Zen, if they are cutting off old copper pipes, you should make sure that you keep them, they're valuable.

Oh, yeah. I hadn't even known they were copper; they were wrapped up in black insulation, probably partly to disguise them! If it were obvious they were copper, they'd probably have been stolen by now.

That's miserable, Tom, I'm sorry.

The guy giving me the quote said they should run new refrigerant lines, up the side of the house (not attractive), because the dying compressor could have drained "contaminated" coolant into the existing pipes and they couldn't guarantee they could flush it all out, and it would be bad if the new coolant mixed with the old coolant.

The line replacement thing is highly debated. AFAIK, the coolant mixing explanation is nonsense, but it is possible that there's some crap in the line that could damage the new unit or the line has gotten bent or something over the years. A lot of people argue for just putting in new lines to be sure, but they're usually not talking about that kind of length. Other installers say flushing the line is fine. They use a pump, so the flushing can be pretty thorough.

Another quote sounds like an excellent idea.

Thank you, Ginger! I wasn't keen on running a line up three stories, nor on creating a hole in the side of my house, even if sealed. Even if I go with these guys, I think I'll skip that part.

Tom, When I have a bad chest cough that starts every time I lie down, I use every pillow in the house to keep me as propped up as possible. I find that gives me some relief.

You may decide it needs to be done, but I think it would take an installer with who gave you a better discussion of pros and cons. One question is whether these guys will do a good job of flushing if they're uncomfortable with it.

Tom, Delsym doesn't work for me but Theraflu often does. And an ambien to sleep through it.

Would a bit of old fashioned booze work, Tom?

I second the call for codeine cough syrup. It saved me when I had pneumonia. If you can't see a doctor right away, I also suggest trying rubbing Vicks vapor rub on your chest before bed. So sorry you're feeling so awful, Tom. It sounds like you need to see a doctor soon if possible.

I didn't make it all the way through art class today, but it was easier to leave because the regular teacher wasn't there (the one with whom I have an "I'm awesome" and "treat me like I'm special ed" understanding going with), and the sub kinda ignored me, and I'm needy. Also, I felt like crap.

But, I think I finished my drawing, so that's good. And the sub instructor did say "But you went to art school, right?" so that's kinda not sucky, for a comp sci grad to hear. I mean, unless it's from the IT manager. Then it would suck.

(Good god, if I *had* gone to art school, I wouldn't want to imagine the dimensions my current art anxiety block would be--either it wouldn't be anywhere near as bad, or it would be crippling. And, I have my suspicions...)