Deb's Fireplace Dream

OK, I admit, it's hard to think "fireplace" when the temps are over 100 degrees. But what better time to take on a project? Since we moved in, Deb has envisioned a "mountain lodge" type of fireplace and mantel. After five years it was time to pursue it. The old fireplace was designed to burn wood, but had a gas log in it. There was a blower, ostensibly to provide heat to the room. Yeah, right...with noise like a loud bathroom fan (can't use it and watch TV) and so much heat you might think you had a hot flash while in the snow. See below for the original look)



We started by selecting a fireplace that could actually provide heat. It's a "furnace rated" unit that provides up to 45,000 BTU of heat output. That's enough for a small house, and should do an excellent job of keeping the great room/kitchen, office area warm. We like cool bedrooms at night, and this will generate heat in the center of the house, and cooler areas at the edges.

The old fireplace was removed, and the new insert roughed in.



We had an opportunity to get a great piece of wood to serve as the mantel. A large hewn log from the old Inn in Prescott. It probably saw decades of service as their mantel, and still had some cigarette burns and scars to prove it. After some sanding and an oil finish, the top is as smooth as glass. Some attractive stone was procured and the work was scheduled to be done.

First step, tear out the old hearth and mantel box...all sheetrock and plywood. Then start framing up the new hearth, column supports and backing for the stone.



Stone is being set...


And as always, a floor supervisor to assist...



And after 5 days...of labor, voila! Here's the finished project!


Products used:
Heatilator CNXT4842 (heatilator.com)
Tivoli Stone "Toscana Plateau" (tivolistone.com)

What is APS Thinking...Or What, Is APS Thinking?

OK, so here's the WTF item of the day. APS sent out a cheery email telling me to check out their website and the new account information available. Things like comparisons of our usage to others, how much it costs to run our household, how our bill compares this year to last year. You get the idea.

So I went to the site and logged in. As I reviewed the one page synopsis, something stood out. As you all know, we went solar this year, and have a grid-tied system. We generate more than we use, typically 2 to 3 times more each day than the daily consumption. Our bills hover around the $8.00 range now each month. So APS shows me a handy bar graph of my electric cost and how we stack up to "our neighbors". Sort of like the yellow sticker on a refrigerator showing how the annual cost of that model compares to others. The little chart is below. Look closely...


So according to them, my home using $8 in the last month uses more energy than similar homes in my area. More? Sure, like my average neighbors (none of whom generate electricity) have $7 bills? What kind of math do they use? I've sent them an inquiry, and we'll see how they respond. For your reading enjoyment, the entire page is below, just click on the image to see it full size and legible.



Standing by...so far no response from APS to my inquiry.

Ever Had A Dutch Baby?

OK, if you didn't know this already, a Dutch Baby is a breakfast dish. It's a batter-based delicacy that's cooked in a Dutch Oven or a cast iron skillet. Below you see two in the oven, one in a skillet and one in a Dutch Oven. It starts out as batter in the bottom and rises to heights above the container while cooking. When done, it is golden brown on the outside and soft and light on the inside, much like a popover. Typically you would squeeze some fresh lemon over it and dust it wish powdered sugar (...or bury it in powdered sugar!)


The next photo shows it on the counter being served.



The last photo was taken with the kitchen "sky cam" and shows our friends having the Dutch Baby for breakfast. Deb has mastered the creation of this breakfast treat, and we look forward to our special weekend breakfast.

Now if a certain friend in Utah could just come over and share breakfast and a few days with us...