So after incentives, the solar hot water is about $3k on the new house. Last house there was an additional utility incentive and price was less so it was about $1500. At that price, even with NG availability, payback is 5 year range. New house is all electric so payback is still less than 10 years. My payback goals are 15-20 years. Solar PV is right about there - I just don't have a great roof for it. We may get a group buy where the goal is 10 year payback and even with my east roof, it maybe worth it. ES certification with blower door test does not have a requirement for smoke test I guess. Maybe if it fails, then it does. For me - I just got the pat on the back. The only problem with that $2k incentive is proof. My current house uses less than 1/2 the energy of code houses but I bet I couldn't prove that before it was done. I will have to check into it but I'm not sure the new house could ever make the cut because of the huge east windows with minimal overhang in a cooling climate. If they don't take those things into consideration, then 50% should be possible and solar hot water would put me over that. The overhangs are limited by things outside of my control - but there are wind issues that also limit overhangs. The governing body counts the overhang as footprint and has significant restrictions. Now an awning can come later....

No, I don't know Nicole and I didn't say she was unkind or mean or even that her remark was. I merely said her statement didn't "sound" kind to me. You are trying to convince me that I should feel otherwise. I've reread it 4 times and feel the same, and I am not scolding, but making an observation and giving an opinion. Being an open conversation, I am unaware of which comments are necessary. I will kindly bow out now.

Hi ostrich! My 2 Korean maples are doing well. Here's pictures of them middle of June. They will get leaf windburn on the leaves later in the summer season and I had one branch die back on the second tree pictured below, but it sent a new branch out in same spot as the dead one and you can hardly tell anymore where I clipped the dead branch off. I have not had any good color to date, so I look forward to that. eta: I bought these as seedlings from Reeseville ridge plant nursery in Wisconsin and from what I gathered while talking to him, he ships overseas so call him, he might be able to send you some. https://www.reesevilleridgenursery.com/

This thread is another reminder of what a time in history this is. Everything is impacted by covid. Travel plans include a couple of road trips to see college kids and their sports this winter/spring. One is planning to study abroad in the fall, so I will visit wherever he ends up. I'm also planning a trip to New Orleans to visit a cousin. If Mtn likes snorkeling in Bonaire, I'm heading there, too! No major house renos planned. But I've got 2 furniture projects I need to complete, or else get rid of them. I had a lot of decision fatigue in 2021 regarding my house, and I'm feeling more prepared to just get things done and move on. I'm also considering some changes in my career this year, so that's going to be a primary focus. To all of those expecting new family members and planning weddings, etc., congratulations! And to those with health issues, my best wishes.