Cooling News

 So ever since Danny's man Jorge came by nearly 3 weeks ago, and recharged our bedroom AC with coolant, all has been fine. But yesterday Danny called to remind me we were living in an AC Fool's Paradise -- likely the stuff was still leaking.

Jorge was finishing up a job at Julie's -- Norman's ex's house. I joked with Danny that I guess Julie kept access to him after the divorce. I was only kidding -- Danny is amazing -- I once texted him Sunday at 11 pm and he called me back -- arranged to have a tech out first thing Monday am.

Anyway -- Jorge came by to check, and sure enough, found the small coolant leak in the air handler -- slow seeping out -- probably had another few weeks before we faced tropical nights -- untenable.

Danny told me a new coil for the handler would be about $3500 -- but I reminded him we had already discussed it -- it was time for a replacement. The existing Rheem was 11 years old -- and these days -- 10-12 years is what you can expect out of a South Florida central unit.

Later that evening -- Danny sent me a proposal. In 2015 the 5 ton unit cost $4500 -- now just under $8K. I trust Danny, but was curious -- did an AI search, and indeed the replacement cost ranges from $7500-$10K. I emailed Danny to go ahead -- he'll install the new unit probably next week.

And if it gets me to 75? That'll be just fine. FPL used to give rebates -- that ended. But the IRS still does -- I think I can get about a $1500 tax credit -- somehow some of the green tax breaks survive the GOP Congress and president. So that'll be a nice kicker next tax year.

Meanwhile, life continues to be daunting. I got my vehicle registration renewal emails, and paid online. Only the one for my old Caddy/New Buick came. I emailed the tag agency, and sure enough -- no record for the Lexus tag. The state shows the VIN with a NEW license plate -- were they gonna tell me? So I'm waiting to see if that comes in the mail, or I have to go to the local tag agency in Sunniland. It's ALWAYS something...

So that means I'll have to change stuff on our Pay to Park app, as well as change the SunPass info. Caramba! Why can't we just be left alone????

On a happier note, we FaceTimed with Little Man, and I asked what he wanted as a kindergarten graduation gift. He responded, happily: "$200!" I'm not sure where that number came from, but after my workout this am I dutifully traveled to the bank and withdrew 20 $10 bills. When that boy asks (his brother, too); I act.

The plan is to go to the graduation -- held at the Scott Galvin Center in North Miami -- named for the longtime mayor who was openly gay. I always thought that pretty cool. From there, Wifey and I will fetch Baby Man and take him to D2's, or maybe to his own home -- and then we'll all meet for shabbat candles.

Wifey and I will take the new grad home, and Saturday take him to see "The /Sheep Detective," a new kids' movie D1 is sure he will like. I have to re-home him early Sunday as D1 has several other weekend events planned. I'm sure Wifey and I will spend Sunday evening re-charging after playing parent for the 2 nights...

And actual Summer draws near. Growing up on LI, Memorial Day was when the lifeguards returned to the beaches -- so that was sort of the start of Summer. Summer effectively ended Labor Day.

In Miami, Summer is really  May- at least October. It's hot and humid.

Hopefully that new 5 ton keeps humming along each night...