By Nellie Curtiss …
As I clutched the steering wheel with my hands that weren’t clutching so much as they were pressing, I thought of the Cardiologist who helped me last year when I was air taxied into the Parkview Hospital. Now a year later, Dr. Derar Albashaireh (Pueblo Cardiology). who saved my life, had issued a good report.
I celebrated the welcomed summary with a stop at Subway in Walsenburg and so took the setting downer of streaky sharp lights in stride. Driving back into the setting sun over the Sangre De Cristo range, I was dodging the bright lights with my hand strategically blocking the sun. Normally, I love the sunshine but with a streaky, murky windshield on the last of a three-hour return drive, I had to see the road. I slowed over the pass when a 8-point buck lumbered across the highway. What a treat to see!
As my trusty Chevy steed rolled through Fort Garland, Blanca and across the extensive high valley toward home, I thought of my dog and missed having him along. He still carried that skunk scent, so I didn’t feel I’d be welcomed if I brought him along.
The next day, Energy Resource Center in Alamosa called to set up a visit later in the day. (Donna from At Home Health had assisted me in my application the week before.) I scheduled the home energy audit after the birthday virtual meeting with my son. Just a few minutes after singing the traditional Happy Birthday to him, I met Izzy and Stephen.
Izzy said they were scheduled to do an energy review. After hearing my concerns about the electricity at my house, the Christmas duo set to work. They ran the gas heater to measure any carbon dioxide. They fetched a ladder so the ceiling light could be inspected. They measured. They checked for LED lighting. They even saw the inoperative light switch and noted the electrical socket that had arced during a recent storm. Even the threshold gasket of the back door was secured so the outdoor cats couldn’t swat at it and especially so no more air would escape.
I had originally asked on the application for inspection of the window that weren’t closing all the way. After examining the double paned windows, they noted some had shifted and when they were aligned again, the windows shut and locked correctly.
Finally, the gear to measure the air tightness of the home was positioned and Stephen oversaw the task. With their help, the home made the grade!
Izzy and Stephen said they like to do this work because it helps others and they have needed help themselves in the past. For sure, this Holiday Duo has earned their giving stars for the season. Call the Energy Resource Center at (719) 587-9492 for your application for a home energy audit.
Columns by nellie 