Understanding the Struggle

New Thermostat Installed!

Today I decided to install my brand new digital programmable thermostat.  So far, so good!  More updates to come!

Digital Programmable Thermostat

I've been a homeowner for about eight years now and the things I've learned in that time surprise even me. I am in no way a "Mr. Fix It" like my Dad, but to other people who have no clue, I seem pretty far ahead of the game:-)

I've painted the inside and out of the house, replaced the floors, done landscaping numerous times, had a new roof put on, put up pictures, and the list goes on and on. What you learn as a homeowner is that there is ALWAYS something new to be done.

Cabinets, counters, new appliances...all contestants for the next round of my home's makeover. Being a home isn't all that bad when you think of it. Someone takes care of you and cleans you...OK, it's kinda like being a baby. To the point I go....

When is the last time you thought about replacing your home's thermostat? I honestly had never really thought about it until recently. With the economy being as tough as it is, more and more people are looking for ways to save money. It only makes sense that the device that controls your house's temperature could save you more than a few dollars a year if run correctly.

I personally have an older thermostat, but after quite a bit of research I'm thinking of upgrading to a new digital programmable thermostat. The benefits keep more green in the bank account and it's upgrading is a "green" thing to do. You can read more about all the benefits via the link below. You will also get instructions on how to replace your current thermostat if you are a "Mr. Fix It" type of guy or gal.

What kid of thermostat do you have? By the first of the year, I will be a proud Digital Programmable Thermostat owner. Who's coming with me? Who in this cold forsaken winter weather is coming with me? OK, enough with the bad Jerry Maguire dialogue.

More digital thermostat updates to come in the future. Peace!

PS: Anyone out there have a digital thermostat already that can shed some light on what I'm missing?

Link: Digital Programmable Thermostat.

More Landscaping

I planted two of these Dwarf Allamanda plants in pots. Great color and they'll stay through the cold weather. I'm starting to sound like I know what I'm talking about...haha!

PS: That's a great pic right? Maybe I should be a professional photographer:-)

Posted by email from Ken's posterous

Some new landscaping at the house!

So yesterday, my Dad (thanks Dad!) and I, changed things around a bit at my house with some new landscaping. As you will see it was more than needed:-)

Before:

After:

The plants are Fashion Azaleas (Dwarfs) with Pine Bark mulch. Much better look for sure:-)

Posted by email from Ken's posterous

New Cabinets, Countertops, and Appliances?

So someone came out today to give an estimate on replacing the cabinets and it seems like it will cost about what I thought. The whole process began with the want to get some new appliances (fridge, dishwasher, stove). The next thought was countertops and well if you're going to do the countertops you might as well do the cabinets too.

Right now the plan is to get an idea of costs and then take a step back and look at this wacky economy. Want vs. Need...the ever competitive battle:-)

The want also had me show them the bathroom and redesign that too.

More updates to come....

Trash Cans Rock!

So if you've been in my house lately, you've probably noticed that I needed a new trash can. Mine was the dump...bad pun, I know. Anyway, Bob and Angela took care of that and got us one I've actually wanted for a long time. Sounds crazy I know, but I've thought about throwing down for a decent trash can for years. I just could never bring myself to it. Luckly they did:-)

Best Toilet Ever??

Once you get past the obvious, the Air Poo is pretty amazing! Check it out!

See Mom and Dad...other people hate mowing their lawns too:-)

Hahahaha! I love this!! The LawnBott 3500 rocks!

Through Bluetooth, you can program which days of the week and what hours of the day the LawnBott needs to come out of its charging base and cut the grass. At the end of its work cycle, the LawnBott will go back to its charging station and take a nap while it recharges, ready to come out again for the next cycle.

Safety and Security are further enhanced with the LB3500 through a higher sensitivity, free-floating, 360° bumper shell, blade stop proximity sensor, and an on-board alarm system should an unauthorized user pick up the Lawnbott.

The one downside...the $3,249 price tag:-( Ugh!!!

My new edger:-)

Yesterday, after years of debate, I finally broke down and bought a new Echo Edger for the yard. I acted as though it was a present to myself (my birthday is next week), which is funny for two reasons. One being that I would choose an edger as a gift to myself. The other being that "a gift to myself" is my rational for buying it:-) I'm getting older for sure. A few years ago the buy would have been something totally different...hahaha.

Anyway, after an initial run the yard looks great and the ease of use is even better. No more wandering grass on my sidewalks and curbs!

Link: Echo outdoor power equipment – Chain Saws, lawn care tools and more.

Closets

Yesterday Charissa and I spent all day reorganizing the closets! The exclamation point is a sarcastic viewpoint that I kinda have going in to any project that is home improvement. The kinda have is in the last sentence because when I'm done and the sarcasm has faded, I'm happy with what has been done and accomplished:-)

Having said all of that...the new shelving in the main closet looks awesome! The overall organization really is amazing (thanks to Charissa) and it really makes me feel a lot better.

There have been some major improvements in the household in the last few weeks:-) I'm liking the results:-)