Well, we ran into our first big glitch...the mechanicals. We had planned on using a small diameter air flow system (Unico) that took the heat from our solar hot water, but we were getting conflicting information and were becoming increasingly concerned that the price tag was growing bigger and bigger. Our contractor, Kaye Marshall, brought in an HVAC guy she really trusts and he spec-ed out four different systems for us in just a couple of days. We all met with him today and ended up selecting a forced air system called "Lifebreath" (yes, the name is a bit on the dramatic side). We were opposed to forced air in general because our experience has been they are noisy and uncomfortable to have that hot air blowing on you. But it turns out forced air systems have changed a lot in 20 years. This one actually uses the heat generated from our solar hot water with a back up boiler, is quiet (has a variable fan that is smart), has a HRV built-in (this exchanges the air in houses that are built really tight like ours will be) and won't require ductwork to go into the attic or other changes in the framing, and we can get a humidifier on it which will be very nice in the winter. And...you won't believe this...but it costs $11,000 LESS than we expected to pay for the Unico (in fact, the Unico would have cost us an additional $14,000 more than we were expecting to pay, it turns out!!) So, it's been a very good day!! And shouldn't result in any huge delays. We are greatly relieved!
Also, we bought our annual family pass to the Albuquerque Botanic Garden, Aquarium and Zoo (they call it the Bio Park) today. This is very close to our house...only a short bike ride away so we expect to visit the Botanic Garden a lot.
Finally, we did some excellent shopping today at the Mariposa Gallery on Central Avenue in Nob Hill. This wonderful piece of folk art made from old farm machine metal will be our key holder. What do you think? :) We love it!!
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