Second Verse, Same As the First - Just Different Words

A few weeks ago a person from our City dropped by in the afternoon. His job was to switch out the battery on our gas meter. The battery set-up which was initiated more than a decade ago, allows the meters to be read remotely without a person having to take physical readings at each property (the bad old days - LOL). He said it wouldn't take long - about five minutes - and he was only warning me that he would be in the backyard for a short time. So ... great. Make it happen. 

We have an older gas meter similar to this one, 
 (which is sensible since the house dates from 1960). 
Xcel needs to replace it with a newer version, and 
I'm happy to let them do it. Hopefully it will go 
easily (nothing in this house EVER goes easily, 
so I'm not holding my breath). 

I thought it happened. It was fast, as he had said, and I assumed it had gone through. Then I heard from our local power company - Xcel Energy. Apparently our meter is old enough that it can't accept a new battery, but needs to be replaced. That's what Xcel will be doing this morning. 

On Monday, when DH and I got home from work, we noticed a large, fluorescent orange sign hanging from our front door. It told us that we needed to contact Xcel at a number supplied on the card to arrange for a new meter to be installed and it stated things in terms that we knew we didn't have any choices in this. So I called the number the next day, spoke to a very nice man, and set up an appointment for first thing in the morning (8:00 am) today. He said the meter will be changed over, but then they will need to get into the house to activate the gas flow and relight the furnace and water heater, etc. He said it will take approximately 30 minutes. 

I have NO idea whether the meter on the left is similar 
to what we'll be getting, but we're getting something 
newer than our old one. As far as I'm concerned, it 
was working fine, but they're doing it for their own 
reasons, and if it works, all is good. 

Given that it's my house, where nothing goes easily, I estimate it will be closer to 45-60 minutes, but I'll be here, and DH will be here, so it should go smoothly. DH actually cleaned up a bit, and vacuumed the short hallways where people will be walking. SHOCK! I removed the few handing clothes I had in the laundry room which is where we have the furnace and water heater, so I think we're as ready as we can be. Now to have them show up on time - LOL. Good news, of course, is that there is no charge to us for any of this. Huzzah. 

So, I'm off and running once again. Many things to do, and little time in which to do it.