Sunday, February 25, 2018

Warp Speed




G'morning friends!  

So, I daydreamed and said my prayers ... but never expected things to move so quickly!
   
Only last Saturday I was cat-napping with the fur babies when our realtor texted, asking if Tom and I had a moment to chat.   Given the number of nearby homes on the market, I was thinking we'd discuss dropping our price point.   Yawning, "Tom's in Phoenix right now, Harvey.  Can it wait a little while?"

But no, the phone rang in my hand.
"We've an offer, Myra ... it's a good one." 
A little later, Harvey was sitting at our kitchen table chuckling at the disbelief on our faces.

God willing, they want to close on March 16! 

Feeling like I might throw up, I broke the news to my boss Monday morning.   Even feeling the way I have since Big Corporation took over 5 years ago, telling Michele I'm leaving was hard.  Real hard.  At first she was stunned.  Then, learning we're moving to Alabama, she jumped up, ran around her desk and gave me a big hug.  15 years we've been together ... longer than either of my marriages.

... and God bless Tom!   Towards the start of this journey we were seriously butting heads about the how's.   He was dead-set against spending $$$ for a 'real' moving company; me, stubborn-like-mule against trying to do it ourselves.   At 76-y/o (tomorrow!) with COPD, I don't want to risk him not seeing 77.   Finally, I threw out a number.  "If the house sells for 'x' or more we'll hire the movers; if not ..."  (*theatrical sigh*)

So, he's been soliciting quotes all week, to include a car transport for my Camry.   At 232,000 miles, I'm reluctant to ask it to make that drive, ya know?  I was seriously considering selling it, but like my son says, "The best car is a paid-for car."

In spite of our Tom staying on top of our home's maintenance, the inspection was gnawing at my nerves.  (Ya, OK ... you're probably thinking, what doesn't gnaw at her nerves?  LOL

Instead of grabbing a 30-minute nap after work, I came home Thursday all ready to get up close and personal with the  mop and vacuum cleaner.   After all, Harvey had said the new owners would be accompanying the inspector the next day.
Tom gets so exasperated ... I hadn't the heart to tell him, I used to do the same thing before the cleaning lady arrived.  (A long, long time ago, in a land far away.)  

Remembering our plumbing debacle on Christmas eve,  "At least, let's run the dishwasher."

I'd just finished putting on my grubby clothes when the doorbell rang.   A pleasant-looking fellow stood there smiling.  "Hi!"

Tom: "Hello.  ... And you are?"
"I'm xxxxxxxxx"

Me:  "OMG, you're the new owner!"

Unbelievable.  But like old friends, it wasn't long before he and Tom were sitting at the kitchen table yakking away.

Picture for a minute:  New owner is sitting facing the backyard, his back to the kitchen.
  
I hear the dishwasher subtly change gears and glance over to see water spewing out of the doohickey (relief valve?) that sits next to the faucet.    Feigning thirst I got up to get a glass of water and threw open the dishwasher (STOP!!!).  Still, the cabinet under the sink had flooded.   One eye on our visitor's back, I grabbed a bunch of old towels and stuffed under there to absorb the water.   Reaching for my tablet, I began to Google new dishwashers.   Hey, one's gotta do what she has to do.

After he left, Tom was in agreement -- we're not going to try and foist anything off on these folks.    First, there was one thing he wanted to try.    Dismantling that which lies beneath (???) Tom discovered the main line doohickey was totally clogged and calcified.  See what I get for trying to save electricity and not run it more than once a year?
 

Before they closed, Tom ran over to Ace Hardware and replaced the hoses, and (thank you, Lord!) a cure was effected for $8-change ... v. hundreds for a new dishwasher.  
The next morning the inspector ran everything and pronounced it good.  Tom groused a bit, how nit-picky he was ...but hey, I'd expect the same thing!   In the end, he only asked that we replace two cracked switch plates.   Like auditors, I suppose they feel compelled to find something.   This process has sure given me perspective what those sellers in Alabama experienced!

So blessed!

It's a beautiful, cool morning here in the desert -- what they call Chamber-of-Commerce weather ... this, I'll miss.   Plus, Tom's son called a little bit ago to ask us to lunch at The Islands.  Nice!

I hope you're enjoying a beautiful day, as well.  Please take good care of yourselves ... we'll chat again!


Hugs from Phoenix,
Myra




   






20 comments:

  1. Wow, you are blessed! It may have been embarrassing to have that leak but imagine if that didn't happen? It turned out to be a blessing and especially that handyman Tom can repair like that! I am so happy for you! Big hugs!!!

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    1. I know, right? I'd have been mortified if the new owner had turned around ... or had the inspector witnessed that. Hugs!

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  2. OH boy! I enjoyed the read, smiling and loving it. Things have changed over the years concerning inspections. At one time the inspection was for MAJOR problems, not the minor everyday owner responsible small 'got-you's' that come up.
    Now 90% of reports on 'good homes' is fluff to prove I CAN FIND something, and YES MOST I said MOST of the time it is nit picking on a nice home just to show 'I am worth what you pay.'
    I have done at least 25 home inspections for banks and never charged, just made sure MY company was given an atta boy.
    Soo glad to hear the good news!!!
    The best to your guys. Tom be VERY smart to do some checking....
    Shirl never uses the garbage disposal nor dishwasher. I will have to replace both due to 'o' rings and gaskets cracking. But she pays a year in advance, I sure cannot complain. hahaha
    Yeah, give Tom an atta boy and hug!

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    1. I'm sorry to butt in - but Jack69 is absolutely right about inspections. When I sold my place in TX the inspector wrote down very minor things - like a tiny crack in the sidewalk, a small dent in a screen, and the fact that one of the back yard trees was "too tall" (I went outside and chopped the top off myself!).

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    2. Done! I'd no idea you also performed home inspections, Jack! Thank you for adding a Voice of Reason ... Tom enjoyed your 'atta boy' as well! Jon, please don't apologize ... I love when my friends get along. :)

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  3. congratulations!!!! on sold home, bought home and RETIREMENT!!!! on Sept 28, 2006 I dance across the parking lot and retired and never looked back. I wish you a really happy retirement and fun in your new home

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    1. Thank you so much, Sandra! (I'd be scared to dance across our parking lot and wind up in the E.R.!)

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  4. May I echo everyone else's "Congratulations!!!"? Moving quickly is the best thing. Many of the worst parts are finally over (like the inspection) - - and thank Gawd Tom fixed the dishwasher problem (I had to buy a new hot water heater when I sold my place in TX).

    Just relax, take a deep breath (and a pint of gin) and try not to worry.
    Wonderful things await you on the horizon!
    Take care.

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    1. A pint of gin sounds lovely! From your mouth to God's ears, my friend.

      PS - SMDH about that "too tall" tree!

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  5. Congratulations!! I am glad it sold really fast! You are very blessed!

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  6. Congratulations!! I'm so happy for you!! Do keep us posted, now!

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    1. Thank you, Terri. Of course, I'm delighted to share with my blogging family!

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  7. What wonderful news! So happy for you and yes, definitely yes on the movers! That is a long way to drive. You can sort it all out when you get there! That is a quick closing ! I had to smile about the dishwasher but am very glad it was a quick fix! Hopefully it won't be long now and you'll be on your way !

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  8. Awesome! That's fantastic news about selling your house so quickly. (See? All that worrying for nothing...)

    The part about your dishwasher leaking while the buyer had his back to it sounds like a scene from an "I Love Lucy" episode. Can't you just imagine Lucy's antics?

    It's all good. And it's gonna be better. Happy belated birthday to your hubby. :)

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    1. Thanks, Susan! Ya, I guess I did resemble Lucy. Loved that show!

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  9. Wow, that is fabulous news!
    Congratulations....

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  10. The leak was a true blessing in disguise!!

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