I would post a pic because it's so exciting but I'll just describe it!

[Prototypian]

I took photos its so exciting.   For those who have followed me; I bought a cottage home about 10 years ago in the old section of the downtown where we live.  It's become the gentrified place to live in that decade and we purchased it because my wife's mother was getting old and needed to move close to us but she fell I'll and needed nursing care in a facility and then passed away.   

I had a breakdown related to my wife about 4-5 years ago and my father and sisters moved me out and helped me get stable again and my dad (retired) had me start renovating the home as an "office" or "place to spend time quietly" or in reality as a safe place to move.   

My spouse hates it, hates what my dad and I did and doesn't like the project at all but it was being done.   My dad had to move and the contractor part slowed with all kids of issues.  A critical problem was my spouse controlling money.   We have it, she just exercises incredible control over it.  So this year I realized that a lot of my stock options had matured and we're not tracked in my normal 401k.   And I opened a separate account and moved the money there.   So far my wife hasn't noticed the activity in the credit report and I'm waiting for that shoe to drop or this year's tax return to have the details from the accountants but so far I'm getting things done.


BUT THE EXCITEMENT!!!!     The house was built in 1941 and is 600 square feet of mid century modern cottage.   And today for the first time since it was built it has central heating and air installed and working.   They put in the outdoor unit of the heat pump today, installed the thermostat and charged it and it's working!   I build a brick pad for it with some help from my buds and it's sitting there!   When my dad and I tore it apart in the renovation it had been lived in by one woman who lived there and raised 6 kids from 1941 untile she passed away in 2015 when we bought it.   It had no as in zero insulation and two window units.  .and now it has this spray in foam insulation like an Yeti cooler and a real super efficient heat pump AC unit.    I am so excited. Because this is actually for real mine.  It's a home, it's almost finished and it's mine!!!

[Prototypian]

Forgot to say, we live in a part of the country with super high humidity and summers above 100F or 37-38C all summer.   So AC is a fact of life here.

[notrightinthehead]

Congratulations! Keeping my fingers crossed that you will find peaceful times there.

[1footouttadefog]

Congrats.  I can imagine the joy of feeling the AC kick on.  Isn't it funny that even a tent where it's peaceful can be a better home than a large house. 


  I have a small property on a creek where I moved a shed building a couple years back.  It now has electricity and water, all inspected and permitted.   I hope to have a septic system approved and installed soon.  Once it has the ability to have a bathroom, I will then invest the money required to finish the interior of the building out. In the meant time I can camp there, I just have to use a camp potty.  I understand to some extend your excitement.  My shed to cabin is more of a "farm office and bathroom".  I want to spend overnights there planting a permaculture forest.  I have almond and hazelnut trees on order and berry canes in pots waiting.  After they go in I will buy a few fruit trees.  Perennial herbs and veggies will follow. 

Some folks I know were vacaying in this part of the country.  They ended up at the last minute needing to "pet sit" as one of them is licensed to handle and  transport venomous reptiles due to an emergency involving where they are housed normally.  She knew I had the building and called and asked if they could crash there because of the complexity of the situation.  Doing so enabled them to salvage some of their trip despite the added travelers.  It was so validating when they said they really liked the spot and that it was a nice place to rest and listen to and photograph birds and animals.  I was really glad I had installed a super bright LED light unit so I could scan the floor upon my next arrival. 

[square]

Amazing news, jsinjin! So happy for you!!

[Poison Ivy]

Hurray! This is great news.

[Amadahy]

That sounds lovely, jsinjin.  Peace to you and all who enter your home. 

[Prototypian]

@1Foot:   I would not make a very good "licensed venomous reptile sitter" but I can see the need for one!


I once caught an episode of a show about this snake handling christian church in Appalachia.   The elders drove from Tennessee to east Texas to pick up a bunch of rattlesnakes called timber rattlers that grow to 8 feet long.   While headed back the Arkansas state troopers pulled them over and it turns out they didn't have permits to transfer the things.  I have to say that the ensuing mess with what to do with them must have had those officers wishing that had never pulled those guys over.   First they kept insisting the things were harmless if you only believed and second if the rings were going to be confiscated the snake transporting boxes were church property and they needed them back.   So a guy who raised snakes for antivenom toxin was called in from a few counties away to take the things.   I guess that's not contraband you just let go or put in your evidence locker.

In my major city last year some idiot had a king Cobra that got loose in the suburbs.  Which prompted a major snake hunt and even funnier, someone started a Twitter account for the missing cobra complaining about service at the local Starbucks or enjoying the sunset at the park.  It was pretty funny!

[Stillirise]

Congratulations!! I know you've put a tremendous amount of effort into this place, not to mention, doing it without raising any red flags, that's impressive!

Also, the things I learn on this forum never cease to amaze me. "Licensed venomous reptile sitter." 

[BeautifulCrazy]

Way to go Jsinjin!! That is so exciting!!
I am very happy for you!!


I'm looking forward to eventually hearing stories of peace and joy from the new place!! Yay!!