October 9, 2017

Busy, busy, busy!  I've been preparing my little house so I can move in soon.  First, I had an exterminator treat the crawl space.  He's coming back tomorrow to put down a vapor barrier.  Today there was a crew doing mold remediation in the attic and crawl space.  Day after tomorrow another crew is coming to put insulation in the crawl space.

All this work is for a house that is relatively recent construction for Portland - 1981.  So many of the houses in Portland were built in the early 1900's.  I'm used to all the new buildings that make up Houston.  My house there was built in the 1960's and was considered ancient.

The living room in my new house has a kind of pretend chimney and fireplace.  It extends about 3 feet into the room and takes up most of a wall.  The fireplace  itself was wood burning but is no longer working.  The "chimney" is just an empty shell with a pipe inside that leads to the roof to let out the smoke.  I am getting an estimate on removing the whole deal.  I'll replace it with an electric fireplace.  The house doesn't have gas.

I'm also getting an estimate on painting the interior.  The paint job is fresh but it's a dingy gray color.  Winter is coming with many dreary days ahead.  I'm torn between painting the walls a creamy yellow or a pale peachy pink.  The inside NEEDS to be cheerful.

My move is set for October 26th.  I'd love to have the fireplace gone and the house painted before I move in.  But then contractors run on a much slower clock than "normal" people.

The kitchen has new cabinets, countertops and appliances.  I do need to buy a refrigerator though plus a washer and dryer.

Then there's all the numerous minor repairs that will probably really add up to big bucks!  Some can't wait - like missing flashing and vents in the attic.

I've never bought a house for just myself.  My son, Kevin lived with me in my Bellaire townhouse.  Somehow, even though he was just a teenager, it wasn't as scary.  I wouldn't be living alone.  My next house I bought when I was engaged.

I'm excited but terrified about my new house.  I still have a lot of healing left to do.  Any activity wears me out.  Today I had wanted to go to Home Depot.  But, my physical therapy totally drained me and I had to take a nap.

Tomorrow I'm going to the doctor about my arthritis.  That was going to be my priority when I got to Portland.  But an irresponsible bus driver changed those plans.  Hopefully, I'll have enough pep to go to Home Depot after my appointment.

When I'm not trying to organize workmen, I am slowly packing up my apartment.  And I'm shopping on craigslist.  As my friends and family know I like things that are quirky.  I can either shop at really high end furniture stores (which I can't afford) or go to thrift and consignment stores.  But, I can peruse craigslist comfortably in my apartment.

I found a shocking pink bistro set on craigslist.  It's a tiny table with 4 chairs.  I'll use it for my kitchen table now and later on for the patio.  I also bought an unusual recliner.  It has cane sides.  The upholstery is yellow with blue birds and coral flowers.  It's so cool!  It came with a little ottoman and pillow.  I should have copied the photos on craigslist before they were taken down.  I'll take photos of everything eventually and post them.