Downer day

Ah - the problems seem to just pile up.

Our house is still not selling. We had a contract - but they were practically trying to have the house given to them.  They could only get a loan that was $40.000 below asking price and the loan required us to pay $5000 of THEIR closing costs. We turned the first offer down because it was a real insult - being $50,000 under asking.  They countered and asked we look again.  So we lowered the price 25K with them paying all taxes for the year (to recoup some of the closing costs) and we do not pay for the (useless) home warranty ($600).  They again low-balled us.  So we are still on the market.

We have a rental house that we are now putting another $7000+ into.  For nine years we have skirted replacing the AC.  I knew it was on its last legs then, but it has held together.  Well - the time has struck now.  Joy.

Today my SIL was informed he was laid off.  He went to work for a new company toward the end of last year. They were bought by a new company.  His field is refrigeration units to the food industry - restaurants, etc.  You can see where this is going.  A new company, failing sales because restaurants are failing right and left.  So ...

I just had my very first teleconference physician call.  That was amazing.  But at least I didn't have to go out.  I still make some appointments - like the retinal one for the eye injections for macular degeneration.  But I just don't go out much.  I will say this - the efforts of the professional buildings where I go are really good.  I feel somewhat confident.

The next retinal appointment is next Friday. I know G cannot go into the office with me - they don't allow it.  Now - it is getting hot in Southeast Texas.  The office isn't that close to home so dropping me and picking me up after is problematic.  It is too hot to wait in the car.  Guess we will have to think about how we will handle this one.

And our little community where the SSB is located is having culture shock.  They assumed that they were a safe little rural community.  Up to last week they were all brave little souls that didn't think they needed to take precautions.  The county has about 3000 people. Last week, there was NO Covid-19.  Today they have 19 confirmed cases of the 30 returned tests and there are still over 120 tests not back.  They have suddenly become quite aware of social distancing and other preventative measures.  The Mayor and newspaper editor are among those 19 cases.  They have talked about how sick they are.  I hope those folks (most of whom are related to us) take this to heart and take care of themselves.

And so my pleasant (not) discourse has come to an end.  Stay safe and stay well.  We are in this for a long haul I am afraid.

Unbelievable

This world is something I have only seen in movies.  I never thought it would become my reality.  NEVER.

I am so glad my parents and G's parents are not alive to see what has happened to our once great. proud country.

I have stayed away from making any comment on what is going on in this country.  I had the hope that things would right themselves and we would once again be the country we once were.  This isn't going to happen.  This is the direst thing that could ever happen.  It is what I perceive to be the World Wars, the Great Depression and armageddon all wrapped into one tight ball.

I ventured out of the neighborhood for the first time in two weeks today.  I went for a curb-side pick up of groceries.  Having seen what could have been on the horizon a month ago, I did some preventative shopping for essentials so I wouldn't have to grocery shop.  Most of those things are still around, but there are some consumables and perishables that I can't get any other way.

The first thing I saw was an elderly man on his bike.  Wearing a mask.

When I got to the grocery, the person bringing the groceries to the car only came to the hatch of the SUV - not the window.  He was gloved and masked.

Leaving, I saw a few pedestrians.  Masked and gloved.

When I arrived home, I donned my latex surgical; gloves and unloaded to the porch.  I got my disinfectant wipes and began going through the groceries - cleaning the milk and other perishables that had to be addressed immediately.  The canned goods and those in cardboard containers are still on the porch where they will remain for at least another day - probably two or three. 

I am about to break. Here we sit - a house for sale that probably won't sell anytime soon.  Hopefully in our lifetime which I hope is longer than this pandemic.

But I don't see an end to this pandemic.  There are too many who are not taking it seriously. They are NOT staying in as much as possible.  They are gathering ignoring the risks - like those who are going to church.  I can't believe such lunacy. 

The future for my grandchildren looks anything but rosy.  It looks to be so bleak.  I can certainly see another depression - a recession would be the least of it.  This is going to be a horrible time.  Our future is dark.

A little brighter

I was terribly down in the dumps yesterday. With allergy season in full swing, I have had a sore throat for as long as I can remember this go around. I have had a headache - but from what? Had cataract surgery a while back and wonder of all wonders - I can read without glasses, but I swear I am now NEAR SIGHTED. I have always been far-sighted.  So could this be the cause of the headache?  I don't know.  I was supposed to have my last post-surgery visit with the opthalmologist tomorrow, but I canceled - with their permission.  High risk and all.

The granddaughter is still feeling rough. Her Pedi (yes - still at 19!) really does not believe she will test positive for the virus.  They went yesterday because the strep has inflamed (my diagnosis not necessarily his) one of her tonsils.  She had gotten a long-lasting penicillin shot at the ER on Sunday which has given her a sore butt, nausea and hasn't licked the strep yet. He gave her anti-nausea medication and she actually was hungry last night and slept through the night.  But her throat today is still angry.  And she has conjunctivitis so she is on the way to our ophthalmologist ( yes - mine too).

This morning at 2 A.M. I woke to a terrible nightmare.  It seemed so real. Apparations of grand and my parents were at my bedside.  The cat was on my foot, so I thought surely someone had touched my foot.  I had a real panic attack then - I was so afraid the grand had died since my parents are long dead.  I know grand and I are really close, and it just scared me so much.  I couldn't go back to sleep.  I really am embarrassed to even admit this, but I had to share someplace, and this is a safe place to expose my silliness.

So we are still awaiting test results.  If she is negative, we are probably in good shape, G and I.  We haven't been out - at least I haven't been except for a curb-side pick up at the grocery last week. He has been to a store or two. But hopefully, that test will be a TRUE negative. I say they because there are many negative tests that are not accurate.

Again thanks for "listening."

Guess my time is limited on this earth

Yeah, it has been a while since I posted.  Our house was finally completed with the rejuvenation to the tune of thousands of dollars and put on the market.  The buyers that looked at it the first day and came to the open house a few days later think the kitchen is so outdated (and it really is NOT) and are trying to basically get us to pay for a remodel. NOT GONNA HAPPEN.

We are still not totally moved in with lots of important things - like my thermometer and rubbing alcohol in off-site storage.  So why is that so important?

Well - granddaughter came home on the 13th because Marist shut down the school because of ------ CORONA VIRUS. They are now next door. From the 14th to the 20th we saw her daily.

So what's the problem - she went to the ER yesterday. She has a sore throat, high fever, her back hurts, and she has what could be considered in Texas as seasonal allergies.  She was a sick puppy.

She was tested for strep -  and that was positive so she was given an injection of penicillin. Then sent home.
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She was also tested for the Covid-19. The results won't be available for 24-48 hours.  We are waiting.

So why do I feel like I will not survive this?  Well - I just read the posting of a young, healthy man who had brief contact with someone who at the time was not known to be positive.  He is in the hospital suffering from the virus.  He is not sure he will live through it.  And his contact was BRIEF.

I am monitoring myself - but without a thermometer. I guess I will go borrow one from next door where I FULLY suspect the virus is living.  but I don't really believe that is an issue.

Why am I concerned?  Well first, I am 74. I am a cancer survivor.  I am treated for hypertension. I am insulin resistant. And right now I don't know if I have seasonal allergies or the virus.  I have had a sore throat for well over a week - probably more like two. I do have a cough - but with a CPAP that isn't new.  I have had sinus drainage for years and the CPAP blows it up into the sinuses during the night (Sorry if that is TMI).

Right now - I am scared.  Really scared.  For my granddaughter, for her family and for us.  Sorry to vent - again. But this is my safe outlet.

Lessons learned from moving when you are 74

There is ONE overriding lesson learned.  DON'T

At this moment, I am sitting at the SSB (day 3 of a 6-day sentence) with little to do but post.  That is something I haven't had time to do for a while now. 

There is ALWAYS something I should/could be doing if I am home, but there simply isn't the energy I need.

The "old "house is undergoing extensive work - I won't tell you the price tag on that one.  It makes me sick, but if it means it will sell quickly, that will be good.  Getting out of it has been horrible.  I am the first to admit there was way too much "stuff." I came from parents who survived the Great Depression and who were devoted do-it-yourselfers.  I taught science where we used non-conventional items for our experiments.  School budgets do not allow for expensive equipment from science supply houses! And I was a crafter. All these things meant that you never knew when something would just fit the job you were doing.

So there were a lot of things - some not the weird things that "could be handy sometime" - were trashed.  A lot was given, but there are still some things that "ninja-monkey" daughter has decided she would put up for sale on the local "Beg, Barter, Buy" sites.  Much has sold, but there is still things - in the garage. But at least the contractor isn't piling other things in that garage over there.

Everytime I empty a box two more appear.  The old garage is full - well so is the new one.  I can't seem to make headway.  More and more is being brought into the house as well.  The dining room is totally packed.  Most of it consists of things that should be hung on the walls - paintings, clocks and the like.  I am nowhere near ready to hang the paintings. 

I. Am. Just. Tired.  Bone tired.  Both shoulders hurt.  The right I worry about doing further damage to the partially torn rotator cuff.  The left - the one with the partial replacement, I worry about doing damage to the surgery site. 

With the avalanche of "stuff", we STILL have the storage unit that has more "stuff" in it.  I am just overwhelmed.  When I get like this it takes every bit of gumption to get up and move.  I just want to climb into the bed and pull the covers over my head.  I know one thing - I surely don't need to be in the middle of nowhere sitting on my duff. G says "spending a week this time of year is good because I can get a lot of work done." That is (and excuse this ) BS.  He sits and reads 90% of the time. It is still too hot, too cold, too wet or something.  If we were here for three days, he would have to leave the books at home and work.  Yesterday he cleaned the air filter on the Kawasaki.  That was IT.

So what does he do at home?  He set up the study for his computer. He brags about getting THAT done. 

Daughter, bless her, even after surgery Tuesday a week ago, is up and helping as much as possible. She is really getting around well.  I know she can't do a lot, but she is a trooper. 

Sorry for the rant.  Had to air some feelings and you got the brunt.  Guess it is a good thing I turned off comments to keep Amed (whoever that is/was) at bay.

This too shall pass.

Restricting comments

I will be not allowing comments from this point on - this is a first  - because I am being scammed with someone I do not know at all.  I don't want those comments appearing on my blog - so comments will be suspended.

I do have more to write, but right now I am really chasing my tail trying to get settled.

So ironic

We moved next door to daughter so she could take care of us.  Remember that?

Well - turns out the ninja monkey wanna be has torn her ACL and bruised her meniscus.  She is waiting for an appointment with the surgeon to evaluate her next move.

Looks like WE will be taking care of her now.  Oh well - guess things will work out for the best after all.

Status

The "old" house looks like vandals have trashed the place.  While I DO so much appreciate the help with the moving - did things that weren't in boxes have to be strewn about?  Honestly, it does look like vandals have been in there.

The antiques still sit in the formal living room.  I still don't know their fate.

The "new" house master bath is filled with boxes of "stuff" that has no storage space.  The master bedroom had the mirror from the dressing table on the floor and bags of "stuff."

We are on what was supposed to be a family break in Mason.  Only half the family is here.

And the other half of the family is home BECAUSE my daughter decided she was a cross between a wild monkey and a ninja.  She did something to cause her knee to "pop" when she was (get ready top this from a 46-year-old woman) standing on the bathroom counter reaching across the way to the cabinets on the OTHER wall to check the top shelf.  Her father had just told her to get a ladder.  She is scheduled for an MRI on Monday, so they aren't here.

Plus my SIL who in reality knows NOTHING about cars and drives like a bat out of hell anyway took their SUV to Firestone.  And $2000 later it was still undrivable.  It "shook" like a thrashing machine at 70 mph. 

I think he hit something.  When I was standing in the front yard talking to my granddaughter, she made a comment about the front end damage.  After three days of taking it back because it wasn't fixed, yesterday they asked if that vehicle had hit a pothole.  I am SURE it did - at the very least. But (and he IS a good man)he would lie about it - like he does whenever something like this.  He is a known liar. 

So there are just eight of us rather than 13.

Of course, our drama isn't finished.  When we got here on the 26th, I went to our little freezer.  When I opened it, there was an "unusual odor."  Then I looked at the back of the top door.  Water ran out.  There was still frost at the top, but all the food was only cold - not frozen.  So I have been cooking things that were still very cold.  That means all available refrigerator space is taken up with food - extra food because we all brought the meals we planned.  Of course, with daughter not coming that left two days open.  But even so, enough was brought to feed 13 on each of our days.

So goes our lives.  The story is never dull.

I. Will. Never. Move. Again!

They can move my cold, dead body.  I am never moving again.  We have been actively doing this for a week now and we are STILL not moved out nor in.

First - I can't GIVE away my antique living room furniture that I have no room for.  The charities won't take it.  No one seems to want it.  I don't know what I am going to do with it.  I am about to simply take it to the dump. 

I knew that my furniture in the remainder of the house was too heavy to move - at least for me with my deteriorating back, but OMG - the dust under it.  And so many things that fell behind it.  I am so embarrassed.  SO much dust.

I still have a bathroom and the kitchen to empty, but most of the rest is done with the exception of the stuff that got strewn.  We couldn't have done this without the help, but so much was just strewn about.  So I have to get that all sorted.

Things are not all rosy at the "new" place either.  We knew that the oven smelled of gas when it was turned on.  I also KNEW going in that a new one was going to run $1500+.  We had the appliance guy out yesterday to fix it, hook up the dryer and check the garbage disposer.  He left - after $560 work, and the oven completely unusable now.  The dryer needed a new gas fitting. The disposer was toast and leaking.  He thought the oven required a new ignitor and thermostat.  Well - he replaced the ignitor and it wouldn't light - AT ALL.  Then trying to adjust that the gas line broke.  So - we are looking at a new one.  I so wish I could put in an electric oven, but I don't believe there is 220 behind that old one.  I looked under the cooktop and it apparently was always gas.  So - that is probably a pipe dream.

Shadow spends his time under my bed.  He is a shy cat to begin with, but with all the people constantly in and out - he is just as his name implies just a shadow. 

I am sure things will even out - eventually.  But I surely know why we lowered our price to buy $20K and asked them to pay $5K of our closing costs.  It is being eaten up quickly.  PLUS G's truck broke today.  When it rains ...

I am going to explode

More venting here.

Wednesday was the set closing date.  We have our kids lined up to move on Saturday.  We have the UHall on Friday. 

Guess what! No closing on Wednesday.  The appraiser dropped the ball.  He had TWENTY days to go appraise the house.  He has not done it. 

IF we are lucky - we can close on Monday of next week.  After he gets off his rear and does it, sends it in and all that mess, THEN it has to sit for three days.  Unbelievable.  Absolutely.

That means we are postponed getting out totally which means our contractor is postponed from coming in to paint and recarpet.  That means we are postponed putting the "For Sale" sign out.  That means a longer time to sell.

I don't believe this.  At. All

WOW

This was so much easier 44 years ago.  I can't believe what a toll this is taking on me!

Of course 44 years ago the house was smaller.  We added two bedrooms and bath upstairs.

And 44 years ago, I didn't get into machine embroidery and tried to start a small business.  So I didn't have items that could be embellished hanging around.

And 44 years ago I hadn't inherited items (of sentimental and real value) from parents and an aunt and uncle who were like parents.  Silver services, etc.

AND finally, I was a LOT younger then!

TEN DAYS TO M-DAY.

Closing on the house is near

So we are back to the original closing date - December 4.  Things around here have switched to high gear.  I had been lazing about, procrastinating comes so easy!

But I wonder about the woman.  She has stage 4 ovarian cancer.  The reason for putting closing off was so she could have surgery the first part of December. I wondered how she could move so closely following surgery, but apparently, there is no surgery. It makes me worry that she was told there was nothing to be gained by the surgery, but another part of me hopes that the tumors were so greatly reduced by the chemo.  Whatever the reason - she is in my prayers.  She is a beautiful person.

I  tackled the "craft floor" yesterday.  My fabric stash had spilled out of its containment, so I was putting it back into the storage containers.  I have all the items I had for craft shows that I am unable to do any longer in a bag for Goodwill.  It was HEAVY.  I had to weave through close quarters to get it to the stairs to send it rolling down, and I paid for it last night.  My back was killing me.  I am going to have to have help with picking up bags and boxes from now on.  I just can't do that now.  Moving isn't for 74 year-olds.

My emotions are all over the place.  There is such sadness when I look around at what I am leaving. Our remodeled bathrooms, my powerful vent hood, the open expanses of this house. What I WON'T miss was released yesterday.  The new FEMA flood maps.  We are now in the 500-year flood plain with the 100 year right behind us.  When we moved here 44 years ago, we weren't close.

I am looking forward to being close to the grandchildren however. And I keep repeating my mantra that regardless that house is better than a garage apartment or independent living place. Sometimes you have to find the silver lining.  PLUS - I don't have to worry about THOSE STAIRS!

I have a living room full of antiques that don't have a place in the other house.  G said to just donate them to a charity that gives them to people that don't have furniture.  HE doesn't even want to sit on them - so why in the world would someone down on their luck want it?  I contacted an antique place that has 200 dealers if they knew of someone who would like those pieces.  We will see.

So the big move is set for December 7.  Wish me luck!

The story continues

Just when I thought there would be no changes - there are.  As I have said, the owner has stage 4 ovarian cancer.  She is getting chemo right now.  But I didn't know she would be having surgery in early December.  Well, she is.  So that means they are asking to delay closing until the 20th.  Now IF I still decorated for Christmas I would be really upset.  But I haven't in years!!

The thing I am worried about is that this year looks like it is going to be COLD in Texas.  We have had freezing or near freezing in Southeast Texas (Houston area).  We have tropical and semi-tropical plants.  Usually, I would put them in our storage building, BUT (1) we are in the process of cleaning it our and (2) I don't want to have to move them twice.  Yeah - I know = sounds like a personal problem!  It is, but all the same - plans change.  My daughter will "foster" my two six-foot Hawaiin plumerias.  I really don't want to lose them.  The other plants I will just have to group in the corner of the patio which is on the south side and pretty protected = they hope and pray.

I did get a giggle from the email their agent sent ours.  She said normally they would "negotiate" the amended offer (well, OK) but they wanted to leave the neighbors with good feelings - even at their loss.  Then the male owner looked at our inspection report.  He said nothing about the serious defects (that could result in the house burning down) but nitpicked the little things that made no sense to me.  I was reminded of the old saying "gagging on gnats and swallowing elephants!"

I have been throwing things out.  Yesterday out went the (outdated!!) VCR tapes.  I really was hoping there was some recycling place since they are covered in toxic chemicals.  AND I had hoped I could find a taped segment of my beloved Taz playing with the water sprinkler.  Alas - reality struck.  We put out about eight bags (couldn't get them too heavy) last night when we were pretty sure there wouldn't be any goblins to tear them open and spread all that around.  And the decluttering will continue today - and tomorrow - and the next day - and ...

So I may not be complete with my venting - yet.

Rather strange

Just when I was pretty sure the contract wouldn't go - that they would not accept the addendum or come back with a counter - they SIGNED IT LAST NIGHT.  The accepted the reduction of the price by the entire 20k.  I guess Christi (the wife) said enough.  She wants to spend time with her grandchildren and isn't sure just how much time that is.

I have totally accepted the fact that we are (1) downsizing, and (2) I will be giving up some items.  This move is for the very best.  We are gaining some things.  Unbelievable is that the dining room is larger.  With our family at twelve and we have family dinner on Sundays, that is important.  I will have the biggest dining room - and the breakfast room and the associated kitchen are bigger.  For twelve people (oldest grandson is 6'6" and 230) the extra room is going to be good.  The flow isn't as good as here, but that will work out.

So back to decluttering and disposing of things.  Then packing.  If I think about it, it is really overwhelming. I can only think of doing a bit at a time without panicking.  We have been here 44 years THIS month.  Amazing how things accumulate.  But I have about 40 days.

Thanks for tagging along on this little adventure.  It was great to have a place to vent!

Stand still

So - the contract was accepted - like it wouldn't have been since it was full price based on inspections.

So we had the inspections.  The owner disclosed that there was "cosmetic" grouting to be done on the chimney,  Uh,  no.  Probably cracked ceramic flue cracks.  The pool needed replastering.  Yes, BUT.  The first company would not give a quote on replastering because they thought the pool was popping out of the ground.  The second (and mechanical inspector) both said - yes replastering and not popping out BUT the deck surrounding the pool has dropped (therefore cracking badly) a couple of inches which has ruined the coping around the edge of the pool.  So a $5000 job is $18,000.

The mechanical inspector found the gas wall oven is leaking gas.  The main electrical box is defective and must be replaced (a neighboring area had their house burn down because of the same box - and ours here was done 15 years ago).  The dishwasher door will come open. When running.

When you total just the major problems, it comes to (actually more than) $20,000. So we amended the contract - offering 15,000 less on the price and they pay $5000 of the closing costs.

I know the woman has stage 4 ovarian cancer.  She is getting chemo and being a breast cancer survivor, my heart breaks for her.  They have asked to have until Monday to go over the amended contract.  I hope this is the real reason.

Their agent is (get ready for this one) the wife of the female owner's ex-husband, and has stated at the get go that she is protecting the seller.  I know this is what the realtor is supposed to do.  I was in real estate in the 1980s - when the first oil bust happened to Houston.  I had to quit.  No one was buying anything.  BUT she is not familiar with this area.  She had them price that property high, but we did sign for that.  They are selling "as is" and that is fine, but we will not pay the inflated price for a property with THIS many serious faults.

If it was meant to be - it will happen.  I know they now believe they are sitting on a gold mine and looked to make $100,000 on that house.  My inspector says different. 

So we will see what happens on Monday.

House inspection day

We just returned from being with the inspector for four hours on the other house,  He is THOROUGH and I love it.  Great guy.  We were there for four hours or more.  I was feeling sorry for the woman who lives there.  They were gone - she is being treated for stage four ovarian cancer and is not doing well.

He did find some biggie deficiencies that we can address with negotiations on the closing costs.  But his final statement was that HE would buy that house if he were buying, so that speaks volumes.

The longer I was in the house today the more it grew on me.  Yes, we are losing 700 square feet - which means the equivalent of a couple of rooms.  But there are some things that actually are better.  It is a give and take.  That comes with any downsizing.  It certainly didn't show as dark as it did over the weekend.  Perhaps because this cold front brought rainy dismal weather.  But with my table lamps, it will work just fine.  This present house is BRIGHT!

We had a scare Tuesday when my pool company came to look at that pool.  There is equipment that is broken and missing, but they said they couldn't replaster because the pool was coming out of the ground.  I sent the pictures to a pool builder and they said they really believe the deck is sunken more than the pool rising.  I looked at it today and I don't think that is what is happening.  Neither does the inspector who we didn't have him add the real inspection report.  Sooo.  That is one huge amount we are not looking at having to do.

With all that - it looks like closing will be early December.  I hope Christi (the owner) lives that long for many reasons.  I don't want to have to wait for probate, but I want her to be able to move to Abiline and spend her days with her grandchildren. My heart breaks for her.

We will be moving before Christmas - probably

The contract was accepted.  It should have - it was full price.  That was a big surprise to the owners I know because they had it "as is."  And that condition is meaning at least $10,000 in repairs.  The pool is in terrible condition, and we have the inspector going there today.

My daughter (and our realtor for that matter) wanted us to offer less.  And then the idea is that if the repairs are REALLY excessive, we modify the contract.  That was until yesterday when the loan officer said the best way to go is to negotiate closing costs.  So I will be talking to my agent today.

So the next step is to downsize our "stuff" which isn't going to easy thing to do.  G would just like to pitch everything - seriously.  If it hasn't been used in a week - pitch it.  Then we pack and move.  After that, I bring in our contractor and he will paint the house and then we will replace the carpets.

On the carpet - I was reading an article about making the house sell faster.  I knew most of them - they haven't changed from 30 years ago when I was in real estate with ONE exception.  They said rather than replacing the carpet - add hardwood flooring.  That is a big no.  If I put in hardwoods or any upscale flooring it would be in the one we are buying.  It is mostly carpet with new tile in the kitchen.  The baths have some wood looking flooring up to the 1970's terrazzo!  There is so little left I don't understand why they didn't go the extra 10 square feet with the "new flooring."  But I had terrazzo until two years ago, I can live with it again.

Now if I can just get all this out of my brain at night.  My insomnia is rampant.  When it gets dark and quiet, my brain is placing furniture and mourning lost possessions.

Not my dream house

The house we have put a contract on is most certainly NOT my dream house.  I am pretty much living in that one right now.  BUT it does have some nice things about it.  Number one IS location.  Next door to my daughter's family!

I don't know where the builder's head was, but he made some huge errors in that house.  All the bedrooms are BRIGHT.  The master has THREE windows.  One of the secondaries has two and is bright.  The living area has one tiny window.  I can't understand that.  There is a fireplace centered on the outside wall and that one little window is to the right.  There is an equal amount of space on the left - and it is a blank wall.

The backyard is beyond beautiful - but one of the main problems present that has made it "as-is" is the heater for the pool's hot tub is gone - taken out apparently AND the jets don't work.  We will have our pool company really look at that.  The pool needs to be replastered, but that is normal for a pool.  Ours has been done once (and probably could stand it again).

They first listed the area around the chimney as leaking when they did the listing on Thursday, but yesterday they did a second seller report and said the problem with the chimney is just grouting.  So another possible problem.

We gave a full price contract - before we read the report.  And that price is dependent on what amount the repairs on these things comes to what we will finally offer.  In the meantime, we have been approved for the loan, but now have to convince the underwriters we are not getting this as in investment property.  I don't know why that should bother them - the loan gets paid.

Now to get this house ready to put on the market.  We plan to move out, paint and carpet, then put it on the market.  Busy times ahead.

Just WOW

It's been quite a while since I have been here.  And things have pretty much been status quo - until last night.

First, Katie has gone off to Poughkeepsie to college.  She LOVES it.  She flew home for a couple of days on their fall break, and we have been enjoying her so,  She is doing so well.  Her roommate is from Nigeria and they get along quite well.  Her training schedule for water polo has gone to 20 hours a week, and she is getting quite the work out from that.

The biggest thing that has me so torn is it looks like we will be moving from the home I love so and have lived in for 44 years. I dearly love this house, but...

G has convinced my daughter that we are infirm.  She is hell-bent on moving us in with them by some means - either by them selling and us selling and getting a larger home or them enlarging their garage and we live in the garage apartment. She even has thought of enclosing the game room they added upstairs where they would move up into for the master and we take the existing master.

None of these is a good option.  Not for either me nor G.  We are in 2600+ square feet.  We each are in a bedroom - he snores and I have bouts of insomnia.  Those two things don't mix.  One of us will be disturbed.

Anyway - the house next door to daughter has come on the market.  We looked at that house when it came up before and decided it most certainly wasn't our "dream home" nor was it one we really liked.  Well - I am looking at the handwriting on the wall, and this house has gotten too big for me to keep.  I don't do stairs well (I fell from the "killer step" a few months back). 

The one next door is 2000 square feet, so there is certainly enough room for us.  I don't like the boxiness - the kitchen is totally closed off from the den.  My current house is very open, and I love that about it.  BUT compared to my option - even going into the new independent living facilities - I don't like any of those.

So we are going to go look - again today.  We are ready to make an offer.  I am so conflicted.  Being close (really close - not one mile) from the grands will be great - even if Katie is in New York.  Leaving this house that is just the way I like it (not the clutter mind you - it has gotten the best me admittedly).  But there are changes coming one way or another and I want to be the master of those changes, not the recipient of those changes.

Keep me in your thoughts.

And of course - another venting session

Granddaughter Katie is off to college in Poughkeepsie - and LOVES it.  I think the fact that they all have I-phones and can do "face time" every day has helped, but she loves everything about it.  Now when winter comes, I don't know how this Southeast Texas girl is going to manage!!

Now the venting.  I have had sciatica for over 40 years.  Now add stenosis and arthritis, and I am usually in pain.  BUT I have managed.  We have vacationed and that includes a lot of walking. 

Why am I bringing this up - well, poor little G has sciatica now.  He is claiming it is debilitating pain.  He wants surgery.  Me, I think that is a BIG mistake.  I will (and did) have both knees replaced, a partial shoulder replacement.  I will do any surgery except my back.  Do. Not. Touch. My. Back. With. A. Scalpel. 

He also complained to my daughter saying that we just HAD to downsize.  That he almost fainted from the pain when he was moving the sprinkler in the front yard.  So now she is investigating moving us.  That means we would be leaving a 2700 square foot home and going into a 700 square foot garage conversion - or a single room if we were to sell BOTH houses and we all move into a totally different house where we would have "our own room." 

That solution isn't something I want.  We already sleep in separate rooms.  He snores and I have insomnia.  We are not compatible in the same room.  We have been married 51 years and this is our solution.

Plus, I have been thinking of all the things I have to give up.  I am not ready to do that.  I have my craft room - err rooms - upstairs.  That all would have to go.  Admittedly, I do not cook as I once did, but I have accumulated cooking items over the years.  They would go.

And on the cooking - if we moved in with my daughter, we wouldn't be eating the way we do now.  My SIL does cook OK - not as well as he THINKS, but pretty well.  I don't want to eat his cooking every day. 

Now there would be advantages to living with them.  I would be close to the children.  That would be nice - even though they are both teens (and I would be THERE when Katie comes home).  I would be closer to my daughter.  Even though we are only one mile away, I often go weeks without seeing any of them.

So I have vented now.  I could partially vent to daughter, but not all that I put here.  I don't want to vent to DIL  I don't want to vent to close friends - they live with family!!  So this is my outlet!