tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67871576903553291122024-03-13T23:47:51.705-07:00 Frugal FreedomA girl, dogs, a house, and a frugal dream.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2092125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787157690355329112.post-18256247711222704972024-01-19T17:35:00.001-07:002024-01-19T17:58:06.020-07:00Where Did 2023 Go?<div class="elementToProof" style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I didn't realize it had been so long since I had written. 2023 was a whirlwind of spending. First, I amused myself with online shopping for shoes and a dress for my nephew's wedding. Not the nephew that lives in my mobile home, it was his older brother that got married. I spent way too much money on dresses that didn't fit and were unreturnable due to high restocking fees making it more convenient to put in my alterations pile but will probably get donated soon. I should have read the fine print but I was so hopeful that they would fit and that I would love them. I did return the Amazon purchases. The shoes were all uncomfortable no matter how much money I spent or insoles/pads I added. I just can't wear any heal without pain. </div><div class="elementToProof" style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></div><div class="elementToProof" style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">My nephew and I headed out early in the morning to make it to California by 1pm for the rehearsal dinner. Only an hour away from the hotel, a truck or van hit the back corner of my Camry and spun us across all of the lanes of the freeway. The car in the next lane hit us in the driver door/wheel area and we ended up stunned in the carpool lane. I don't know how we escaped without injury or worse. We made it to the center of the freeway and called for help. I was sure my car was totaled but surprisingly it still ran. The highway patrol blocked off the freeway so that we, and the other car, could get off the freeway. The truck/van that started the accident was long gone. No one saw it, at least no one stopped to offer information. The tow truck driver said the wheels were still in alignment and miraculously the tire wasn't cut so we limped to the hotel an hour late. The rest of the weekend was gratefully less exciting. I drove the car all the way back home and besides an increased wind noise from the crushed door hinge, it made it just fine.</div><div class="elementToProof" style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3sTrO6DqGebPbAjDj_PDUEtNe0gBeuARKnnAVl28gY2yavcb_6XwIxd960uhOiV_juP9XNK42r2bS2eWbH1lH7t4rGWS0kgkg_vE_VUnvzzXDJ-NxS2OZmwn1giNWOrRRkzbKnWbu0OW0WDFH9pl1LNWo359Dxxa6_ZSYLCQ8oXZQzlJ3eQfj7WF4TE/s3094/IMG_20230420_143458706_HDR~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3066" data-original-width="3094" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3sTrO6DqGebPbAjDj_PDUEtNe0gBeuARKnnAVl28gY2yavcb_6XwIxd960uhOiV_juP9XNK42r2bS2eWbH1lH7t4rGWS0kgkg_vE_VUnvzzXDJ-NxS2OZmwn1giNWOrRRkzbKnWbu0OW0WDFH9pl1LNWo359Dxxa6_ZSYLCQ8oXZQzlJ3eQfj7WF4TE/s320/IMG_20230420_143458706_HDR~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8Gov9Qiq77u4Nu-aVq3R_Cgk2Blc-Q0ENafRy_nsk4skDbiVJFKBOUiE6tahJAnHWdFVNlV2ILjlRRBJ6g7jSuQL_eGpaQr-_RA0VMsUGfGD6THL4pXdBsx6gkKssjOhgAjnX3nhdIxm8bcHNa-_ByRcLuYlgp_S_FjEAYt802nRQCDSV0mTKzOMfLk/s4080/IMG_20230420_143512123_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8Gov9Qiq77u4Nu-aVq3R_Cgk2Blc-Q0ENafRy_nsk4skDbiVJFKBOUiE6tahJAnHWdFVNlV2ILjlRRBJ6g7jSuQL_eGpaQr-_RA0VMsUGfGD6THL4pXdBsx6gkKssjOhgAjnX3nhdIxm8bcHNa-_ByRcLuYlgp_S_FjEAYt802nRQCDSV0mTKzOMfLk/s320/IMG_20230420_143512123_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="elementToProof" style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Now for the insurance part. I was on hold with State Farm for hours. First they said it was covered. The next day they said it wasn't. It was true, the damage wasn't covered. In 2020, after I started working from home, I reduced my coverage to save money. I didn't realize that "hit and run" was only covered by Collision coverage. Oops. I decided to keep the car and ignore the damage until I had more money saved. The only problem was that every time I saw the car I relived the fear of the accident. The wedding was late April. I decided to buy a car for my birthday in May. I knew that I wanted a small SUV with the same reliability as a Toyota Camry but with higher clearance so that I could drive out to my property in Vail and not scrape the underside of the vehicle on the rocky road. After some research, I found 6 Honda CR-Vs at used car dealerships in Tucson. One dealership had 3 of them so I drove up for a look. I compared the ones on the lot and settled on a 2010. I loooove it. The only things I miss from my Camry are the automatic headlights and the remote trunk open button. But the cargo room and higher clearance are awesome. The CR-V was $12,000. The dealer took my beat-up car as trade for $1500. I could have waited for a private party to sell for cheaper but I am happy with my purchase and I didn't have to look at my sad car anymore. Buying a car did put a dent in my cash emergency funds but that is what emergency funds are for. I stopped my automatic investment for 2 months to give me more cushion in my account. I added Collision coverage for this vehicle.</span></div><div class="elementToProof" style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></div><div class="elementToProof" style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Also, in 2023, I had snowbird tenants in my house until the end of April, which is the longest that I have had tenants stay. After I moved back in, I started fostering for the county animal shelter. I fostered cats, 2 small dogs, and lastly a mom and puppies. It was fun but expensive and I had a lot of cleaning to do when they left. </div><div class="elementToProof" style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWGH4W50dEWsU6-ea4kJwZFaVuLGuJ4AYQba1JQvpo9FJBc3qGzncPRAiIRRyh0Fz646hMGOyNWmshKPqsnomXLSIqwMxPyFTiz_kzkcGZLoaezvw3g9ll5cmQgVggFnxf2Vck-_eb7VeihGJXCvTl4JaqO27a9JT_9Pc5oTbDmPyO94FVVbko5tN9RI/s2683/IMG_20230823_121217950.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1641" data-original-width="2683" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWGH4W50dEWsU6-ea4kJwZFaVuLGuJ4AYQba1JQvpo9FJBc3qGzncPRAiIRRyh0Fz646hMGOyNWmshKPqsnomXLSIqwMxPyFTiz_kzkcGZLoaezvw3g9ll5cmQgVggFnxf2Vck-_eb7VeihGJXCvTl4JaqO27a9JT_9Pc5oTbDmPyO94FVVbko5tN9RI/s320/IMG_20230823_121217950.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute puppies. They all got adopted in a few hours at a Petco adoption event </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfYcjEFPFvML8muKf_iY9BerixtfFTsZMGpNjL-tdvzf8OElRgePE6O52xTKEkhEGSypyrPwd0aIauqTgNEOSaAvtcztbDyOcxcIJj5CBAcnRX2KklNUzuqgOwDDMClAFGjLoQUofx2AT7n5xLYLzc0lQ6AR1Zws4yDX4jc25qxCEBGZ0ffA21wl4cwU/s4080/IMG_20230813_123823203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfYcjEFPFvML8muKf_iY9BerixtfFTsZMGpNjL-tdvzf8OElRgePE6O52xTKEkhEGSypyrPwd0aIauqTgNEOSaAvtcztbDyOcxcIJj5CBAcnRX2KklNUzuqgOwDDMClAFGjLoQUofx2AT7n5xLYLzc0lQ6AR1Zws4yDX4jc25qxCEBGZ0ffA21wl4cwU/s320/IMG_20230813_123823203.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The puppies got bored.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyrOFQ4x1-jmjnDelK2G3gH2ol3wExgaguKb1xca87DMj7t8Ny66Z_DiyTh1DIvoOycnvJNZ9h-VVX8o_AURpJCwgtIhisPdZWiudWl4ilWTszkQZo6P3fjRe8WC9mkFOnZ1s9JWZD5srygjiwPvwpAEyFdzjXy_8SdZijBdrz0f-PQ1fKnBbppnSCe4/s4080/IMG_20231123_160546439.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyrOFQ4x1-jmjnDelK2G3gH2ol3wExgaguKb1xca87DMj7t8Ny66Z_DiyTh1DIvoOycnvJNZ9h-VVX8o_AURpJCwgtIhisPdZWiudWl4ilWTszkQZo6P3fjRe8WC9mkFOnZ1s9JWZD5srygjiwPvwpAEyFdzjXy_8SdZijBdrz0f-PQ1fKnBbppnSCe4/s320/IMG_20231123_160546439.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I fixed the puppy damage by gluing vinyl floor tiles to the door.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="elementToProof" style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></div><div class="elementToProof" style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Oh, and my sister sent me two chihuahua because her neighbor passed away and the family couldn't take them. Originally, I planned to get them adopted but it turned out they were older than we thought and they have health issues. I put them online for adoption for about a week but no one was interested so with my sister's help with medical expenses, I decided to keep them. They are 13 and 14 so they probably have 3 or 4 years left. They fit in well with my other old dogs. I think I should call my house: Daizy's Senior Pup Retirement Home. </div><div class="elementToProof" style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1reE8VTgw9gGyfOBOnLWsXTk9mbWXpECD4C5PL5WEzzzYuPgepFHVeeyqN3Vu4A6ey4M_zgM7QoZ1F85m9Fry_dCzTT4-CAp9vRrRVF-1EuTs1oXSeeT9t7jyes0pDC1rZeuLkZfcDmcd5w0Z4KlL8yVIY8hevAjNq_5wo7xdzEkY5GV24owLyCu5ubY/s1329/IMG_20231111_114234753.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="1329" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1reE8VTgw9gGyfOBOnLWsXTk9mbWXpECD4C5PL5WEzzzYuPgepFHVeeyqN3Vu4A6ey4M_zgM7QoZ1F85m9Fry_dCzTT4-CAp9vRrRVF-1EuTs1oXSeeT9t7jyes0pDC1rZeuLkZfcDmcd5w0Z4KlL8yVIY8hevAjNq_5wo7xdzEkY5GV24owLyCu5ubY/s320/IMG_20231111_114234753.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAHOd1VrxE2eYy7zvpD2SvMZUVS9d15UpmGIV04VCDhLkUMRqMdXlvafCoY0yI_JPnrtXSewknlwU8TElrrzpg0ELQaZxI5Uqpj1T4Qpoq8_uqA8Zu-vl0DEQmejcfl8YTWbYswUj35b4asfBy9mDBtpw-O3n8afSG5_ib0bzrHGq3AcJ36krN1R1k_U/s4080/IMG_20231014_111412178.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAHOd1VrxE2eYy7zvpD2SvMZUVS9d15UpmGIV04VCDhLkUMRqMdXlvafCoY0yI_JPnrtXSewknlwU8TElrrzpg0ELQaZxI5Uqpj1T4Qpoq8_uqA8Zu-vl0DEQmejcfl8YTWbYswUj35b4asfBy9mDBtpw-O3n8afSG5_ib0bzrHGq3AcJ36krN1R1k_U/s320/IMG_20231014_111412178.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmQTOWTbHgBDTiXsURDZtSXRsbzoGHG4aO-L9nE26Edhh8j-QnDgkshc-IsyzR2vLB5JrpS2Wm6z-f4Q7HlHCvZJLgWJWd2Ivpk6m6dVHdKIQdhTBVphGs08CxgSili9S2PmAbU34YdmRD2O9sJ5fzJuADiVZ4Db7UTV2z1SF3qxKxKThbJ_qdvgdl_A/s4080/IMG_20230622_144112746.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmQTOWTbHgBDTiXsURDZtSXRsbzoGHG4aO-L9nE26Edhh8j-QnDgkshc-IsyzR2vLB5JrpS2Wm6z-f4Q7HlHCvZJLgWJWd2Ivpk6m6dVHdKIQdhTBVphGs08CxgSili9S2PmAbU34YdmRD2O9sJ5fzJuADiVZ4Db7UTV2z1SF3qxKxKThbJ_qdvgdl_A/s320/IMG_20230622_144112746.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1jqgPo1d-SXNcTuRCmjr9B_btjsPr3viM9Z8L9ZFvd_cwsccFBGlkpX4Ihe-4QKekmuX7L34K4ReYMi6o3Hitvl6ZJb_9oeEdjbqtYxRgi5JtzFwrEPMQ4D7ejIFNTn3dl5OUspzPTMFu23w9g_mHeKv7gN8zTfBRcGSaX9-S6GZ4smDHEwmmjjsQKQ/s4080/IMG_20230622_144217086_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1jqgPo1d-SXNcTuRCmjr9B_btjsPr3viM9Z8L9ZFvd_cwsccFBGlkpX4Ihe-4QKekmuX7L34K4ReYMi6o3Hitvl6ZJb_9oeEdjbqtYxRgi5JtzFwrEPMQ4D7ejIFNTn3dl5OUspzPTMFu23w9g_mHeKv7gN8zTfBRcGSaX9-S6GZ4smDHEwmmjjsQKQ/s320/IMG_20230622_144217086_HDR.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="elementToProof" style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></div><div class="elementToProof" style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In August my tenants from my rental house in Tucson mentioned that shingles had come loose after a wild monsoon storm. I bought that house in 2004. I know shingles last around 20 years but I didn't like the timing. $8,000 to re-shingle the roof. There went the rest of my cash savings. I put my automatic investment on hold for a few months.</div><div class="elementToProof" style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></div><div class="elementToProof" style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">My tenants for March and April said that they wanted to come back in 2024 so I was very happy. But then they both changed their plans. One shortened their stay and the other cancelled because they decided to buy a house here. I was able to get another tenant for January 2024 and at the last minute I got a tenant for Christmas-New Years week. Moving out is always annoying and hard work but I did it. I am currently in my neighbor's guest room with 5 small dogs who all, luckily, get along with her 2 small dogs. As of now, I will be moving back to my house April 1<sup>st</sup> but it is available on VRBO so I could get a last minute booking.</div><div class="elementToProof" style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></div><div class="elementToProof" style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">So, how is my retirement fund looking? Not bad actually. Even with all of the expenses in 2023 and the stock market roller coaster, I am still on track to meet my goal in less than two years. And if I wait until I am 55, then I should have enough to support my hobbies like dog/cat fostering and crafting. I might even travel but the thought of going on road trips right now doesn't sound very appealing even though I still watch all of the van life, car camping videos and I have an SUV so I could do it. I even learned that my SUV has foldable seats by watching one of those camping videos. Of course, I had to run out to the garage and try it. It worked! Do you think I can sleep in there with 5 dogs? Maybe not.</div><div class="elementToProof" style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTACaXyXRbgqI4x0xAiumWko36s3OP6Glh21IqfeO141PXuFnwdfMHjA5KQFNE-rNWB1Q7ca6soWCnYH6Hq6CnbizMWnqgY_bbw-1X7d181Q2wL3nBMvfBDIbSrF_GYZ0QxAgFcJF1_KrdeYqkCGux92vlS0ZHoUaHvvVH8EZMJMa5HJpIiBoobH0mLo/s4080/IMG_20230921_161709859_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTACaXyXRbgqI4x0xAiumWko36s3OP6Glh21IqfeO141PXuFnwdfMHjA5KQFNE-rNWB1Q7ca6soWCnYH6Hq6CnbizMWnqgY_bbw-1X7d181Q2wL3nBMvfBDIbSrF_GYZ0QxAgFcJF1_KrdeYqkCGux92vlS0ZHoUaHvvVH8EZMJMa5HJpIiBoobH0mLo/s320/IMG_20230921_161709859_HDR.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br /><div class="elementToProof" style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></div>Daizyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508550128007940488noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787157690355329112.post-80985943573351734352022-10-10T14:33:00.001-07:002022-10-10T14:33:57.840-07:00What's the Plan Now?<p> Now that one rental house is sold, I technically have enough money in the bank to retire with a $2,000/month allowance until I am old enough to access my 401K. There are a few things that make me hesitate to take the plunge though. </p><p>1) My job has been work-from-home since Nov. 2019. I really like the convenience and so do my dogs.</p><p>2) Inflation. Now doesn't seem like a good time to stop adding to my savings.</p><p>3) The wobbly stock market. Very hard to watch the dips but I am still investing new money.</p><p>4) Health insurance. I am in the process of getting a tooth replaced. Can a handle a big medical/dental bill if I stop working? Plus, my nephew is on my health insurance for another 3 years.</p><p>5) My propensity to spend money on new hobbies and habits. I bought a lottery scratcher ticket for the first time. Spent $10, won $10. I should probably stop while I've broken even. The local horseback riding business has a "buy 6 rides, get 1 ride free". That's a goal I would like to reach but at $50/hr. I probably shouldn't. On the other hand, if I can't afford a "fun money" category in my budget, I don't think I should retire yet. </p><p> And there are a few things that make me want to quit the full time job now.</p><p>1) Time is not unlimited.</p><p>2) Both of my parents died from dementia related issues after years of ill health in their 70's. </p><p>3) How much money do I really need? Is it worth the trade-off?</p><p>4) Peer pressure from my friends in the 55+ community where I live even though I am only 50.</p><p>For now, I will keep working and do a few little things like weekend trips. First trip: Lockhart, Texas to visit my sister. She visits me twice a year (ok, so my house is kind of on the way to her vacation destinations) and I have never seen her house or met her dog. I am also stopping in Houston and dragging my college roommate with me. I haven't seen her in over 5 years and it is my turn to visit. It will be just like old times only a little grayer, with reading glasses.</p><p>After that, I want to go to Spokane, Sacramento, Portland, maybe Cincinnati, and Hungary. I am lucky that my nephew is willing to be my house and dog sitter. Hopefully he won't have too much trouble although all of my dogs are old, half blind, and prefer if someone accompanies them out to the yard.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVaHHQh0g5WYJDNc8u_rq_LzqiqBBOngqHWWdd1xI1ALP7aAYbWvr1i5XKDgosuERMsR1i4H30HqHZx8tAqOp18A5Tm0mD7T4Ha_-HkuVVI1gAAxe45W9QNZ8PPT3ZucWnp-bml6WoZFxF-rHA5tLZ2w7kGh-Nc0CtZYnanuv-CC-NuOx27xsePBxb/s4032/IMG_20220927_120535904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVaHHQh0g5WYJDNc8u_rq_LzqiqBBOngqHWWdd1xI1ALP7aAYbWvr1i5XKDgosuERMsR1i4H30HqHZx8tAqOp18A5Tm0mD7T4Ha_-HkuVVI1gAAxe45W9QNZ8PPT3ZucWnp-bml6WoZFxF-rHA5tLZ2w7kGh-Nc0CtZYnanuv-CC-NuOx27xsePBxb/s320/IMG_20220927_120535904.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my old dogs barking at the road runner who was pecking the glass.</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>It's even more fun to make plans now that I am closer to my goals. My dad retired at 55. I definitely need to retire before that! Maybe 54. </p>Daizyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508550128007940488noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787157690355329112.post-88606951633675162242022-09-23T17:12:00.005-07:002022-09-23T17:17:26.780-07:00Busy Summer Months of Sweat equity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That was an exhausting summer. I know summer isn't officially over but I'm calling it done. The two bedroom rental was trashed, of course. Yes, I know that is my fault for not inspecting it once in a while. I bought it trashed and had 3 tenants who trashed it. Cleaning it out 4 times was my limit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My realtor saw it at the same time I did and recommended listing it as-is for $125,000. I said no. A little clean up and I want $160,000. She was skeptical. I bought it in 2017 for $65,000. I also said I wanted to make it available for VA and Fannie Mae loans. My intent was to sell it to someone who would make it their home. This area of South Tucson is low-income and investors are buying homes and raising rents. I could have kept it and waited for gentrification to move in. It is located close to downtown and homes sell for $300K and up in the right area. But I wanted out. Less stress. Time to move on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikW4x7JQrEL7BDT-Czyn4UEJWF3DTIdeeTZ03MSTEoCIVzF7oIWGD9sBrh1ulUvH86aHPYaBwKxoRDtm_BXnFe-7q6PHqR48K8aT_AbGiHcdERvB1WOnSXO01aaRCa2NGSKZFvaLaqyDlX97xvopqak2fGj_wUi1DvdiG76x72Y1X777jc2f2mUmzs/s4032/IMG_20220705_160546659_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikW4x7JQrEL7BDT-Czyn4UEJWF3DTIdeeTZ03MSTEoCIVzF7oIWGD9sBrh1ulUvH86aHPYaBwKxoRDtm_BXnFe-7q6PHqR48K8aT_AbGiHcdERvB1WOnSXO01aaRCa2NGSKZFvaLaqyDlX97xvopqak2fGj_wUi1DvdiG76x72Y1X777jc2f2mUmzs/s320/IMG_20220705_160546659_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqr6uizVp9z0aNoIgP2DiYGICK45vVW9LzvhGO0xUhP4KIqExUMosdk2FLTVaMzF9GnadBd_pjFJdA6P_pH2VTe_Pms7aP_3LLw-vLodsawpTCvfh7BXeuQxNisLrwZ1YiOtxv7TR31MtXKjIoKDQR1XtNsk_xkD6nF7C2CeIf1GneVsWIti4TWePf/s4032/IMG_20220705_160551591_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqr6uizVp9z0aNoIgP2DiYGICK45vVW9LzvhGO0xUhP4KIqExUMosdk2FLTVaMzF9GnadBd_pjFJdA6P_pH2VTe_Pms7aP_3LLw-vLodsawpTCvfh7BXeuQxNisLrwZ1YiOtxv7TR31MtXKjIoKDQR1XtNsk_xkD6nF7C2CeIf1GneVsWIti4TWePf/s320/IMG_20220705_160551591_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They left me a car and a trampoline. No thanks. The car was towed for free. My realtor gave me the name of an awesome junk hauler and yard guy who took the junk away and trimmed up the shrubs.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5OGES6HKmiphFeTQkSa3eLRBFGqCueNULISw3-UVbdrnuNhlSGh3mxpLsActcg3mBZeXClgavyo-AKdhVuF1T8fBi-Olflt-zkqLzTsMa3YAUOCd5pathby7eOKZxGAuWG1a2KO014imFjwASLq1qUvupiLNYvCGRg_iTVJ6kn95oD8OscF8nwOf/s4032/IMG_20220705_160703632.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5OGES6HKmiphFeTQkSa3eLRBFGqCueNULISw3-UVbdrnuNhlSGh3mxpLsActcg3mBZeXClgavyo-AKdhVuF1T8fBi-Olflt-zkqLzTsMa3YAUOCd5pathby7eOKZxGAuWG1a2KO014imFjwASLq1qUvupiLNYvCGRg_iTVJ6kn95oD8OscF8nwOf/s320/IMG_20220705_160703632.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A friend helped me bag up the trash. I helped her clean out her house and she helped me with mine. Win-win.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTozqlQYwEt0r5XyXfeWwj_p_0DeG7_Q3TJMtBfAC121gCoza8e_aiiRnIv7JbzEexXid_FBDwbu-enN3KghJ9NRb4b9sDsoZKq0kTTJSMsHrdH_9UvTgKfNsCZfrsCcu8Z17JeHFqGJOQTP213mW10T7pBYAeV0DJrytqpztrQu3KyPSx7Pzwpvd/s4032/IMG_20220705_160716032.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTozqlQYwEt0r5XyXfeWwj_p_0DeG7_Q3TJMtBfAC121gCoza8e_aiiRnIv7JbzEexXid_FBDwbu-enN3KghJ9NRb4b9sDsoZKq0kTTJSMsHrdH_9UvTgKfNsCZfrsCcu8Z17JeHFqGJOQTP213mW10T7pBYAeV0DJrytqpztrQu3KyPSx7Pzwpvd/s320/IMG_20220705_160716032.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGFoeFVlNvVO9cEuQGl0rWvDGjybSskcyZoFZodndCfGwdw80njmSl25un3e1RLGyl6SX6RCT099wZoGoElB50dNcw_qPFtc4TQ2r97EenHjYUDqYeMgdzVNxWxENp5OjESZgy2wUG8MrtEz0GXYItLIvQ8gSl-ggGPCwJ9LDLoJoWZ3MDIdsDLyN/s4032/IMG_20220705_160732065.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGFoeFVlNvVO9cEuQGl0rWvDGjybSskcyZoFZodndCfGwdw80njmSl25un3e1RLGyl6SX6RCT099wZoGoElB50dNcw_qPFtc4TQ2r97EenHjYUDqYeMgdzVNxWxENp5OjESZgy2wUG8MrtEz0GXYItLIvQ8gSl-ggGPCwJ9LDLoJoWZ3MDIdsDLyN/s320/IMG_20220705_160732065.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Looks like the tenant enjoyed his beer. His dog enjoyed eating holes in the drywall. The mice were living safely under the refrigerator.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAgqbam2-DCx4L9eb5ITqqr0UDz06UVcouF1b73gviSa1wUjUT3brfdmlv6mZNQ93kP-Ys-OPrdQRLkL9HOA2el8qZxhtXmVFiZ0GeCsJmWt_MlWtjbd6fSxmtvSm_BRrLWsWsC5qee-8kV9uXIbJyR_yh6PeS5jGopVKqFK776wCLSXxNQRWeCUL/s4032/IMG_20220705_160754984.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAgqbam2-DCx4L9eb5ITqqr0UDz06UVcouF1b73gviSa1wUjUT3brfdmlv6mZNQ93kP-Ys-OPrdQRLkL9HOA2el8qZxhtXmVFiZ0GeCsJmWt_MlWtjbd6fSxmtvSm_BRrLWsWsC5qee-8kV9uXIbJyR_yh6PeS5jGopVKqFK776wCLSXxNQRWeCUL/s320/IMG_20220705_160754984.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSFqM_vdlkadEHV-sJIypWjyDXyAxtIPbBVTuBsgsRjX-qFtoPkzavGmxkmak3H9TxvtIWVF8wE4Q7tW2OmDLP-HcdSCj-DG-P1uh98PFUn1fQRy4i7N3hY66r3Gdtd-5Ct92R3x-abZtafTJTXrSOJhJhJmYPSNJtdKwiyP9WH1uS3mXMQE42dq0/s4032/IMG_20220705_161039273.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSFqM_vdlkadEHV-sJIypWjyDXyAxtIPbBVTuBsgsRjX-qFtoPkzavGmxkmak3H9TxvtIWVF8wE4Q7tW2OmDLP-HcdSCj-DG-P1uh98PFUn1fQRy4i7N3hY66r3Gdtd-5Ct92R3x-abZtafTJTXrSOJhJhJmYPSNJtdKwiyP9WH1uS3mXMQE42dq0/s320/IMG_20220705_161039273.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can't see it but the ceiling and walls were coated in nicotine yellow. Actually, the ceiling was still coated in nicotine when I sold it. I tried a few methods to clean it but I didn't want to damage my neck. Scrubbing a ceiling is hard.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIX2uUf-4euWojOEDNgD15muts1d7deqd1xn7WJkjCKmI6bRGjfiSX6wM-C1sDj2tcL4_dsI6If1ryEzBrm-CO4nxvzFguVlk76Z_6I7Iae6IWa70S6DOv_WFO67Wikn_HMEiiJXGm0lkLD0R0w0SKodd8OdIpmcVvD9Vazc5YyavNeM3ZRDv2L1pp/s4032/IMG_20220705_162337753_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIX2uUf-4euWojOEDNgD15muts1d7deqd1xn7WJkjCKmI6bRGjfiSX6wM-C1sDj2tcL4_dsI6If1ryEzBrm-CO4nxvzFguVlk76Z_6I7Iae6IWa70S6DOv_WFO67Wikn_HMEiiJXGm0lkLD0R0w0SKodd8OdIpmcVvD9Vazc5YyavNeM3ZRDv2L1pp/s320/IMG_20220705_162337753_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>More presents left behind.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpvJIkfA60-CHykjqRZi9pBysjTN8O0tmbgfMlSKmx8YvGS8PLul5c93UVTem5bdc40uBrefgGeNtG36I6fg6aHMv-8FXk7oBPzj1yju0Wc5vDVRAHc--p_NxK037TxmtSSxWa3aJvgQi3di0Dp56l9FGByZRBUa0AwbFJbHyLTCj8qEeVig3fzqu/s4032/IMG_20220716_090742595.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpvJIkfA60-CHykjqRZi9pBysjTN8O0tmbgfMlSKmx8YvGS8PLul5c93UVTem5bdc40uBrefgGeNtG36I6fg6aHMv-8FXk7oBPzj1yju0Wc5vDVRAHc--p_NxK037TxmtSSxWa3aJvgQi3di0Dp56l9FGByZRBUa0AwbFJbHyLTCj8qEeVig3fzqu/s320/IMG_20220716_090742595.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From the oil on the kitchen walls, it appears he only knew how to deep fry. You are lucky this blog doesn't have smell-o-vision. The cigarette smell was very strong.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9WwGddW81yr-5fQTTcOEKpIg0t5JBzfDMYdGVZdb7n7xZVOHiaQXi8obRWsw8mf4-crd6L3qEUN5thL08KG3lQiB5YT6aeJKQYW8BiFoxQS1cnTweLR9i0yLIkoB3Z5QYKDwg5j5gn5RFtuPtCg_UcD4eblvofDYyKAK03nCJf5Yosl0ww1S24y_/s4032/IMG_20220716_092409272.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9WwGddW81yr-5fQTTcOEKpIg0t5JBzfDMYdGVZdb7n7xZVOHiaQXi8obRWsw8mf4-crd6L3qEUN5thL08KG3lQiB5YT6aeJKQYW8BiFoxQS1cnTweLR9i0yLIkoB3Z5QYKDwg5j5gn5RFtuPtCg_UcD4eblvofDYyKAK03nCJf5Yosl0ww1S24y_/s320/IMG_20220716_092409272.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I tried a few different methods to clean this hard water stain. Ended up using sand paper.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqKP6DDL4O1jfj3KWjNiRf-2v9PatIdUBF3B5XsdzFmQTByQLWU4m3fw7migWyCC53bPK9rS8DuK4huE7HnjzJbl3UfrtSYUPqFcpj99L2MwJEodqn2c2t3Id16JF-vn3_Huc9TOGKdkC52KKaxHoBnmIGZrE6iBIVJOvHhRwqDheae29Ar5l__Ew/s4032/IMG_20220716_142655191.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqKP6DDL4O1jfj3KWjNiRf-2v9PatIdUBF3B5XsdzFmQTByQLWU4m3fw7migWyCC53bPK9rS8DuK4huE7HnjzJbl3UfrtSYUPqFcpj99L2MwJEodqn2c2t3Id16JF-vn3_Huc9TOGKdkC52KKaxHoBnmIGZrE6iBIVJOvHhRwqDheae29Ar5l__Ew/s320/IMG_20220716_142655191.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>That's much better.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1A4CxsqIcVr46sdktjAQa48y7CMpd-PCB6h7ya57Cn4Bu0s4t9nOQnWNkMNYA0Dm6EpJrTxbyoglOAiTJIP8-aNO4Bh5guUA1RbFnI2gnVpq_xc8Y65dkVslnp-Dp2T5XNC9cDTDUo_uirSV6YnSlfXAFWFCPI7BEQpEh4hD_XPdqRYEiR5sj4Sz/s4032/IMG_20220716_144019589.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1A4CxsqIcVr46sdktjAQa48y7CMpd-PCB6h7ya57Cn4Bu0s4t9nOQnWNkMNYA0Dm6EpJrTxbyoglOAiTJIP8-aNO4Bh5guUA1RbFnI2gnVpq_xc8Y65dkVslnp-Dp2T5XNC9cDTDUo_uirSV6YnSlfXAFWFCPI7BEQpEh4hD_XPdqRYEiR5sj4Sz/s320/IMG_20220716_144019589.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Tried scrubbing the grease off the walls. Finally used oil based stain cover. I wish I had skipped right to the paint. It would have saved a lot of time and frustration.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifa4eISo8urPPo4MxylFizrjE4JR6LRDjZubPK0QCWN_yq5Zzudhbwwz3MEioIq6V3ezxfXHf0O-756QjqpNwxAYtXVFqw5MxxwwHv8EiJT8dVOYgAaEnBeMZwiMN5qSOiVIef12nD0xLv7WA4HYZblGF9kdM-RLVmHvo04po4thSfZz5JtKlw8B-v/s4032/IMG_20220716_144633185.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifa4eISo8urPPo4MxylFizrjE4JR6LRDjZubPK0QCWN_yq5Zzudhbwwz3MEioIq6V3ezxfXHf0O-756QjqpNwxAYtXVFqw5MxxwwHv8EiJT8dVOYgAaEnBeMZwiMN5qSOiVIef12nD0xLv7WA4HYZblGF9kdM-RLVmHvo04po4thSfZz5JtKlw8B-v/s320/IMG_20220716_144633185.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Love this paint. It stank but even that helped improve the over-all smell of the house.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVNw4Y--ItKFH530x5ZwokfMQfJFxU5ZWRHL2GInhIn9BwH9E7951Z4x8i1iUg3L4fONl1FuvITqc7gVB7TdjlMeWBUjkOGfgylxri612I40bh5zMgKOapurwgB3YequchdbBcy0lcz_75pq3yU06BHzBY88xE-JxhL_1fRlH1dDc1Ifrzbbk7GBx/s4032/IMG_20220723_141622564.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVNw4Y--ItKFH530x5ZwokfMQfJFxU5ZWRHL2GInhIn9BwH9E7951Z4x8i1iUg3L4fONl1FuvITqc7gVB7TdjlMeWBUjkOGfgylxri612I40bh5zMgKOapurwgB3YequchdbBcy0lcz_75pq3yU06BHzBY88xE-JxhL_1fRlH1dDc1Ifrzbbk7GBx/s320/IMG_20220723_141622564.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I couldn't pass up the chance to add a little bit of color to the kitchen. I had never tiled anything before. I spaced them so that I didn't have to make any cuts and used grout from a tube. I don't recommend grout from a tube. It was messy and probably too thin. I think it turned out ok though. I did touch up the grout with some white caulk. I bought a fancy kitchen faucet but took one look at the 1950's water lines and gave up on that idea. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IKEVXdHhEfvQjXYL2sLLQzkSzBxFP3NLQeMyQyzerTYdJ1Bbtc8qtybKCROOzio3ZEgtsqd2E60IK9q0YF6Mlm17mGqM_77cgXThqmCT9r-OO13Cgtmgfg8cjfWEyu_NaUUrbBU4IW0xJ_i0-09xfgpTTiD4lXdJKghXWRR9BJUyJ3x8t2y0AzYN/s4032/IMG_20220723_141600657.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IKEVXdHhEfvQjXYL2sLLQzkSzBxFP3NLQeMyQyzerTYdJ1Bbtc8qtybKCROOzio3ZEgtsqd2E60IK9q0YF6Mlm17mGqM_77cgXThqmCT9r-OO13Cgtmgfg8cjfWEyu_NaUUrbBU4IW0xJ_i0-09xfgpTTiD4lXdJKghXWRR9BJUyJ3x8t2y0AzYN/s320/IMG_20220723_141600657.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTMg2uVIWiyr0eB65WIKqAcTU8YRJieLvXRR5gpmqw8EUA_Vskq8SAztq_Rr0U7ezwKFIkaDykCJYiRYL6RIPbDbZEk4H52w363N0C4UkCwEeMO_rgFxccWtJ2QEj8GzTtMoQWJ6sHKf2lodkTsvRYo8o5anhiZyLlM_PDjKtn9vu3EzSaXjm0cQ8/s4032/IMG_20220725_151354850.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTMg2uVIWiyr0eB65WIKqAcTU8YRJieLvXRR5gpmqw8EUA_Vskq8SAztq_Rr0U7ezwKFIkaDykCJYiRYL6RIPbDbZEk4H52w363N0C4UkCwEeMO_rgFxccWtJ2QEj8GzTtMoQWJ6sHKf2lodkTsvRYo8o5anhiZyLlM_PDjKtn9vu3EzSaXjm0cQ8/s320/IMG_20220725_151354850.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>My sister came out from Texas and painted this room for me. I was so happy for the help. It looks (and smells) a lot better. I bought a paint sprayer but she opted to roll it. She probably got less paint in her hair that way.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-thxPJzxJEcEzEKEHs5v6OeV9AXtqsYSrYrkbBtID0YC9J8HqnWZ4WdLPcfnmtA18Ak3JjHjdK-AaVAfzWDM9TJYtnDvo20DIzT26q6qbaXXdPf7IBDdwOo44KXSBEf5LRRF4uu-Tt_SAgQ84LmWVHA7Floq02XmMpU-FAITSVeepwZys0gsAHFL/s4032/IMG_20220730_150516464.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-thxPJzxJEcEzEKEHs5v6OeV9AXtqsYSrYrkbBtID0YC9J8HqnWZ4WdLPcfnmtA18Ak3JjHjdK-AaVAfzWDM9TJYtnDvo20DIzT26q6qbaXXdPf7IBDdwOo44KXSBEf5LRRF4uu-Tt_SAgQ84LmWVHA7Floq02XmMpU-FAITSVeepwZys0gsAHFL/s320/IMG_20220730_150516464.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In order to get it on the market as soon as possible, I bought a quart of the adobe color and touched up the living room paint.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGjlfw8lN1KiUdT_o4ytMJtVHufZXMqMKJcxIA0GI2fNR6e8p3km6fiRq7LZMaZV2RVJuYLyJ7B5inUwvd9xddVKcbc_KDvIGNgxhbbACklIzAmWF6XESzSlT8h4Ko6L8t4qOOwgPQwu2ZC_Lr6Bd1x_loOfCldBrWtp7r2LKIVDJTcxiQSTCsp-y/s4032/IMG_20220730_150523801.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGjlfw8lN1KiUdT_o4ytMJtVHufZXMqMKJcxIA0GI2fNR6e8p3km6fiRq7LZMaZV2RVJuYLyJ7B5inUwvd9xddVKcbc_KDvIGNgxhbbACklIzAmWF6XESzSlT8h4Ko6L8t4qOOwgPQwu2ZC_Lr6Bd1x_loOfCldBrWtp7r2LKIVDJTcxiQSTCsp-y/s320/IMG_20220730_150523801.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Dining room end of the living room area. The house is 950 sqft. I've never liked the layout but originally it was a 1 bedroom 1 bath and then they made a second bedroom out of the back porch and added another porch.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdL2n6shvya7ERQl_yeAomi9ih4x_S90zzwiaHlywX-A2q3IVxeBlmwuZSNS42VlFK4oAI7jIaz3mk6W7GpXjakWQoYg5CEkqs47FvSYjEGICmfzz-_FoLZgNSqFtXPCyAVrvVhM8jeLf8H8UoZ1qkjpqo15yx3I6Xg2LtLvdWo-FbCVGsxuHExWb/s4032/IMG_20220730_150536886.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdL2n6shvya7ERQl_yeAomi9ih4x_S90zzwiaHlywX-A2q3IVxeBlmwuZSNS42VlFK4oAI7jIaz3mk6W7GpXjakWQoYg5CEkqs47FvSYjEGICmfzz-_FoLZgNSqFtXPCyAVrvVhM8jeLf8H8UoZ1qkjpqo15yx3I6Xg2LtLvdWo-FbCVGsxuHExWb/s320/IMG_20220730_150536886.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The bathroom didn't need much work except...the tenant had disconnected the drain under the sink because the drain was clogged and had a bucket under there to catch the water. I never did find all of the parts. The plumber charged $800! to unclog the sink, put the drain back together, and replace the shower control. That was the cheaper plumber than the first one I called. I poured drain cleaner down the shower drain and bought a low-flow shower head for $15. I think it worked because the inspector didn't mention the water backing up in the shower.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqG4QR3FdE7GlE8UofTlMBQCuoMss-TUf670UINQX4QkW0aR9wtyWLi8Mc3pmvHOdc3lcJeF9V0qJ2yhxG5uMxo6pc1HFYHtEDb55SqPwS2rn6VsAjjpqxFL7y49MXMuJkmqDwFGNDnKePvNeUT1de9QMcnlGIG108OflS2lbfRxn2FFcTzV32RzT/s4032/IMG_20220730_150811806_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqG4QR3FdE7GlE8UofTlMBQCuoMss-TUf670UINQX4QkW0aR9wtyWLi8Mc3pmvHOdc3lcJeF9V0qJ2yhxG5uMxo6pc1HFYHtEDb55SqPwS2rn6VsAjjpqxFL7y49MXMuJkmqDwFGNDnKePvNeUT1de9QMcnlGIG108OflS2lbfRxn2FFcTzV32RzT/s320/IMG_20220730_150811806_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This side of the house has always had a stucco peeling problem. I painted it for the third and last time. It started pouring rain but it didn't seem to bother the wet paint.</div><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJr44K-bFpYRdiXLO4IvGEj3i6LT8ozPT9msoGxiIKezaZcYO2xEr1UIMWajaErVXMmB8oc_x2QuTbIqkQKPAD8BxiaJzin8BVwzOiyGMTcgXm32il_g0XxsC0ZBwF93l-VI7AttH0e-tj4XG1sR9n-vpYn6-qXqNxrRtSDb74xX6lUhOYWcg2ai4q/s1600/1659677400024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJr44K-bFpYRdiXLO4IvGEj3i6LT8ozPT9msoGxiIKezaZcYO2xEr1UIMWajaErVXMmB8oc_x2QuTbIqkQKPAD8BxiaJzin8BVwzOiyGMTcgXm32il_g0XxsC0ZBwF93l-VI7AttH0e-tj4XG1sR9n-vpYn6-qXqNxrRtSDb74xX6lUhOYWcg2ai4q/s320/1659677400024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>The landscape rock was well worth the $350 for a finished look. A few weeks later the weeds came back with a vengeance. Paid the yard guy another $100 to weed-whack and spray weed killer.</div><div><br /></div><div>I got the house on the market at the beginning of August. Google kept suggesting articles about the housing market crashing. Thanks, Google. Inventory in this area was very low with only 2 other houses as my competition. I got 3 offers within 24 hours. 1 from an investor for $130K cash, 1 Fannie Mae for $160K and 1 VA for $165K. I went with the VA loan person and decided see what hoops needed to be jumped. The inspection report took 2 weeks and the appraisal took 3 weeks. It was a nerve-wracking time wondering what they would want and whether I would have to dump them and re-list. </div><div><br /></div><div>The inspection list was long, as expected, but my realtor said to wait until the bank tells us what has to be done for the VA loan. The buyer wanted a new roof, a home warranty for the appliances, the stove fixed or replaced, a grounding bar added to the electrical panel, water damage fixed on the two porches and a termite warranty. </div><div><br /></div><div>After the appraisal came in acceptable for the loan (they didn't share what the appraisal said) the bank said that they only needed the clear termite report which included the water damage on the porch. My realtor was able to recommend a guy to replace the wood. I had to convince him to just replace the damaged parts because he wanted to do more. We had to extend the closing for 10 more days because The wood guy wasn't available yet but it finally got done and he did a good job for only $350.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpTNdJ5SVUgiZ4SNUqpji7WYyJGl_WV9LUIQahW7pYapGtV3uUvcKr-yIJiYl6B5v8YJbJaWtdkvHKU08usRV8D2arZ-ln3DmHuMIDg0UyL__gafvq4pq7sNpb0JUlI_e3a47bXaxtANZGB5NflAKy9RWvQfTiFQ9Gj2fGz3RODn7ZpN5AlUi3iNF/s4032/IMG_20220827_112000335_BURST000_COVER.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpTNdJ5SVUgiZ4SNUqpji7WYyJGl_WV9LUIQahW7pYapGtV3uUvcKr-yIJiYl6B5v8YJbJaWtdkvHKU08usRV8D2arZ-ln3DmHuMIDg0UyL__gafvq4pq7sNpb0JUlI_e3a47bXaxtANZGB5NflAKy9RWvQfTiFQ9Gj2fGz3RODn7ZpN5AlUi3iNF/s320/IMG_20220827_112000335_BURST000_COVER.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDayZohFY7X-_SyYtzokSDphB-FDrQmomK1VZ5R2CLooI1IoQWOXRJfBW5q5yTNRYH3RGeluFdDN0ZXRonyM-aVLBDrjeIwUsmz-Y-pGzDe_SQDTAAKwe4ssIjyw_DOI0VALikfJrKR5vpF5Hd3ggbgTwC_9T0BXXz5mSQW1scZ1T15De--IoKdYh/s4032/IMG_20220827_112010857_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDayZohFY7X-_SyYtzokSDphB-FDrQmomK1VZ5R2CLooI1IoQWOXRJfBW5q5yTNRYH3RGeluFdDN0ZXRonyM-aVLBDrjeIwUsmz-Y-pGzDe_SQDTAAKwe4ssIjyw_DOI0VALikfJrKR5vpF5Hd3ggbgTwC_9T0BXXz5mSQW1scZ1T15De--IoKdYh/s320/IMG_20220827_112010857_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6IxqqHs0mvugRmqFCYYTN1mNRonTBZzo08p5fSjJZyfUV-4xqDp-5zL3xXNIzOssJ9Kco6gD0MJ_n7e0ZIdSj3eFla1Yo391Yf2fCakz6DrT1FqW60FEO6eWoOalau1DS-5AOjSLx3DwE2OSuwjwAqGBp8U7fplIgdudRSW7G8cov3spvtSMAT7l/s4032/IMG_20220909_110352480.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6IxqqHs0mvugRmqFCYYTN1mNRonTBZzo08p5fSjJZyfUV-4xqDp-5zL3xXNIzOssJ9Kco6gD0MJ_n7e0ZIdSj3eFla1Yo391Yf2fCakz6DrT1FqW60FEO6eWoOalau1DS-5AOjSLx3DwE2OSuwjwAqGBp8U7fplIgdudRSW7G8cov3spvtSMAT7l/s320/IMG_20220909_110352480.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIETMH43fxXpBTIySNFxoFSL84_I48TBKlv9UJ6EwbSWlHpnQ82UjYqeOSfXjIT7TBp_2F3Y4uUO6y07FM5WwLyFXut1d2n3lEl022Nd47PRqzR_5S8tXZRhx8uEXh_765XB43vVKjup-b8c-NMTt9Pw_Mi8jPapPjSwOmY0JzCp9lmbetkg0Z5lBv/s4032/IMG_20220909_110623871_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIETMH43fxXpBTIySNFxoFSL84_I48TBKlv9UJ6EwbSWlHpnQ82UjYqeOSfXjIT7TBp_2F3Y4uUO6y07FM5WwLyFXut1d2n3lEl022Nd47PRqzR_5S8tXZRhx8uEXh_765XB43vVKjup-b8c-NMTt9Pw_Mi8jPapPjSwOmY0JzCp9lmbetkg0Z5lBv/s320/IMG_20220909_110623871_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfggxSiZU1620X54WqhISI_utRS6genks5dRcKx8IDJDWWanNpgzTNabWrcs1RmaEXCL0DPQkW0ggC5iaGJMYMb2ySZ9nrfIot3Bj7byj5eyML7Dje0zc36N7kkAAzJ5fQNRhvEroOdBHVUJoC7SgU6Ib6BzNsuY3Fxox7nyJdepqHcyl0KdQVAnPs/s4032/IMG_20220909_110634792_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfggxSiZU1620X54WqhISI_utRS6genks5dRcKx8IDJDWWanNpgzTNabWrcs1RmaEXCL0DPQkW0ggC5iaGJMYMb2ySZ9nrfIot3Bj7byj5eyML7Dje0zc36N7kkAAzJ5fQNRhvEroOdBHVUJoC7SgU6Ib6BzNsuY3Fxox7nyJdepqHcyl0KdQVAnPs/s320/IMG_20220909_110634792_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I somehow fixed the stove by wiggling the wires (one burner wasn't igniting) and agreed to buy the home warranty. I had already paid for the termite warranty so that just got transferred to the new buyer. I tried to get an electrician but no one was available for such a small job. I took a gamble and said no to the new roof. The buyer accepted my terms, the house closed and I have a much bigger retirement nest egg. Whew. I am very happy. $3,500 in repairs, 1 month of Saturday cleaning and projects. It was a lot of work but worth it and I'm so glad it is over.</div>Daizyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508550128007940488noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787157690355329112.post-88097912199649964592022-05-13T16:57:00.000-07:002022-05-13T16:57:12.108-07:00Is It Still "Early" After 50?I turned 50 this week and I'm not retired yet. Something must be wrong. Or not. Plans change. Lifestyle inflation happens. I can retire at a basic level, I just don't want to quite yet. I work from home, I love staying home with my dogs all day. My investments haven't reached their goals yet. Next year though, I am taking my birthday off, at least. Working on my birthday was depressing.<div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiad1Ik6fiIOsJ2kbaR91zeicw29REHP-K6_6Obs649iEdETl1CWYSbMC8bCO1wTE8NDuM7Pp13KjUC7ML5oDq3h7nMx7yujyyI_GwQnnbw00XLEQFJeqhqQC0o8E3Fku7Jnui9dMtY10mzfrjCXb3g28f87tTJYL4KL7S8x3jByRleWWXiqxy12o4R/s2747/chia%20and%20cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2747" data-original-width="2289" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiad1Ik6fiIOsJ2kbaR91zeicw29REHP-K6_6Obs649iEdETl1CWYSbMC8bCO1wTE8NDuM7Pp13KjUC7ML5oDq3h7nMx7yujyyI_GwQnnbw00XLEQFJeqhqQC0o8E3Fku7Jnui9dMtY10mzfrjCXb3g28f87tTJYL4KL7S8x3jByRleWWXiqxy12o4R/s320/chia%20and%20cake.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /> I have given notice to one tenant to vacate so that I can sell the home. It's the 2 bedroom, 1 bath near downtown. I was fine with keeping it rented until I found information that makes me think the tenant has moved out and left her adult son to live there alone. There have been a few issues with the air conditioning unit needing service and a water leak. Repair people are harder to find and replacement parts take longer to get. She was patient, her son is not. When he called me on a Friday night to yell at me to get a repairman there instantly, I suddenly wanted to sell the place. They have 7 weeks to find a new place. It will be tough since he has a dog and a project car in the backyard. I have kept rent low through the pandemic. It's $700/m and I was planning to raise it to $900 over the next couple of years. Now I like the idea of cashing out. Hopefully, they will leave without causing damage. I don't know if the housing market will still be favorable in July but I'm going to see what happens. I can always rent it out again.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVnhljU84kNGTT2F1yedE8Szz8AWAVIzGLV5x2hhzDBcKD26i33Uq_hEF6u5Ew9wP8buSt5uv9wM1kDNPl5Bj8DlGIGcfAsVWCgWci6fz9d-cztA_CVllyD99i-GzXK7byCOlNH9cxqDarPJe9ExM8Vliz0kC-UacdPVNOnV0EdRxKqh2CoKPl4Ay/s559/5th%20google%20maps.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVnhljU84kNGTT2F1yedE8Szz8AWAVIzGLV5x2hhzDBcKD26i33Uq_hEF6u5Ew9wP8buSt5uv9wM1kDNPl5Bj8DlGIGcfAsVWCgWci6fz9d-cztA_CVllyD99i-GzXK7byCOlNH9cxqDarPJe9ExM8Vliz0kC-UacdPVNOnV0EdRxKqh2CoKPl4Ay/s320/5th%20google%20maps.JPG" width="320" /></a>My nephew says that he is planning to move out of the mobile home and into an apartment with a friend. I think that will be a very good experience for him. I am not going to sell that property yet because that is where my tiny house is and I still want to finish it. I consider the tiny house my "vacation" home even though I haven't stayed there since March of 2020.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My other rental home is ok for now. It has needed some repairs but the tenant is very nice and patient. It helps that her nephew runs a handyman company so I can call him for some of the repairs. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I spent all of the money that I earned from winter tenants at my own house to pay for a new A/C heat unit. It was 20 years old and I didn't want to risk it going out while a winter tenant was there. The crane was fun to watch. $7,400 for that. I hope it helps my electric bill since this unit is supposed to be more efficient. My maintenance account is low right now. All other projects besides the house I want to sell, are on hold.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHXw3oWhNNK7G7eOBV9QTWToUoignikNBCNsc6xJc7Ih5bHNChpxNME5ihuBra2q5r4oHAWkneWVHSPRj0EYn6TfPIZ1rEIB9JEkm6Hbg5JFT_AbIzHrl8zUnrnV3IEVAb5ZHDNZ-Gq-_wTL13Du-gbvS0Hfk5M9E2fG6DNYJfvXjXFuvO_8m1FA2/s4032/AC%20install.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHXw3oWhNNK7G7eOBV9QTWToUoignikNBCNsc6xJc7Ih5bHNChpxNME5ihuBra2q5r4oHAWkneWVHSPRj0EYn6TfPIZ1rEIB9JEkm6Hbg5JFT_AbIzHrl8zUnrnV3IEVAb5ZHDNZ-Gq-_wTL13Du-gbvS0Hfk5M9E2fG6DNYJfvXjXFuvO_8m1FA2/s320/AC%20install.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So, that's the latest. Still plugging along and working on my short and long term plans. I'd like to say I can take the summer off from big projects but that house is not going to fix itself up. It will be a relief when it is cash in the bank.</div></div></div></div>Daizyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508550128007940488noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787157690355329112.post-53268175334681917562022-03-04T15:52:00.003-07:002022-03-04T15:52:27.938-07:00Spring and Wind and Bills<p>It's a very windy day here in Arizona. Still sunny and 70's so I'm not complaining. My last tenants of the snowbird season arrived on Tuesday. Hopefully, they will have a great time and no problems. So far I have had a few issues but nothing major. </p><p>My big TV decided to only play Netflix. Luckily, the tenants were happy with Netflix. I was able to do a factory reset after the tenants left and it works fine now. Cost $0, well, it took 45 minutes on the phone with Vizio help desk so not exactly $0 if you count my time. </p><p>My dishwasher died. I bought a new one rather than try to get a used one mainly because the tenants use the dishwasher a lot and handymen and spare parts are in scarce supply. Cost: $550. </p><p>The February tenants forgot to lower the patio umbrella during one of our wind storms. It blew over taking the glass-top table with it and boom...glass shattered everywhere. They were really nice, cleaned up the mess and replaced the table before they left. Cost $0 for me. </p><p>One of the hose connections froze during our 3 days of winter. The drip system connection was rusted onto it and it couldn't be replaced but I figured out how to use part of the garden hose to replace the whole thing. Cost $25. I was proud of myself for figuring it out and my rose bushes will be very happy to have water. Wait time for an appointment with my plumber of choice is 5 weeks. My handyman got a full time job so he is not available either. I'll find a new handyman eventually. </p><p>A new HVAC system is still a priority and they do not have a wait list so I will make an appointment in April when the current tenants leave. </p><p>Another extra cost that I added was an exterminator to spray for bugs twice a year. I've never had a bug-guy before but after the great cricket invasion of 2021, I hired someone when the tenants saw a "bug" and bought cans of Raid. The bug-guy assured them that the house was not infested and it was just a harmless cricket. I didn't bother to tell them about the giant sewer roaches or Huntsman Spider that I saw on the ceiling in the Summer or the increase in Black Widow spiders up against the house. They don't need to know that. Most venomous stuff is sleeping in the winter.</p><p>I cleaned and set-up the house 4 times this season. Of course, I was the messiest person to clean up after. The tenants have all been very neat and courteous. The dirties thing has been the carpet in the back bedroom. I've had to scrub it twice. I don't know why people track stuff in there but I am very glad that the carpet is brown and that it cleans fairly easily. I'm glad that is the only room with carpet.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7vuTH84gkiXb3dzNbOp-gu_SlaiYAukz7Bf7fccJCekOf2DZrgVp1aKl7KYNQAn29l_kkRVeWS-BclruOMTryMpYwHE8hq3lISXb2uCAdAwDV8wu_vgsjjoOWnyQH08OoF75wdrSZmGexgm4Cbn5vM9JWLz3brPawe28hdfeYjZef2xL8n1n_KpRh=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7vuTH84gkiXb3dzNbOp-gu_SlaiYAukz7Bf7fccJCekOf2DZrgVp1aKl7KYNQAn29l_kkRVeWS-BclruOMTryMpYwHE8hq3lISXb2uCAdAwDV8wu_vgsjjoOWnyQH08OoF75wdrSZmGexgm4Cbn5vM9JWLz3brPawe28hdfeYjZef2xL8n1n_KpRh=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The one room with carpet.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>I'm still trying to beautify my little yard. In the summer it is green with flowers. In the winter it just looks like everything is dead. Maybe I need a mural on the block wall.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTr2DAmZjHGYIT0B9ovq750fIlG-_iv9ODSOnjO3o9-qH2fj80WlXbuGaeV_EZAQXp-YxDROck9sXacW1udre1H9vPHROxUfH56ExJK9_Bm-a1WL3qiuzGWVPg7sdR-UGMUnpnF7zHuTZJIXGZfaA2sxwcUQbPnlNMXbHqj6zWHSOQELFZvy4hLZQE=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTr2DAmZjHGYIT0B9ovq750fIlG-_iv9ODSOnjO3o9-qH2fj80WlXbuGaeV_EZAQXp-YxDROck9sXacW1udre1H9vPHROxUfH56ExJK9_Bm-a1WL3qiuzGWVPg7sdR-UGMUnpnF7zHuTZJIXGZfaA2sxwcUQbPnlNMXbHqj6zWHSOQELFZvy4hLZQE=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIgnLJIcnHvrempnd_QqvbQhcdi_Eb8NXjiAOAScSsSeSsUxYkbwInbHQom6L1bWmxP3z-bW3t7vQvDIMzClE4wKMmsoHPB-x8LmjvXV5RSpq90PLG2_IWNj9S22g4kklJemyFG01Y357SdcK-zj52jGFUykZVu1jpyBizeikDx6LRQyS-_3bxql0S=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIgnLJIcnHvrempnd_QqvbQhcdi_Eb8NXjiAOAScSsSeSsUxYkbwInbHQom6L1bWmxP3z-bW3t7vQvDIMzClE4wKMmsoHPB-x8LmjvXV5RSpq90PLG2_IWNj9S22g4kklJemyFG01Y357SdcK-zj52jGFUykZVu1jpyBizeikDx6LRQyS-_3bxql0S=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter</td></tr></tbody></table><p>My little princess was having issues walking so I made her an appointment at a new vet office. 5 week wait for an appointment. 2 weeks before the appointment she starts crying and holding up her front paw. Of course I rushed her to the emergency vet. 7 hours later, all the tests were negative. She was on pain meds for a few days and was better than before. I think she sprained her shoulder when her feet slide on the polished concrete floor. She won't tell me where it hurts. Then, her brother's eye swelled up. I got him some ointment from the feed store and it was better after 5 days. I decided to take him to the long-awaited appointment. They said it might be a tooth infection but his bloodwork showed high kidney values so he is not a candidate for sedation and dental work. He's on special kidney food now. My pets like to remind me that I need to have enough money in my pet budget before I retire.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgD5_s2rIx1Gi_a_Bq4eqylwDuzld_GX8T9V-pbbhhF_dTc-R3aXYff6ppL8WLTaR90BoQF-o7kLJTNJdF4cEirKGrEmNb3P_YAbSigdaiZ_91j7eWurpi_LH1C-Rm_66YqBgCWxvIraK_S3ql0YOiLyvKEv_79WppENn6fY1y2Nc7VGc9U-fK7rbmn=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgD5_s2rIx1Gi_a_Bq4eqylwDuzld_GX8T9V-pbbhhF_dTc-R3aXYff6ppL8WLTaR90BoQF-o7kLJTNJdF4cEirKGrEmNb3P_YAbSigdaiZ_91j7eWurpi_LH1C-Rm_66YqBgCWxvIraK_S3ql0YOiLyvKEv_79WppENn6fY1y2Nc7VGc9U-fK7rbmn=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The princess and the pea</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>My retirement spreadsheet is looking pretty glum. It's doing the one step forward, two steps back dance. I suppose most people's investments are doing the same. Except for the housing market. That is still going up but it means nothing because I am not selling. Current projected retirement date is still 2 years away as it has been for the last 3 months.</p></div>Daizyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508550128007940488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787157690355329112.post-62261771660851525932022-01-12T16:28:00.000-07:002022-01-12T16:28:23.639-07:00Happy 2022!<p> Another year full of hope and promise. So far this year I have gotten a raise, my sister agreed to let me buy her half of my house and my neighbor, who I live with during the winter, adopted a new dog. Of those three things, the one that affects me on a daily basis, is the dog. He is young and energetic and, of course, too cute. So far the other dogs are annoyed by him.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjF0xLjcS5gHTs-ZL8IHYuP2dq0qmnBVIcQFQVZss3nazPHQeHDkFt1QFARZInkiwwxnw51SbzMIjFA1XWejIs8AwXD7yDqzxPzhVdb6dnec0Pe8gKYCihxEYLjGhX8bfZF1ZRSrC9a_mrmlfcnF89WJgOSHIcMzdOKUufc_2cfxTLCocQKy6dXZhq9=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjF0xLjcS5gHTs-ZL8IHYuP2dq0qmnBVIcQFQVZss3nazPHQeHDkFt1QFARZInkiwwxnw51SbzMIjFA1XWejIs8AwXD7yDqzxPzhVdb6dnec0Pe8gKYCihxEYLjGhX8bfZF1ZRSrC9a_mrmlfcnF89WJgOSHIcMzdOKUufc_2cfxTLCocQKy6dXZhq9=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>I am thrilled to be able to own the whole house. Although the paperwork isn't complete yet, it will greatly simplify my retirement calculations. Trying to manage a hybrid rental home with partners was too complicated. I should have known better since I don't even like the property management company that I have for one of my rental homes. I like making decisions alone.</p><p>This is a good time to review my properties:</p><p>1. House near the airport - rented through a property management company.</p><p>2. House near downtown- rented out by me.</p><p>3. Nephew in mobile home on 4.5 acres in the desert - I banished him there.</p><p>4. House that I live in but rent out in the winter- rented through VRBO.</p><p>5. Tiny house next to mobile home in the desert- currently unfinished inside. This is my emergency backup housing.</p><p>So, the exciting news is that I added up my account balances and I could safely retire in two months. The bad news is that I raided both of my maintenance funds to pay for half of the house so it wouldn't be prudent to quit yet especially since the house needs a new heat/AC unit ($6k). I must focus on replenishing those accounts and keep working towards my backup funds of $1500/month. My spreadsheet says in 2 years I could do it. I bet I can do it quicker!</p>Daizyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508550128007940488noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787157690355329112.post-34704203130329089782021-11-12T14:26:00.002-07:002021-11-12T14:26:54.726-07:00Autumn 2021<p> Hello from the downhill side of 2021! It's been a generally uneventful year, just the way I like it. I have been keeping busy with my regular job, doing eBay sales for our animal shelter and working on puzzles with the neighbor. Add in home improvement projects and dealing with rental house issues and I don't have a lot of spare time left over.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nbrn3IB3VrM/YY7R3PNTfwI/AAAAAAAAqlM/KNTo6TYSidIAvLGpljnD_g33u9kUDlCzwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_20211112_133216660.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nbrn3IB3VrM/YY7R3PNTfwI/AAAAAAAAqlM/KNTo6TYSidIAvLGpljnD_g33u9kUDlCzwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_20211112_133216660.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Obligatory picture of one of my dogs. I've had her for a year now and she only tries to bite me occasionally. She refuses to look at the camera but she does like to be near me.<p></p><p>I bought some seeds from the local Native Seed/SEARCH company and grew these lovely Mexican Sunflower bushes. Both yellow and orange grew but mostly orange. I have never had so many butterflies in my yard! It wasn't only the flowers, it was also the extra rain we got this summer which caused a boom in the butterfly population. My sister bought me a hammock chair and I hung it off the back porch and watched them frolic.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OOBM3BhCwKg/YY7SMiQlRQI/AAAAAAAAqlU/bqS3BrzpF-c2mKsOPOxGsqwGQvUFj0ZWwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_20211108_112850385_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1982" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OOBM3BhCwKg/YY7SMiQlRQI/AAAAAAAAqlU/bqS3BrzpF-c2mKsOPOxGsqwGQvUFj0ZWwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_20211108_112850385_HDR.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I mostly saw Queens, Painted Ladies, Snout-nosed, Sulfur, and yellow and purple Swallowtails but sometimes a Monarch would come by too.<br /><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fNCDM6K1n-8/YY7SP7QDa-I/AAAAAAAAqlY/uO3odAABp-o2INN1nLTeXMyqD90hxlbZgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_20211109_130750104.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="523" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fNCDM6K1n-8/YY7SP7QDa-I/AAAAAAAAqlY/uO3odAABp-o2INN1nLTeXMyqD90hxlbZgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_20211109_130750104.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I decided to give the quail away. They went to live on a farm (at least that's what the guy told me).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Since I am still moving out of my house for the winter months it was easier not to have to move the quail too. Plus their food was expensive, they were messy and I only had 2 quail left.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_aolAMrZZmE/YY7SUspSnPI/AAAAAAAAqlc/amWbsm7UJlsEu76B9hSngbpjbuPTn4wugCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_20210810_083409523.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1706" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_aolAMrZZmE/YY7SUspSnPI/AAAAAAAAqlc/amWbsm7UJlsEu76B9hSngbpjbuPTn4wugCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_20210810_083409523.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><p>One of my house projects was to paint the enclosed porch (aka Arizona room). And since no project is ever simple, I hired a handyman to replace the bottom 6" where it had been water damaged and crickets had taken up residence under the bottom of the wood siding. Much better now and I am really tired of painting but I am not finished yet since I haven't painted the side with the white door.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nAI3_0W5DzA/YY7ShxEIEFI/AAAAAAAAqls/Fkp-6OL18MEmoXvqs07sAehBCd3AQnHnACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_20210902_083817476_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nAI3_0W5DzA/YY7ShxEIEFI/AAAAAAAAqls/Fkp-6OL18MEmoXvqs07sAehBCd3AQnHnACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_20210902_083817476_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-acbEv3Q34wg/YY7Sddt5dUI/AAAAAAAAqlk/1rOUnlllGfokOA3m4HVo-lHE8bjQ2X2EwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_20211029_161321403_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-acbEv3Q34wg/YY7Sddt5dUI/AAAAAAAAqlk/1rOUnlllGfokOA3m4HVo-lHE8bjQ2X2EwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_20211029_161321403_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The handyman also replaced the sagging porch beam so that I could hang my hammock chair, installed a gutter and added this rain chain which goes to a 50 gallon barrel. It hasn't rained since so I don't know if it will work in an actual storm. I did try it with a hose and it worked well.<p></p><p>Both of my rental houses are rented with good tenants who pay on time. One of them did fall behind last year when she lost her job but caught up again with the help of the eviction prevention funds. One house needed painting because the HOA said it was time. It was faded so, yes, it needed it. It took me 4 months to secure a painting company because the first guy strung me along and then got overwhelmed with the rain delays. The other company was faster and cheaper so in the end it worked out. Then the A/C started having issues and I paid a lot for those repairs. It's a good thing I have a maintenance fund for those houses.</p><p>Regarding my early retirement plan, well, I'll be 50 next May so if I keep working like this my "early" retirement plan is just going to be a regular retirement plan. According to my calculations, I am still at the 1 year 10 month mark. It never seems to get any closer. I blame lifestyle inflation which is completely within my control.</p><p>I did not do anything with my tiny house. I think about it often, designing and redesigning the interior in my head. My nephew still lives in the mobile home next to it and reported a big rattlesnake at the front door. He doesn't maintain the fence that I built to keep snakes out and isn't too concerned with keeping the gates closed. He might be a little more concerned now. I found a baby rattlesnake in my walled yard a few months ago. I hadn't blocked off the drain holes and there was also a gap under the gate. I'm glad that I saw it before the dogs did. The fire department came and took it away.</p><p>In two weeks I will move in with my neighbor again and rent my house to snowbirds from December through March. The eBay stuff and packing supplies make the move a lot more difficult. I will have another two weeks to clean the house and finish up my projects before the first tenants arrive. I hope there won't be any surprises like the leaking roof of last spring or Covid of the year before. Nice and predictable, that's what I'm hoping for.</p>Daizyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02508550128007940488noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787157690355329112.post-27982753916895102712021-01-16T13:19:00.000-07:002021-01-16T13:19:14.924-07:00New Year Update<p><span face="Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Hello to my friends in internet-land!</span></p><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I want to check-in to let you know that I am alive and well. I hope you are all too. It's been almost a year since I posted last. The world sort of imploded since then. Here are some highlights and lowlights of the past year:</div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">A LOT of puzzles have been done. My neighbor and I work on them every night. </div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3K2RNrNzm4s/YANGj-uxF3I/AAAAAAAAgIc/xGBfExqzGoQkULWEncClCV2SrCg3N2AJACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_20210112_173420047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3K2RNrNzm4s/YANGj-uxF3I/AAAAAAAAgIc/xGBfExqzGoQkULWEncClCV2SrCg3N2AJACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210112_173420047.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Let's rewind. I was living out at my tiny house and my Canadian friends were renting my house back in March 2020. When everything started shutting down because of the pandemic, they decided to go home. Too bad. The weather was lovely and golf courses never closed but they would lose their health coverage if they stayed once the borders shut. I moved back to my house.</div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The animal shelter thrift store that I was volunteering at closed until June. I brainstormed how to help without being so hands-on (I was previously collecting the donated goods) and asked if I could help list items on eBay. I didn't even know they had an active eBay site. They had one person listing a few things as she had time. She was happy for the help and we started bringing in over $1,000 net a month for the animals. My house also started filling with eBay stuff and shipping supplies. This was a cat collection from one lady. Most of it has sold.</div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-dHHkDIvss/YANGj0IG7_I/AAAAAAAAgIc/NJDA_cq-SfMnQ-Utb84wmBytCpfAcjMtACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_20200725_114705744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-dHHkDIvss/YANGj0IG7_I/AAAAAAAAgIc/NJDA_cq-SfMnQ-Utb84wmBytCpfAcjMtACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20200725_114705744.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">My big dog Baloo left us in June. I tried to keep him mobile and happy for as long as I could. He was 14 (I think) and in the end he had dementia. It was very sad and we miss him. Well, I miss him. My little dogs probably don't.</div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-baIFmCkLZ9w/YANGjyo0i7I/AAAAAAAAgIc/MRDtYdmI5RksGZAPYldS6GztA5V3KdkrACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_20200430_084349529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-baIFmCkLZ9w/YANGjyo0i7I/AAAAAAAAgIc/MRDtYdmI5RksGZAPYldS6GztA5V3KdkrACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20200430_084349529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I got a new dog in July. It wasn't planned but I saw her on our county animal shelter's website and recognized her as belonging to my previous tenant. You might remember the homeless man who stayed in my 2 bedroom rental house for a few months while I was having a fence and driveway added. I made an appointment to meet her and she was a mess. They told me that her owner had a stroke and was hospitalized and she was left alone. A neighbor broke in and caught her. She bit him as well as the other shelter workers. She had been in the shelter for a month on hold, to see if her owner could come and get her and also for her bite-hold. I was willing to take her on so they put her directly into a crate after she was spayed and had her teeth cleaned. I took her home and let her relax. I waited 3 months before arranging a haircut. She survived it and so did the groomer. She lost some weight and we are taking short walks now. They told me she was around 9 years old. She fits right in with my old crew. That's her on the right.</div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_yRD1_nYLc8/YANGj8RmDJI/AAAAAAAAgIc/voTgCd92cNgaMVCEl4q8laDcAZR2tngtQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_20210110_094541495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_yRD1_nYLc8/YANGj8RmDJI/AAAAAAAAgIc/voTgCd92cNgaMVCEl4q8laDcAZR2tngtQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210110_094541495.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Work has been very busy. Although some business dropped off because of the pandemic, my job wasn't affected much. I've reworked my early retirement calendar and 2-3 years is still looking do-able. I added in paying my sister for her half of the house based on the current real estate prices. That way I am aiming high. Health insurance for early retirement is still a question mark. I haven't researched it lately because policies change too quickly.</div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">My nephew who is living in my mobile home next to my tiny house lost his dish-washing job. He did eventually qualify for pandemic relief so he has money but he misses his job and his friends there. Hopefully he will get hired back this summer.</div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I haven't done anything to my tiny house. I was just arranging to hire someone to insulate and put in drywall last March but I put all that on hold. I did clean off the porch a bit more than this and store things in the shed so that they wouldn't get ruined.</div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CQD5iB0suJA/YANJt3DD50I/AAAAAAAAgIo/8skibtXypEU9CWQQLc9qFFy7h4u97TlZwCPcBGAsYHg/s1920/IMG_20200207_153341_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CQD5iB0suJA/YANJt3DD50I/AAAAAAAAgIo/8skibtXypEU9CWQQLc9qFFy7h4u97TlZwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20200207_153341_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">This snowbird season I rented out my house for 4 months, December to end of March. Here is a picture of the shower stall improvements I tried to do until I have enough money for tile. I spray painted the chrome handles and door and added the stick-on tiles. My neighbor offered to let me stay in her guest room and move all of my eBay stuff to her garage. I couldn't pass up a generous offer like that (plus hot showers, running water, sidewalks) so that is where I am now with my 3 dogs, her 1 dog, and my 5 quail outside in their cage.</span></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uTcXJNH2F5A/YANGjw1d9QI/AAAAAAAAgIc/7pfmYi9iGbAdlCoNU714CYeQ0nfp6izzQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_20201121_143941982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uTcXJNH2F5A/YANGjw1d9QI/AAAAAAAAgIc/7pfmYi9iGbAdlCoNU714CYeQ0nfp6izzQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20201121_143941982.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Oh, I didn't mention my quail. My elderly quail eventually died and I wasn't going to replace them but then the pandemic hit and the egg shortage and I got more quail. 5 that get along and 1 who is a different color and gets picked on so it is in a separate cage.</div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cy93BulkH4s/YANGj8WneFI/AAAAAAAAgIc/5dntDxNJ1dkxVme_IbQPnZgrk0GhLEjLACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_20200611_082851007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cy93BulkH4s/YANGj8WneFI/AAAAAAAAgIc/5dntDxNJ1dkxVme_IbQPnZgrk0GhLEjLACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20200611_082851007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">That's all for now. I need a nap.</div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white;" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787157690355329112.post-67015120973810996792020-02-05T15:44:00.000-07:002020-02-05T15:44:35.345-07:00I'm Still AroundA lot of things have changed and not just in my head this time. The biggest thing is that my office closed ahead of schedule. We had to be out by November. I now work at home and my position has changed from engineering to purchasing. It is interesting getting to know new people in the company and finding out what the other plants do. <br />
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Also, I bought my mother's house with one of my sisters and I am trying to do the "rent it out to snowbirds" plan. A couple from Canada is scheduled to move in next week and I am running around trying to get the house ready. My tiny house has electricity, one interior wall framed, and a porch as of this week. Hopefully it will get steps next week. I have a new handyman and I have learned that his time estimates should be multiplied by two, at least. My sister and her family stopped by last weekend and helped me move a truck load of stuff from the house to the tiny house. I will go out this weekend and try to arrange it in a convenient way for me and 3 dogs. Baloo is going to be the most challenging since he is 15 and has hip dysplasia, I need a ramp asap. I just bought an 8'x10' carpet for the inside. I was planning to use vinyl flooring left over from the mobile home project but it will be too slippery for him. I also need insulation, at least for the bedroom, and to completely enclose the dog area with fence panels and a wire roof. I will be there most of the time since I work from home but I don't want to worry about them every time I need to run an errand.<br />
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Ok, time just sped up and I have moved to my unfinished tiny house for 6 weeks, at least, and a couple more weeks if my tenants find a golf course to sell them a two month membership. I just want to show you pictures of my patio furniture though. One of the things people asked about when they looked at my house was if there was patio furniture available. I saw this patio set, minus the cushions and umbrella, for $60. I asked the lady if she could wait for me to pick it up on the weekend when I had the U-haul truck and she said yes. That was a great deal. I had the umbrella and I bought the cushions for $20 for 6 at the thrift store that I volunteer at on Saturdays.<br />
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Then I had this 4 seat patio set out at the tiny house for years. The cushions were falling apart and the metal was a greenish grey. I was able to bring it to the house with the help of my sister's family when I had the Uhaul truck and they were helping me bring some things out to the tiny house. Then I spent way too much time spray painting it and searching for the perfect cushions. First ones from Walmart were too big, second ones too small. Finally, I found the right size at Home Depot.</div>
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So, here is a picture of the tiny house with the new deck before I dragged everything out from inside and put it on the deck so that I could move my stuff in. Mostly wood boards, trim, metal gutters, things for future projects.<br />
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Inside the front door is the fridge that I got for free when our office closed. I also got a sink, microwave, and toaster oven. This is not where I want the fridge to stay but it works for now.</div>
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Here is a picture of the flooring. I had one day to throw this together so I used scrap vinyl from the mobile home and rugs that I bought from the thrift store. The rugs were a great idea because Baloo can get up easily and doesn't slip. My office area is to the right. I brought a folding table and my office chair.</div>
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This is the kitchen area. Again, a temporary set-up. My handyman build the wall that separates the kitchen from the bedroom and added two outlets. I have two induction cooktops but I haven't done much cooking yet besides microwaving.<br />
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The weather turned cold with a low of 25F last night. Last weekend I put some foam board in the bedroom walls. It is warm enough for me but I worry about my big dog on the floor since it is much colder on the floor. </div>
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My chiweenie just buries his face in the blanket. I have ordered another heater which should get here tomorrow. It will be back in the 60's this weekend but I am sure the cold weather will come back again, The insulation is only 1". I plan to put another 1" board in the gap before paneling. I don't know if I will get to the project while I am here. It makes such a mess everywhere. It will be much easier to do after I have moved back to my house.</div>
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My handyman built one set of stairs but ran out of time to build stairs on the side that the dogs use. I quickly put together some stairs made of blocks and covered them with blankets for padding. My little dogs like to lounge on them. My big dog doesn't like them but he is getting better at using them with my help and not falling.</div>
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Just a picture of my big dog in the little dog bed after the little dogs took all of the big dog beds. Poor boy.</div>
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So, that's what I am doing. The endless list of projects have shifted from the house to the tiny house. Lots to do. I don't have water or drains yet. My nephew is still in the mobile home and his bathroom is available. On sunny days, I put the camping shower in the sun to heat up. I have an aquarium pump for hand and dish washing which goes to a bucket and I dump it outside. It's really quite nice on warm sunny days. I'm glad that I am finally living out here after so much planning. So much to do but I'm having fun.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787157690355329112.post-90114247085512861602019-08-23T13:58:00.000-07:002019-08-23T13:58:07.256-07:00Making Hybrid Plans<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Hello again. Everything has changed and nothing has changed. That's because most of the changes have been in my head, as in, my ever-changing plans for the future. Since my last post, I was really struggling with wanting to quit my job immediately. I felt like if I agreed to go visit our company headquarters at the end of June, I would be committing myself to stay with this job for many more years. Well, I decided that it wasn't time to quit just yet. With our office closing in a year and changes continuing to happen with the company, I could at least hang on until next August. Summer in Arizona is just a really hard time with high electric bills and day after day of exhausting heat. I get discouraged because it doesn't seem like I am making any progress. But, I told myself that I only had to get through June, July, and August and then the rest of the year would fly by. It always does. Once temperatures start to go down I can get back to checking things off my own to-do list and the next thing I know it will be January again. </div>
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So, I bought the ticket to Connecticut and went to visit our company headquarters. It was quite interesting. I've worked for the company 12 years and I had visited our old headquarters when I was first hired but it was nothing like this place. We have a manufacturing plant there and it was fascinating to finally see how they make things and to meet people who's names I have only seen on emails. I'm glad I went.</div>
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In the meantime, I got a terrible sore throat which turned into an earache and kidney pain through most of July. It was one of those things where one day I felt better and then the next day I felt worse. The antibiotics didn't seem to do much and then my intestines revolted. The doctor switched the antibiotic but I am just now starting to feel normal again. That's over 2 months of feeling cruddy. When I feel sick I always get scared about retiring early. What would I do if I was relying on a part time job and then couldn't work? I need more safety nets.</div>
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And also, I made some decisions about my mother's house that I am living in. I decided to ask one sister if she wanted to buy the house with me and the other 2 sisters if they wanted to be bought out. They agreed and we are working on getting the title switched. My original plan was to rent the house out full time but during Jan., Feb., and Mar., we can get almost triple the year-round rent. Then I thought I would rent it out as a furnished rental for those months and then have an estate sale and rent it out unfurnished as a year-round rental. But I still didn't like that idea. So my current idea is that I will move out December-March or April depending on if it is rented, and then I will move back in. I'm going to use the extra room off of the closet to store my things that I don't need and live in my unfinished barn-shed tiny house. My main priority is getting the electricity done. I contacted the electrician again and we are aiming for the end of September when it gets cooler. I haven't been out there all summer because of the heat and also the paper wasps that have made nests on the barn-shed. They die off when the weather gets cool. When the electrical wiring is done, I only need some insulation and I can glamp for 4 months or so. I'll use the shower and washing machine in the mobile home and have a camping toilet, mini-fridge, induction cooktop, and microwave (I'll have to buy one because I sold my extra one at the last garage sale, oops). I'll probably hook up a sink with just gravity fed water and a drain that goes outside.</div>
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When the house is vacant again, I'll move back in and pay my sister half of the going rate for yearly rent which I estimated at $650. I will pay my own utilities and she will pay half of the property tax, insurance, HOA fees, and maintenance. I will move out every year Dec-Mar. until I decide that I can't afford it or want to live in my tiny house full time. Then we will sell the furnishings and rent it out on a yearly basis.</div>
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So that's the current plan. While we are waiting for the paperwork to get worked out, I have been getting some things fixed around the house starting with the main sewer backflow valve which stuck closed for the second time since we moved here. It is quite inconvenient when the sewer backs up. I was doing laundry and taking a shower and I heard the toilet making funny sounds. That was the sewage coming up. Ugh. Then the laundry drained and the toilet over-flowed while I was outside trying to remember where the main sewer clean-out was. And I didn't realize that the sewage backed up into the washing machine until I was wearing the clothes from that load and wondered why I could still smell sewage. Icky. Everything got bleached. It cost $800 for the valve to be replaced and I went ahead with the other plumbing problems, cracked garbage disposal, filter for water spout in kitchen, tighten kitchen faucet, fix bathroom faucets handles so that they stop instead of going all the way around, replace bathtub spout because the diverter wouldn't close to make the water pressure go to the shower. Whew, done. Now I just need the leak at the skylight fixed and a gate added at the side yard. And I bought flowers for the front yard and need to get them in the ground before they die, I've just been waiting for it to rain which they said it would do today but nothing yet.</div>
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Now you are caught up again. Here are some pictures of my other summer projects:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This cart was a Christmas present to myself. I finally put it together.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The carpet in the storage room got peed on by the chihuahuas I was fostering last year. I took it outside and hosed it off then poured lysol and soap on it and rinsed. I let is stay in the sun for days. The padding was disgusting and went in the trash. I thought about buying new carpet but it doesn't smell anymore and is already cut to shape. Since I am going to be using the room to store my own stuff, I decided to put the carpet back in without padding. If we ever rent the house year-round, I'll buy new carpet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NGxEC8RRBNk/XWBNMxqyNdI/AAAAAAAAGyw/D7sYE_bCctoEMUJ8sJc-rK4JwYlaM8TvwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190707_204159104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NGxEC8RRBNk/XWBNMxqyNdI/AAAAAAAAGyw/D7sYE_bCctoEMUJ8sJc-rK4JwYlaM8TvwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190707_204159104.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I bleached and painted the floor of the storage room before I put the carpet back. It doesn't smell now.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very long gopher snake visited my yard for a week. He always startled me but I was glad to have him visit.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I repurposed the fiddle-muff that I had bought for my mom when she was in the assisted living home. My dog appreciates it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In my search for the water leak, I made a hole in the ceiling. I think I know where the leak is coming in now. The repairman will be here in a couple of weeks.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have been having fun buying southwestern decor from the thrift stores around here. I need a few more things.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I decided on "Italian chicken" as my theme for the kitchen. Haha. I don't think that is a "thing". Maybe I will be a trend-setter.</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787157690355329112.post-50561614800806097992019-05-31T12:39:00.000-07:002019-05-31T12:39:19.639-07:00Budgets and Plans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>I started this post back in March. I need to update it again.</i><br />
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Let's take a look at my financial freedom/semi-retire early plan again. I admit it, I am a total scaredy-cat when it comes to quitting my stable, good-paying job. I'm going to be updating my spreadsheets into my 60's if I don't get up some courage to just jump. Or die at my desk. That alone should make me want to quit. What am I afraid of? Running out of money and being too old or ill do make any more. So, with that in mind. Here is my current plan.<br />
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I have re-adjusted my minimum budget and removed health insurance. My previous plan was to get insurance through Medicaid because that is what the ACA site told me I would qualified for. Now, in Arizona, they have changed the requirements and any able-bodied person will need to work or volunteer 20 hours a week in order to qualify. That is fine but if I am working part time, then I am just going to use that money to buy my own insurance. When I looked up available plans, the cost was between $300 and $600/m. I did not look up plans through the ACA exchange because the site won't let me see plans without putting in a lot of personal information and I don't need to do that now. Maybe I will qualify for a subsidy but I am going to assume that I won't and just go with the highest price of $600 as my goal. I can pay for that with a part time job, or selling on Ebay, or maybe some sort of small home business.<br />
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Back to the budget. This is the minimum that I would need to survive. I know people will have comments. Gas prices I can't control, only how much I drive. I was spending a little over $400/m on food but I was buying a lot of junk food and eating a lot too. I changed my diet, reduced my portions, and my bill has been closer to $50/week so I know it is attainable. Maintenance is too low. Car and home maintenance could be expensive. Also, dog costs. One vet bill will blow the whole budget.<br />
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So, what will I do about that? Here is my income plan:<br />
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Rental 1- $1,050<br />
Rental 2- $700<br />
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Subtract property management, taxes, insurance, maintenance. Let's call my net profit $1,100 for both. Since my rental income is not stable, as you know from previous posts, I am saving an additional amount, I call it the freedom fund. I figured out how much I would need starting back in July of last year until I am 59 1/2 and can take money from my 401K. That is 161 months or 13 years and 5 months. I am adding $2K each month to my fund and subtracting $700 each month from the total needed since I'm getting older. Where the two columns meet is where my freedom point is. May 2020. 48 years old. You might notice that my freedom fund did not start at $0. I put $52,000 from the sale of my home into the fund to start, then I came up with this plan later.<br />
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Income:<br />
Rentals: $1,100/m<br />
Freedom Fund: $700/m<br />
Total= $1,800/m<br />
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Budget: (-$700)<br />
Health insurance: (-$600) part time job or business<br />
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Hooray for wiggle room and hopefully enough to get me through a rental income drought. <br />
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<i>Now it is almost June. 12 more months until I've saved up enough for this plan. A few expenses have gone up. My cell phone plan went from $15 to $20. I put my mother's car in my name. The registration is $60 and the insurance is more although I plan to go back to liability coverage only once I move out to my property. My portion of the inheritance will go to savings for rental house maintenance and making my tiny house and property livable. But the house has to be sold first.</i><br />
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<i>This week has not been as fun as I had hoped. Working from home comes with its own set of challenges. Mostly I don't like being isolated from my coworkers even though I only have one regular coworker in the office. Maybe I just don't like that she is on vacation and everyone is asking me for answers that I don't know. I would also need my computer and two large screens for my home office because working on a small laptop is frustrating. Next week I will be back in the office. The following week, my coworker will be traveling and I will be working from home again but she will still be working so I shouldn't get the questions that I can't answer. The week after that, my sister will visit and we will sort through the contents of the house. Then the week after that I'm traveling to our corporate office for a few days. That pretty much takes care of June. I hope it is a productive month.</i><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787157690355329112.post-57043378840341593112019-05-27T19:03:00.003-07:002019-05-27T19:03:59.988-07:00Which Direction to Go<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just returned from my mother's funeral in Washington. As my aunt put it, "It was a fun time on a sad occasion." It was good to see the family mostly all together. My co-worker looked after my dogs. She only lives 5 minutes away and knows them all because I bring them to work sometimes. If I move from here, I'll have to find a new dog-sitter. That brings me to my next subject, when will I be moving? My optimistic answer is still November. I don't have a place to move to yet though. My nephew is still living in my mobile home and my tiny house still does not have electricity. My job has not laid me off, in fact, they want me to go out to our corporate office in Connecticut at the end of next month to discuss the next project that I will be working on with accounting. I just can't seem to quit a job with perks like bringing my dog to work, flexible schedule, and being able to work from home all of this week because my co-worker is on vacation and I would be alone in the office. I'm going to hang on until the office lease is up August 2020 and see what happens.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is what has been going on at the house in the past month. Gutters! The old gutters were removed and new seamless gutters added. No leaking anymore. The black mold which has stained the pavers below will be gone after the landscaper replaces the walkway and fixes the drainage. I hope that will be completed next month. I don't have a firm date yet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New windows! The new windows are in and look great. I hope it lowers the electric bill this summer. I also dug out the old barrel cactus and planted some Lantana flowering shrubs. The cactus are too heavy for me to move or cut up so I will ask the landscaper to haul them away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My own tiny garden in the backyard is loving our abnormally cool weather. This sunflower decided to bloom all at once. I also have some grapes, Moringa, and alfalfa growing. Last week was really windy and the grapefruit tree has been dropping the fruit that was out of my reach. How convenient. The wind also blew over my mailbox. It appears the post rusted at ground level. I still haven't decided how to fix it but it is propped up with rocks and a bungee cord attached to a screwdriver pounded into the ground until I think of something.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My co-workers all chipped in and bought me a tree for my mother. They bought one for my father three years ago. That was very nice of them. This tree needs about an 18 inch deep hole. I'll probably wait until the fall to plant it on my property when it is cooler and I won't have to worry about watering it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My dove couple is back sitting on their third batch of eggs. I wonder how long they will keep laying them. It is fun to see the babies hatch and grow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, that's what is happening. I'm also continuing to sort through boxes and plan a trip to New Mexico and Texas, probably in the fall since traveling with dogs during the summer seems too complicated. I'm leaning toward renting a minivan and turning it into a stealth camper with a 12V cooler, porta-potty, fan, and bed. I'll have to actually look at minivans to see if my plan will work. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787157690355329112.post-48279434780660332892019-04-18T11:03:00.001-07:002019-04-18T11:03:27.608-07:00The Journey's EndI had a post written for last week but my mother took a turn for the worse and my priorities changed. She hadn't opened her eyes when I visited for two weeks prior. She was sliding down in her wheelchair despite our attempts to keep her supported. Her 79th birthday was last Tuesday and the hospice nurse called me to say that my mother wasn't eating but was still drinking protein shakes. I visited her after work and she ate some birthday cake. On Thursday, the nurse called again to say that she wasn't able to eat or keep liquids down and was in a lot of pain. She said the end was near and she recommended liquid morphine which I approved. When I arrived a few hours later she was still in a lot of pain and they said that the order for morphine had to be called in, filled, and delivered. It wasn't there yet. I waited for two hours stroking her hair until the drug finally arrived and she could sleep. You would think that hospice would be able to keep a small amount on hand for such occasions. For the next few days, I watched mom slide closer and closer to death. Finally, I got a call at 4:30am on Tuesday that she was gone.<br />
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It's been a long, terrible journey with vascular dementia, a type of dementia I didn't know had a name a year ago. I am glad she is finally free of pain. I took the week off to get things organized and just take a break. The funeral won't be until next month when everyone is available. I'm trying to decide how long I want to stay in this house. My sister will transfer the title into both of our names in order for me to stay if I want to since she is over 55, as this community requires one person to be over 55. I have some time to decide. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787157690355329112.post-58741169814202361422019-03-25T21:11:00.001-07:002019-03-25T21:11:07.658-07:00Spring ProjectsSpring is here and there are a million things to do. I have a list of things that I would like to get done before it gets hot and I hide inside for 4 months (June through September). The top two are replacement windows and gutters. There are only 7 windows since the back of the house is covered with an enclosed porch and the west side doesn't have any windows. I am hoping new windows will help with the electric bill this summer and I know they will help sell the house when the time comes. The stucco around the old 70's aluminum windows is also in need of repair and that can be done after the new windows are put in. The leaky gutters run along the back of the house and will be replaced with seamless ones. Unfortunately, the fascia board along the back is also rotted and needs to be replaced. I'm talking with a handyman on Wednesday to see if he can replace the fascia and do something to help drain the water away from the house near the down spout.<br />
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On the other side of the house, I am having the gutters re-routed towards the front of the house so that the water will go to the street. Too bad I can't save it all and magically transport it to my property where my mobile home is. LoL. One house has too much water, the other not enough.<br />
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I'm also sorting stuff for another community garage sale this weekend. A co-worker brought some items over too so I have lots of stuff to sell. He brought Pyrex bakeware, I have cheap Anchor Hocking. I think I'll swap them and sell mine. He also brought some nice pans. I might swap those out too. No fair keeping stuff if I don't get rid of something else though. I'm not a hoarder...well, ok, a little bit.<br />
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Besides that, I've been spending a lot of time chopping up branches to fit in trash bags. I miss the giant dumpsters from my old house. My trash service here only picks up what is in bags. That means thorny bushes have to be chopped up into small sticks. I finished the small Palo Verde tree last weekend and will continue with the thorny lemon tree branches until they are gone. I also tried some ground clear weed killer yesterday. I hate weed killer but the weeds in the river rock were getting out of hand and I had a bottle of this stuff from my last tenant. I had bought it for him to use on thBermuda grass around the mailbox but he never used it. It's one of those bottles that hook to the hose. I think it was working, hard to tell. I suppose I will know when the weeds die or look healthier. Hopefully, I didn't get the stuff too close to my cactus. The homeowner's association is coming around to check on weeds at the end of the month and issue violation notices.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still green. Guess it didn't work.</td></tr>
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I met with another handyman out at my property to show him the next projects. I want a deck next to the shed-house and a carport and another carport/rain roof where the garage used to be. I emailed the county permitting department about my plans and they said that there was a 1500 sqft. limit to the amount of accessory structures I can have. So, I scaled back my plans and I will go with a small carport for now. Perhaps when I move out there and get gutters on everything I will find that I have enough roofs for water collection.<br />
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And in other news: My mother is doing ok. Not good, just ok. She is a tiny skeleton of her former self but she still eats enthusiastically. Some days she seems to recognize me and other days not.<br />
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The dogs are doing well. The new old guy, Baloo, fits in nicely. The little dogs still bark at him when he comes near but not as much as they did when he first got here. When we go for a walk he only walks two houses away before he wants to go back home. His back legs are weak and sometimes he trips and just lays on the ground for a while. But he enjoys his many dog beds, the plethora of squeaky toys, and treat time. It is cute the way he enthusiastically greets me when I get home along with the other two.<br />
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And there are two baby doves growing up on my front patio. Momma dove built her nest on a shelf near the front door. I hope the babies never fall out of the nest because the dogs walk by them unaware everyday. I wonder if Momma bird is regretting her choice of nesting site.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787157690355329112.post-17655170729422915112019-03-10T18:57:00.000-07:002019-03-10T18:57:53.983-07:00Learning the Hard WayTrench dug, conduit in, trench filled. Progress! Sounds easy and simple. <br />
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What actually happened was:<br />
Day 1- bought pvc pipe, rented mini-excavator, trench was dug in under 15 minutes by the guy who rents the machines, ends of trench were hand dug by me and my nephew, pipe was glued, picture was sent to electrician, electrician said "wrong pipe".<br />
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Oh boy. I've spent hours in the plumbing aisle and no time in the electrical aisle. I won't forget this lesson, ever.<br />
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Day 2- bought correct pipe. Grey pipe = good. Found out 10' pipe does fit in my mother's car.</div>
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Replaced pipe in trench. Spent the rest of the day moving the stuff in the barn-shed to the center so the electrician has room to work but I really need to move most of it to the mobile home.<br />
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Whew, done for now. Waiting for the electrician to run the wires.<br />
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Came home to this dove nesting by my front door. I hope she doesn't mind a gaggle of dogs going in and out of the door everyday.<br />
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Next thing: Work on taxes and sort through stuff for the community garage sale at the end of the month. I'm running out of March already.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787157690355329112.post-67147549890543769672019-02-20T18:23:00.001-07:002019-02-20T18:23:54.611-07:00Progress on the Tiny House, Sort Of<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Things are finally starting to move forward out at my property again. Some of you may recall that I put around $10k into the old mobile home in 2015 so that my nephew and I could live within the school bus boundaries for our preferred school district. <br />
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This is how it looked before:<br />
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This is after (before the other furniture and cabinets.<br />
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This was my mom making curtains.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Then, I let a guy rent the place at the recommendation of the dog rescue. He had 2 dogs and 2 cats and needed a place asap. That was ok but he smoked and cleaning was not high on his priority list. He moved into the 2 bedroom rental house that I bought and then moved to Brazil last year. In the meantime, my nephew decided that he wasn't ready for college and returned to Arizona. I felt he needed to learn some responsibility so he is currently renting the mobile home from me for a small sum plus electricity monthly and buying his own food. I had hoped this would encourage him to get a job. He did have a seasonal job for the past few months but that's over now. He is learning how to budget his money, conserve food and water and live minimally, so at least he is learning something. </span></div>
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Yesterday I took the afternoon off and met the electrician out at the property, finally, since he had to reschedule 3 times. He was fantastic. He changed the RV outlet into a dryer outlet, moved the dryer into the back room, listened to my plans for the barn-shed tiny house, looked over all of the electrical power available, figured out how we won't have to dig under the mobile home (yay!) and told me what I need to do and what to buy before he can come out again and bring power to the barn-shed. I am so happy and now I have a lot to do if I want to get it done before summer. The plan is to steal the power from the greenhouse/hot tub pump. That's 70 amps. I need to rent a trencher and dig an 18" deep trench from the greenhouse to the barn-shed, about 45'. I hope it is easier than it sounds. I can also pay someone to do it but I don't know how much that would be. My nephew and I will attempt it first. Then I will buy PVC to use as conduit and exchange my indoor power box for an outdoor box. I bought the wrong one but I still have the receipt. He also said he would wire the inside which is awesome because although I could learn how to do it myself from a book and Youtube, it is even better to learn from a professional, especially when electricity is concerned.<br />
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This is my preliminary sketch of the electricity needed:</div>
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And here is the picture of what I am talking about. #2 is the mobile home where the dryer was installed. #3 is the barn-shed tiny house which I am trying to get electricity to. #1 is a storage shed. #4 is the 3,000 gallon water tank.</div>
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And, my nephew mentioned that he is almost out of water. He started out with a little less than 3,500 gallons last April and has been stretching it by not showering, doing laundry, or doing dishes. Hmmm... that's not good. He buys drinking water from the store so that isn't included. I told him he would have to pay for the water delivery when he ran out. That's $150. But, there are a ton of chores he can help me with out there so he can work it off starting with helping me pick up another water tank with his pickup truck (which used to be mine). My main water tank is 3,000 gallons and the water truck delivers 3,500 gallons which I have to pay for whether I have room for it or not so I am going to buy another 500 gallon tank so that I can get all of the water. That is a chore for a Saturday but not this Saturday since it will be rainy and cold. The next Saturday will be back up in the 70's so I will plan for that.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787157690355329112.post-52184869280231372302019-01-30T18:44:00.000-07:002019-01-30T18:44:07.854-07:00A Typical Week<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
My goal each week is to go straight home after work as much as I can. This week is already filling up. Typically, I visit my mother on Tuesdays and Thursdays and I feel bad when errands get in the way. One rental house was having trouble with the stove so I arranged for the repairman to come by between 12 and 3. I work nearby so I drove over to pay the repairman, twice actually, once for the estimate and once again to pay because he had to go pick up the part. It would be nice if he took credit cards over the phone but I guess they aren't that advanced. $388 for the ignition switch replacement. That was right on the border of replace rather than repair but the tenant likes the stove, she actually hugged it when I mentioned replacing it, and I didn't see the same style online. It isn't that special, it just has a place in the middle to rest pots, kind of like the ones with a 5th burner except it doesn't have a burner in the middle. The repairman said that the ignition switch was the main thing that goes out so it should last for a long time with a new switch. </div>
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I cancelled another after-work vet appointment for my new dog. His digestive system has finally acclimated to the new food and even though he still licks at his leg where he had a lump removed, I am going to make him wear the soft collar and give it more time to heal because the vet doesn't have any sure-fire solutions, just more antibiotics (he has had 2 different kinds) and expensive blood tests ($330) to compare to the blood tests he had last month. </div>
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I also need to go out to my property and take some photos for the electrician. My nephew is still living in the mobile home on the property and he has finally started doing his laundry. This might seem like a simple thing but the washer has no water hookups so first he puts the drain hose out the window, then puts his clothes and soap in, then brings the water hose, which is hooked to the water tank, inside and fills the washer (top-loader). Then repeats filling the tub with water for the rinse and voila! Clean clothes. That is the way I used to do it when I lived out there back in 2010 when I still had a washer and dryer in the old garage, before I had is taken down. The electrician is coming out a week from Saturday to install a dryer outlet. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dryer will go in this room which is at the end of the mobile home in the picture below.</td></tr>
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Normally, I would say, just hang your clothes to dry but I want a dryer outlet for myself when I eventually move out there and the electrician is also going to advise me on bringing power to the barn-shed. After a crazy year, I finally have a little bit of time and money to think about improvements on my property. I wish I could snap my fingers and have everything done like fences, the interior of the barn-shed finished, porches and rainwater collection set up, etc.... It's a big wish list. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787157690355329112.post-27480704283202716052019-01-23T18:53:00.000-07:002019-01-23T18:53:43.967-07:00Rental Update <div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
I forgot to mention the status of my 2 rental houses. Let's review:</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hcxiShfvWGk/XEkYBtQzF9I/AAAAAAAAGrE/WD1PQSbWc-42v-F5ttCiuFVX55dTGgSwgCKgBGAs/s1600/house%252C%2Brental.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="205" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hcxiShfvWGk/XEkYBtQzF9I/AAAAAAAAGrE/WD1PQSbWc-42v-F5ttCiuFVX55dTGgSwgCKgBGAs/s1600/house%252C%2Brental.JPG" /></a>House 1: 4 bedrooms/2 bathrooms. Under property management at a cost of $100/m. The tenant moved out at the end of October. The maintenance group sent me a list of needed repairs/cleaning. Subtracting the tenant's deposit, they still wanted around $2K! $1500 just for "touch-up paint". Since I had re-painted the year before, I looked at the walls and they only needed a little bit of paint. I did it myself for $20. The new tenant moved in at the beginning of December. I hope they stay longer than a year.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the worst wall needing touch-up paint. It took 5 minutes to fix.</td></tr>
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House 2: 2 bedrooms/1 bathroom. This is the small house I bought with home equity for the tenant who was living in my mobile home. He moved to Brazil in January of 2018. I was overwhelmed with getting my home ready to sell and decided to try an experiment. I contacted the local homeless tent camp and ask if I could house a Veteran. They recommended two people, one was a Veteran and the other a civilian with a car. At first they seemed agreeable to being roommates but then decided not to move in together. The guy with the car wanted to try renting the house by himself and had just got a dishwashing job so I said we would try it for 3 months. </div>
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Well, with everything going on with my mother during the summer, 3 months stretched into 6 months but he wasn't able to keep a job to pay the rent. Once I had completed the driveway install and fencing replacement, I told him he would have to leave so he did but left so much junk behind. Now, when he moved in there was junk from the previous tenant and cleaning it up was part of the agreement but it didn't happen. I took a day off, hired a housecleaner, bagged up everything and shoved it outside. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driveway added, metal fencing replaced chainlink.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I donated everything that was still usable. Clothes went to the collection bin and the other items went to the thrift shop.</td></tr>
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My handyman took it away to the dump. A few repairs were made, sink unclogged, gates added to the side yards, and I listed the house again, this time looking for a Section 8 voucher tenant. I had 3 people interested but then the housecleaner told me she was interested. I chose her. She has a job and knows how to clean - Bonus! I hope she stays a long time.</div>
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The cash flow is finally coming in instead of going out for the rentals. I certainly lost a lot of money last year but I am back on track now. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787157690355329112.post-8404990753298588452019-01-21T18:36:00.001-07:002019-01-21T18:36:27.599-07:00Playing Catch-Up<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
It's been a while for sure. I think about my blog every once in a while but the lack of exciting news in my life seems to keep me from writing a post. Plus, one of the main reasons for this blog was to keep my mother up-to-date with my life so that she wouldn't call me with a million questions. She isn't able to read now so the motivation is gone.</div>
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Living with my mother was harder than I expected. There was no way to keep her happy. At the end of June, she agreed to move-in to an assisted living place because she didn't like being alone all day while I was at work. We moved her there. <span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The weather was so hot and my nephew and I moved her stuff there ourselves.</span> It was a nice one bedroom apartment which opened to a shaded courtyard. She hated it and they said they couldn't keep her. I think she was there a whole 10 days. I brought her back to the house for a week while I looked for a memory care place closer to home. The cost was a lot more, $5,000 compared to $2,800, but at least she couldn't walk out. The new place moved her stuff for us. I was so happy about that. </div>
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She hated it there too and called me many times a day to tell me but I couldn't bring her back to the house. She wasn't able to live without supervision anymore. People try to be helpful and say couldn't you just hire someone to stay with her while you are at work? I could, but I could not mentally stand it. She didn't know what time it was. Knocked on my bedroom door at all times of day and night. Moved stuff around so that I couldn't find things. Wanted to drive the car. Walked out the door. Complained of all sorts of illnesses and issues from wetting the bed to not liking her shoes. Wrapped up food, trash, soiled clothes and hid them until they molded and smelled. Poured oil on the stove. Turned the A/C up when she was cold (yes, it gets colder). Thinks people are stealing from her and breaking in to the house. I could go on and on but anyone who has experience with dementia knows what I'm talking about. I did find a special programmable phone for her after she called 911 ten times at her new place. Instead of single numbers the buttons only call preset people. I'm glad someone invented that because I didn't want her to be totally cut-off from communication. Unfortunately, she can't remember how to work the TV or her computer anymore and she can't read well so she is bored most of the time. If you want to rile her up just say the word "Bingo". She hates it. I spent about 6 hours with her on Sundays, took her to church and shopping or out to eat. It was getting more difficult though because last time she refused to get out of the car when we got back and before that she grabbed on to my arm and wouldn't let me leave. I would have visited her more if she was more amicable.</div>
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In the middle of this moving from one assisted living apartment to another, Jimmy-dog suddenly became ill with diarrhea and vomiting. I took him to the vet and they tried to help him but he died at home the next day. I think his tumor finally interfered with something important. I miss him. </div>
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With mother out of the house and Jimmy-dog gone, I tried fostering again. I took in two chihuahuas after a local shelter had flood damage. It was only supposed to be for a month but it stretched into 3 months and I finally returned them. The two chihuahuas were very scared and I was hoping they would like me and relax here but they stayed in the closet and only came out to pee on my stuff. I had to put up a puppy gate in front of the closet to keep them in while I was at work. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">I also tried to foster a larger dog but that was a disaster. I picked out a dog that was on the </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">euthanasia</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"> list. He was black and tan like Jimmy-dog and I thought maybe I could adopt him if he fit in. Well, someone else wanted him so the rescue suggested that I get another dog. This is where I should have said NO but he was going to die and I thought, maybe, he was a pit bull mix, not one I would have picked, but his evaluation just said he was a little shy so I drove an hour and a half to get him. Then, I volunteered (I must have really been feeling energetic that day) to transport another larger dog at the same time. I thought I would just drop the other dog off but as I was driving back the rescue called and said they couldn't get ahold of the person who was going to foster the larger dog, then, when they realized the dog wasn't neutered they asked if I could drop him off at the vet in the morning. I said ok, one night wouldn't hurt. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">So I dropped him off the next day and then they asked if I could keep him for a week while he heals from surgery because the other foster home had a pool and they didn't want the incision to get wet. I reluctantly agreed. These two new dogs quickly became more than I could handle. They were both around 4 years old and very strong. The one I was supposed to foster was not house trained and my bedroom became a disaster area. My terrier did not like either one of the big dogs and let them know it. He got bitten 3 times in the head, the last time he was bitten I ended up crying to the rescue that I just couldn't do it. I felt like a failure but I had to protect my dog. Things got out of hand so quickly. By the end of the week I was taking my terrier to work with me every day and we were hiding out in the guest room at night because the foster dogs would whine and scratch at the door for hours but I couldn't trust them around my terrier. Finally on Saturday I took the larger dog to his new foster home and the smaller (50 pound) dog had to go to a boarding facility until they could find a new foster. I paid for his boarding so the rescue wasn't really inconvenienced and they found him a new foster home 2 weeks later. Later on my dog's head got infected and he needed half of a face lift to close the wound. I will spare you the Frankenstein picture. I thought he had only been scratched but it was actually a puncture wound.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UxanuyJ3q4E/XEZxA8xf_qI/AAAAAAAAGqU/QBfTE9ci5ig52fRjMgEkdOYR9rQjQ2XPwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181007_114721323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UxanuyJ3q4E/XEZxA8xf_qI/AAAAAAAAGqU/QBfTE9ci5ig52fRjMgEkdOYR9rQjQ2XPwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181007_114721323.jpg" width="320" /></a>Around the end of September, my mother fell. When I went to visit her, she was in a wheelchair and now had to wear diapers. No one could explain why she suddenly couldn't walk and she could barely say coherent words. I thought she might get better but the doctor at the facility just gave her more sedatives and anti-anxiety meds. She fell out of bed and her wheelchair many more times. Finally, I took her to a previously scheduled neurology appointment with a doctor she had seen back in April. He was appalled by her condition and told me to take her to the ER for a complete work-up. We spent the next couple of days at the hospital while the very young doctors tried to diagnose her. What we did find out was that she had a broken pelvis from a previous fall and extra fluid on her brain. There was ultimately nothing they could do for her that wasn't invasive surgery. We didn't think she would survive another surgery so I took her back to the care-home. My sister came out to visit and we went to look at a smaller group home where we thought she would get better care and attention. We moved her there and that is where she is now. The hospice people come and visit her and make sure that she is getting good care. They got her a hospital bed with an air mattress and a wheelchair. Her condition is about the same. Some days she sleeps a lot and some days she is awake and trying to stand up. She is still close by and I try to visit her 3 times a week. Lately, I think she recognizes me but I never know if she will or not.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">And back to the dog situation. My other sister came out to visit for Christmas and we went dog-shopping at the pound. I was looking for an old mellow dog, preferably female. Well, I found this old guy. He was sleeping and didn't seem to care about the barking around him. He is 14 years old according to his previous owners, 75lb. pit-chow mix, and arthritic. I brought my terrier to meet him and it went well so I brought him home. I know he won't be around for very long but I'm glad I can give him a comfortable bed and good food while he's here.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-28NW7B5AAKk/XEZyk-g2GcI/AAAAAAAAGqk/82j-icS7k-UL5pJ9Uj-PdI9pLtaz7pMXQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190105_112024826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-28NW7B5AAKk/XEZyk-g2GcI/AAAAAAAAGqk/82j-icS7k-UL5pJ9Uj-PdI9pLtaz7pMXQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190105_112024826.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He has a soft cone on so that he doesn't lick his leg where he had a lump removed.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">One last photo of the Arizona snowman made from the 3 whole inches of snow week got the first week of January.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787157690355329112.post-70290698099384743352018-05-20T18:11:00.000-07:002018-05-20T18:11:02.535-07:00Hello, Again<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-spqKkPYXQNc/WwIaxACkS7I/AAAAAAAAGpU/7QZMQI1vd64y0aP7cF3vh5-_N5sS_W16gCLcBGAs/s1600/sahuarita%2Blake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="1600" height="166" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-spqKkPYXQNc/WwIaxACkS7I/AAAAAAAAGpU/7QZMQI1vd64y0aP7cF3vh5-_N5sS_W16gCLcBGAs/s320/sahuarita%2Blake.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took mom to the lake this weekend. Not much happening there.</td></tr>
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I don't know about you but to me these weeks are just flying by. Now that I don't have a mortgage, I need to get serious about saving for my early-semi-retirement, or job change, or long vacation, or whatever you want to call it. The sale of my house gave me $50k to start off the fund and it is invested in a mutual fund. I figured out that I can realistically save $2K a month. My goal is to save enough to give me $1,000 per month until I am old enough to start withdrawing money from my 401k. I should reach that goal in three years. Ugh, three more years. It seems too far away. <br />
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My original plan was to just eliminate my debt and live off of my rental income but that income is unreliable at times and this $1,000 a month will give me a cushion when the rentals are vacant. Also, health insurance is still an unknown. There used to be a lot of low cost major medical plans and plans with health savings accounts but they seem to have disappeared. Now, when I put in my expected income, the calculators say that Medicaid is my only option. I don't know whether that is good or bad.<br />
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Since I just had a birthday, three years from now will put me at 49. Maybe I should just go for 50. Or maybe I should stop putting it off and just jump ship now. I don't want to regret leaving a good job too soon but I don't want to regret missing out on other parts of life. Will I ever find a balance?<br />
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On to the update:<br />
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Rental house 1- Rented with a good tenant who pays on time. After putting some of the rent aside for taxes, insurance, and maintenance, I have $600 to go in my early retirement account.<br />
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Rental house 2- Rented. After expenses, I should have $500 for my early retirement account.<br />
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Mobile home - My nephew is living here and I only charge him $50/m plus whatever the electric bill is. There is a water tank there with 2500 gallons of water. If he uses it up he will have to get it filled at $150 per 3000 gallons. He doesn't have a job yet. I told him that if he lines up an interview then he can use my truck and then when he lands a job he can buy it from me for minimal cost. So far, he hasn't taken me up on that offer. <br />
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Tiny shed-house - I hated to do it but it is stuffed with my extra belongings right now. I didn't have time to downsize like I wanted too. I wanted to leave it empty so that I could get the wiring and plumbing, walls and floors done with ease. That plan has been put on the back burner but it is still my goal to live there in when I semi-retire.<br />
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The house I live in now is owned by my mother. I don't pay rent but I pay all of the utilities. My side of the house is full of boxes that I need to sort through. It is always on my to-do list but I rarely have time for it on the weekends.<br />
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Pets- I still have my three dogs. I'm not fostering right now but hope to get back in to it when I live in my tiny house although it will be crowded. Perhaps the mobile home can be my kennel. Who knows what things will be like in three years. One of my sisters is moving to Texas, the other is moving to Ohio. Maybe I'll decide to move. I can't say I haven't thought about it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787157690355329112.post-14211007924044537872018-03-31T07:54:00.000-07:002018-04-01T21:24:37.019-07:00SOLD!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n3kIB9SoghE/Wr-UKOcc8UI/AAAAAAAAGnk/VobSIkdFxJc9adz-3T6rOHFwaSFxGZIZACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180326_163843521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n3kIB9SoghE/Wr-UKOcc8UI/AAAAAAAAGnk/VobSIkdFxJc9adz-3T6rOHFwaSFxGZIZACLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20180326_163843521.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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The house has sold! It took 5 months of work on weekends and holidays and days off, but it is finally over. After paying back the money I borrowed from my mother for the installation of air conditioning, and the money I raided from my nephew's college fund, I net $50k. $30 will get invested and $20 will go somewhere, maybe some projects and a trip to Europe? </div>
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I haven't decided yet because things around here haven't slowed down. My nephew informed me on Monday that he was leaving school. His grandfather, with whom he was living during the past summer, had a stroke and is not in a position to invite him back. Unfortunately, the kid hasn't ingraciated himself with his other Minnesota relatives, so he will be returning to AZ in two days. Since I have moved in with my mother, there isn't a place for him here, or, let me be more specific, I will not be buying food for, providing meals for, cleaning up after, providing transportation for or otherwise mothering my nephew. We will be exploring housing and job options next week which will include the old mobile home which we lived in during his junior year of high school and possibly a studio apartment. But anyway, that is a future project. Let's get back to my house.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TI6q4kA7lGg/Wr-ZwtFl8BI/AAAAAAAAGn0/w3LBGerOj1I84R-SDu99OL0fhdyWBUkggCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180331_072132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="720" height="170" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TI6q4kA7lGg/Wr-ZwtFl8BI/AAAAAAAAGn0/w3LBGerOj1I84R-SDu99OL0fhdyWBUkggCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180331_072132.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The view from across the street. Typical 70's slump block home in Tucson, AZ.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d7fzHkicOxE/Wr-Z34uATYI/AAAAAAAAGn4/GGh5AyzcGswjI1Chc3JHmSHDqOmMEbcGgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180331_072110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="720" height="255" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d7fzHkicOxE/Wr-Z34uATYI/AAAAAAAAGn4/GGh5AyzcGswjI1Chc3JHmSHDqOmMEbcGgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180331_072110.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The 70's rock wall in the entryway. The colored glass is an interesting touch. I wonder if it is original to the house.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-giqjgI92bsg/Wr-Z-roG3hI/AAAAAAAAGn8/CEAfX59h84wXmfb6Fm87AC-vWfFfmseUQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180331_072049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="994" height="223" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-giqjgI92bsg/Wr-Z-roG3hI/AAAAAAAAGn8/CEAfX59h84wXmfb6Fm87AC-vWfFfmseUQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180331_072049.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Rock fireplace in the sunken living room. I used this room for storage since there is no garage.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TKNmYrJYYBA/Wr-aCrr6N_I/AAAAAAAAGoA/HY7kU94EBqo0H0khZNwhXXiV2kVnbEXjQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180331_072025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="1008" height="221" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TKNmYrJYYBA/Wr-aCrr6N_I/AAAAAAAAGoA/HY7kU94EBqo0H0khZNwhXXiV2kVnbEXjQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180331_072025.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Looks nice with all my junk in it. LoL.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pzq5FlIXEUY/Wr-aGrUd9MI/AAAAAAAAGoE/A1mNJYyVwiIM9S0EV-Ipf3bZc9GfVqgIgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180331_072005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="936" height="236" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pzq5FlIXEUY/Wr-aGrUd9MI/AAAAAAAAGoE/A1mNJYyVwiIM9S0EV-Ipf3bZc9GfVqgIgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180331_072005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The dining area off of the living room. I used this as the computer area.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cJb0AEM9gBE/Wr-aL1mzeVI/AAAAAAAAGoI/hZStVBzHYUIuKW3YJKp20eGLhL-8RB-sgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180331_071924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="974" height="226" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cJb0AEM9gBE/Wr-aL1mzeVI/AAAAAAAAGoI/hZStVBzHYUIuKW3YJKp20eGLhL-8RB-sgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180331_071924.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The family room. This is where I had my TV since it is connected to the kitchen. Make food and watch Hawaii 5-0!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6JYKsBx05NU/Wr-aQT2TyeI/AAAAAAAAGoM/g8PvOvgxZ_AFgjc4soydAfQQ55pK2hzOACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180331_071904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="952" height="232" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6JYKsBx05NU/Wr-aQT2TyeI/AAAAAAAAGoM/g8PvOvgxZ_AFgjc4soydAfQQ55pK2hzOACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180331_071904.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Another angle.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_YGuiyP8Sw/Wr-aTVeMO4I/AAAAAAAAGoQ/5IkiH1lCAhkSKKh8XvyRQgPUW3VH7mvQgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180331_071840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="996" height="222" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_YGuiyP8Sw/Wr-aTVeMO4I/AAAAAAAAGoQ/5IkiH1lCAhkSKKh8XvyRQgPUW3VH7mvQgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180331_071840.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The new kitchen. It didn't turn out exactly as planned. I bought cabinets from RTA.com and I should have bought a sample door but I was in a hurry and when they arrived, I hated them. I had to change my plan a bit and add more lights to make them look less dreary and green. They were supposed to be antique white. I have since learned that antique white is more like white that has sat for 100 years in a house with a wood cooking stove so that it now looks dingy and drab. I still don't like them but it doesn't matter because someone did like them and bought the house. At least they are good quality plywood cabinets instead of the particle board and plastic cabinets I had before. (except for the doors which are MDF medium density fiber board.)<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ay-yCipmtM4/Wr-aWemKihI/AAAAAAAAGoU/ycvqVODC69cY8NI8tDJSAs2TtiToiynMwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180331_071817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="997" height="223" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ay-yCipmtM4/Wr-aWemKihI/AAAAAAAAGoU/ycvqVODC69cY8NI8tDJSAs2TtiToiynMwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180331_071817.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The bedroom was never this clean with all of my dogs in it. It cleaned up well though.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vBuQw9N612w/Wr-ab-zBThI/AAAAAAAAGoY/kwofCVkcI2QRcDzyYLBpgV4l47On9eEYgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180331_071728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="779" height="293" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vBuQw9N612w/Wr-ab-zBThI/AAAAAAAAGoY/kwofCVkcI2QRcDzyYLBpgV4l47On9eEYgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180331_071728.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This bathroom had already been remodeled by the previous owners so I didn't do anything.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-beDCF-AjiBM/Wr-aiIJE4bI/AAAAAAAAGoc/MTQqkTQgiJYVtSEOQfP59K3-7mjroDjLgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180331_071752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="928" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-beDCF-AjiBM/Wr-aiIJE4bI/AAAAAAAAGoc/MTQqkTQgiJYVtSEOQfP59K3-7mjroDjLgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180331_071752.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This bathroom got a new vanity cabinet, shelf, mirror, shower doors, toilet and towel bars.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hKojKfVqZtA/Wr-ar5G_ZDI/AAAAAAAAGos/cWEaCD-bD94VURsZEWrAkB05lwwF5jd2ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180331_071649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="1040" height="215" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hKojKfVqZtA/Wr-ar5G_ZDI/AAAAAAAAGos/cWEaCD-bD94VURsZEWrAkB05lwwF5jd2ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180331_071649.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The yard got cleaned up. It looks much nicer than this when the trees have leafed out. This was taken at the end of January.</div>
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So, that finishes that house. I finally don't have to go work on any urgent projects this weekend. I get to stay home and do my taxes. LoL.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787157690355329112.post-55664578668577835982017-10-19T21:19:00.000-07:002017-10-19T21:22:15.288-07:00The Past Few Months<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, EmojiFont, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", NotoColorEmoji, "Segoe UI Symbol", "Android Emoji", EmojiSymbols; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">
Maybe if I work on this synopsis of the last few months a few minutes a day, I will catch up.</div>
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<li>The move: As you know, my mother bought a house and we both moved in mid-August. It has been non-stop activity since and it is still on-going. I am very tired of moving!</li>
<li>My mother's townhouse: We decided to tackle moving my mother's stuff out of her townhouse first because it was smaller than my house and close by. When we had removed most of the personal items, we asked our realtor how much stuff to leave for "staging"and what to take out. The realtor came over, gave some suggestions (less is more) and commented that another realtor in her office had some out of town clients looking in the area the next day. My mother gave her permission to show it even though it hadn't been cleaned and was still in disarray. Surprisingly, the people liked the townhouse and made a full price offer. We were thrilled and made plans to move the rest of the stuff out. It was hot and a lot of work but with a rented Uhaul truck and two rented guys, we got it done.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-enEbxcdap10/Welyp0r42MI/AAAAAAAAGmU/1JMTeutts4oPtvVi-50vZ7YHXDotOq-kQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170915_120355894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-enEbxcdap10/Welyp0r42MI/AAAAAAAAGmU/1JMTeutts4oPtvVi-50vZ7YHXDotOq-kQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170915_120355894.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Unfortunately, ALL of the stuff, including the trash, was now at the new house. We are still sorting through it.</li>
<li>My house in Tucson: It has been very hot and finding the time to drive to my house, 45 minutes away, has been difficult. I have made a few trips, car loads, pick-up truck loads. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mE-0ctWRRPU/Welzm5krdTI/AAAAAAAAGmc/ra-tz3H_3KkR6Lw5TVGrm7pz6SY0AZM6ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170906_180921094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mE-0ctWRRPU/Welzm5krdTI/AAAAAAAAGmc/ra-tz3H_3KkR6Lw5TVGrm7pz6SY0AZM6ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170906_180921094.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
What remains is the miscellaneous, most of which can be given away or taken to my property. These things are most tools, gardening items, fencing, anything I won't be needing in the suburbs. The new backyard has very little garden space. I've been throwing old seeds out by the drip system emitters. That's the extent of my gardening, at the moment. The new house does have roses and citrus trees so keeping those alive is enough responsibility for now. This week, my handyman has begun the repairs I need to do before I list it for sale. I do want to replace the kitchen cabinets but haven't figured out exactly what to replace them with. Maybe IKEA cabinets if I can take a day off.</li>
<li>The dogs: I got Francis adopted the Saturday before I moved. That was very fortunate as she was the most energetic and the loudest barker. I brought 4 dogs to the new house and talked to all of my neighbors who were home to let them know to tell me if the dogs bothered them. Everyone was fine...until last week. The snowbirds who live on the corner came back and the dogs barked like crazy when they heard new voices. The neighbors complained to the homeowner's association and we got a visit from them. Turns out the neighbors like to eat breakfast in their backyard. So, out came the bark collars and I had a nice chat with the neighbors and gave them my number in case the dogs start barking again. BUT...I also got my last foster dog adopted last week and we finally got solid gates on the fence so the dogs can't see the people who walk down the alley. Big improvements.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li>Living with my mother: It's a work in progress. Between moving, selling my house, my job, and regular life stuff, I don't have a lot of time. My mother wants to watch movies and I just want to take a nap. She does the grocery shopping and the dishes, which is very nice. I make dinner on the weekends and try to have enough leftovers for the week.</li>
<li>Rental house #1: I got a notice that the tenants were moving out in August. Almost immediately, I got a notice that new people were moving in. There are always repairs and cleaning bills so I waited for the email. The second week in September, I got an email from the management company that said I needed to authorize $2500 in expenses so that the tenants could move in in 3 days. I was like, um, no, you're fired. They were apologetic and re-did the estimate. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I looked at the property and decided to pay for carpet replacement, got my handyman to clean up the yard, and took a day off work to paint the walls with my handyman which only cost $350 rather than the $1,100 that was quoted to me. I also took down the old window shades and put up shear curtains.<br />
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The tenants decided not to move in but I got to keep their $850 deposit and new tenants have since signed a lease. Hopefully, Rental house #1 will be stable for a while.</li>
<li>Rental house #2: My tenant, the one that was living out in my mobile home and then I bought this little house in town for him to rent, has decided to move to Brazil at the end of the month. He wants me to help him re-home his 2 dogs and 2 cats. Unfortunately, I am not in a position to foster so I can only help with advertising them. Soon, I will need to find a new tenant. I've had a few inquiries but the area of town that it is in isn't the greatest and I don't think either of the single women who inquired would want to live there. Someone will appreciate it though. Hopefully, a responsible person who always pays their rent on time.</li>
<li>My mobile home property: It's being totally neglected. I go out there to collect the mail once a month. The weeds are taking over. I hate seeing it like that but I don't have the time or money to work on it yet. Once my house sells, maintaining the property will be easier. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Maybe I will even have some money for more improvements like bringing electricity to the barn-shed and building more fencing or walls to keep out the snakes.</li>
<li>My job: It is going crazy. They let one person go from our office and they have asked me to go to out plant in Mexico twice a week. So far, I've only been going once a week because I get so behind on my emails when I go down there. I want to take some time off to work on the house that I will be selling but I just seem to be getting more and more behind every day. I think I will take a half day every Friday anyway because I have some vacation time to use before December. Since I'm going to the Mexico plant, I've finally started trying to learn some Spanish. I downloaded the Duolingo app on my phone and I have practiced every night for 2 weeks. The beginning stuff was easy because I did have Spanish in high school but it is quickly getting harder. The most of the people at the plant speak English but I tell them all that I am trying to learn so they teach me new words. Todays word was carrots: zanahorias. </li>
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There you go. The quick synopsis. My home computer is still dead and I don't have the new laptop they are supposed to be buying me yet. Maybe next month.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787157690355329112.post-66458872369649515482017-10-06T20:42:00.001-07:002017-10-06T20:42:29.341-07:00Bumps in the RoadI'm still here! Yes, I moved in with mother and everything has been on over-drive ever since. I have a lot to catch up on but I am trying to type this on my little phone. My home computer is stuck in an automatic repair loop of death. My job has picked up speed, I have to go to our plant in Mexico twice a week now. They are going to buy me a laptop which should be here at the end of the month so I guess that is good because I won't have to replace my desktop computer just yet. Oh, and our IT guy at work said he would help me recover my data.<br />
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Anyway, I wanted you all to know I am alive and well and I hope to post a real update soon.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787157690355329112.post-9486968055636290552017-08-11T22:10:00.000-07:002017-08-11T22:10:50.064-07:00Moving In, Maybe<div style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
Moving day tomorrow! The wall project got approved by the HOA architectural committee and my handyman has been working on raising the wall from 4' to 6' this week. The sliding glass door isn't installed in my bedroom yet but I am determined to get moved in this weekend. I've been taking bags and boxes to the new house every time I go there but tomorrow I'm taking the dogs and that marks the official move day because I will be sleeping there from now on. Home is where the dogs are. After that, I'll help my mom bring her stuff over. </div>
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On Sunday, I will move the quail and another load of stuff. So far, I'm bringing a lot of stuff but hardly any furniture. I am leaving some furniture for staging the house for sale. My handyman decided that he can't afford to buy my house right now. That means I will have to go ahead with my remodeling plan to get my house ready to list. That's probably for the best. House prices in my neighborhood are going up and up. It almost makes me want to rent but I'd rather just get the money and invest it. Two rental houses is enough for me.</div>
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I got a dog adopted! The dog that came back after being adopted as a puppy 5 years ago, she got adopted to a nice young lady who likes to go for runs and hikes. That's exactly the kind of person she needed. I am so glad that I have one less dog to move to the new house.</div>
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There are still a lot of projects to do at the new house. On Monday, I'll get the sliding glass door for my bedroom so that I can use my sliding door dog door. Then I'll get a small patio cover over it for rainy days. Then my mother bought a bathroom vanity and sink top and also wants a new toilet, tub, and tile. By then, I should have all of my belonging out of my house and will want the handyman to start fixing up my house. So much to do! I only have $15k to work with so I had better use it wisely.I need new kitchen cabinets and to remodel the master bath just to name a few things. The list is long. Whew, I'm tired. Wish I could sleep in tomorrow but no, I can't put this off any longer! </div>
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Update- I went by the house this evening and the wall is only about 20% complete. How disappointing. I'm still going to move in tomorrow. If the dogs bark too much with the workmen there, we'll go back to my house during the week when I have to work. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787157690355329112.post-72115041400054079722017-07-25T18:57:00.000-07:002017-07-25T18:57:16.754-07:00Slow Progress<div style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
Yes, I am still here and doing fine. Things are chaotic with the new house and renovations. We finally got the keys on the 14th and I brought a load of stuff down to put in the closet because I thought it didn't need any work but then Mom suggested that we get the popcorn ceiling texture removed while the house was empty. The living/dining room, master bedroom, and half of the closet had popcorn texture. Almost all of the house needed paint so I couldn't bring any more stuff there. So far, 80% is painted, the popcorn is gone, and there is white dust everywhere. The ceilings have been re-textured and I think they got painted today. Mom didn't like the brown light fixtures so last Friday we went shopping for brushed nickel fixtures with white shades. They got installed today. </div>
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Next on the list is painting the inside of the garage and then most likely covering the countertops with something of a lighter color than black. I submitted the application and project plans for raising the wall in the backyard and adding a sliding door and patio cover. The HOA (homeowner's association) has to approve all outside changes. Hopefully, I will get their approval next week so that the handyman can get started. It will be a lot easier to bring the dogs if the wall is high. I don't want them barking at every person walking by.</div>
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Our monsoons are in full swing. It is hot and humid and my evaporative cooler only makes it sweatier inside my house. The rain usually dries up by August so I am hopeful that it won't be so humid when I have to move. 10 minutes of breaking down garden fencing left me a sweaty mess last weekend and the only comfortable spot was sitting in front of the fan. I continued to box up my nephew's stuff and the boxes were soggy. 3 more boxes got mailed to his grandfather's house, 3 more to go, and 3 more to be shipped later to college. I asked him where he wanted his stuffed animals to go and he said to college. Awww. That's cute.</div>
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My internet went out for 4 days last weekend. It was strange to be away from it for so long. I still had broadcast TV so I wasn't totally cut-off. I tried to get all of the utilities turned on at the new house last week. I accidentally sent in the request to the wrong water company and the water got turned off on Monday. Mom told the neighbor and they turned it on for her. I think that was illegal but the water company was going to turn it on that morning anyway. </div>
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There are 2 internet providers in this neighborhood, CenturyLink and Cox Cable. I wanted to go with CenturyLink since that's who I have now so I have a wifi modem/router but, as the Cox commercial says "We're in a slow zone". They can only offer 5Mbps. Cox can do whatever we are willing to pay for. I signed up for 15Mbps plus TV and phone, took half day off last Friday to wait for the technician and then found out they had rescheduled me for Monday without telling me. I cancelled that bundle and tried CenturyLink. They wanted to give me 5Mbps for $45/month. That's ridiculous. So, I went back to Cox and signed up for internet-only 15Mbps for $35/month. I had to buy a new modem/router but I got a used one off Amazon. I still need to activate it but I haven't had the time to dedicate to that chore. Oh, and I had dismantled my computer and brought it to the new house in anticipation of the technician showing up last week so now it sits in the house alone and I have to rely on my phone and Kindle. </div>
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I unplugged the tiny house people's life support today (2 large extension cords). They are headed up to Idaho in search of permanent parking. It's too bad they didn't want to live on my mobile home property. Tiny houses are legal out there. Having to haul water is a turn-off for many people. They were here for 8 months! It was only going to be one month until they found something better but it turned in to much longer. I wish them the best. Maybe they will come back if Idaho doesn't turn out well.</div>
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Whew, we are making slow but steady progress on this moving thing. Maybe I'll be living in the new house in two weeks? It could happen.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6