More good things
I had to pay cash up front (a sizeable amount) for the allergy testing since I have a pre-existing condition clause on my insurance (never mind that what we're testing for has never been tested for or diagnosed). The plan was for me to submit the bill to the insurance company after the diagnosis.
Then I discovered the lab had billed the insurance company! This is the 3rd time something like this has happened. Two other doctors offices billed my insurance after I paid cash (for pre-existing conditions). This is why NO office gets my insurance card if I'm paying cash. Never, ever again. (Eyedoc staff was told "no".)
But the billing office was very cool about it and sent a check out. Arrived in 3 days and I deposited it yesterday thanks to USAA's deposit@home system (get a scanner and a web browser...bam!...instant deposit...awesome use of technology).
We have a new potty, shower head, faucet, and pipes in the guest bath. So yay, that's *much* better now. Jonathan and I have still been having problems with having hot water last very long in the master bath. So it occurred to me for us to shower in the guest bath and if we had hot water there, we'd be able to narrow down the problem and know if it was the hot water heater or not.
Even before everything getting replaced in the guest bath, hot water was lasting longer. Afterward: no cold water problems. So we'll start by replacing the shower head and work our way along from there. I have a feeling it's the pipes though. They are galvanized and 4 different people have suggested problems in that area. We got a quote for replacing them all...which is actually *far* less than I expected, so that may happen in a few months down the line.
I did notice a leak in the basement after the work the plumber did. They're sending someone out to arrive between 11 and 1 today, so that's a yay thing. He did mention something else leaking in a hard-to-get-to place and if they have time and resources to fix it today, I'll have them do it. He pointed out a joint and another section of pipe that are corroded/rusted and nearing the "gonna burst soon" point. That gets done soon too.
Last night we met the neighbors and the city council candidates. I met one of my neighbors a couple of weeks ago who accidentally got my mail. We talked a bit and I discovered we have a neighborhood association. Gee, nice of someone to mention that *months* ago when we moved in. Sheesh. What, no welcoming committee? Not a homeowners association...just a neighborhood thing. Dues are like $20 and they work to make the neighborhood nice, do a neighborhood watch, hold picnics, etc.
Last night, the activity was having candidates come talk at a (very well organized) forum at the church that is a few houses down from us. Yes, we live near a church! And it surprises us out that we don't have scores of people blocking our driveway, parking on our lawn, kids running around like hellions in the yards, etc. on Sundays. Seeing as how Southern churches are rather notorious for that, it's a nice surprise.
So anyway, it was an interesting forum and we'll be voting as the actions of the council certainly effect us. I'm fascinated by the problems they need to solve and Jonathan and I each offered different ideas to one of the candidates we spoke to (well, we are both idea factories). As I expected, we were the youngest folks there. I told Jonathan we would be and he didn't believe me until we saw it. But I've been to a post-election precinct party meeting and was the youngest and the local computer club in Kerrville and was the youngest. Seems that retirees are still the most active in these types of activities. Sad. Granted, they have more time, but you'd think the other generations would manage to make a little time or have some interest. But maybe we can help with that...
So we'll join, we'll buy a brick for the new neighborhood sign, and if there isn't a neighborhood web site and discussion list, then of course I will offer to do that. I wouldn't mind getting active in this type of thing. I'll be more excited to do that when we are back in Texas though.
Now, it's time to go do some cleaning. We've got company coming tonight. Jonathan's coworkers are having Friday night game night in the man cave tonight. One of them is the S.O. of the woman I've been hanging with, so she's gonna come hang and we'll probably have a margarita or two and run our mouths for a few hours while the fuzzies play. It should be very nice.
EDIT: And I just finished putting my chair together (needed Jonathan's help for part of it). Yay! My first rolley comfy chair! HOLY CRAP that's more comfortable than the folding chair!!