Today we went on our contractor's inspection for the new place - it was fascinating. (Beca warned me i'd love it, and she was absolutely right.) No huge suprises, but Dave did uncover a few things that the pest inspector missed, which was great. He was funny, knowledgable, patient with my incessant queries, had way-cool gadgetry and it turns out, is a secret cook. So i got a lot of great advice on how to put in a pro stove/venting system, the order to do it in, and where to shop for things in SF for the best buys. Double bonus! At any rate, it doesn't look like there's going to be any problem removing contingency, and we may be able to close early, on the 18th - which means we could move in over Labor Day weekend! The excitement! 8) (The photo is of one side of the backyard, featuring one of 3 grown-up birch trees. I love birch trees. I love mature trees. I'm so happy this house has some. Photo courtesy of Todd!)

Tomorrow: Homeowner's insurance.