(From Joel)

Well, no pictures this week, but things are about to change dramatically. Just as with the electrical system, the gas lines in our house were a rats nest of gas lines to nowhere. There are only two gas appliances (stove and boiler) in the whole house, but there is probably 75 feet of gas line. Some of those lines were in the way of the new framing, so they had to go.

Last night I replaced all the gas lines in the house. I was certainly a little apprehensive about working with gas, but the project went very well and it turned out that the process was a lot safer than even working with electricity. Once the gas was shut off and all the gas in the lines was burned off, it was just like working with water lines. Everything was carefully tightened and when the gas was turned back on all the joints were tested with soapy water. Only one joint showed a small leak, and that was quickly taken care of. Very, very easy.

So, now that the old lines are out of the way, I'll be framing tonight. Electrical and plumbing will be finished up this weekend. The project is going to stall a bit while I address the air conditioning and wait for the windows and lighting I'll order this week. Hopefully the weather cools off a bit so I can comfortably work outside.