Today is 9/11/16 and it’s been 15 years since the Twin Towers Attack. Time marches on…

The sweltering, 90+ temperatures in Georgia are fast becoming memorable yet they continue into September.  Several weeks ago after our return from vacation, we developed a t-fitting leak off of our hot water heater. We did not know this at the time.  However, we did notice a bump in the hardwood flooring in the kitchen area.  Our contractor was called, arrived 3 days later and turned our water off at the street.  He told us the plumber would be there after 3pm that day. The plumber said that the hot water and steam had sprayed and condensed on the subflooring, one floor truss, and most all of the insulation was nearly saturated in the crawlspace.  We called USAA insurance and applied for a claim.  Fortunately, USAA has vetted restoration and construction companies that are bonded and also insured.  Both companies have a 3 year warranty against defects in workmanship.  This was all good news.  Interestingly enough, we detected no strange smells and heard any noise relating to the leak.  There was no indication inside the house that there was a problem. With the exception of a bump in the kitchen floor, everything seemed normal.

I must give Cathy all the praise and honors for taking care of so many details.  We were fortunate to obtain a room at Candlewood Suites not more than 3 miles away from our house.  It is about the size of a large camper trailer. The tiny kitchen area has 2 electric eyes, a nice sized microwave, small sink, and a very modest amount of counter space.  There is a medium sized refrigerator which was needed in order for us to salvage perishables that we had at home.  One chest of drawers with 3 drawers, and a closet about 6 feet long is a challenge for long periods. The bathroom is sparse, but I have seen smaller and less appointed. It is like luxury camping, but I would not call this “glamping”.  We do have satellite TV and a DVD player.  The air conditioning works well.  We have no complaints. The difficult part to fathom is that we may remain here until Halloween. That amounts to 8-9 weeks.  I could only dream of a vacation that would last that long.  This is no vacation – far from it.

All hardwood flooring, floor tile, and carpet will be replaced in our house.  All baseboards will be replaced and finished.  All walls will get a fresh double coat of paint of the original color, which is fine since we picked the colors that are currently on the walls.  So, we’re trying to use the new material installation and paint job as the bright side to this chapter in our life and rationale that it is not so bad.  It really isn’t so bad, but, of course, we miss our home and continue to pay electric, cable, and other bills for an empty dwelling.  Cooking has been a bit handicapped.  Most home-based projects are on hold.  I mow and we tend the lawn and don’t live there.  It is a bit strange.

I think, most importantly, this as one of life’s speed bumps or detour; it has been a way for us to realize how many other people live their entire lives.  Thinking Syria at this time.  There are those that would think that living in these smaller quarters, as we are, would be wonderful.  Think major Chinese city apartments.  Since Cathy and I camp a fair amount, this has been relatively easy for us to adapt.  We see it as another round of training for our extended tent camping road trips after we retire in a few years.  We enjoy coming up with new ways to become more efficient and living minimal.  It takes a lot of constant thought to go from having lots of tools, materials, and personal items to a basic set of daily needs – no extras.  Much like camping, the experience and the thoughts that you have during the experience is the value in the experience itself.  Nothing worth treasuring comes easy in life.  It is so easy to settle into a comfort zone and stay there.  This is especially true as you get older.  You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.  This old dog is learning a few new tricks these days.

Glory Dog Goes Into a Restful, Peaceful Sleep after 15 Years

Speaking of dogs, last week was sad.  This past Thursday, our nearly 16 year old dog, Glory, was mercifully allowed to go into a final peaceful sleep.  Glory, her given purebred name is “Bound for Glory”, was obviously getting old. The oldest recorded age for an American Staffordshire Terrier that I have heard about is 18.  Glory was deaf, relatively blind, had blood issues, and a terribly large mass on her hind side that the veterinarian did not want to remove since she was so old.  Since we had her staying at the vet’s possibly until Halloween, we decided that her quality of life had reach a new low and we could not allow her to remain in such a state.  Cathy went to the vet’s office and walked and spent time with Glory, loved on her, and cried her eyes out in the office. Finally allowed the Doc to put Glory to sleep.  It was so hard for Cathy and I admired her courage.  It is certainly one of the hardest things she has ever done in her life.  After all, she had walked Glory each morning for most of Glory’s 15+ years.  Cathy took very good care of that dog.  She was a rambunctious, stubborn, tough-as-nails, loving, sweet dog.  She was a good dog and we hated to separate from her, but it had to be.  So, the long, hot summer continues and we carry on.  It could be so much worse.  Thanks to the now, totally connected planet, we know that suffering is unimaginable in many parts of the world.  Many of us just want to live life and strive to be happy while other are spending their precious lives coming up with ways to destroy it.  It is hard to believe and understand. Life is good even during these long hot, steamy summers.

October 22, 2016 – Back Home and Grateful

We are finally back into our home.  It has been 2 months since we have lived here.  On one hand, it has not been that long; on the other hand, it has been 1/6th of this year – nothing to sneeze about.  Overall, the quality of details is actually better than it was when brand new as a spec house.  There are exceptions, but expected.

November 19, 2016 – Fall Comes and Goes

Cool nights and warmish days now.  Lows now near freezing and highs hovering near 60 give or take 5 degrees.  Not much rain though.  We are officially in a drought situation. So, life continues to change and change.