How about a little heat?

We've been contemplating an EPA efficient wood stove for awhile now. Our research pointed us the direction of the Jotul Nordic, small enough that we won't be heated out of our home, pretty enough that we want to look at it everyday. The stars aligned with tax credits, a stove sale, and a cold, wet August so we took the plunge.

Now we just need to get some wood...

Who says you can't always get what you want?

The dual flush toilet of my dreams now resides comfortably in my bathroom. Its amazing how much money can be scrounged together when one really wants something. Today we took that extra cash and bought a dual flush toilet at Costco. Who knew Costco would have such a device? Well we discovered it in a dark corner a few weeks ago and have been plotting the adoption ever since. Even the employees were surprised that the store carries toilets.

Jesse was a bit reluctant to get the project started this evening. I think this is because we don't have the best track record of having EVERYTHING we need for a project. Delaying a project until Home Depot opens isn't that big of a deal, unless its the sole toilet. But with a little persuasion we began. Sure enough, no plumbing tape, but luckily that's something that can be bought 24-hours a day, probably due to the number of people just like us (that's a scary thought).

Really though the process was quite simple, turn off water (we had to turn off water to the entire house since the toilet shut-off doesn't work), remove old toilet (we had to break the bolts due to rust), place new bolts, add wax ring and sealant to toilet, place (this took two people), seal using body weight, hook up water connections, turn on water, add toilet seat! Ta-da!

Its beautiful!

Would you like some water?

We are now the proud owners of a Harvest Maid food dehydrator! Tucked in the back corner of Good Sam's for the last two months, this treasure is exactly what Jesse has been dreaming about. Yesterday Jesse harvested apples from our neighbors tree and was contemplating using the oven for days to make yummy apple chips. Today we were rummaging through the thrift store looking for a clock, and then poof, the dehydrator drew me in. We brought it home and cleaned it up with good ole vinegar and water - she shines now. Tomorrow we'll conduct the maiden experiment! Don't worry we'll use the kill-o-watt to see how much energy goes into our food production.