It has been 18 months since we moved to our little farmstead out here on the Montana prairie. Since our closest neighbor is 1 1/2 miles away, we do not hear traffic noise, car stereos blaring, children playing in the neighbor's backyard, neighborhood dogs barking, etc. We do hear birds chirping in the mornings, our roosters occasionally crowing, our dogs bark acts as an alarm to look out the window to see who's decided to visit, many days we hear the wind and if the wind is blowing just right, when outside we might catch the faint sound of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe's whistle echoing across the prairie.
Since we live 60+ miles away from the nearest city center, we do not visit it often. I have found I am no longer accustom to crowds of people, hordes of cars racing to beat stop lights, huge discount stores and shopping malls with isles upon isles of merchandise, or restaurants with high ceilings that cause sounds of music and chatter to be amplified.
Last week the littles and I drove into the city to do some shopping and have lunch. The food at the restaurant was good, but the loud atmosphere made me feel anxious and I couldn't wait to get out of that place. The large discount retailer really sent me into sensory overload with it's glaring fluorescent lighting, hundreds of shoppers, noise, hunting isle after isle of merchandise for the items on my list, and my littles expressive excitement over being in such a lively and stimulating place. After being in the city for only 2 1/2 hours, I was frantically scrabbling to get out.
As I drove home I found myself pondering how I tolerated living so close to the 4th largest city in America for nearly 20 years. I honestly don't know if I could handle a visit home to Houston or Dallas. The soft sounds of nature and the friendly smiles of locals in small little shops have become more my speed. It's hard to conceive that we've been here only 18 months - it's starting to feel like this is where I should have been all my life.
Showing posts with label moving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label moving. Show all posts
Friday, March 8, 2013
Saturday, July 28, 2012
She Cried When She Arrived, I Cried When She Departed
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| Mrs.A & me, Mrs.B, outside my home in Montana |
Most of all I miss my dear friends. Last week the Lord made it possible for my dearest friend, Mrs.A, to visit. Ohhh! was her visit good for my soul! I didn't realize how much I needed her hug, her smile and the one girl who really, really, knows me to pal around with for a little while. We drove down to the cemetery near our home and read all the head & foot stones. We drove across the state line to Roosevelt National Park and enjoyed a picnic and took some GREAT photos. We cooked suppers together, I taught her to crochet a basic chain stitch (she has since taught herself to crochet granny squares!), we sat outside on the deck just talking. For me, it was one of the BEST vacations I've ever had & I didn't even leave home.
The only terrible thing that happened during Mrs.A's visit was that she had to go home. I cried because I wanted her to stay forever.
Opps!
Mr.B wanted the tree, pictured below, by our front door removed because it was about 70 ft. tall and had a significant lean toward the house. We hired a tree removal service that has been in business 20+ years to do the work.
As you can see from the additional photos, someone didn't properly figure the math and physics on this tree removal.
Even the interior wall and window casing was pushed into the boys' room. We also have damage to the steel roof.
We lost our central a/c unit too. Fortunately, the "hot" summer weather up here in Montana feels like cool spring weather to us Texans.
We are thanking God for insurance, but finding ourselves praying for an available contractor. So far, everyone we've been referred doesn't even have time to come out and to assess the scope of work.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Friday, March 9, 2012
Water in the Basement
Our move to the rolling prairie has introduced us to scenarios we've never before encountered. For instance, water in one's basement. The water table in S.E.Texas is so high that one would never fathom building a home with a basement - simply put it would contain at lest 6 feet of water year round.
When we purchased our home we knew that the basement had taken on about 8" of water last spring. This area received 5x's the average annual snowfall and rain last year. As a matter of fact this region was so wet that over 2 million acres of farm land were not planted. (Coupled with the droughts in this south we can be assured that high fuel prices aren't the only factor in driving up the costs of food.) Anyway, after everything dried up and the basement was cleaned out, the seller installed a sump-pump. We were hoping that would remedy any future water issues in the basement, however, we were also aware that one of Mr. B's co-workers has FIVE sump-pumps in his basement. Thus, the possibility of needing to install one or more additional sump pumps in our own basement was something we knew we might have to do.
Well, sure enough, one sump pump will not be enough. Fortunately our winter has been, not only unusually warm, but also, unusually dry. Our property sits down in a small valley, thus we receive run-off from the surrounding properties. Although our location is a prime contributor to the water in our basement, we know that for long-term sustainability the creek and pond that are on our property as a result of the run-off will provide a needed water source for livestock and wildlife during dry periods and droughts.
Fortunately, our water issue is not serious. Our basement is unfinished - only concrete flooring and walls. We are able to remove the water 2-3 times per day with a wet/dry shop vac. This scenario has also allowed us to determine exactly where we should install two additional sump pumps to avert future water issues. Once the ground drys up, Mr. B, EJ and Grandpa have a nice weekend project planned for the basement. Ensuring they don't "forget" or get distracted by another project they find more fun or interesting, I have added the sump pump project to their "nag" list.
P.S. A "nag" list is an actual list of "honey-do's" that includes a written deadline. I've learned through trial and error that simply asking or telling my guys to do a project is pointless unless I give them a written deadline.
When we purchased our home we knew that the basement had taken on about 8" of water last spring. This area received 5x's the average annual snowfall and rain last year. As a matter of fact this region was so wet that over 2 million acres of farm land were not planted. (Coupled with the droughts in this south we can be assured that high fuel prices aren't the only factor in driving up the costs of food.) Anyway, after everything dried up and the basement was cleaned out, the seller installed a sump-pump. We were hoping that would remedy any future water issues in the basement, however, we were also aware that one of Mr. B's co-workers has FIVE sump-pumps in his basement. Thus, the possibility of needing to install one or more additional sump pumps in our own basement was something we knew we might have to do.
Well, sure enough, one sump pump will not be enough. Fortunately our winter has been, not only unusually warm, but also, unusually dry. Our property sits down in a small valley, thus we receive run-off from the surrounding properties. Although our location is a prime contributor to the water in our basement, we know that for long-term sustainability the creek and pond that are on our property as a result of the run-off will provide a needed water source for livestock and wildlife during dry periods and droughts.
Fortunately, our water issue is not serious. Our basement is unfinished - only concrete flooring and walls. We are able to remove the water 2-3 times per day with a wet/dry shop vac. This scenario has also allowed us to determine exactly where we should install two additional sump pumps to avert future water issues. Once the ground drys up, Mr. B, EJ and Grandpa have a nice weekend project planned for the basement. Ensuring they don't "forget" or get distracted by another project they find more fun or interesting, I have added the sump pump project to their "nag" list.
P.S. A "nag" list is an actual list of "honey-do's" that includes a written deadline. I've learned through trial and error that simply asking or telling my guys to do a project is pointless unless I give them a written deadline.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Will I Ever Get Used To ...
When I wrote about our family moving to a VERY rural area, did I mention that the population of our entire county is less than 950? No, that's not a typo. To say there are a few cultural differences is an understatement. As the title of this post indicates, "Will I ever get used to ..."
** Receiving telephone calls from complete strangers inviting us over to their home for a social? Yup, that actually happened last week. After finishing the phone call Mr. B asked who had phoned. Here's a recap of our conversation.
Me: "Oh, that was Mr.O. He and his wife are having a social for the area home schoolers this Friday. He invited us."
Mr.B: "When did you meet them?"
Me: "I haven't."
Mr.B: "Well then how does he know we home school and how did he get our number?"
Me: "Welcome to small town America. It appears that EVERYONE in two counties know who we are, that we home school, where you work AND they even know our address and phone number."
Mr.B: "humm."
The children and I accepted the invitation and had a wonderful time. We not only met two new home schooling families but also had an opportunity to get better acquainted with two other families we'd met back in November.
** Writing a personal check & NOT being asked for multiple forms of identification, two phone numbers, and a sample of my DNA. Again, everyone knows everyone up here. Although many folks do not know us personally, everyone seems to have an unquestioning trust trust for anyone who lives in the county.
** Teen aged girls and moms of teen aged girls volunteering babysitting services, although we've only briefly met one time! Where we come from, one is wise to be VERY cautious when hiring childcare personnel.
** Not only are the cars left unlocked, these people leave their keys in the car! I'm sure they all think we are totally paranoid - not only do we lock our vehicles, but we also set the anti-theft alarms.
** Unlocked houses. Yes, it appears that EVERYONE up here leaves their homes unlocked as well. One of Mr.B's co-workers left his house unlocked while he was out of town for three weeks. When Mr.B asked why he would do something like that, the co-worker responded, "Well, it's winter & you never know when someone might need to get inside to warm up." By the way, a fellow church attendee recently stated the same rational when OG inquired why folks around here leave their homes unlocked. I wonder what their answers will be come summertime?
** Receiving telephone calls from complete strangers inviting us over to their home for a social? Yup, that actually happened last week. After finishing the phone call Mr. B asked who had phoned. Here's a recap of our conversation.
Me: "Oh, that was Mr.O. He and his wife are having a social for the area home schoolers this Friday. He invited us."
Mr.B: "When did you meet them?"
Me: "I haven't."
Mr.B: "Well then how does he know we home school and how did he get our number?"
Me: "Welcome to small town America. It appears that EVERYONE in two counties know who we are, that we home school, where you work AND they even know our address and phone number."
Mr.B: "humm."
The children and I accepted the invitation and had a wonderful time. We not only met two new home schooling families but also had an opportunity to get better acquainted with two other families we'd met back in November.
** Writing a personal check & NOT being asked for multiple forms of identification, two phone numbers, and a sample of my DNA. Again, everyone knows everyone up here. Although many folks do not know us personally, everyone seems to have an unquestioning trust trust for anyone who lives in the county.
** Teen aged girls and moms of teen aged girls volunteering babysitting services, although we've only briefly met one time! Where we come from, one is wise to be VERY cautious when hiring childcare personnel.
** Not only are the cars left unlocked, these people leave their keys in the car! I'm sure they all think we are totally paranoid - not only do we lock our vehicles, but we also set the anti-theft alarms.
** Unlocked houses. Yes, it appears that EVERYONE up here leaves their homes unlocked as well. One of Mr.B's co-workers left his house unlocked while he was out of town for three weeks. When Mr.B asked why he would do something like that, the co-worker responded, "Well, it's winter & you never know when someone might need to get inside to warm up." By the way, a fellow church attendee recently stated the same rational when OG inquired why folks around here leave their homes unlocked. I wonder what their answers will be come summertime?
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Making the Transition
If you glance to my sidebar, you will notice that I've changed my profile description. I removed the Titus 2 verse and have replaced it with a sentence inviting readers to follow along as I chronicle our family's transition, not only into a new home, but also into a new community and a new culture. I believe chronicling our family's transition is part of obeying Titus 2's command for the older women to mentor the younger.
The need or desire to move to a new area has never been a necessity like it is now for many families. Although reports indicate a slight improvement in our nation's economic downturn, I continually hear of families and individuals having to make the tough decision to leave their established communities to obtain employment. It is my prayer that our family's experiences will be a light of encouragement to others who also find themselves not only in new communities and new cultures but, far away from extended family and friends.
I have many acquaintances whom I know to various degrees. However, I have only two friends. In my world friends and acquaintances are not the same. I hold my friends as dear and close to my heart as I hold my own family. I can be 100% me with my two friends. They know me and have seen my good (which is pretty great), bad (which is really bad) and my ugly (imagine the bottom side of mud - yuck!) AND they still choose to like and love me. They are my loudest cheerleaders and, besides the Lord, my greatest supports during times of trials. I know that if I need something, these two ladies will be there to help me anyway they possibly can. I truely love them they way I love my own family.
I am a fairly friendly person who doesn't have too much trouble finding and making acquaintances, but since I have trust issues (yes, I wrote that out loud) it is very difficult for me to make genuine friends. Right now I am trying to figure out how to live day by day, week by week without the companionship of my friends. Yes, we have the telephone, e-mail, the postal service and prayer, but being 1,500 miles away from them has forced changes in our relationships. Most days I am fine. I have LOTS to keep me busy therefore, I don't have much time to dwell on how many miles actually exist between us. But, I occasionally find myself desiring to invite them over for a meal, or out to the movies for a chick flick. My heart breaks when I hear that one has been ill and I'm not there to help lighten her load by cooking supper for her family or running an errand. Knowing that if they need me to help them, as they've helped me so many times in the past, I'm not there - I'm too far away. All I can do for them is pray, listen over the telephone or send a note of encouragement. I can't give them a hug, or hold their hand or cook them a meal. Yup, cooking meals - that's my thing.
Mr.B and I worked tirelessly and saved to extremity for 15 years to achieve the purchase of our new country home. During all those years of work and saving, I didn't fully grasp that the Lord could, and eventually would, bless us with our dream 1,500 miles away from "home". How will this aspect of our transition play out? Will I recover from leaving my friends? As time passes will we adjust to the distance between us? Will I ever have the blessing of cooking supper for them again?
The need or desire to move to a new area has never been a necessity like it is now for many families. Although reports indicate a slight improvement in our nation's economic downturn, I continually hear of families and individuals having to make the tough decision to leave their established communities to obtain employment. It is my prayer that our family's experiences will be a light of encouragement to others who also find themselves not only in new communities and new cultures but, far away from extended family and friends.
I have many acquaintances whom I know to various degrees. However, I have only two friends. In my world friends and acquaintances are not the same. I hold my friends as dear and close to my heart as I hold my own family. I can be 100% me with my two friends. They know me and have seen my good (which is pretty great), bad (which is really bad) and my ugly (imagine the bottom side of mud - yuck!) AND they still choose to like and love me. They are my loudest cheerleaders and, besides the Lord, my greatest supports during times of trials. I know that if I need something, these two ladies will be there to help me anyway they possibly can. I truely love them they way I love my own family.
I am a fairly friendly person who doesn't have too much trouble finding and making acquaintances, but since I have trust issues (yes, I wrote that out loud) it is very difficult for me to make genuine friends. Right now I am trying to figure out how to live day by day, week by week without the companionship of my friends. Yes, we have the telephone, e-mail, the postal service and prayer, but being 1,500 miles away from them has forced changes in our relationships. Most days I am fine. I have LOTS to keep me busy therefore, I don't have much time to dwell on how many miles actually exist between us. But, I occasionally find myself desiring to invite them over for a meal, or out to the movies for a chick flick. My heart breaks when I hear that one has been ill and I'm not there to help lighten her load by cooking supper for her family or running an errand. Knowing that if they need me to help them, as they've helped me so many times in the past, I'm not there - I'm too far away. All I can do for them is pray, listen over the telephone or send a note of encouragement. I can't give them a hug, or hold their hand or cook them a meal. Yup, cooking meals - that's my thing.
Mr.B and I worked tirelessly and saved to extremity for 15 years to achieve the purchase of our new country home. During all those years of work and saving, I didn't fully grasp that the Lord could, and eventually would, bless us with our dream 1,500 miles away from "home". How will this aspect of our transition play out? Will I recover from leaving my friends? As time passes will we adjust to the distance between us? Will I ever have the blessing of cooking supper for them again?
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
I'm Back ...
Has it really been over a month since my last post? We have been unbelievably busy since our move & the internet was not connected until last week. But here I am and ready to give you all a brief update.
My days have been filled with unpacking and organizing. I seriously thought we had fewer things than we actually do. After all, we hauled off literally truck load after truck load before leaving Texas. The unpacking is almost complete. I still have some organization to finish in the basement, unpacking for our winter recreation room and organizing my sewing and scrap booking supplies.
For the past 2 1/2 weeks ALL my spare time has been filled taking care of a special little guy. About 4-5 weeks ago, our mama cat, Spook, had a litter of 6. Samson, the dog, found the kittens and disrupted the "nest". Unfortunately, Spook abandoned the litter. When we discovered what had happened all but two kittens had passed. We placed the two remaining in a box on a towel wrapped heating pad while I drove 45 miles (one way) to find baby animal formula and an eye dropper. Within three days we were down to one kitten. We estimate that he is now about 5 weeks old. He is teething & today I started him on wet kitten food. I hope to have him weaned within the week. We are still deciding on a name. Some ideas we've had include, patches, miracle and spot.
This past weekend EJ celebrated another birthday. He enjoyed a supper of smoked BBQ ribs, LOTS of macaroni and cheese and a banana nut cake with vanilla frosting. He was (and still is) thrilled with his gift - a hunting bow. Unfortunately, Mr.B has already taken it into the shop for a repair - EJ "dry fired" it and we don't have the vice equipment to repair it YET. (I'm sure Mr.B will soon acquire all that sort of stuff). But the bow is repaired and EJ now spends time everyday practicing his shots.
We are really enjoying our new home. Mr.B and I still "pinch" ourselves just to make sure we aren't dreaming. We consistently see deer, pheasants, prairie chickens. We hear coyotes and owls at night. The ducks that had called our pond home this past summer have flown south for the winter. But EJ finally figured out what was making a "slapping" sound in the pond - beavers! Yes, he saw three just last Friday.
Fortunately, Old Man Winter has delayed his arrival. Mr.B and I are working hard to get our place ready for snow cover. I plan to post some photos of our area soon. I'd especially like to share one of the the beautiful sunrises I wake up to each morning.
I hope you, my dear readers, have a wonderfully blessed day.
My days have been filled with unpacking and organizing. I seriously thought we had fewer things than we actually do. After all, we hauled off literally truck load after truck load before leaving Texas. The unpacking is almost complete. I still have some organization to finish in the basement, unpacking for our winter recreation room and organizing my sewing and scrap booking supplies.
For the past 2 1/2 weeks ALL my spare time has been filled taking care of a special little guy. About 4-5 weeks ago, our mama cat, Spook, had a litter of 6. Samson, the dog, found the kittens and disrupted the "nest". Unfortunately, Spook abandoned the litter. When we discovered what had happened all but two kittens had passed. We placed the two remaining in a box on a towel wrapped heating pad while I drove 45 miles (one way) to find baby animal formula and an eye dropper. Within three days we were down to one kitten. We estimate that he is now about 5 weeks old. He is teething & today I started him on wet kitten food. I hope to have him weaned within the week. We are still deciding on a name. Some ideas we've had include, patches, miracle and spot.
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| Our un-named rescued kitten. Isn't he cute? |
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| EJ trying out his birthday gift |
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| "I wish for ..." |
Fortunately, Old Man Winter has delayed his arrival. Mr.B and I are working hard to get our place ready for snow cover. I plan to post some photos of our area soon. I'd especially like to share one of the the beautiful sunrises I wake up to each morning.
I hope you, my dear readers, have a wonderfully blessed day.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Old School
Well, after driving 250 miles per day (round-trip), today will be my last visit to our temporary housing. We (OG & I) have finally moved everything out and finished up the cleaning.
Mr.B was supposed to get the satellite t.v., internet, and phone connected. He has procrastinated. Meaning we have only telephone service at our new house, for now. The satellite t.v. people will not be out until the end of October - HA! HA! HA! - I wish you all could be at my house to watch the very funny withdrawal Mr.B will be experiencing until then - HA! HA! HA!. I don't know when the internet will be connected - he keeps forgetting to phone that company ... So, until the internet gets connected this will by my last post. I hope to get back on-line soon and give you all an update on the unpacking and Mr.B's progression through television withdrawal.
See you soon!
P.S. - we have moved so far out into the country we can not get internet through our telephone service - we have to have satellite internet, which is a different company and separate phone call.
Mr.B was supposed to get the satellite t.v., internet, and phone connected. He has procrastinated. Meaning we have only telephone service at our new house, for now. The satellite t.v. people will not be out until the end of October - HA! HA! HA! - I wish you all could be at my house to watch the very funny withdrawal Mr.B will be experiencing until then - HA! HA! HA!. I don't know when the internet will be connected - he keeps forgetting to phone that company ... So, until the internet gets connected this will by my last post. I hope to get back on-line soon and give you all an update on the unpacking and Mr.B's progression through television withdrawal.
See you soon!
P.S. - we have moved so far out into the country we can not get internet through our telephone service - we have to have satellite internet, which is a different company and separate phone call.
Friday, September 16, 2011
You want me to pack this entire house by when?
The littles and I arrived back to our temporary housing yesterday afternoon. I've finally finished the painting and the carpets have been professionally cleaned. The heating/AC guy has come out and taken measurements for the gas line installation on my new range. Unfortunately, I was not successful in finding a professional moving company to pack and move our belongings. I had to break the news to Mr.B yesterday evening.
Well, Mr.B came home early today. Real early. 11:00am early. He hastily informed me that I needed to grab my purse and the littles because he needed me to go with him to pick up a U-Haul truck from a town more than 100 miles away (that's the closest one he could find, nothing local was available - no surprise there). We arrived back "home" around 4:30. He told me that a couple guys he works with are going to help us move. I inquired as to when this was supposed to happen (expecting Sunday afternoon or Monday morning). He told me they'd be here at 8:00am TOMORROW morning!
I responded with, "You mean I have less than 14 hours to pack this entire house?"
Mr.B replies, "It will be O.K. I don't think it will take you more than a couple hours. How about I run up to the store and pick up a few steaks to throw on the grill?"
Me: "Are you kidding? It took 4 professional packers 6 hours to pack our house when we left Texas. I really don't think we have time to cook anything. I think you should call the pizza guy."
Mr.B: "Well, O.K. if that's what you want to do."
Me" "Well, I'm not hungry and I've a house to pack - I don't have time to eat much less cook or clean up after anyone else who has cooked."
Mr.B: "I was trying to help you out."
Me: no response, as I hurriedly entered the house and immediately began organizing my tape, scissors, box marker and ...
As of right now, midnight, OG and I have packed every room except the kitchen. I plan to take a 5 hour nap and pack it 1st thing tomorrow morning. I hope Mr.B has made plans to pick up McDonald's or bakery muffins for breakfast tomorrow morning, because I still don't have time to eat OR feed anyone else.
Well, Mr.B came home early today. Real early. 11:00am early. He hastily informed me that I needed to grab my purse and the littles because he needed me to go with him to pick up a U-Haul truck from a town more than 100 miles away (that's the closest one he could find, nothing local was available - no surprise there). We arrived back "home" around 4:30. He told me that a couple guys he works with are going to help us move. I inquired as to when this was supposed to happen (expecting Sunday afternoon or Monday morning). He told me they'd be here at 8:00am TOMORROW morning!
I responded with, "You mean I have less than 14 hours to pack this entire house?"
Mr.B replies, "It will be O.K. I don't think it will take you more than a couple hours. How about I run up to the store and pick up a few steaks to throw on the grill?"
Me: "Are you kidding? It took 4 professional packers 6 hours to pack our house when we left Texas. I really don't think we have time to cook anything. I think you should call the pizza guy."
Mr.B: "Well, O.K. if that's what you want to do."
Me" "Well, I'm not hungry and I've a house to pack - I don't have time to eat much less cook or clean up after anyone else who has cooked."
Mr.B: "I was trying to help you out."
Me: no response, as I hurriedly entered the house and immediately began organizing my tape, scissors, box marker and ...
As of right now, midnight, OG and I have packed every room except the kitchen. I plan to take a 5 hour nap and pack it 1st thing tomorrow morning. I hope Mr.B has made plans to pick up McDonald's or bakery muffins for breakfast tomorrow morning, because I still don't have time to eat OR feed anyone else.
Dear Mr. Business Owner,
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| photo courtesy of photobucket.com |
Our primary decision to relocate was based upon a very long held desire to move to a small, rural community. We viewed the employment promotion and relocation as an opportunity to achieve this goal. We relocated to this area with plans to raise our family and retire in the area.
We understand and realize that since our 1st visit to the area almost 3 years ago, this town's population has doubled. The rapid population influx due to job availability has afforded you and the local townspeople experiencing several areas of "growing pains" such as rapid increases in traffic, business transactions, housing availability issues, over crowding in the schools, etc.
For many years, my family has gone out of our way to patronize locally owned small businesses. We believe in an entrepreneur spirit and fully support it when possible. We diligently avoid the "Wal-Mart's" of our society. However, the high work ethic and personal service we've become accustom to experiencing with small, locally owned businesses does not exist with you. Although, I have done my best to exercise patience while you, Mr. Business Owner, adjust to the rapid population growth of this community, I am exasperated. Your employees are rude, have VERY poor work ethics and have made it very clear that you are not interested in increased profits that my family's hard earned income will bring you.
Where I come from, small, local entrepreneurs welcome increased profits. Where I come from, business owners have a driving desire to grow their businesses. At the very least I am shocked that you and your employees have welcomed us with a message of, "We don't want you here, AND we will do everything we can to make sure you leave as soon as possible." Essentially, through your employees and business practices you have sent a very clear message that you personally have a poor work ethic and are not interested in increased profit margins.
I have never been in a satiation where I have felt as if I am almost begging a business to accept my money. Well, I want you to know that, I am not the sort of person who will beg you to take my money. You need to remember your town's history. This population growth is temporary and will depart, just as it did 25 years ago causing a high number of business closures. You may rest assured that you will not have an opportunity to re-earn my business if or when that exodus occurs.
When that exodus does occur, I will continue to drive to neighboring towns and cities and shop via the internet where my business is desired and appreciated. I will also continue to politely and causally inform the other residents of this area of my non-local resources and encourage them to utilize those resources. I have found that even with shipping / freight charges, my internet purchases are often a higher quality and less expensive than your offerings. But please note, that even when it costs more, I still refuse to do business with you. Best of all, when traveling to distant cities and towns or shopping via the internet, I am not forced to politely accept poor service from you or your employees.
Thank you for your time.
Mrs.B
Please Note: This letter is not being sent to every business in our new area. However, it will be sent to several select businesses that have consistently provided poor and or rude service. Such as the town's only dry cleaning business whose employee told another employee, in a hushed tone thinking I wouldn't overhear, not to assist me to my vehicle with large bulky items because, "she's not from here".
Friday, September 2, 2011
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| clip art courtesy of photobucket.com |
Friday, August 19, 2011
A Huge Sigh of Relief ...
It is finally over ... we closed on our new home TODAY!! Because the seller had significantly different decor than I, the next several days will be spent painting. We plan to move out of our temporary housing within the next 2-3 weeks.
We had some very tense moments on Tuesday this past week. The underwriters had some questions regarding the appraisal report and then they rejected our farm & ranch insurance. By early afternoon it was looking like there wouldn't be any way to meet the buy/sell contract deadline. But because of the army of people who've been praying for us, God came through in a mighty way.
The appraiser responded to the questions promptly. Our insurance agent contact her corporate office where she was given the name and number of a supervisor in the underwriter's office. In turn, she convinced the underwriter to accept the farm & ranch insurance, which, by the way, saves us nearly $1,000 per year in insurance premiums. After moving these mountains, God continued to show His mercy, grace and power. Our loan officer contacted us for a faxed signature to "lock in" our interest rate - which turned out to be lower than originally quoted! After that, our loan officer, real estate agent and the title company representative worked like tornadoes to get everything completed so we could close at 11:00am today.
I don't know why, but I am astonished at how God brought everything together so quickly when it looked like it would never be possible. I am embarrassed to admit that I became very discouraged. But, He's proved to me, again, that ALL things are POSSIBLE with God.
So, which house did we purchase? Well, the farm house on 25 acres, of course.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Asking & Believing
First, I want to thank everyone who has been praying for the purchase of our new home. I am confident your prayers are what is moving this process along AND helping me keep my cool. I've never in my life heard of, or known anyone, who had so many delays in the purchase of a new home. Our situation has certainly turned out to be unique. Remember, our home in Texas, once we finally got it on the market and accepted a fair offer, it took only 6 weeks from the signing of the buy/sell contract to the closing. That sell went so smooth, I guess I became a little spoiled. Regarding the new home we are purchasing, it has been 3 months since we signed the buy/sell contract.
"Gary" the appraiser FINALLY submitted the appraisal report at approximately 8:45am this morning. Our loan officer immediately sent it to the underwriting department marked EXTREMELY URGENT. She has also talked with the person handling our contracts and that person has agreed to make ours a top priority. So, we are now waiting, yet again, this time for an approval from underwriting. An approval this afternoon would be optimal, but realistically tomorrow afternoon is most likely.
Everyone is really under a time crunch with this deal. We are currently operating within the automatic 15 day extension period on the buy/sell contract. The seller is so frustrated that, at this moment, she is unwilling to agree to any additional contract extensions for the closing. Our deadline for closing on this property is 5:00pm, Monday, August 22, 2011. We, our realtor, the seller's realtor and our loan officer have done everything that can possibly be done in advance to get this sell to closing before the contract deadline.
So, I find myself asking you dear readers for additional prayers. Our prayer is that everyone involved, from this moment forward, understands the urgency of this transaction and works diligently to complete and submit their portions of this transaction so that we close on our new home BEFORE the deadline.
I look forward to reporting, with a shout of praise, that our Lord moved the mountain! This time next week, I look forward to sharing the good news with you - that our family is packing up and moving to our new home.
Thank you all for your continued prayers.
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| photo courtesy of photobucket.com |
"Gary" the appraiser FINALLY submitted the appraisal report at approximately 8:45am this morning. Our loan officer immediately sent it to the underwriting department marked EXTREMELY URGENT. She has also talked with the person handling our contracts and that person has agreed to make ours a top priority. So, we are now waiting, yet again, this time for an approval from underwriting. An approval this afternoon would be optimal, but realistically tomorrow afternoon is most likely.
Everyone is really under a time crunch with this deal. We are currently operating within the automatic 15 day extension period on the buy/sell contract. The seller is so frustrated that, at this moment, she is unwilling to agree to any additional contract extensions for the closing. Our deadline for closing on this property is 5:00pm, Monday, August 22, 2011. We, our realtor, the seller's realtor and our loan officer have done everything that can possibly be done in advance to get this sell to closing before the contract deadline.
So, I find myself asking you dear readers for additional prayers. Our prayer is that everyone involved, from this moment forward, understands the urgency of this transaction and works diligently to complete and submit their portions of this transaction so that we close on our new home BEFORE the deadline.
I look forward to reporting, with a shout of praise, that our Lord moved the mountain! This time next week, I look forward to sharing the good news with you - that our family is packing up and moving to our new home.
Thank you all for your continued prayers.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Fervent Prayers
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| photo courtesy of photobucket.com |
As you all know, I've been very excited about the home we are in the process of purchasing. You also know that we have been waiting a VERY long time for the appraiser to submit his report. We've been waiting too long - more than 3 weeks. Our Buy / Sell Agreement stated that were were supposed to close on Monday, but has an automatic 15 day extension clause. Because the appraisal report was not in before Monday, and still isn't in, the closing did not happen. All this is COMPLETELY out of our hands. Although the buyer has to pay for the appraisal, the lender's underwriter chooses the appraiser. State law prevents the buyer and seller from having any say in who does the appraisal work.
As of today, the seller is at her breaking point. These delays have wreaked havoc in her plans to move out of state and she is madder than a nest of hornets. She has voiced the ultimatum that if the appraisal report is not turned into the lender by Monday morning, she will break the buy / sell contract and withdrawal from the sell.
I know it is hard for most anyone to believe, but there is a severe housing shortage in this area. We've met entire families living in RV's and tents - not because they don't qualify for mortgages or lease agreements, but because there simply isn't any available housing. Our lives have been on hold for 2 years and 9 months. I honestly don't know how much longer I can continue in this situation.
My realtor spoke with the appraiser early this afternoon. "Gary", the appraiser, promised he'd have the appraisal report turned in early Monday morning. However, please note that he promised to have the report turned in by the end of July, then by Aug. 5th, then by Aug. 10th and has not yet submitted anything.
I ask you, dear readers, please join me in fervent prayer. I pray this appraiser keeps his word this time. With tears streaming down my face I pray that this trial comes to end - that our family can be settled and begin moving on and living our lives.
The Bible tell us, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; For everyone one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened" Matthew 7:7-8 KJV
"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive". Matthew 21:22 KJV
"He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them" Psalms 145:18 & 19 KJV
"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." Jeremiah 33:3 KJV
"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." Mark 11:24 KJV
Although this appraiser has given me three occasions to NOT trust him, my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, has given me every reason to Him. I realize that in the natural things look very dismal, but I serve the Living God of the supernatural and He is able to move mountains when necessary. Our family's desire is that we close on this home next week so we can give God ALL THE GLORY for bringing it to pass.
Dear readers, thank you so much for joining me in prayer. Thank you for believing with me that our Lord will be glorified with a shout of praise when we close on this house.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Floor Plans
Question: An open great room OR a segregated kitchen?
After many years of living in apartments and trailer homes with segregated kitchens, I always dreamed of having a large open kitchen, dining, living room combo, aka the great room. When I purchased our previous home nearly 16 1/2 years ago the kitchen was segregated. So, the dream of a great room where I would not be isolated from gatherings while preparing snacks or meals continued to be a dream.
During this relocation process our desire for a great room configuration continued. But we've never eliminated looking at homes that have segregated kitchens because, after remodeling our old house, we've discovered that we could always knock down a couple walls if necessary. Four months ago, the littles and I moved into our temporary housing with Mr.B. We are currently living in a three bedroom, 2 bath trailer home that has the great room configuration we've always dreamed of. While working in the kitchen, I am "right in the middle" of everything going on in the living room area. A dream come true, right?
NOT !!! Mr.B has, in my opinion, an addiction to television. If he is awake and a television is present, that noisy box is blaring. True crime shows, political debate programs, newscasts, hunting/fishing shows ... on and on it goes - a never ending barrage of blah, blah, blah (he doesn't even turn it off when we have guests). Now, those of you who know me personally know that I can go days, even weeks, without turning the "box" on. I like and enjoy silence. I have many interests that keep me occupied and thus, I have do not have a need to be entertained by the television. Please don't get me wrong, I do enjoy watching an occasional movie and generally, when living in S.E. Texas away from Mr.B I did make a point to catch a news broadcast every 7-10 days. Because of newspapers and free newspaper reading via the internet, I've never found a t.v. to be a necessity.
During the past 4 months, I have discovered that while a great room configuration would be nice for social gatherings, it is not practical for our family's day-to-day living. We home school at the kitchen table - the noise of the television is a constant distraction. I spend a lot of time working in the kitchen - the television is a constant distraction and annoyance. If I want to read a book, I have to isolate myself in the bedroom, if I want to read some blogs or post on my own blog, I have to wait until Mr.B is gone, so the television is not a distraction. When trying to talk with the children or have a Bible lesson, we have to isolate ourselves in a bedroom, because, again, the television is a huge distraction. And my #1 "nails scraping a chalkboard moment", trying to enjoy a nice family meal while Mr.B and the little's heads are turned to stare at the box! - I've given up trying to have a mealtime conversation.
This has been another lesson to me that we need to think through very carefully the things we wish for. I have been the driving force behind our family's desire for a great room configuration, but now that I'm living with one - I've learned that I did not realize the full implications of how negatively that type of floor plan would affect our daily lives. It is ironic that I am now very happy that the home we are currently purchasing has a large segregated eat-in kitchen. I'm confident I will find myself isolated during a few social gatherings, but regarding day-to-day living, I will welcome the quiet and isolation as the littles and I work on our daily tasks. Most of all, I will, once again, welcome daily family meal times without that blaring box.
When we first put an offer on our new home, 3 months ago, I thought this home was a 9 out of 10 because of the segregated kitchen. Now, because of the segregated kitchen, I expect our new home to become a perfect 10!
After many years of living in apartments and trailer homes with segregated kitchens, I always dreamed of having a large open kitchen, dining, living room combo, aka the great room. When I purchased our previous home nearly 16 1/2 years ago the kitchen was segregated. So, the dream of a great room where I would not be isolated from gatherings while preparing snacks or meals continued to be a dream.
During this relocation process our desire for a great room configuration continued. But we've never eliminated looking at homes that have segregated kitchens because, after remodeling our old house, we've discovered that we could always knock down a couple walls if necessary. Four months ago, the littles and I moved into our temporary housing with Mr.B. We are currently living in a three bedroom, 2 bath trailer home that has the great room configuration we've always dreamed of. While working in the kitchen, I am "right in the middle" of everything going on in the living room area. A dream come true, right?
NOT !!! Mr.B has, in my opinion, an addiction to television. If he is awake and a television is present, that noisy box is blaring. True crime shows, political debate programs, newscasts, hunting/fishing shows ... on and on it goes - a never ending barrage of blah, blah, blah (he doesn't even turn it off when we have guests). Now, those of you who know me personally know that I can go days, even weeks, without turning the "box" on. I like and enjoy silence. I have many interests that keep me occupied and thus, I have do not have a need to be entertained by the television. Please don't get me wrong, I do enjoy watching an occasional movie and generally, when living in S.E. Texas away from Mr.B I did make a point to catch a news broadcast every 7-10 days. Because of newspapers and free newspaper reading via the internet, I've never found a t.v. to be a necessity.
During the past 4 months, I have discovered that while a great room configuration would be nice for social gatherings, it is not practical for our family's day-to-day living. We home school at the kitchen table - the noise of the television is a constant distraction. I spend a lot of time working in the kitchen - the television is a constant distraction and annoyance. If I want to read a book, I have to isolate myself in the bedroom, if I want to read some blogs or post on my own blog, I have to wait until Mr.B is gone, so the television is not a distraction. When trying to talk with the children or have a Bible lesson, we have to isolate ourselves in a bedroom, because, again, the television is a huge distraction. And my #1 "nails scraping a chalkboard moment", trying to enjoy a nice family meal while Mr.B and the little's heads are turned to stare at the box! - I've given up trying to have a mealtime conversation.
This has been another lesson to me that we need to think through very carefully the things we wish for. I have been the driving force behind our family's desire for a great room configuration, but now that I'm living with one - I've learned that I did not realize the full implications of how negatively that type of floor plan would affect our daily lives. It is ironic that I am now very happy that the home we are currently purchasing has a large segregated eat-in kitchen. I'm confident I will find myself isolated during a few social gatherings, but regarding day-to-day living, I will welcome the quiet and isolation as the littles and I work on our daily tasks. Most of all, I will, once again, welcome daily family meal times without that blaring box.
When we first put an offer on our new home, 3 months ago, I thought this home was a 9 out of 10 because of the segregated kitchen. Now, because of the segregated kitchen, I expect our new home to become a perfect 10!
Friday, August 5, 2011
& More Waiting ...
Can you believe it? Come Monday, we will not be closing on our new home. The appraiser finished his appraisal 3 weeks ago, BUT has yet to submit his report. Everything else is completed and all is ready to go to closing. However, the closing can not and will not happen until the appraisal report is submitted. I am baffled as to why this relocation process has been SOOO drawn out. Not only am I perplexed, I am also exhausted.
My prayer: "Lord, move upon the hearts and minds of the appraiser, and everyone else involved in this home purchase process, to complete their tasks in a timely and professional manner. Lord, bring our wait to an end, settle our family into our new home so that we and our children will have a peace and security and we may go forth and begin serving you within our new community. In Jesus name, Amen."
My prayer: "Lord, move upon the hearts and minds of the appraiser, and everyone else involved in this home purchase process, to complete their tasks in a timely and professional manner. Lord, bring our wait to an end, settle our family into our new home so that we and our children will have a peace and security and we may go forth and begin serving you within our new community. In Jesus name, Amen."
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Inspections: 3 of 3 DONE ...
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| photo courtesy of http://www.photobucket.com/ |
The house appraisal took place about 10 days ago and the report is due by the end of this month. We are eagerly awaiting and praying the appraised value will be satisfactory. The appraisal report is the the last hurdle we have to clear before going to closing.
Our prayers are that in only 12 days we will be ready to move into our new home and FINALLY be settled.
Which house are we buying? hint: because of the lack of landscaping, I will have the opportunity to design "edible landscaping" for my home.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Waiting, Waiting & Waiting ...
While waiting we have been keeping busy. OG is indulging in a 2nd dose of softball. Ball season is during the summer up here verses the spring down in Texas. So far, her team, Fusion, has played in two tournaments. Fusion took the championship during the first tournament. However, they did not fare as well during the second. They have another scheduled in a couple weeks. We are hoping they will have a good come back. !!Go Fusion!!
EJ only played two games in his 2nd round of baseball. 4 weeks ago he broke his arm during a bicycle crash. He's missed most of the season up here. But a broken arm hasn't stopped him from practicing his roping. Everyday he has been outside roping his bucket and the two back legs of a sawhorse. One of these days he may be good enough to learn how to rope off a horse.
This coming weekend we are planning a little excursion out to my dad's mountain cabin. The littles are very excited. They LOVE visiting grandpa's log cabin and living, for a few days, "the way they did in the olden days". Grandpa's log cabin is off-grid. He heats it with a wood stove and cooks on an antique wood burning cookstove. He also has an antique icebox to keep some of his food cold. Last month, grandpa installed a flush potty, in the past we've always used the outside privy. I am very excited about not having to fumble around in pitch black darkness to find the outhouse in the middle of the night. A few years ago he installed a gravity fed water system for the large claw foot soaker tub. Last year he put in a propane water heater so we now have HOT running water in the bathroom. I really enjoy living without electricity, but have only tolerated the "no running water" aspect of the cabin. When Dad brought the plumbing up to the late 19th century, I was beside myself with glee. I've never even minded heating water on the stove - I just hated having to haul it and the excessive rationing of a very limited supply. But that's all over now, the plumbing has come into the 20th century - HooRay!! The cabin is now, in my opinion, perfect ... well, except for a few choices in decor, but hey! it's not my house - it's my dad's.
For all you out there who have been praying for us during our long relocation journey, Thank You. You will never know how much we appreciate it. Hopefully, our prayers to be settled in our new home will be answered very soon.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Insptections: 2 Down, 1 to go ...
I found a cute house inspection clip art, but blogger is not loading it so, on without a "photo" ...
Yesterday was inspection #2 on our new home, the house inspection. The inspector found only 2 issues that the homeowner will need to address. While there, the homeowner phoned my realtor to ask what time they could return home. While on the phone, they happened to also inquire about how the inspection was going and my realtor told them about the 2 issues. The homeowner immediately agreed to address them.
HooRay!!! We are clicking along in the process. The water well inspection should take place within the next couple weeks and the appraisal is also scheduled. However, the appraisal will not take place until next month.
While at the house, the littles and I had an opportunity to choose bedrooms. These decisions were, of course, guided by me and based on the best fit for our furniture. I can honestly say I am so very excited and eager for things to move forward quickly. The coming weeks will certainly be a test of my patience.
Which house did we select? hint: There are quite a few trees on the property.
Yesterday was inspection #2 on our new home, the house inspection. The inspector found only 2 issues that the homeowner will need to address. While there, the homeowner phoned my realtor to ask what time they could return home. While on the phone, they happened to also inquire about how the inspection was going and my realtor told them about the 2 issues. The homeowner immediately agreed to address them.
HooRay!!! We are clicking along in the process. The water well inspection should take place within the next couple weeks and the appraisal is also scheduled. However, the appraisal will not take place until next month.
While at the house, the littles and I had an opportunity to choose bedrooms. These decisions were, of course, guided by me and based on the best fit for our furniture. I can honestly say I am so very excited and eager for things to move forward quickly. The coming weeks will certainly be a test of my patience.
Which house did we select? hint: There are quite a few trees on the property.
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