Problems with the sale

There are problems with the sale. There is a small 8 ft parcel of property between the two lots that is holding up the sale. No one is quite sure who owns it. Me? Heirs? There have been no transactions on it since 1954. I have been maintaining it and paying taxes on it for 11 years, the previous owners and the owners before that. My driveway, my gardens and my lawn are all supposedly on this piece of property. And as you can see in the pic, there is a structure actually built on it by the owners next door.

Tomorrow at 11AM, there is a conference call with my lawyer and DG to see if we can get this ironed out. Worst case scenario, I could loose the sale. Not quite so bad is the fact it could take another three or four months to get this tied up. Best case is that they could decide that it doesn't matter, no one has stepped forward, the property has been maintained and taxed by this property's owners for years and years and defaults to the current caretaker. Me.

Now, what that boils down to is the fact that I am out of funds and have no more money to live on. I don't know when, or if I will be leaving, and I have to decide if I am going forward with my moving sale or not. But I won't know anything for sure until tomorrow.

I'm leaning towards continuing to get ready for this sale, but keeping the larger ticket items like my washer and dryer and my bed. Let everything else go as if I were moving into Ody. I can use her fridge and kitchen, and I could sleep in her. Just keep the bathroom active and the washer and dryer going for the duration. I should also setup my jewelry inventory for the weekend. Might be able to make some sales.

Everything is going to have to go at some point anyway. I am not spending another winter here. I will leave the building empty if I have to, but could probably rent it out. There might also be other people interested in buying it, but not for the money I would get for this sale. But then it wouldn't be my problem any more either.

Nothing is ever easy. I have been trying to get out of Island Pond and Vermont since 2010. I'm wondering why VT doesn't want to let me go.

So I have decided. I am moving forward either way. I will make as much money as I can this weekend, hang on to the minimum, and just see what happens. Decision made. Onward and upward.

Saturday

I'm tired of not fitting in or belonging to anyone or anything. It has gotten old. I try and I try, but the only time anyone seems to be aware that I exist is when they need something from me. Square peg, round hole. Time to move on.

Moving in

Next week I will be moving into the rig...at last. I still don't have a closing date, but it is a holiday weekend and the perfect weekend to have the "big sale". So for the next five days, I will be sorting, pricing and prepping. I will probably have to re-sort some stuff in the rig too, as I can't keep everything I want to keep. Am going to have to get ruthless about it.

I need money. Paid bills yesterday, that used up over half of what I have left, and there isn't much left in the coffers. Cutting it kind of close, hoping and praying the deal doesn't fall through. Still don't know anything. There is some sort of problem with the right of way that hasn't been used in 50 or more years. Part of the place next door is actually built on it. My section is just grass and driveway.

My goal for next weekend is to sell basically everything that isn't nailed down. All the appliances, furniture, fixtures. Everything that doesn't affect the normal operation of the building (just in case). Once I get a closing date I will start on the fixtures, doors and windows and get the Jeep sold as well. Hoping my coffers will get a little boost and I can relax a little while I wait.

IF the sale goes through and the closing is at the end of the month, that will give me about four weeks to adjust and adapt to living in the rig. Kali Cat should be comfy by then too. Hopefully.

A couple of pics of the rugosa roses along the walk beside the lake. The geese are still there and are leaving lots and lots of droppings making the walk an adventure.

Yesterday wasn't one of my better days. I woke up from another one of those Jake dreams, and this one was especially bad. I had a hard time shaking it. Plus, I discovered the ethernet ports on my router have all crapped out. I can't access my cloud drive without it so I had to order a wireless/ethernet adapter. It is something I am going to need, but I could have done without spending the $70 right now with money being so tight. Got it ordered and will now have to wait a week for it to get here. 

Tonight is campfire night. I won't be going across the street to FNL. I can hear the band just fine from my courtyard in front of the chiminea. I will also not be buying my dinner tonight. Saving what little cash I have left for emergencies. I am cooking the half turkey breast I had in the freezer and will get several meals out of that. Got some fresh greens at Anthony's this morning, put some onions and carrots in with the turkey. It is almost ready.

This afternoon I need to sort some papers. If I am going to have a campfire, it would be a good time to get rid of some stuff. I have already gotten rid of the majority of it, will deal with the last of it today hopefully. 

I am having a hard time getting myself motivated and in action. I woke up every day this week with good intentions, but every day I ended up avoiding the sorting and packing. Without a firm closing, I don't have the deadline to force me to get it done. The sale next weekend should get me moving. Finally.

Another day down the tubes

Spent a good part of yesterday figuring out the email issue on the macbook air that arrived Saturday. There is a definite learning curve between mac and windows, but I think I am getting the hang of it. I spent most of the weekend getting it setup and learning the differences. This little laptop will definitely be much easier to handle on the road, and even tho it is only a 256G hard drive, will probably do all the work I need it to do. I will be keeping my big Dell (Jake's old computer) as a backup machine. But that is so large, it is more of a portable desktop than a laptop, especially with the second monitor.

Anyway, buy the time I got done futzing around with iMessage getting my gchat setup, getting myself unblacklisted while trying to setup FTP, and all the other piddly little things, I wasted half the day. By then, it was lunch time. I walked to the post office to drop off a package and was going to take my walk, but there was a package there for me that I had to bring back and then never got my walk in.. Will definitely have to walk today, maybe twice depending on the weather.

There was an email exchange between my lawyer and DG concerning the title insurance. I still don't understand why I don't have it, it is something I would have bought as a matter of course. Maybe Jake talked me out of it, who knows. Wishing I had it now. Hoping the fact that I don't have it won't screw up the deal. They had it for next door.

My blood sugar numbers are increasing. Was 170 this morning. But I haven't been getting my fresh fruits and veggies since I have been trying to use up stuff that is already in the house. I guess I need to go to the store and get some. Blood pressure was high for a couple of days, but seemed to level out again last night.

I think  lot of it has to do with stress. Waiting for this deal to go thru, the unknown about my future, money, and travel, I am stressed,  pretty much constantly. About the only time I am not stressed is when I am distracted. Reading, watching TV, or sleeping. And sometimes that doesn't even help.

I got all my money back on the baby monitor camera. Even the shipping cost to return it. It was a pain in the ass, but I am happy to have my money refunded and the whole thing done with.

Today I really need to get something accomplished. Only a little over a week until my big moving sale, and I have a fair amount of stuff to go thru. I still have way too much stuff, and way too much stuff already loaded in Ody, and am going to have to skinny it down some. I'm just not sure how I am going to do that tho.

I just really need a date and a firm plan. Way too much limbo in my life.

It has been several days...

It has been several days since I have written. Falling down on the job. But there isn't much to report, no news, nothing new.

It took several days for my shoulder to feel better. Monday and Tuesday were quite painful. I started icing it on Tuesday and there was a significant improvement by Wednesday. Today, just a twinge. Almost ready to try the bike again. This time with the seat just a little lower, hoping that will make the difference.

First Friday Night Live last night. The first one I haven't worked since Jake died. It felt strange. I did wander over to visit for a few. Not so much with the people that I worked with, they had their own little social thing going on, but with the few friends I have that were there.

Got myself a chicken pesto wrap for dinner, was very good. Almost healthy. But it was more carbs in one day than I am used to. I had a hummus wrap for lunch. Bread, twice in one day. A major no-no.

I hung out there about an hour or so, then came back and fired up my chiminea. Kali Cat and I sat there and enjoyed the music while also enjoying privacy and a nice little campfire.

She hung out with me for over an hour, and when she started showing signs of wandering, I let her in and she went off for a cat nap and was snoozing soundly when I finally came in.

About the only things I got accomplished this week was my two old laptops cleaned off and shipped out to a friend that will upgrade them and sell them. I am getting an old mac book pro in the trade, which I will sell when it gets here. I have ordered an 11" mac book air to take on the road with me. Supposed to be light, battery long lived and easy to use. I will still have my big Dell for webwork and other production work.

The baby monitor that I was going to try and use as a backup camera came. I tried it out, couldn't connect to it all. And in the process, it screwed with my internal network and I had to reboot everything. I have spent the last two days emailing back and forth with the seller to try and get my money back. 

Two weeks until moving sale day and moving into Ody. Still don't have a closing date, but can't pass up the 4th of July weekend to sell stuff. Lots and lots of people will be in town that weekend.

Off to Anthony's later to get some fresh garden produce. Lettuce and greens. Yum! My little garden didn't do anything. I think I am going to replant. I still have five weeks or so, time enough to get some lettuce and spinach. Hoping for some tomatoes soon, but if the temps stay the way they have been, I might not get any. 

Cold all day yesterday, 37 degrees F this morning, 45F yesterday. And windy! Brrr!

One quick note on the progress of the sale. Mark, the RE Broker, emailed and wanted a copy of the title insurance. I know I bought title insurance, I ALWAYS do, but I don't have it and the lawyer doesn't have it...so it is looking like I won't be able to produce it. I am hoping that isn't going to kill the sale. I have waited too long, spent too much money, and given up too much of my stuff to turn back now. I'm outta here, one way or the other. With money or without. Selling the car should bring me enough to get to the southwest, figure out the rest after I get there. Might have to get a real job. It has been quite a while since I have worked for anyone but myself. It is going to be interesting.

I am hoping for a firm closing date by the time I sell off the last of my stuff. Say a prayer and keep your fingers crossed.

Company

I had company for most of the day. Susan and Bruce drove up from Maine and brought Amato's italians with them. There is nothing like Amato's italian sandwiches, and you can't get them anywhere else. 

It was cool and breezy most of the day, finally cleared off and warmed up a little about mid afternoon. Susan and I went to Simon The Tanner so she could use her gift card and so I could get some shea butter. I won't be able to get that once I have gone, got two bottles, and may get a couple more before I leave. They are quite expensive, but the oil eliminates a lot of my itching. Then we did the walk along the shore.

I found a new coffee/tea maker at STT and splurged on it. It is called ingenuitea. I used it over night to make my iced coffee for the day. So far has been much easier than the filters and the canning jars, but we will see how easy it is to clean out after it's done.

After Susan and Bruce left, I kept looking at the bike. The handlebars were all wrong. I followed the instructions for assembly, such as they were, and it has been so long since I have actually seen a bike, that I didn't have a point of reference. Besides, I am used to the rams horn style handle bars, and my brain wasn't processing this stye.  I got it figured out. Had to disassemble the front brakes again, this time from the handle bar side, so I now have a complete understanding of the braking system.

Got it reassembled, and it now actually looks like a bike. :) The funny thing is, I posted the pic on FB, and not one person picked up on it or said anything.

Doesn't it look better? There was enough air in the front tire for me to try the bike out. I went up and down the road a little way a couple of times, and I didn't fall over or hurt myself. BUT, the bike seat is very hard and that is going to be a major issue, and this morning, I am having trouble with my right shoulder, the rotator cuff. That concerns me. If five minutes on the bike is enough to irritate it, what will kayaking do? I didn't even think of that when I bought the kayak. And who would have thought riding a bike would aggravate it?

I guess it is going to be a time will tell kind of thing. I may have to part with both toys, but will give it a good effort before I make that decision. It's pretty discouraging, I am trying to be more active and live a healthier lifestyle, but it isn't worth the pain that these activities cause. 

The weather needs to improve

Yet another not so nice day. Started out wet and windy again. It did finally clear off, but was still quite windy. FedEx delivered my bicycle. I hadn't expected it until the beginning of the week.
I got it assembled. It just needs some air in the tires and to adjust the seat and handle bars, then I can try it out. It has been a long time since I have ridden a bike, I hope I don't hurt myself. :)

I didn't get a lot accomplished. I had quite a bit of stuff to do on my list. Didn't work out. I did do a little reorganizing in Ody, and got what little I have left of Jake's stuff moved to a plastic bin and out to Ody. 

Spent quite a bit of time online researching macbooks. I think it is time for an upgrade. I need to clean up and sell my two older laptops, two solid state external drives and the 500 gig mybook. That is going to be pretty time consuming - good rainy day projects. I think I am going to go with the 11 inch macbook air. But that will have to wait until after closing like most everything else now.

Susan and Bruce are driving up from Maine today. Bringing Amato's italians. Hoping the weather has cleared up by the time they get here. In the meantime, I have some picking up and cleaning to do. Meant to do it yesterday, but it just didn't get done. 

Time to get myself moving. 

Goodbye Vermont

It is still a soft date, but I am targeting August 1st as the day I get in the rig and actually drive out of town. Give or take a few days. I think this is really happening! Finally!

I'm having a BIG moving sale July 4th weekend. There will be lots and lots of people in town and I am hoping for good weather and a high profit margin, plus letting the last of my stuff go. It is going to hurt, but it has to be done.  

First stop - Maine! I plan on spending a week or two in various parts of Maine. If you want to get together, give me a yell. I don't know if I will be back, and if I do, it won't be any time soon. From there, it is on to Wisconsin to visit with Mike and Judy, and to have him help me install my solar panel system and composting toilet. I want to spend as much time with them as the weather will allow without becoming a pain in the ass to them. I don't know when we will see each other again, and it has been six years since the last time we got to see each other. From there, it is on to the southwest.

The Balloon Festival is October 4-12 in Albuquerque. I would like to see that. Not sure if I will hit Texas before or after the festival. We'll see how the timing goes.

I have a wish list. I'm not asking anyone to buy any of the stuff for me, but if you were so inclined, I wouldn't turn it down. An RV-House Warming/Bon Voyage thing. You can find my list here.... http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/G3OJIBYU39AY/ref=cm_wl_rlist_go_o . It changes on a daily basis. My mailing/shipping address is good until the day I leave. 

I will update you as thing progress. I'm so happy I finally have a target, and that it is actually going to happen. I haven't been happy here since Jake died, it just isn't home any more. Time to find a new one.

My Amazon Wish List

http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/G3OJIBYU39AY/ref=cm_wl_rlist_go_o?

I got the call..

I got the call I had been waiting for yesterday. Mark called and said that things were moving along, still waiting for some VT permits, but we are probably looking at the end of July for closing. That might sound like it is a long time from now, but it is only about six weeks. I'm excited and scared at the same time. I will no longer have a sticks and bricks presence, which I have had for all my life. Literally.

It was kind of a crazy day from start to finish yesterday. I started out with the chamber work I needed to do, got the poster sent off to the printers, researched the no alcohol signs, checked in with Jeanne and we decided on which ones to order. I got those ordered. Then I went to the bank and down to see Brett to see if his stickers had come in yet. From there, I went next door to pull some stuff to put on eBay. I am feeling the need to generate some cash since I spent half of what I have left on Ody and her tires and brakes, etc. While I was doing that, Mark called and told me the good news. That actually takes some of the pressure off.

After I got back and was listing stuff on eBay, I got a call from Chris Carrington. She is a former IP resident that went full time about six years ago. She was in town and wanted to meet. So she stopped by. My first full timer meet since I decided to do this. Monica was here, so I had her take a pic.

I look horrible in this pic. I was looking directly into the sun, plus I didn't realize how huge I look now too. Sigh...I am hoping to some day actually look somewhat healthy and lighter. But this is the first of hopefully many new friends.

Got my walk in in the afternoon. Not much to photograph except geese, but here they are.

This morning I ordered a bicycle from Wal Mart. I had been thinking about it for a while. Got an email with a sale on bikes, so I went to look at them. $79 for a 24 inch 18 speed mountain bike. I bit the bullet and ordered it in spite of the color (teal). I also ordered the lock and water bottle kit and an inexpensive helmet that I probably won't use. $128 total. I haven't ridden a bike in years, lets hope that old saying is true, "It's like riding a bike, you never forget".

I pretty much have decided that I am selling the jeep and won't be towing initially. It would cost almost as much as it is worth to get her setup to tow, and will be hard on Ody's transmission, plus the learning curve. I don't like the idea of not having easy wheels tho, but I guess I will adapt. Maybe the bike will come in handy. I am going to miss that car as I really like it and love the color. But I can probably find something later that is already setup for towing in AZ. It will most likely cost less in the long run and Ody won't have all that wear and tear from towing from the top of the US to the bottom. So when it stops raining, I am going to clean her out and slap a for sale sign on her. I just blue booked her and I should be able to get what I paid for her three years ago. She hasn't depreciated much, and I added the awesome tires and roof rack. Plus the vent visors and custom seat covers. I will be saving money on gas, wear and tear and insurance. Now I am glad I only registered her for one year.

I tried to use my phone as a wifi hotspot yesterday, but apparently that isn't kosher with Straight Talk. :( I didn't know this. But I guess there is a jailbreak that I can do. I need to do some research. The whole idea was to use the phone as backup internet for the millenicom that I will be ordering which runs off Verizon. My straight talk is AT&T, so I would have both major services covered. Should be able to get one or the other. And the one phone call I have had since I changed over, I had some breaking up. Not sure if that is the way it is going to be, but it doesn't make sense if it is. Same towers, same service, just paying someone else for the privilege.

A quietly productive day

For a quiet day, I got quite a bit done. Got the phone changed over from $99 a month on AT&T to $45 a month on Straight Talk, even kept my phone number. It went smoothly, almost too easy. It was working within a half hour and being an iphone with the latest OS, I didn't even have to setup the data. I went from 300 roll over minutes (that I have never used up) and 5 gig of data and no texting to unlimited minutes, texting and data. For half the cost. Other than the name on the screen in the upper left corner, I see no difference in service. Same towers, same service.

I did waste a little time trying to log in to AT&T to close out my account, but apparently it is closed automatically when the number is ported. It doesn't say that anywhere. It would have been nice to know. 

Beautiful day, in the 80's, not a lot of humidity. I got my walk in early, before it got too hot. The lake was beautiful this morning.

After I got back from my walk, I put a new battery in Ody's CO detector. Then went back to the hardware store and bought a roll of screen to cover the jury rigged front door of the building. Now that is is warm, I want to be able to leave that door open without all the bugs getting in at night. I just stapled the screen on, it will be fine temporarily.  I refuse to spend any more money than absolutely necessary. The screen cost $8.

I have a temporary solution to the house battery inaccessibility. Ordered two 12v outlets that can be hard wired to the battery with quick disconnects so I can hook them up when needed. One even has a 25ft extension so it can be used further away from the rig. Will work fine until I can get the solar and converter installed and the whole rig running off solar. I told Mike that he could help me with that. When I finally get the stuff ordered, I will have it sent to him in Wisconsin so it will be there when I get there. 

I also checked the hot water, it is no longer hot. Apparently, it is dual powered and it must have been getting some juice from somewhere. Still not sure which switch it is, but I think I have them all off now. My guess is that the switch was on and it heated the water while the generator was running. 

This afternoon I went back to Mings and bought the rest of the little US magnets they had. I figure someone else might like my idea. They only had three left and she gave them to me for $1.50 each.

So, I don't know if it is the heat, all the changes, or the metformin working out of my system, but yesterday and today I have been really tired. Lethargic, no energy, no ambition.  I seem to be happiest in front of the fan in my chair. I hope it isn't the lack of meds. My numbers have increased slightly, but not a lot. I still check every morning. My A1C will be the tell tho. It's only been a couple of weeks, so we will give it a few more and see what happens.

Maiden voyage

 Well, I'm back. I am very happy to be back online and not have to worry about how much power I am using or how much data. All in all, it was a success. I learned a lot, wasn't far from home, and I got help when I needed it.

I figured out how to put the window screens in and out. 

This was the view from my door. The grass has gotten tall already. It was actually a pain in the ass setting up in the tall grass. But it got done.

I used the window discs instead of the front cover because I wanted to leave the screens uncovered.

I took off around 7 AM yesterday. Gassed up the rig, and then stopped at Mings and had the propane tank filled. From there I went and parked in the field. I couldn't get it very level, but then again, I didn't drive all over the place looking for a level spot. I wanted to be near the trees, and in reality, that is probably the most level spot anyway. We were a little tilted towards the passenger side, but I worked with it. 

Got the screen house set up. Lots and lots of bugs. Black flies, deer flies, mosquitos, you name it. they were there. And mayflies. Lots and lots of mayflies. I had my zapper, so I got the worst of them out of the screen house.  I set up my new Coleman tables and my LL Bean chairs for the first time.I'm very happy with both. 

I ran the generator off and on several times thru the day. The laptop, phone and ipad were chewing up batteries and I couldn't keep them charged. I eventually hooked them into the front via the 12v adapters. Unfortunately, that killed the coach battery. I didn't discover that until fairly late, and I begged on FB for someone to come give her a jump, but ended up calling Bruce who showed up about 10:15. After he left, I ran her for a while and hoped she would start this morning.

I crashed about 11. Thought I was going to have problems sleeping, but I didn't. I'm surprised. The bed isn't that comfy, strange place, no fan, etc. Plus, I missed Kali Cat.

I fired up the generator at lunch time and had some nachos. I had my cold pork chop and a salad for dinner. Watched a couple of episodes of Vexed on my ipad, but was concerned about the amount of data I was using, plus, it was hooked up to the 12v coach battery. 

I was ready to pack it up and head out at 5 AM this morning, but everything was dew covered so I had to wait until it dried out some. Packed it up and headed out. Arrived back here just about 9 AM.

Kali Cat was very happy to see me. I missed her and she missed her evening canned food last night. I have most everything unloaded and put away, but still need to deal with the bathroom bucket.

For the most part, I was bored. Without my electronics, I didn't have much to do. There was no beach, no other people to visit with, no place to walk to. I did go around the block, but walking up the hill in the field about did me in. The next time I go out, I will not travel without my jump starter. I could self jump with the generator, and could keep my ipad and iphone charged up, and recharge the jumper with the generator. I need a solar setup too. The generator works fine, but it is stinky and noisy. It is quiet as far as generators go, but when it is running, you know it. 

The only other complaint I have is the screen house zipper doors. Unzip, zip, unzip, zip, unzip, zip...over and over, always with my hands full. Just too many bugs due to the tall grass. 

It definitely wasn't a negative experience, but it wasn't 100% positive either. Gonna try again, somewhere else this time. Not sure when or where, but will let you know.

Maiden voyage, first camp

Got Ody back after 6 PM last night. Too late to load up and take off. I did load up the stuff I had set aside and decided to get an early start today. Gassed her up, got the propane filled at Mings, and I should be good for a while.

I'm wishing I hadn't sold my weed whacker, the grass here is quite tall. But I will manage. I am setup. The screen house is perfect and still whole. Won't be using the awning here. Not sure if I am staying one night or two.

I have been for my walk, the last of it about killed me, it was all uphill..I don't have to do it again until tomorrow. I'm good for the day. Time for some lunch. Today it will be nachos.

It was another beautiful day. In the upper 70's. Got my walk in somewhat early.

Spent some time promoting the stuff I already have for sale, and trying to figure out what else I can sell so that I can pay the bills for another month or two. It is getting pretty slim. I have already sold so much. I guess if no one bites on the pile of stuff next door soon, I will have to start piecing it out on eBay. I really didn't want to do that, but I need to make some money to replace what I am spending on Ody this week. She is taking about half of what I have left and I don't know how long before the closing. It is getting very, very tight.

They came and put in the additional ground water test wells yesterday. One on this side, and a couple on the other. I'm hoping that means we are getting closer and closer. I really hate that my life's path is being determined by some corporation, and the never ending waiting.

Since Ody is finally going to be legal and the weather is looking pretty good for Saturday and Sunday, I am thinking about taking her out for the weekend. I'm gathering stuff, making a list...even tho I have loaded a lot of stuff, there isn't much for day to day necessities. The list is getting quite long and I have started a pile of stuff. She is supposed to be done some time tomorrow.

I'm going to spend some time today updating my Toshiba laptop and make her ready for travel. I haven't used it since last fall, and everything needs to be updated and I need to transfer my favorites and passwords and stuff. That will take up a good part of the day. I need to get my walk in before the rain starts too.

I made a decision

I decided that Ody was no good if I couldn't use her. I didn't dare take her anywhere with the ancient tires, without having the brakes checked and without a valid inspection sticker. Took her down to Brett's on Meadow Street after stopping in to see if he could do the work. Thinking more and more about selling the car again. Can come up with some other way to carry the extra stuff. It is a calculated risk spending that money now. Lets hope the closing is soon....very soon.

I did feel a bit of separation anxiety. A little concerned about her being out there on the back road at night all by herself. I made sure she was locked up and mentioned my concern to Brett. He said he would keep her locked. Brett says he can do everything I need done, and I should have her back by Friday. Then Kali Cat and I can take her out for an over night or two.

Since I was walking back, I took my water bottle and my camera. There wasn't really much to see, but I did get a few pics.

These are all on Meadow Street. Once I hit the main road there was nothing to shoot.

I wasn't sure how I was going to handle the walk. To me it seemed like a long way. But I started up Map My Walk and measured it. It is just about the same distance as my regular walks, just in one direction instead of a round trip. It was hot. 90 degrees, slightly uphill, and sun all the way. But I managed, made good time and I had the foresight to bring a water bottle. Although unscrewing the stopper on the aluminum bottle every time I wanted a drink was a pain in the butt. Especially while managing the bulky, hard to carry camera. I need to start carrying my pocket camera again.

It was a beautiful day. I spent most of the afternoon in front of the fan reading. Too warm to be in the sun for any length of time. I do feel like I am spending way too much time indoors tho. After the miserable winter and spring, I hate to be inside when it is nice out. But it was just a little too nice. 

We didn't get the severe thunderstorms that were predicted. Although today is going to be cloudy and a chance of showers. Pretty much what we have had all spring. Saturday and Sunday look good, that might be a good time to take Ody out for the first time. 

I thought we were making progress

I thought we were making progress and getting closer to a closing date, but yesterday I saw the site engineer marking spots to sink more ground water test wells next door  :(  To me, that is a step backwards. I'm beginning to think I am never going to get out of here, never get Ody road ready, and that nothing is ever going to change. It makes me want to cry. I am so sick of waiting and not being able to do anything about it. 

I need money to make Ody safe and road worthy. She needs all new tires, seven of them, her brakes need to be fixed, and she needs an oil change, hoses checked, and an inspection before I can take her anywhere. So here I sit, waiting, with a 25k rig that I can't even use. So I am now thinking it is time to break out a credit card and have the work done, and try to sell enough stuff to cover the costs or at least the monthly payments. I don't have much cash left, just what I made in my yard sales, so I can't use that, need it to pay bills since I have no income of any kind.

Yesterday was a beautiful day, in the 80's and sunny all day. I went for my walk around 11, the water was like glass. Lots of things to see and I didn't have my camera. I really should know better than to step outside the door without the camera, but it is so big and bulky and not easy to carry, so I leave it at home most of the time. I ended up grabbing my camera after I got back and going back out. Of course, by then, we had picked up a breeze and the water was no longer glassy and I had to go all the way to the end of the path making it a second walk. Still got some decent shots tho.

The loon caught itself a fish. You can just about see it in his bill. A couple of swallows and it was gone.

Thousands upon thousands of minnows along the shoreline, the whole distance.

And the geese have babies! Four little goslings. They were much closer on my first walk, but still half way decent pics. 

I try to keep myself and my mind busy. Quiet times lead to thinking and thinking leads to frustration and eventually depression. I try not to think how much I still miss Jake every day, I try not to think about the four plus years I have been waiting to get out of here, I try not to think about how alone I am. I just try not to think. 

Patience