Home Improvement Project (HIP) #1

What do a dishwasher, a copper pipe and a blow torch have in common? Home Improvement Project (HIP) #1: Replacing the dishwasher. So, Ma and Pa H decided the appliances I came with were the wrong color and they would like to "upgrade." Well, I sensed this could mean something terrible for me, but I let them do it anyway. The beautiful new Kenmore refridgerator arrived and was easily able to slide into place. The plan for the new Whirlpool dishwasher was to let Pa H install it. Well, on Sunday, Pa decided to get the dishwasher job done. After about 8 hours, 5 tries to hook up the water line, 3 trips to the hardware store and lots of frustration later, the dishwasher was finally "installed." My hardwood trim did get a knick from the repeated in and out of the dishwasher, but I didn't complain much. So, Pa said the first thing to do was to push a button. Button pushed, check. Dishwasher: nothing. "What is going on here?" they thought. Electrical, check. Water line, check. Okay, try again. Push button. Dishwasher: nothing. "Hummm....." Pa H says, "I'm going to bed now." The next morning, another check of the electrical connection revealed a lose spot that got reconnected. (I disconnected it to play a little trick on them. Hehe. ) Okay, one more time. Push button. Dishwasher: light comes on. "Yeah, it's working!" they shout. Okay, now let's run a cycle. Push "rinse." Dishwasher: no water rushing sound. "Hummmm...." Pa H says, "I'm going to work." Later, it was discovered that the copper water line was kinked and so that's why the water wasn't coming out. Pa H had done some research at work and had a brilliant idea. "I'm going to the hardware store." Okay, now he's got it figured out! Pa H comes back with a blow torch, a new valve, new piping, plumbing sandpaper, and this really cool flame resistant material. I'm starting to think Pa H knows what he is doing. He looks like a man with a plan and a purpose. About an hour later, the dishwasher is really "installed" this time with a brand new water line and valve. Push button. Dishwasher: lights up. Push "rinse" cycle: Water begins to fill the basin. Oh yes, Pa H has learned how to master the dishwasher installation! Ma H is now very happy that her dishwasher works and that her husband has done such a good job. What will the next HIP be for the Hardy House? Stay tuned for more adventures in home ownership.

Moving Day!

On Saturday, a big orange truck pulled up on my driveway. It was filled with all kinds of wonders: furniture, books, boxes of rocks, and even a few big bouncy balls (for exercise.)

Then a bunch of sweaty people moved boxes into my rooms. Ma and Pa H sure do have a bunch of fantastic friends who helped them out.

The moving only took about 3 hours total because there were about a dozen people. The moving process was slightly interrupted when a wasp's nest was found above the front door. Our quick thinking hero, Mr. Sz, took care of those little pests in no time and saved the day!

After the stuff was all moved in, the rich aroma of pizza filled the air. Oh yes, the traditional moving lunch had arrived! It's amazing how a free lunch will bring on a crowd.

It was so great to have people and things inside my walls again. Ma H says, "It all fit." And Pa H says, "Cox is coming on Monday."

The First House of Hardy

Hi there! On Friday, August 10th, I got some new caretakers. When they entered my doors, it did not take long for Ma and Pa H to realize that I was a good fit for them. First of all, let me give you a little history. I was born in 1963 as a part of the Riverlawn edition in this northwest part of Wichita. We were on the outskirts of Wichita then, but it has grown so much over the years. My first family, the Custers, raised their kids here and always had wonderful meals made in my special GE range.

But times have changed, and my new caretakers are planning to give me a facelift in my little kitchen! I am so excited to see what colors they will choose. They said I could get new countertops and new floors too! Ma and Pa H have so many ideas on how they are planning to "fix me up." Of course, when the inspector checked me out they found out what a solid house I am. My roof was just redone last year after that nasty hailstorm. My foundation has no little cracks in it, but is solid as a rock. And, I have thus far avoided those pesky little termites. Ma and Pa H said I was a blessing to them.

On Sunday night, my new family set off this really stinky stuff in the house. They said they wanted to get rid of spiders or other creepy-crawlies. Last night, Ma H vaccuumed my floors all over. It felt good after being trampled on by so many would-be home buyers. But, my new caretakers have decided to be good stewards with me, to take care of me, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all other homes until moving do we part.

Stay tuned. I will keep you updated on the progress of my little family and of my "facelift."