First World Decadence

We bought our last refrigerator when we moved into our last house, something like 15 years ago. It has generally held up well over that time, but it's begun to falter. Since we've been here, we've had the repair dude over twice, and replaced the gaskets on both fridge and freezer doors. We've nursed along the icemaker, jiggling the lever when it got balky. We've learned NOT to put items in the back on the bottom shelf that can't take being overchilled. In other words, we've become increasingly aware that The End Is Near.

With this in mind, we've been shopping-- hoping to find a replacement before some major component stopped working and left us wholly unrefrigerated. But appliances are pricey, and family-sized refrigerators are at the top of the "Ain't Cheap" list. So we've been biding our time.

However, we refinanced the mortgage last week at a significantly better rate, which means lower mortgage payments (and no payment at all next month!). And a local Appliance Mecca was having a serious sale. And the sales manager was willing to dicker a bit, even beyond that.

This happy combination of circumstances meant that this was delivered to our house this morning:


Ours looks just like this, except that a boatload of magnets and family pictures quickly went back up all over the front. The features that make me happiest are a) very low energy usage; b) the ice/water dispenser in the door (a feature we've never had before. It means we'll open the door less, so it's more energy efficient); and c) the bottom freezer opens like a drawer-- very easy access.

All this feels like the height of luxury to me-- and even though part of me feels a bit profligate, I am still unreasonably delighted with it.

This is way cool.

Random catchin' up

• School started last week. My "baby" is now in high school, a fact that continues to amaze me. More amazing still-- he actually seems to be enjoying his classes (something that was in rare supply last year). Don't know how long that will last, but I'll take it for the time being.

• I went to the parents' open house a couple days ago, and liked what I saw. I continue to be profoundly grateful that we moved out here, away from the GINORMOUS school district we left behind. That continues to be one of my parental regrets with our eldest. I would never put another child through such a system.

• The new sports complex at the high school is not complete, but it's close enough that the football team was able to play there last night. We walked over to the game, and I will admit to being impressed. The facility, when complete, will be first class: football field (complete with very fancy scoreboard), a gorgeous track, lots of bleacher space, good concession stand and bathroom facilities... and usable by community residents (for walking/jogging, etc.) in between events as well.

• Now if only the local voters would approve funding for the fire department (in truly desperate need of new facilities) with the same alacrity.
  

• Our eldest, after being laid off several months ago in the economic downturn, has a new job. This is not the career she hopes for, simply gainful employment; still, a step in the right direction.

• Churches continue to be churches, with joys and struggles, faults and virtues.

• I had a weeks' vacation-- "staycation," actually-- where we worked on the house, got some financials in order, and played a bit. The Art Museum in Billings is a nice place, and the new movie theatre's seats are very comfy.

• One week was not enough.

• Spending some time thinking through my life and ministry here. What works, what could improve... what's possible, what's probable... digging at logs, to better address the motes.
  

• None of this is bedazzling, I know; but life often is not.
  

• I've missed my blog. I've missed you.