Holes and black worms in the yard!

I have received a few questions (and a lot of bewildered looks from neighbors) about the recent activity at our house. I'm sure there will be more, as the project is to be documented and published in a national co-op publication (no economic advantage to us).

We have decided to "bite the bullet" and install a verticle closed loop geothermo system to provide our HVAC needs. The holes(3) are 200 feet deep and about 12 inches in diameter. The black worms are the piping that will circulate a glycol solution in and out of the holes and through the heat pumps (2).

Our oil furnace (and its associated costs) will be removed.

The project includes removing most of the existing ac duct work and replacing with new. Because of limited space and access, this will require removing part of the second story outside wall.

We are also adding load control to the electric service.

Entire project is to be completed by first of the year.

It will be hectic until then!

Seagull Century

Well the first time I am typing on this - not sure since I am technologically challenged if I will have any success!
Oct. 6 my friend Linda and I completed the seagull century bike ride - we had 43 miles of fog and when fog lifted it got quite warm!! But we did not have rain, cold, or wind! Last year it poured the entire day!! We completed the ride in 7 1/2 hours - one hour faster than when I did it 5 years ago (pre West Nile). So, older is better!?!?!? I am going to try to put a picture on here, but if I don't have any success and you really care, you can go to www.marathonfoto.com and check me out under Seagull Century 2007, racer #3435. I would offer pictures of Linda too, but out of 15 cameras, 13 found me and 0 found her!!!! I told her that just means she has to do it again!!!

The Smith's go to Blacksburg

This weekend Nick, Brock, and Britni drove the 4 1/2 hours to Blacksburg, VA to watch some Hokie football. They didn't know what they were in for. It rained ALL DAY and ALL NIGHT. We went to set up the tailgate and had to do some improvising. Without a tent to set up, Kyle had to think quickly . . . he pulled two large tarps out of the back of his Jeep as well as some rope and bungee cords; he's a regular MacGyver (is that too old of a reference?). With this make shift tent and some borrowed materials from the nearby construction site, we were able to stay dry during our tailgate. Nick, Brock, and Britini turned out to be quite loyal Hokie fans and showed their loyalties by sticking it out all day in the rain and mud.

We didn’t stay dry but we did have a great time. Everyone left with complimentary ponchos and wet sneakers. Tech played a great game for the first 58 minutes but lost it terribly in the final 2. So far we’ve been having a fabulous time, minus the muddy attire, we shall see what the rest of the weekend holds.

Fires and Turkey Bowls

Hello, Some of you were aware that we recently visited Katie and Dave in San Diego. We had a real good time and are already thinking about a return trip maybe next spring. Some of the some who were aware have asked about the fires. (Most just didn't care!) Happy to report they were not near Katie's place and did not affect our trip at all. Well, it did cause their softball game to be cancelled because of smoke and ash in the area of the playing field, so that was disappointing, but otherwise no problem. We did see the fires once we were in the air on our flight home.

Seeing the Turkey Bowl highlight reel did make me start wondering about this year's event. As you know, we have not sold our house (mixed emotions about that) and therefore could continue the breakfast tradition if desired. Not sure how many are interested in Turkey Bowl 31? Your thoughts on this?

The Cheeseman Kiddos

This blog needs some pics. Here a few recent shots from the Cheeseman family album. Soccer, a Christmas Eve Re-enactment (note the antlers), and a proud big sister manages the 'little' boy. Enjoy!

News about the job I don't have yet...and the plan I sort of have to get one...

Hey everyone!

I'm just posting first to get this thing rolling...I don't have much new to say so I'll just make the same old things I've been saying sound new and exciting. After continuing to nanny all summer (see how much that college degree changed my career path?) I have recently purchased my very first 'all mine' car, effectively depleting my savings just in time for my student loans to begin repayment. Since my goal is still a job in the film industry I'm holding out on getting a 'real' job in Los Angeles or New York...but I just depleted my savings remember? So in the meantime I've returned to Pittsburgh to live with/babysit for the Morehouse family for a few months.

I've been in touch with the woman I lived with and worked with in L.A. last summer and she has offered me a place to stay until I get a job, which she will also help me accomplish. So the current plan is to drive (yes DRIVE!) out to California in January and give it a go! Anyone want to join me? Brock and Brie...didn't you sign up for this already? : ) At the very least I will have a very nonglamourous job as someone's assistant, but if all goes well Kristin (the woman in L.A.) will have her official company set up and will be able to hire me herself. Since it will be her company and Jennifer Aniston's...well that'd obviously be amazing...but nothing is finalized yet so I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed! That's all the 'news' I have right now...I bet you all can come up with some more exciting (and concrete) news than that! We're waiting...