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Good morning, everyone. Been a few days since I have been on. Very busy couple of weeks. But not with construction. I'm getting aggravated over the excuses for not coming. Now it is the kitchen backsplash tiles didn't come in. He forgot to order them, and he thinks I don't know that. Just one thing after the other. So, no more payments till they start demoing the main bathroom.  Still a lot of small things they could come and finish such as painting and electrical. Tired of seeing wires hanging from ceiling and walls. They haven't even started the fireplace but as he says, it is in the planning stage. It's been in the planning stage for 2 months. He has taken on too many jobs at one time and has spread his contractors to thin. 

Euphasyne, I really hope you get in and get that wrist repaired soon and the pain has eased off for you. 

Wychwood, those hot cross buns look really good. Making me hungry.

Ambergris, hope all goes well with the EEG. 

Praying for everyone here in need of prayer. Seems we are doing a lot of praying these days for things. 

Going to go through freezers to see what all I can get canned soon. Decided to get that organized enough so that when I have another 2 weeks break with them only being here one day in those 2 weeks, I am going to start canning. I don't care if kitchen is fully finished or not. They do have a bit more work to do, but enough is done that I can start canning and I don't care if I am in their way or not. Spring is here, and though to cool yet to plant some things, I need to also get the garden started. Have some of it ready for planting and getting ready to plant onions. I had some that sprouted, and I got those set to plant. They now have a good root system on them. Hired a new crew for cutting grass. Never could get hold of the ones that were cutting it before. They had been doing it for 5 years. They are firefighters so thinking they may not be doing it any longer.  The ones I have just hired are veterans. And they are cheaper and do more than the last ones did. So, hoping these guys work out for me. Lots of bushes, etc. to be trimmed or pulled out. I can't do that any longer. I have 6 Azalia bushes that are diseased in front flower bed on one side. Those are being pulled up and I am going to use the whole flower bed for garden with flowers along the front for a border. 

 

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Littlesister, I can somewhat relate to your construction frustration! We started plans for a stone patio to replace our deck last May. We couldn’t even get on the schedule until July. Then the type of stone we wanted wasn’t available, so it actually started in September. Between labor and material shortages, it wasn’t done until literally Christmas Eve morning. It was outside, so it wasn’t nearly as problematic , but not being able to use the yard at all, or let the dogs out back (one of whom will not walk on a leash), it was annoying. I am happy with the result! But I think it will be a while before we take on another big project. 

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Just now, Rundgrenfan said:

Littlesister, I can somewhat relate to your construction frustration! We started plans for a stone patio to replace our deck last May. We couldn’t even get on the schedule until July. Then the type of stone we wanted wasn’t available, so it actually started in September. Between labor and material shortages, it wasn’t done until literally Christmas Eve morning. It was outside, so it wasn’t nearly as problematic , but not being able to use the yard at all, or let the dogs out back (one of whom will not walk on a leash), it was annoying. I am happy with the result! But I think it will be a while before we take on another big project. 

I was going to start the second phase of painting the rest of house and replace outside lights after all this part was done. But now I am going to hold off a couple of years. I have a lot to get done and I am going to need a long break when this is done. It will take me a long while just to get all the meat from 3 freezers all canned as some of it will be used to make soup and things to can as well. So, a long summer of canning and dehydrating when this is over. And then I am working on more garden space in yard and figuring out where to plant fruit trees without shading the garden area. Need the sun for the garden. The second phase of repairs won't be as bad as all the demo, but just going to hold off.

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Went back to ER. Swelling made cast too tight and it was cutting off my circulation. Down to 1 hand typing, so long story short--I got IV drugs, more oxycodone, and a new cast.   Sentara is a horrible place.  Bon Secours at Harborview is AMAZING!  All the staff are kind and wonderful and the ER doc there is the absolute best. I see specialist on monday as it is 2 separate complicated breaks.

 

Thank you for all the kind words.

 

Ambergris, ex FIL had that and the data helped alot.  I hope yours does too.

 

prepping note from specialist:  slings are bad.  super bad.  dont use them.  prop arm up statue of liberty style or over your head on couch.  they cause swelling.  slings bad.  drugs are good but not NSAIDS if there is to be surgery.  no NSAIDS.  since i had the liver issue last year, we are limiting tylonal.   iv morphine & toradol &delauded.  oxycodone orally. i am obviously high as a kite and anything i say between now and surgery should be taken with a grain of salt.

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I know your frustrations. A cousin-in-law of mine started having a new house built right before Covid 19 broke out. He had one delay after another. That was in 2019. The house was just finished last week except for appliances. He is handy and installed the light fixtures etc. himself just so they could get moved in. They moved from Baltimore to Florida and all of that time they were renting condos in Florida costing him a fortune. The major issue was lack of supplies followed by worker shortages. He is in the house now without appliances and they can't find a driver to deliver their stored furniture from Baltimore. He has been living a nightmare.

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Prayer and wishes for healing for everyone dealing with health concerns! We are in the middle of a re-model as well on our kitchen, but will be end of next month before the cabinets go in and we planned knowing delays would be likely. I ordered everything I will be doing myself for the tile install and faucets/sinks, garbage disposal but have to wait to order my dishwasher until I know when the cabinets will go in so I can arrange the plumbing and electrical around that and have that all in before I order it. That way I can get it installed after all those elements are done. I'm "general contracting" it myself so a learning curve. I currently have 3 "kitchens" in this house so I won't really be affected much with any delays and expect it will take longer than planned. I have gone back to expecting everything to take 8 wks to arrive like when I was a kid. If it comes quickly I see it as a bonus now. 

The seed trays have almost all sprouted and I'm getting really excited to see how things grow once I prepare the garden bed and harden them off to plant. Off to research chickens :) holding off until the fence goes in

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I got an appointment to get the carpets cleaned and the vents cleaned out at the Indy house. They really aren't bad but there were mice in there and...yuck. G-son and I both are on the floor a lot and FYI mice have zero bladder control and pee consistently. Invisible pee. 24/7. So the carpets are getting disinfected. Same reasoning for the air ducts. It's the same company so I got a break in price for doing both. It also helped that only one room has furniture in it. He doesn't know it yet but I found a coupon on his site for 200 feet of free scotch guard if I get four rooms done. So, great room, g-sons room and the hall will get it.

 

I told him the square feet of the house and told him only half of the house had carpet, there were no stains and it was all on one floor. He gave an estimate over the phone. I told him to look the house up on Zillow because the interior pictures were still there (minus the furniture) and if the estimate changed to call me back. He didn't so we are all set up for April 5th. That was the easiest appointment for house work I've ever done.  Hummm, maybe too easy.  :unsure:

 

I'll be going over around the 30th - 31st. for about a week. Hopefully I'll be able to use son's truck for one day to get some shelving for the bed/pantry room. And a blind and dark curtains put up at the window. Maybe even get a couple of toilets carried in. Store can load the truck and son and I can unload it. 

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Euphraysne, I am sorry to hear you are really having such a hard time with that hand. Hope and pray that changing the cast and the meds help with pain. And yes, Bons Secure Harborview is good. I am 5 minutes away from Bell Harbor which is Sentara, but they were very good with DH and helped us a lot on stuff. But the hospital was horrible. I am about 10 minutes from Harborview and have gone there a couple times myself.

No contractors at all this week. His reason is the kitchen tiles didn't come in. So still no electric being done and wires hanging out of ceiling, no painting being finished up, fireplace hasn't been started. Lots to do and all I get is they will do that when they tile the kitchen. Problem with that is they show up after 9 am and leave at 2:30, so if I get one thing done, I am lucky. This job is supposed to be finished by April 17th. They haven't demoed the main bathroom yet and this is under contract. They do good work but the owner I think is stretching his workers on too many projects at one time.

Edited by Littlesister
Keep hitting wrong buttons tonight.
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Littlesister hope the tile comes in soon so they can finish the job!

 

I'm waiting to hear back from the plumber now to get water shut off valves on 3 of my sinks installed so I can put in the new vanity cabinets and faucets. Also got myself out of the house today to mail a package and pick up flea meds for our puppy. Otherwise just looking ahead to the weekend and hoping to do some more unpacking still a few boxes left to work through.

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I didn't get my floor done until I emailed the man and said if he was too busy, he could refund my money and I could find someone else.

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It's a similar problem over here Ambergris. My son has been waiting 2 years to have the house done up. We have had nothing but trouble. He and a friend, who also needs work doing have decided to go on a few courses and learn how to do things and then do the work together on both the houses. We just can't trust the *ahem* professionals.

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I picked out some floor planking yesterday at the board store. They have plenty in stock and I can get a 10% military discount. Will pick it up this weekend. DH and I will install it, but it is a for complete level in the house.  :0327:  One room at a time, and we have guests arriving the end of April. Their bedroom first.    :grouphug:  We have been in construction mode for about 45 years between four house moves/remodels, so all our friends know to use a flashlight at night for the potty room. Thankfully, DH can do all the work. I just have to keep him happy and fed.

 

We do have a carpenter friend who knows that we can use his skills at anytime. Time and material (and free lunch at our kitchen table). He just lets us know a week ahead and we pick up the supplies for him. He hasn't had any lag time in over a year, so he's doing very well in the construction industry.  :thumbs:

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You are very fortunate Homesteader! I know how to do simple things around the house but I don't have the strength to do it. I replaced a toilet seat last month and struggled to remove the plastic bolts that hold the toilet seat on. A 10 minute job took me half a day, off and on, fighting with it. The other half of the problems around here, has been getting the materials. They are always on back order and when the delivery date rolls around, they keep pushing the date back time and time again. 

 

I have been waiting for two weeks for the shop to get a high beam headlight in stock for the Jeep. They ordered one for me but it still isn't in. Fortunately I rarely use the brights. I asked if my regular headlight was working because if it isn't I wanted a note from them to give to the police incase I get pulled over for no headlight. I was kidding. Sort of. With a straight face he said, "Yes, we do give explainations saying we are waiting for parts."  :o  So that's a real thing now?

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On 3/25/2022 at 10:45 AM, euphrasyne said:

Went back to ER. Swelling made cast too tight and it was cutting off my circulation. Down to 1 hand typing, so long story short--I got IV drugs, more oxycodone, and a new cast.   Sentara is a horrible place.  Bon Secours at Harborview is AMAZING!  All the staff are kind and wonderful and the ER doc there is the absolute best. I see specialist on monday as it is 2 separate complicated breaks.

 

Thank you for all the kind words.

 

Ambergris, ex FIL had that and the data helped alot.  I hope yours does too.

 

prepping note from specialist:  slings are bad.  super bad.  dont use them.  prop arm up statue of liberty style or over your head on couch.  they cause swelling.  slings bad.  drugs are good but not NSAIDS if there is to be surgery.  no NSAIDS.  since i had the liver issue last year, we are limiting tylonal.   iv morphine & toradol &delauded.  oxycodone orally. i am obviously high as a kite and anything i say between now and surgery should be taken with a grain of salt.

Oh gees! I think I missed your post somewhere along the way that you were hurt. So sorry! Hope you heal fast!🤗

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I am spending the weekend addressing some things that came up during our family meeting. All three of our daughters are on board and sharing preparedness information and ideas. We started with a Zoom conversation on Friday that lasted 2 hours. Yesterday, we texted to share more information and I sent out a couple of emails to give them additional ideas for things that can be done.

 

I received an email coupon for DoorDash delivery service. They are now delivering groceries for our local BJs and you don't need a club membership. The coupon gave me $25 off and I can use it 2 more times. I got some canola oil, olive oil, stew beef and K-cup coffee pods. The order took about an hour to arrive. I don't know if the coupon will work for everyone, but it is 40PANTRY. 

 

I am still doing a no-spend challenge. Luckily, food doesn't count. However, I hadn't used my single crockpot in a while and when I pulled it out, the plastic handle on the lid practically disintegrated in my hand. I was tempted to buy a new crockpot as mine is pretty old, but then I remembered that I had some credit card rewards. I used the rewards to buy a new handle and some fridge & freezer organizers. 

 

Today, I am working on organizing my pantry and (maybe ) getting an inventory completed.

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I have to take the livestock trailer over to a friend's house so that the tree guys that cut a huge white oak at her house, can load up the trailer with the wood.

 

We plan on cleaning out the garage today to organize everything and to make room for the new chest freezer arriving next week. We'll unload the wood and split it whenever. I have enough wood already split to get us through the rest of the cold snaps this spring so there's plenty of time to split and organize for next winter.

 

I would *like* to get some work done today but I have a feeling that it will get too busy and I will not. I already had to take the side by side out and chase the errant Idiot steer back onto the property at 7:30am this morning so my day started unusually early. Hopefully we'll be able to load him up on Wednesday and take him off to the butcher because I am so DONE with chasing him periodically back to the property. I've noticed that the other cows don't really like him, especially the bull, but the Idiot has an attitude problem anyway so that doesn't help their pack.

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That is awesome Themartianchick! I love how you are getting your family rounded up and working together. Let us know what all you are doing. Git er dun girlfriend!

 

After 60 degrees weather last week we are getting snow again. We are in a winter weather advisory for 4-6 more inches. Mother nature is such a tease. 

 

If I can stand the cold in the garage, I want to clear out the Jeep and start loading it up to go to Indy. It usually takes me 3-4 days to get ready. My back gives out fast. Sigh. But  this time I bought more food than I should have and now I have to haul it over there to get it out of this house. I don't even think it will all fit in the Jeep. I really should have waited to buy over there but with the food shortages and empty shelves I've been seeing, I went ahead and bought...and ordered...and bought, etc. Alot of it is bottled water, Gatorade, canned food and some very heavy buckets. Big bulky heavy items. I've considered hitching up one of those little U-Haul trailers but the floor space is small and I'm not comfortable stacking heavy food items very tall. As if I could. Bad back, weak arms and short wobbly legs. I've never towed anything so I'd definitely have to start small the first time. Backing up would be a nightmare. But neighborhood would get yet another show. :cheeky-smiley-067: 

 

I'm about to finish another jar of dehydrated veggies. Those dehydrators have really pulled their weight this winter. I have an Excaliber and Nesco and the little Nesco is doing a very good job. I'm dehydrating veg for very long storage for (I ain't got nothing left to eat) emergency food. It will be the last thing I dip into. I'm using frozen food. No way could I  grow that amount of food in my life time to put away. Up until now frozen food has been inexpensive at Sam's Club. I do want to dry those tri color fresh bell peppers and cherry tomatoes this summer though. 

 

I'm getting absolutely nothing accomplished right now.  :rolleyes:

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The family meeting was really just a Zoom call where I laid out some of what is going on in the world and talked about the impact to prices and availability of just about everything. The interesting thing is that, while all of the girls are on board, they have different learning styles. So, yesterday, I sent out a couple of emails to put the information into black and white. I began with the war in Ukraine and touched on the ways that it ripples to affect our lives.

 

Some people don't think about the fact that a grain shortage in one place can mean higher prices somewhere else and that grain is also used for animal feed. Some don't understand that with mono-crop growing practices, our farmers HAVE to have fertilizer to grow anything in their nutrient-deficient fields. Some people don't understand that animals have gestation periods and grow-out periods before their meat ever makes it to the supermarket. Then, there is the fact that so much of our farmland is owned by foreign nationals (an area larger than NY State!) and that food could be shipped offshore to China. Putting it down in black and white can help because some people need to read the information and not just hear it.

 

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Themartianchick, that is great to be able to get family on board and realize how bad things are getting and that need to prepare.  Wish I could get that through my daughter's head. Still has head in the sand. Just hope SIL is working on it. I do have 2 granddaughters that are preparing and know what is going on and what will happen.  GS is still trying to get on his feet and still living with one GD and is moving out in July. He really needs to find a better job and is working on that. I will help him as best I can after he moves to get stocked. He is on west coast, and I am on east coast. So will send him gift cards for the stores around there as well as us Amazon to send him things he will need. Though I am sure he will only have a one-bedroom apt, so he will have to just get creative in storing things.  Plus, he will need furniture. I am still waiting for my dressers, and they have 5 more weeks to get it here and then I will cancel the order. They have called me and said it was in several times and then sold it out from under me. Now I am getting aggressive with them. Never again will I buy from Haynes furniture. They were never like this before. Guess Corvid got the best of them. 

 

euphraysne, I do hope your hand and wrist is doing better with that pain. Praying for you to get this taken care of soon and for a fast recovery. 

 

I have been trying to clean up thick dust as much as possible before the main bathroom gets demoed. That will cause more dust, but at least getting up the dust from the small bathroom will not make it as thick. I can write my grocery list on the tables in living room. Dust is everywhere. 

 

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