So... not too long ago, we totally overhauled the HVAC system in the house... must admit that our first two power bills have absolutely stunned me. over 200% lower have the power bills been... now I am pondering just where I want to set the temp for the house for winter. It seems to want to stay @ around 68 downstairs naturally but I think 70 is more where I want to sit and perhaps leave the heat off upstairs during the day and maybe heat it to 75 in the morning and bedtime hours. this dual zone stuff might be the best thing invented since the TDI engine... speaking of which, i have decided to get the fuel injection pump replaced totally. that should bring the jetta totally back up to speed.

by the way, they are completely replacing the bridge below our house and the road is closed. They actually redirected the creek while they are working down in the ground rebuilding the bridge. Looking at the wood poles that were basically holding up the old bridge, I can see why they suddenly said that heavy trucks and vehicles could not cross over it (the garbage/recycling trucks have to back down the street a 1/4 mile to our house right now). they were rotting and it was a matter of time before it would have collapsed.... but it looks like they are opening up the area below the bridge, which will alleviate the concern over a backup during heavy rains from a dead deer or cow blocking the water flow and flooding our downstairs...