Please sign my Guestbook.

Saturday, September 01, 2007

More From Ann

It's Saturday noon, I've been up since five this morning, and I'm now washing a load of clothes at our friend's place.

We have a home and we've been frantically moving ever since. It came through at the absolute last minute. Angels dropped a tiny cottage in our lap, two doors up the street from where we were living. Kitchen, living room, bath, 2 bedrooms, and LAUNDRY ROOM. I won't have to get rid of my washer and dryer or my fridge and freezer. It doesn't come with a stove but no big deal for now. Between microwave, crockpot, and the electrical appliances I've accumulated, I can cook for two people. Friend Dawn is right around corner too and she has a stove.

It's perfect for us. Sits on the back of a large lot, has security lights which turn on at night when anyone approaches. And it's gated with locks at the back.

My church is part of a coalition called Love, Inc. which helps people in dire circumstances. We had the next months rent but not the equal deposit so they came through with the deposit for us. We picked up the keys Thursday night.

Much of our time has been taken with moving stuff on two dollies (hand trucks?) and a Target shopping cart from one place to the other. Now I'm beginning to wash all the dishes and hose down everything washable before it goes in. Ray's church has already taken one trailer of stuff that wasn't being moved and now I'll move most of the rest of it into our new yard and sort into trash, giveaway, and keep. I hope the keep pile will be the smallest but we didn't have time to stop and think about each thing too hard.

Afterthought:
we didn't swipe the shopping cart. It was sitting in our back alley so Ray brought it in to use and then we'll get it back to Target where it belongs. Honest, we will.

We're leaving the landlord two couches and my piano to deal with. I had it mostly for the girls, it's huge, and it won't fit in the new place. If I ever decide to start playing, it will be a small keyboard.

Our Social Worker from Adult Protective Services moved mountains. She got the Building Code people to call me. They have backed off and promised they'd let me know before they were going to come. So it was just our landlord applying pressure, not them. If he'd evicted us, we could stall for 120 days and he knew that. We wouldn't have, of course - I wanted out of that place as soon as possible but would rather have done it in a more orderly fashion.

With the money we're saving by much less rent and not having to rent a truck, we may put a few things in a small storage place for a month for two to give us time to think.

The last I heard, the girls are doing okay except for Rebecca and that may have improved by now.

Ray is still doing fine except we have to keep slowing him down. When I left with friends R & L this morning, we locked the gate to the new house, left him with the t.v. in the old one and told him to stay put.

R & L (I don't know how anonymous the guys want to be) came over early this morning, put up more shelves for me, cut my pegboard down to size and hung 2 pieces of it in the kitchen. I splurged yesterday on two new bath towels, mat, lid cover, and shower curtain - all matching. The rest of the house is still a disaster but the bathroom looks good and now I'm focusing on the kitchen and my COMPUTER ROOM/OFFICE!! The living room will be Ray's and we'll share the other bedroom and kitchen.

They'll pick up Tim after work and get our bed set up and move a few more heavy things. Tonight we'll sleep in our new home. Yesterday Dawn, husband, daughter, Ray and I had out first meal there. Takeout Kentucky Fried. Wonderful.

There seems to be a light at the end of this tunnel. I miss the girls dreadfully; what happened shouldn't have, but I'm now looking ahead more than looking back.

Our cable (with internet) will be hooked up sometime next Thursday so I'll be back on line then. Now I'm going to go read a week's worth of email (already read the comments to the last post).

Thanks to everyone for all the support. All of you in the States enjoy your 3 day weekend and the rest of you enjoy what part of yours is still left.

And please ignore any typos. Once again strange keyboard.

(L) of R & L just brought me a plate of chicken strips and potato wedges. Those guys are so great.

Take care everyone. I'll be back when I can.

36 comments:

The Mama said...

I'm so glad things are looking up. You're on my thoughts as are the girls. Take care! Many hugs!

Alice

Erin said...

Ann-- HUGS. Wish I could do something to help the move. We moved from CT at the end of July ... in wicked heat (as I'm sure you guys were having htat too) and it was brutal. Hubby and I did it ourselves too... NO help. LOADS of fun. You're always in my thoughts... even though I've been out of touch for QUITE some time!

Missy said...

Oh, Ann. I hope you guys are doing all right. What an upheaval.

Update us as often as you can.

Lots of love from WA.

Gawdess said...

Thinking of you everyday.

Anonymous said...

So glad you found a place...and it sounds like a good one, too. Congratulations. Hang in there--soon you will be all settled into your new home and things will begin to seem normal. It's so nice that you have such good friends there to help.

The Rainbow Zebra said...

Wish there was more I could do for you.

((((((Granny))))))

Diane@Diane's Place said...

Ann, you've been in my thoughts and prayers a lot since you last posted. Donna told me about her conversation with you. I've thought about calling, but I didn't want to interrupt anything if you were busy moving.

I'm sorry you were forced to move this way and for the way things happened with the girls. Hopefully this cloud has a silver lining and I think we're seeing a bit of that with the blessing of the new house and help from your church and friends.

I pray for health and strength and clear thinking as you move and make decisions about what to keep, toss and pass on.

Love you, my friend,

Diane

barbhap said...

So good to hear from you!! Wish I was there to help. Take care of yourself! Lots of hugs!

Atasha said...

I'm so glad you are doing okay and getting things done. Thanks for updating. You know we all worried about you. I wish we lived close by to help

{{{HUGS}}}

Anonymous said...

Anne,

I've been thinking of you so much. Do take care. I'm glad you have a new place and are settling in.

Keri

zztop357 said...

I'm so glad you didn't have far to move. I understand you wanted to sort and throw away. But what away to have to do it.I hope your "good" hearted
ex-landlord gets fleas....and can't get rid of them.
I'm glad you heard from the girls too. I know its like a brick in the pit of your stomach. It can't be easy
I know. I'm glad Ray has perked up some too.You have to sit on him to keep him from over doing it.
Take care Ann,have a good holiday
God bless everyone.
Donna

Peter said...

Hi Ann, great to hear that things are settling down for you and Ray, its all sounding like it will work out for you.

Unknown said...

I so glad to hear that things are moving along, Ann! Most importantly, that you have a home! Blessings and much shalom to ya’ll.

Patty said...

I'm glad to hear this good news. I know things seem bleak right now, but just take some deep breaths and remember that each day that light at the end of the tunnel will get brighter. Hopefully things will work out that you can see the girls soon.
Hugs to you.

Susan said...

I am glad you are home. You and the girls (and the guys) are in my prayers. He works all to His good and this will be too.

Merle said...

Dear Ann ~~ So very glad to know that you have a better home and are in the throes of getting settled. I am glad
you have such good friends and your church to help you I am sure you have been a good friend to them in the past. I feel sorry for Rebecca as she was so close to you and the others are older. Look after yourself Ann and look after Ray. My thoughts and prayers have been with you all along.
Much love, Merle.

Val said...

At last some things seem to be going your way. I hope this is the start of many positives for you, Ann.

JunieRose2005 said...

Dear Ann,

I'm happy to hear things are going better.
Your family have been in my thoughts and prayers a lot!

Junie

FosterAbba said...

I'm glad to hear that you've found a new place very quickly. That's good news.

Carole Burant said...

Dear Ann, you have been so much in my thoughts, wondering what was going on, so I'm glad you were able to post. How wonderful that you were able to find another home...start anew and never look back, that's the way to do it:-) The girls are young, they will be fine although I know how much you are missing them...at least you know that you did your best for them!! My prayers continue for you and your family. xoxo

Dragon said...

I'm so glad things are starting to work out for you. Though I'm not sure what happened to cause all this, it sounds truly awful, and it's about time something goes your way. Good luck with your new home :)

--Dragon

Andie D. said...

You are amazing Ann. You're positive outlook on life is inspiring. Thank you for being YOU!

Jo said...

You know Ann, of anyone I know who knows how to bloom where they are planted, you are IT! Your attitude as always, is inspirational. Sounds like things are going to be okay and I am happy to hear it. Hugs dear.

Puss-in-Boots said...

Ann, it's so good to hear from you and that things have fallen into place so well. If anyone deserved a helping hand, it's you, because you have given so thoughtfully to others without thinking twice about it.

Your little cottage sounds idea for you and Ray...can we see some photos when you're all settled?

I think that whole episode about the girls is so sad, but I'm happy to hear you're looking forward now. I've been wondering how you are and living so far away is very frustrating.

All the best of everything to you and Ray and I look forward to hearing from you when you're all set up and ready to blog again.

Hugs to you both.

Pat said...

Ann I do hope you and Ray will now have the peace and happiness that you deserve and concentrate on recharging your batteries and looking after yourselves.
Love and best wishes.

Midori said...

I am glad you have found somewhere good to live. You really are an inspiration to us all.

lushgurl said...

I just topped by to say "Hi and I love you!"
I was pleasantly surprised to find that things are going so much better for you today. My sponsor told me to pray for something, that I might find a solution (re: me freaking about money stress & having AAngel home with X-tra expenses = finding a cheque in the mailbox!!!) and yesterday I went to apply for a job and was hired on the spot GO FIGURE!!!

LOVE YOU LOVE YOU LOVE YOU....

Gina said...

I am so glad that everyting is going as well as can be expected.

I'm also so grateful to the people who have helped you and Ray. Sometimes people suck, and others they are capable of such generosity and kindness.

Thinking of you and the girls.

Hugs...

ancient one said...

Keep on keeping on...I'm happy that things are better!

The Future Was Yesterday said...

Hi Ann:
Mr. Late comer here. I don't know why I never wandered over here....just got used to you being on IAB, I guess. Sorry!!! I read over a lot of your back posts before I commented.....


There seems to be a light at the end of this tunnel. I miss the girls dreadfully; what happened shouldn't have, but I'm now looking ahead more than looking back.
It shouldn't have happened the way it did; perhaps what DID finally happen for what ever reason was a blessing in disguise? I know part of your heart walked out with them, but that's only for "now" so to speak. Who knows what the future holds? I have to think some of the seeds you planted will blossom....

I think I finally recognize my limits.
That, regardless of age, is a profound sign of maturity, imo. Many people die, never knowing their limits. As Tim said, now you can "resume" retirement that was interrupted for fourteen years. Perhaps you might feel you failed in some way. I believe anyone that takes on such a herculean task as you did, can never fail. They can only give their all - and you certainly did that x10!!

If souls have dimensions, then you are a giant, my dear friend!!

Dem Soldier said...

Good to hear from U...Take care, hugs.

lindsaylobe said...

Hi Ann ~~ Glad to hear your have found the accommodation you were seeking and have caring supportive friends. Best wishes.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear you have had trouble and that the girls are no longer living with you. I don't often visit your blog but I do think you are a remarkable woman, a woman who has had everything that life can throw at you and still manages to triumph. You are an example to everyone.

Ava said...

I'm so glad to hear that you are getting settled. I love you!

*Tanyetta* said...

HI Granny!

Sounds like things are coming around for you!!
The new place sounds heavenly, security lights and gates? I LOVE it. No worries about intruders.

Hope the girls are ok too!

Hugs to you!!!

Janice Seagraves said...

Hi Ann,

Sorry I haven't posted you a comment eariler but for some reason my computer or blogger wouldn't let me.

Maybe it was the electrical storms we had last week?

Any way I am so glad that you got a nice home (cottage), and I hope every thing else works out for you as well as this did.

Hugs,
Janice~