-fried vegetables to have with some of the leftover General Tso's chicken for our dinner.  

On Monday, I was grateful for:

- The gas company sent out a technician who was able to get the furnace to work again
- There was no charge for the service

- The service tech was considerate and offered to wear a mask during his visit
- I have a working heater, again!
- My hip pain seems to have gone away!

Monday's joyful activity was singing with my daughter.

Plans for Tuesday include more gift wrapping and a little bit of tidying up.

How was your Monday?  What are your plans for Tuesday?