I have readers fussing at me because it is so long between posts. It is a combination of busy, distracted, frustrated and just plain lazy.
The past week has been largely taken up with poorly motivated workers, a less than competent project manager (could do a much better job than this young man), bad weather, poor communication and bad estimates. I am so tired of this whole business. The good news is the work is almost completed and then I can concentrate on getting things in order.
My sisters will be here on the 11th. We have been trying to put this visit together for two years and now I am the problem. It is going to happen whether the house is ready or not.
Our puppy came home today. She is doing really well. I never thought I would see her so obedient. Now I just have to do all the right things and we have a well trained dog.. It is hard because the weather is terrible and it is downright dangerous to go outside and it is really cold. At the moment she is laying on me in the easy chair and snoring so loud I can hear her. It is really kind of funny.
My daughter was trying to get home on Thursday from Fresno but due to the weather she finally got home this morning at 9AM (long story), but doesn't have her luggage and has to leave in the AM for Baltimore. I don't know how she does it. The good news is she is banking some good earnings.
I went to see Cowboy on Monday and again yesterday. Despite the weather he is in a good humor and is eating well and sleeping well. He was actually outside walking around in 38 degree weather yesterday when I got there. He was excited about all the birds that were eating and playing. There were lots of birds and they were having a great time.
Terrible coming home. The weather is playing havoc with this part of Texas.
I talked to my daughter in New York today. Wanted to tell her how much Cowboy liked the lap quilt she made for him. It is patriotic and colorful. She told me they have 18 inches of snow and it is supposed to be 17 below tonight. Guess I shouldn't complain.
I always look forward to spring but really need it this year.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Thursday, February 19
I went to see Cowboy on Monday. It was cold and wet and traffic was awful. We spent a couple of hours watching TV and out in the day room visiting with each other and others. There are a couple of new ladies that are becoming regulars. Cowboy was in a good mood.
On Tuesday I had the clock people out. When I moved here the grandfather clock developed problems but I had put off getting it repaired. Finally decided I really needed to. It also keeps it out of harms way while all those fellows are here.
Yesterday the company doing the house repairs came out and did a walk through. The work list has changed about four times. It is getting more real now but still a lot of work. We are down to less than $20,000. Still seems like an insane amount.
They are starting the work today and I am waiting on them now.
I have a terrible cold. For someone like me who rarely gets a cold it caught me by surprise. Have coughed all night for three days now. I hate it !! When I went to see Cowboy on Monday he had one too. Guess either I gave it to him or he gave it to me.
I will be going to see Cowboy again tomorrow. The workmen tell me that I can leave and they put a lock box on the door for me to put a key in. I went to WalMart and had another key made. I came home and it wouldn't work. Back to WalMart for another key. Brought it home and it doesn't work. Makes no sense. They line up and look the same. Don't know what to do. Guess for the short term I will use my key and the lock box.
Our pup is at obedience school this week. Surprisingly I find I miss her. It is interesting how quickly looking after her has become part of my day. Hope she comes back knowing how to obey commands. I had made good progress with her. She would sit and get down, etc but in about half a second she was doing the same thing again. She has the attention span of a knat.
On Tuesday I had the clock people out. When I moved here the grandfather clock developed problems but I had put off getting it repaired. Finally decided I really needed to. It also keeps it out of harms way while all those fellows are here.
Yesterday the company doing the house repairs came out and did a walk through. The work list has changed about four times. It is getting more real now but still a lot of work. We are down to less than $20,000. Still seems like an insane amount.
They are starting the work today and I am waiting on them now.
I have a terrible cold. For someone like me who rarely gets a cold it caught me by surprise. Have coughed all night for three days now. I hate it !! When I went to see Cowboy on Monday he had one too. Guess either I gave it to him or he gave it to me.
I will be going to see Cowboy again tomorrow. The workmen tell me that I can leave and they put a lock box on the door for me to put a key in. I went to WalMart and had another key made. I came home and it wouldn't work. Back to WalMart for another key. Brought it home and it doesn't work. Makes no sense. They line up and look the same. Don't know what to do. Guess for the short term I will use my key and the lock box.
Our pup is at obedience school this week. Surprisingly I find I miss her. It is interesting how quickly looking after her has become part of my day. Hope she comes back knowing how to obey commands. I had made good progress with her. She would sit and get down, etc but in about half a second she was doing the same thing again. She has the attention span of a knat.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Thursday, February 12
I just figured out that a post I did the other day somehow didn't get saved. Probably my own lack of skill.
So much going on right now. It has been a nightmare. Four days of very loud fans, then several days of folks in the house figuring out everything that needs to be repaired, then the negotiations between the insurance folks and the contractor. I think we are almost there. I want all of this resolved and the work done. My two remaining sisters and I have planned a get together for March and I want it all done before then. Am I deluding myself?
Just this minute had a call from the contractor and am hoping to talk to the "flooring specialist" with the insurance company tomorrow. Originally they were talking a complete floor replacement but I don't want to do that and it is absolutely not necessary. Come on.....$32,000 to replace all of the floor !! I only pay the deductible but still.........
I went to see Cowboy on Monday and again today. He is doing fine. I took him a little valentine bear and a small box of candy and a card. He was pleased. Won't get back for actual Valentine's day, too much here.
There are three of the men who I was fond of who have passed away recently. It is sad and at times hard to deal with. I am talking about fellows who would talk to me and give me a hug (and I gave them hugs too). Herman was the most recent. He was always cheerful and affectionate and behaved like a gentleman. I was surprised as he didn't seem that far along on his journey. He passed while I was on my trip.
Cowboy has made friends with a couple of fellows who arrived recently. He doesn't make friends easily but I am pleased that he has met some fellows to whom he can relate. Their names are "Charlie" and "Pete". They talk to him regularly and Charlie eats at his table.
I managed to get my teeth cleaned, a pedicure, pick up the cleaning and get the oil changed in the car this week, despite all the appointments that were on the calendar. I also got my taxes finished. I am going to have to pay this year so will wait until right before April 15 to actually send them in.
Tomorrow I take the dog to "Puppy College". She will be there for two weeks learning how to respond to commands and how to behave. My daughter set it up. She is adorable but a real challenge. So much energy !! Here's hoping we get the desired results.
I plan to concentrate on getting the house clean the next day or two in preparation for the onslaught on painters, etc. The bathrooms are in need of attention.
So much going on right now. It has been a nightmare. Four days of very loud fans, then several days of folks in the house figuring out everything that needs to be repaired, then the negotiations between the insurance folks and the contractor. I think we are almost there. I want all of this resolved and the work done. My two remaining sisters and I have planned a get together for March and I want it all done before then. Am I deluding myself?
Just this minute had a call from the contractor and am hoping to talk to the "flooring specialist" with the insurance company tomorrow. Originally they were talking a complete floor replacement but I don't want to do that and it is absolutely not necessary. Come on.....$32,000 to replace all of the floor !! I only pay the deductible but still.........
I went to see Cowboy on Monday and again today. He is doing fine. I took him a little valentine bear and a small box of candy and a card. He was pleased. Won't get back for actual Valentine's day, too much here.
There are three of the men who I was fond of who have passed away recently. It is sad and at times hard to deal with. I am talking about fellows who would talk to me and give me a hug (and I gave them hugs too). Herman was the most recent. He was always cheerful and affectionate and behaved like a gentleman. I was surprised as he didn't seem that far along on his journey. He passed while I was on my trip.
Cowboy has made friends with a couple of fellows who arrived recently. He doesn't make friends easily but I am pleased that he has met some fellows to whom he can relate. Their names are "Charlie" and "Pete". They talk to him regularly and Charlie eats at his table.
I managed to get my teeth cleaned, a pedicure, pick up the cleaning and get the oil changed in the car this week, despite all the appointments that were on the calendar. I also got my taxes finished. I am going to have to pay this year so will wait until right before April 15 to actually send them in.
Tomorrow I take the dog to "Puppy College". She will be there for two weeks learning how to respond to commands and how to behave. My daughter set it up. She is adorable but a real challenge. So much energy !! Here's hoping we get the desired results.
I plan to concentrate on getting the house clean the next day or two in preparation for the onslaught on painters, etc. The bathrooms are in need of attention.
Monday, February 2, 2015
Monday, February 2
I got back this past Thursday and am still recovering. Nothing likem16 hours of traveling to remind you about your age.
I had a great time. We had absolutely perfect weather until the last day in Buenos Aires when it rained, hard at times. We had one bad travel day when a flight was cancelled and we spent all day and half the night at the airport before we got to fly to Santiago.
I went to see Cowboy on Friday and my daughter and the dog went too. He held me a long time and we both almost cried. Cowboy is doing OK. Seems very stable right now. He loves the dog and we went outside and let him work with her. He loved that.
I am going back today to see him. Will be back on a schedule of twice weekly. Leaving when I finish this.
Now for the bad news. While I was gone my daughter, who sometimes sleep walks, apparently got up during the night and turned on the faucet in the bathroom full blast. It was hours before she got up and found it. She cleaned it up with every towel in the house. Then she discovered it had seeped down to the first floor and wet the ceiling so she mopped up some more.
I didn't hear about it til I got home. She didn't want to spoil my trip. Neither one of us realized the serious nature of it but I knew I needed to have someone look at it.
Turns out not only the ceiling but the walls got soaked. I now have holes in the ceiling, cut outs in the walls and these huge noisy fans going all over the house. They had to take up part of the floor on the second floor to dry out the sub floor. What a mess. They tell me it will take 3 to 5 days to dry everything out and then there will be reconstruction to put everything back together.
The insurance company offered me a hotel room because I do not presently have access to mine but I chose to bunk upstairs. I have too much to do and need to stay here.
Am off to see Cowboy. More later........
I had a great time. We had absolutely perfect weather until the last day in Buenos Aires when it rained, hard at times. We had one bad travel day when a flight was cancelled and we spent all day and half the night at the airport before we got to fly to Santiago.
I went to see Cowboy on Friday and my daughter and the dog went too. He held me a long time and we both almost cried. Cowboy is doing OK. Seems very stable right now. He loves the dog and we went outside and let him work with her. He loved that.
I am going back today to see him. Will be back on a schedule of twice weekly. Leaving when I finish this.
Now for the bad news. While I was gone my daughter, who sometimes sleep walks, apparently got up during the night and turned on the faucet in the bathroom full blast. It was hours before she got up and found it. She cleaned it up with every towel in the house. Then she discovered it had seeped down to the first floor and wet the ceiling so she mopped up some more.
I didn't hear about it til I got home. She didn't want to spoil my trip. Neither one of us realized the serious nature of it but I knew I needed to have someone look at it.
Turns out not only the ceiling but the walls got soaked. I now have holes in the ceiling, cut outs in the walls and these huge noisy fans going all over the house. They had to take up part of the floor on the second floor to dry out the sub floor. What a mess. They tell me it will take 3 to 5 days to dry everything out and then there will be reconstruction to put everything back together.
The insurance company offered me a hotel room because I do not presently have access to mine but I chose to bunk upstairs. I have too much to do and need to stay here.
Am off to see Cowboy. More later........
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