Remember my prediction about the next big thing falling apart around here? Well, nothing has fallen apart, per se, but something is dreadfully wrong in this house. We have no heat. An almost 90-year-old house, while quaint (if not a bit hot since there is also no a/c) in July, becomes a veritable icebox in October. OCTOBER. What happened to fall? Seems we’ve skipped straight from summer to winter. Sad.
We have radiators we do not know how to start. Craig tried this weekend, but when your options are 1) blow up yourself and your family, or 2) wait until the radiator man can come get them going for you, you tend toward the latter.
Honestly, we were thankful the phone number on the company sticker on the boiler downstairs was still current (it looks like it’s been on there longer than St. Louis has been around). Craig dialed, expecting to hear the three tone sound of the foiled, but they did answer. They said in a house as old as ours with a boiler as old as ours, we really need the boiler man to come get it going. And, oh, he can come just after your noses fall off, but not before your fingers do. Sound okay?
O-k-k-k-k-kay.
Really, it could be worse. It could be 52 degrees in our house instead of the current 54. And at least we have a working dishwasher right now. Glory.
So here’s to Mr. Radiator coming over tomorrow. And hot chocolate for dinner. And triple-layered clothing for the next 24-48 hours. Here, here!
Half-Pint House 
Oh my, that sounds cold. Come by here. The leaves are beautiful and the weather is great! Thanks for the treats they came Saturday.
I will say this, our last house had a boiler system. We were nervous, like you, but it ended up being a great source of heat. We grew to love it. It’s very efficient. Ours was old too. But like they say, they don’t make them like they used to….so look at the bright side. It’ll be great! Remember in Beaches when they had to bang on the thing to get the lanlord to turn on the heat? Don’t know why that came to mind. Random. I’m on heavy medication.
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Your dad suggested that you give the former owners a call, and just ask “How do we turn the boiler and the radiators on?” You know they used heat last winter when it was so cold. You could also leave the oven on and open and warm up most of the first floor. Have a slumber party/movie night, with sleeping bags, electric blankets, thermals and sweat pants and shirts, popcorn, nachoes and other “HOT” goodies. Orrrrr, since gas is down to $1.96 here right now, you could come home. We haven’t needed to turn the heat on yet, but we could do this in your honor. Older houses have great bones but their insides get worn out. I’m so thankful that your Papa Lankford advised us from buying that great old house right when you were 3. If we had you and Michelle probably wouldn’t have gotten cars, college or weddings paid for by us, because all of our money would have gone into that “great old House”.Our hearts are always full of love for you.
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We’ve actually heard from several people who have radiators that these old ones need to be turned on professionally and from there on out they’re good to go. Here’s hoping!
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Yowsa.
BTW- I started wearing long underwear on a daily basis the first winter we were here in northern Missouri. (It really helps.) I pretty much wear long underwear from Oct or Nov to March. 🙂
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Oh yes, we’re all about the extra layers right now. Current reading: 50 degrees and the radiator man has not called yet. B-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r!!
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Don’t freeze!
~Luke
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