The Spa Makes It!

Marc is still in Yuma, wrapping up the final stages of our move but hopes to be able to leave Monday as he needs to return to work, via his new project in Rapid City, S.D. He sent me pictures indicating that both the spa and his beloved welding bench both fit and he had the weight capacity for them as well. It’s been one long, arduous process for him and it didn’t help that upon seeing his Mexican dentist in Algodones, she found a cracked molar, so he had to undergo a crown which took him an additional two trips and lost time. Instead of a bill for over a thousand dollars though, the bill was only $230 so well worth the time spent. She did a crown for me about six years ago and it is still going strong and my new dentist in Waupaca told me what a good job it was, so we have found there is no reason to be afraid of dental care in Mexico.

The drywall contractor finished hanging the sheetrock at the house and now it’s at a standstill until Marc can get some heat going in there for them to put the texture on the walls. It was amazing to walk in for the first time seeing it all hung and actual walls up—it makes it look so much more like a real house. I was also pleasantly surprised that it was as bright as it was because I was afraid with the large front porch overhang it would be dark inside but as you can see, that is not the case.

If you’re wondering about all the angle iron hanging from the kitchen walls, that’s Marc improvisation for the support for all three courses of the hanging shelving which will run the entire length of the kitchen and also curve around the end wall to the stove. Obviously with the way Marc builds things, weight will not be a factor on those shelves! Next to the stove sits the refrigerator and opposite those will be our temporary island (a 48” stainless steel work table from Sam’s Club) and our large butcher block. Ultimately, once we decide upon size and shape, Marc intends to build us a permanent island but that will come later. He also, in addition to all the shelving, will also be building some type of “statement” vent hood above the stove. I have grown tired of the small, ineffective budget versions so I want something that will pull my socks off and also look fantastic from across the room. More and more I am leaning towards trying to have him build something out of old barn wood, which is readily available around these parts for the right price. 

Although this first picture shows our hallway without a pantry closet, there will be one as Marc can build it in opposite the fridge at the end wall on the left. This area sits above the stairwell so Marc wants time to plan it out to be able to most utilize the space efficiently so thought walling it in for now would be the best bet so the cats aren’t bailing down the basement stairwell through a hole in the wall. At my behest, he came across a screaming deal on an 1880 front door out of an old Victorian house, so we plan to clean this baby up and it will be the opening into the pantry closet. It sits right now in his office and has aroused all sorts of envy and curiosity from co-workers. The door, of course, is all handmade and complete with most of its brass hardware. How cool will this be?

Wisconsin is still cold and I’m still working on some projects. I got my kitchen window covering made, repainted a nightstand with chalk paint, and also have been working on more fabric bowls. Don’t ask me what I’m going to do with all of them besides gifting many of them but I thought this flatter one went especially well hung up!

Yuma Foothills Park Model and Lot, $95,000 or ** Trade

List price is $95,000. We are selling because work took us to Wisconsin a year ago and for the foreseeable future, so we are now building a home there. We purchased this lot as bare dirt and did all the work and landscaping ourselves, which has had a nice chance to mature. All landscaping is on drip irrigation and easy to maintain. All of the lot is either gravel or concrete; there is a very spaciously sized custom patio for entertaining which features a privacy wall & nearly new 3-tier concrete fountain. In addition there is a small stick built shed on slab and a portable storage shed/trailer which is highly insulated. The lot has a slab for RV parking (any size rig) and 50 amp full hookups. We have been able to rent this space every winter we have wanted for an income of $325/month. The park model has never been rented. Annual taxes run approximately $726. Note: the spa and sea container have been removed.

The park model is a Dutch Park 2007 model (unfurnished) with 10 foot interior ceiling height which really gives it a particular feeling of spaciousness as compared to many park models. There are clerestory windows throughout and two bay windows on the patio side, so light and views are abundant. We upgraded the counters to tile in the kitchen, the stove is a digital 36” GE Profile smooth top, and we added a quiet Maytag dishwasher. The spacious pantry closet has pull-out shelving and right next to that is an alcove with a hookup for a stack washer/dryer (not included).

The bedroom is complete with a high quality queen sized bed and built-in storage and closets. All cabinets are solid oak throughout. The bath has a built-in hamper and linen closet, a corner sink and a shower stall with a seat. The built-in entertainment center in the living room and buffet in the dining area provide convenient and ample additional storage. A highly efficient and low cost to run split system was recently installed (for AC and heating) which cut our electric bills by two-thirds.

The lot is approximately 7200 square feet and is surrounded by high quality stick built homes with the exception of one neighbor who has a well done manufactured home. This truly is one of the most upper end sections in the Foothills, and has proven over our years of ownership to be very safe and well maintained. It sits one long block from the edge of the desert and state and BLM land, which is available for recreation. For those who golf, it is midpoint between the two Foothills golf courses. We had the block walls all raised to six feet and with the addition of the privacy wall and a tall gate on the park model side, you will find extreme privacy. The neighbors are friendly and gregarious and the street, being a short spur road, is very quiet with little traffic.

**Please note we are very open to doing an “even Steven” trade of this property for a home of equal value in Central Wisconsin. We’re not interested in bare land or lots, but if you desire your place in the desert sun and have a home that would make a good investment property for us in Wisconsin, we’re all ears. (Trade property must be free and clear of any liens or mortgages with no major HOA fees). You can contact me at itchyhitchatyahoodotcom. We have a current tenant who is willing to vacate so quick possession is available this season if you are in the area. We are motivated sellers and look forward to your inquiries. Thanks!

Yuma Move is Underway

Marc told all the neighbors yesterday they were invited to the side show which was to start at 8 a.m. this morning. That show would be seeing various things swinging from the huge crane he hired to lift all of the heavy items for their move to Wisconsin. The main thing was to get the sea container emptied then loaded onto his flatbed trailer so it could be packed with what will fit. Unfortunately, there are many more items than space, so it is looking like we are going to be donating a heap of goods to Helping Hands for their annual yard sale.

I had asked Marc about his heavy welding bench and I see by the picture he sent me, it also is flying through the air, but I’m not sure of its final destination. Not only is space a consideration but weight is as well, so he is off to the scales to see just where he is weight-wise. If the bench doesn’t make it, it will be sold as scrap—a terrible shame for such a useful and expensive “tool” and one of Marc’s favorites.

This afternoon he meets with the Realtor for the possible bad news on the value of the property; Yuma has not enjoyed any real estate recovery so we are fully prepared to actually lose money on its sale. If all goes well, once it is listed, I will post an information page here as well which will make it easy for folks to view via a link. There will still be much packing up for Marc and tomorrow he goes into Algodones for some meds and dental check up, so he is one busy man. 

Me: not so much. Recent weather and storms often leave the highways less than desirable for travel and I’m also not real anxious to be out and about when the wind chill factor brings the temps into the -25 range. Given that Yuma is due to be 78 today that means that Marc is enjoying about a 100 degree difference. Boy, that hardly seems possible, does it? 

Right after Marc left, one morning when I got Spirit out of the bathroom (where she spends the night so the other cats don’t bother her) I noticed she was limping. As the early morning wore on, it got worse so I called our local vet and they were able to work me in right away. After x-rays determined she didn’t have a broken leg, they went ahead and put a splint on her to better protect its healing. I will take her back in for its removal on the 14th. She was in quite a bit of pain for the first few days and mainly kept to her bed but now seems much better and hops along pretty well on her wrapped leg. She has even learned to climb the chair with it on. It was really sad the first few days seeing her trying to manage and not understanding why she was all wrapped up. I told Marc now that we have $148 invested in her; I guess the decision on whether we keep her or not has just been made for us. It’s not a bad thing though; she already had our hearts and wasn’t letting go.

The Long 30 Days

Twenty two days late, Marc took off this morning, headed for Bend, OR and the first leg of moving more of our stuff. Moving takes a trailer and his flatbed resides on my mother’s property, albeit with bad tires. So Marc stripped the Dodge of its nearly new rubber and wheels and hopes they fit temporarily to haul everything back here. The family has decided to hold Christmas dinner until Friday since he doesn’t expect to get in until very late Christmas night. You can see the care package I sent off for everyone for their get-together! For the next thirty days and nights, it’s just me and the four cats….

We managed to wrap up the main floor insulation chores and empty the house of everything so it’s a clean slate for the drywall contractor who is due to start this week. I will hope to check on the house occasionally so I can take pictures but our weather will be worsening and I try and not drive when it gets too bad out. It’s just not fun and I have nowhere to be that badly, that it’s worth the stress. However, if Christmas is not stormy, I do plan to work at the shelter so I can help shorten the shift of the paid employee who has to come in to feed the animals and clean the cages.

On the domestic front I continue to vacillate on paint color although I was decisive in picking bathroom color, flooring and countertops. I had tended towards a greige for the main area walls when Marc’s comments about living “in a prison” sent me scurrying back to the store for more bland neutrals. Now I am leaning more towards the beige/taupe side with just the slightest hint of gray. Guess he’s not much of a gray fan. I’ve also been madly perusing pictures of window furnishings hoping to find just the right idea I can probably make myself. The large living room window is the primary problem as its span is 108 inches, featuring two vertically opening 36” windows and a center fixed glass. I hadn’t really wanted drapery but I can’t find any roller shades of that width without going to some outrageously priced custom piece. Plus, given that our view is so nice out that direction, I want nothing that is going to block that, yet we will need the privacy at night when the lights are on.

I’ve got lots of projects in front of me, a stack of paperbacks and puzzles, and one very lively little kitten for entertainment. I’ll be OK; just lonely. It’s Marc who continues on with no breaks, no rest, and just a bunch of tasks and work in front of him as he empties out our Yuma place and gets it up for sale and then hauls all the stuff back here, over 2200 winter-driving miles. Good luck, Baby! Don’t get sunburned! (Spirit has really taken to Jerry, adopted this fall from the shelter and surprisingly, for a male cat not related, he to her. When they're ready for a nap, this is often the way I find them.)

Housebound

Construction progress has remained at a standstill during Marc’s absence. He is under the time gun trying to get the electrical rough inspection done so he can insulate the walls before leaving for the west. He hopes to make Bend in time for Christmas with my mother and son and daughter in law. The best bid on the drywall was from a contractor who has problems showing up or responding, but Marc is hopeful the guy can get that accomplished while he is gone. I am of a different opinion—if the guy isn’t responding now, I don’t hold out hopes that he isn’t going to further drag his feet and substantially delay us at a crucial point. I would hire another contractor but the other bid we got was essentially double at over eight grand!

With Marc gone so much, it gives me plenty of time to volunteer at the shelter. Adoptions have been slow on the cat side so there are still many to take care of and love up. And of course, I am still fostering little Spirit who is growing like a weed and changing day by day in what she can accomplish and where she can go. She plays rough house with Munchkin, seems to like to snuggle up to Jerry, and steers clear of Rocket since he doesn’t tolerate her in the least. In between all that, I am still shopping for the house, rethinking paint colors, and also working on some jewelry stuff which I donate to the shelter for them to sell at their fund-raising events.

Our weather has moderated some although we still have about six to eight inches of snow on the ground. A warming trend this weekend may end up melting off much of it which wouldn’t break our hearts. I find I am tolerating the cold much better this winter than I was able to last year being acclimated to the desert. It’s amazing for me to think about the fact that I have been in this area for 15 months and haven’t been farther than 80 miles from home but I haven’t really minded. Travel has become very stressful for me and I’m perfectly content being a homebody. I guess I spent so many years and decades being unsettled going hither and yon, that there is something now attractive about being in one place and building a life around that. Plus, it’s easy to be here because I like it and truly feel at home. 

I am however dreading gearing up for the long month of being by myself while Marc is gone and spending Christmas alone. With Spirit getting older she now can occupy and feed herself a little better so my constant oversight is not as necessary, which at least allows me some time to peruse my crafts and projects. There is no reason to return her to the shelter at this point just to endure life in a cage so until she becomes old enough to be spayed, she can’t be adopted out. We are still hopeful to find a good home for her but I’d be lying if I said it isn’t going to break our hearts to give her up.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We’re planning a quiet holiday with lots of turkey and lots of kitty love! I’ve been spending an inordinate amount of time hand-raising this little girl we’ve named Spirit. She gets livelier by the day and thus more demanding as well. She has definitely wormed her way into our hearts but we keep telling ourselves four cats would just be way too many. We are desperately seeking her a home, not wanting to see her go back to the shelter for life in a cage. Being hand raised, she is very imprinted on people so should make an excellent cat for someone.

Marc has about completed the wiring and will hope to get much of the main floor insulation hung through this weekend. We have a thing about never having enough outlets in the kitchen particularly, so as can be seen in the picture, Marc made sure our new kitchen should not suffer that defect! The power company now has all inspections and permits issued which will allow them to install power. Since Marc has two new projects about to break ground however, he will not make his December 1 deadline to head west. In fact, he will need to be in North Dakota all next week more than likely.

I am stepping up to spend even more time helping out at the shelter since they are down two cleaning people and short staffed. Heavy snow prevented me from getting in my first day yesterday but I should be able to get there today to clean all the cat cages in the rooms I normally work in socializing the cats. I will do this up to three times a week for as long as it is necessary, weather permitting. Their needs are great and I have the time; the shelter is over capacity with cats now numbering 77, around 30-40 of which must be kittens of various ages. That’s another reason for us to find Spirit a home soon; she could very well be lost in the shuffle of so many other black kittens needing homes.

We hope your holiday is filled with thankfulness and the camaraderie of those you love the most. I sure miss my family!