Forgive me a very loud and relieved SQUEEE! After what has seemed an interminable time, all my reno plans are coming together and it's all worked out very very well. I will put the whole saga under a cut, so don't read if you are bored by such details
First,
( the fencing )Second,
( the furnace )The outcome is that as of today I have a new water-heater that I only had to pay the installation for. I have put a deposit on a natural gas furnace and fireplace, to be installed on October 13. I have arranged for the gas company to come the week before. I have accepted the estimate for new fencing, at a price well within my budget. All I have to do now is cancel my oil contract. Nyahahahaha. With the current outrageous price of oil my calculation is that the new furnace will more or less pay for itself in a few years (unless the price of natural gas goes up, sssshhh, fingers crossed!)
*PHEW* I feel so grown up!! Now I'm going to have a glass of wine to celebrate.
(and tomorrow maybe I'll be able to get some Real Work done...)