Anyway--the PG&E man came by and lit the pilot light of the furnace in the living room (actually it's a wall heater, but furnace is easier to type). These guys check for gas leaks, and what all, I don't know. But anyway, I'd rather have a professional come out and do the job that I could do, but would rather not.
And it's a good thing, too, because when he lit the furnace by the bedrooms and bathroom, he discovered a big problem. And dismantled the thing. What he wrote on the "Hazard Notice" confirms the wisdom of letting the pros do their job. And I quote: "Left back wall htr disconn. Due recirculating flames & carbon monoxide being produced." See? What if I had gone ahead and lit the pilot light and used that heater?
I made a copy for myself and put the original in the manager's box. Phoned her ahead of time, and asked her to see to it that this problem is taken care of yesterday (just kidding), but as soon as possible. Well, we'll see how long it takes.
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Took the car to the auto shop to find out what was causing those ominous noises. Wouldn't you know, I didn't hear a rattle, a squeal, a groan, or a clunk the whole time I was driving to the shop.
The total bill came to more than I currently have in my bank account, so the manager knocked off everything that absolutely didn't have to be done right now. But I will have to go back sometime within 90 days to have the rest of the work done. No problem, as I will have sufficient funds within that time to have the whole job done properly.
Hmmm. Looks like I'll have to postpone the draperies for the living room.
But the calipers will have to be replaced. The shop manager already warned me about that. I had new brake pads installed and something done to the front disc brake rotor. Plus labor. But I'm good for the nonce. And to all intents and purpose, broke.
Ah well. Story of my life.
Shalom