posted
Ugh..those answering services!!! Don't you just love when you're put on hold and the recorded voice says "Don't hang up, your call is important to us, a representive will be you shortly." That certainly makes me feel important.
Good Luck Merme. Must be a very stressful time for you. "Don't forget to stop and smell the flowers." I hope all ends well and soon enough you'll be relaxing in a wonderful new home.
posted
Merme...I think I have been a bit slack in being supportive of you while you are going through your move...you will just have to forgive me. But..I do want you to know that I have really had it on the front burner of my prayer time. I just want this to be a REALLY smoothe transition for you & Maxi!!! I kind of feel like we are in the same boat paddling away...BUT...we are BOTH going to have better places to live...and although getting from point A to point B is an ordeal...we will be settled and gardening away come spring! So although I haven't been able to follow down to the detail..please know that your journey has not gone unoticed to me...
We will both look back on this time a year or so down the line (while we are STILL unpacking boxes )and chuckle..well okay maybe NOT chuckle...but WE will be releived that it is a done deal!!!!
~V~
* * * *
Happiness, like a dessert so sweet. May life give you more than you can ever eat... *** *** Plants: 7034 | From: The Land of JOY | Registered: Apr 2004
| Seeded: 70.247.242.224
posted
Merme - I, too, am wishing you a smooth move once everything is all packed up and in order.
I'm hoping that Maxi's cold leaves him much quicker than mine has been holding on. My mom used to bring me comic books when I was sick as a kid, and I did that for mine as well, when they were younger.
I'm also hoping that you've gotten a ride to your appt. by now, and wishing you an easy time with your minor surgery.
* * * * Lynne's knitting journal "I'm spayed, declawed, and housebound - how's YOUR day going???" Plants: 17066 | From: Rockland County, NY | Registered: Nov 2003
| Seeded: 68.192.121.47
Thanks everyone, for your support. It means so much to me!!
While wading through the endless mountain of paperwork for housing, trying to figure out the best way to get it turned in, Rich showed up right on time with his bosses Yukon.
He sat for a minute, listened to my litany of woe, laughed at my dumb jokes, and then hustled the big stuff onto the truck, planning to come back for a second load after.
Meantime, another friend who works in the nearby town where I had to deliver all those papers, called to ask if there was anything she could do today? YES, YES, THERE IS! So... she ran to the drug store and got the heal 'im up medicine for Maxi and a big box of Puff Plus tissues for his poor sore nose, came here, scooped up the pile of papers and ran off to Saco for me, also taking along a pile of my outgoing mail.
Then Rich called... while unloading the Yukon, he ripped the crotch of his jeans completely out! So he finished the task fast, and was going to head back to his house to change, which meant there would be no time for a second load before he had to give the truck back.
So he decided to take me to the appointment instead -- after he changes his pants! -- and Angel will pick me up after.
Now my afternoon helper is here and hopefully we'll get some sensible stuff done, too.
Merme
* * * *
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
posted
Awesome you are getting so much help Merme.
I totally forgot now, when it the exact move in date???
* * * * We are all under the same stars... therefore we are never far apart. Plants: 30076 | From: Washington, the state that is... | Registered: Aug 2004
| Seeded: 66.235.45.83
posted
Triss ~ we don't have an exact date yet. It all depends on how speedily housing completes their part of the process.
We've contracted the movers to be here either Saturday the 21st or Saturday the 28th, because our final out date it February 1st.
I am getting anxious because I simply want to be out of here and I'm so hoping for the earlier date.
Merme
* * * *
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
Weezie ~ I'm unfamiliar with that abbreviation, but I can tell you this:
Today we relaxed and rested up; it has been a very difficult few weeks for me, demanding me to go out more often than usual, walk more often than usual, climb MANY more stairs than usual and have loads more people in and out.
Not to get all spiritually booga-booga with you guys and freak anyone out, but this is what I wrote Nana in an email this morning:
"Last week in church I received such a strengthening to face the circumstances of this phase of my life. I'm not at all sure HOW I got that strengthening, but I did!
And so, all this week, it has seemed as though God's grace was like a canopy over me, protecting and assisting.
So MANY people have come forward to help with the endless and daunting details of this move, but doing it in a way that seems almost like they are participating in a complex dance, each person here as desperately needed, then stepping away for the next to come in.
People offering sound advice, others providing useful tips. Someone else sending an email. Yet another person calling me up simply to check in. Those who have come to pack and throw away. Those who have held on to us through prayer. People who have brought meals when I've been too sick to cook this week. People to provide rides, to run vital errands, to move otherwise insurmountable mountains right OUT of my way.
And it's all been done in such a pretty manner, too. Every single person with a gracious, encouraging word, everyone willing to crack the joke or express the happy, hopeful thought. Not one person -- not one! -- to cast aspersions on me about how in the world could I have let my life get to such ruination? but instead, everyone has upheld the intent of my heart to radically change and improve life for me 'n the kid. Isn't that lovely?"
I also explained to Nana that I'm not just discarding excess and needless STUFF from out of our home to streamline things in the new place, but I am ALSO discarding old baggage from inside ME as well! I'm purging old paper files and computer files, getting rid of mementoes from other, troubled times.
The clean sweep is within as well as without, and that feels like such a good thing to me.
I'm ready for a fresh start!
Merme
* * * *
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
posted
Red Rose Tea!!! Of course!! *merme smacks her forehead*
Mine is coming right up. Shall I pour for you, too, Weezie, in the prayer that you will soon be right as rain?
Merme
* * * *
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
And yesssssssssss, please, a nice warm cup of tea would hit the spot.. **just had a cold bowl of orange sherbet/vanilla ice cream, and I'm a bit chilly**
ohhhhh, and being right as rain would be so nice.. It's been awhile since I knew what that was like..
Did you have your cuppa yet???????
* * * * Weezie
Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it. - Bible - Hebrews 13:2
Housing is holding up approving the apt because they want him to reduce the price by $50 a month.
It has already been reduced by $120 a month as a winter move-in special and my realtor isn't sure his boss will agree to take it down another $50 -- especially since it is already so affordable and MUCH less than what we are paying here!
And as we said on the phone -- a good place, even for $50 more a month -- is better than no place! Or ending up in some awful place they approve....
We won't know anything until late this afternoon.
Merme
* * * *
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
posted
Just a little while ago, I phoned the staff advocate for our local Congressman who was so helpful to me in the past.
She is going to make some calls and try to find out what, exactly, is going on and also get a feel for whether or not the clout of the Congressman's office might be useful.
It is really TOUGH when government agencies put your back to the wall and act in a cavalier manner. We HAVE to be out of here by February 1st, the clock is ticking, they are haggling over $50 which ultimately involves MY usage of utilities (I can be frugal!), and it is impossible to get anyone to return calls in a timely manner!
It is terrible to feel powerless, as though there is no recourse, so having a contact phone for a professional advocate who at least can speak to a live person rather than a machine is a good thing.
Merme
* * * *
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
posted
Hopefully this person can get the answers you need.
I just don't understand what the problem is from a common sense perspective. The new place costs less per month than the old one...isn't that alone a good thing?
* * * *
We do not see things as they are, we see things as we are. Plants: 6287 | From: S. Lane Co., Oregon | Registered: Aug 2003
| Seeded: 69.1.116.97
posted
That's what is so nutty, Barley ~ the cap for my town is $984. This new unit is $795 and they STILL want the owner to come down!
I know I can make up a $50 difference in the way I use utilities as I know I have never in my life used the "average" amount.
I have a feeling housing just likes to haggle, to either get the owners to accept less or the people to move wherever -- whether it is suitable or not!
Merme
* * * *
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
posted
I just got a call from the advocate at the Congressman's office...
she said they WILL be able to help me with this after all and that we will have everything approved by no later than early next week. She is keenly aware of how close that is cutting it to our deadline, and nudged housing a bit harder.
And she accepted my invitation to the House Blessing/Open House we will have afterwards!
She asked me repeatedly not to stress over it all if I can possibly help it, because she was sure it would all work out okay.
Merme
* * * *
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
posted
Merme, Having a cup of Red Rose Tea here too- think I am getting the cold all the boys have now-- so glad your advocate friend is coming thru for you.... I am sure it will all work out cause it is supposed too- - and do take the advice and don't stress yourself over it ...... as hard as it is to do.... Nana
posted
Today should see the last of the big packing effort. After this, we will be down to only the daily stuff that can't be packed until nearly the final hour.
Thank God for friends! Without them, I'd still be sitting here in total chaos, wondering how in the world we would ever manage this move!
Early next week I hope to get some vital shopping accomplished AND also to get into the new place to take some specific measurements that will allow Moving Day to go more smoothly.
Maxi's Captains bed is difficult to set up AND it is very big. I must make sure about the wall space for it before the guys start assembling the thing. It would be good to measure all of that out ahead of time. Ditto with the credenza for the kitchen...
Merme
* * * *
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
posted
Merme, everything sounds as if it is coming together for you.So unrealistic of government bodies to decide things like this.. I am sure they are not fighting to obtain the necessities for themselves that you are. Good luck and keep fighting.. Go Merme GO
* * * * Old age ain't no place for sissies Plants: 306 | From: Alberta,Canada | Registered: Jun 2004
| Seeded: 68.149.32.140
posted
Well, my friends came today. He packed up the front porch, including all my gardening stuff and cleaned it very well to boot. She helped me go through ALL the last of the clothes.
Three MORE bags to donate -- and I've already donated so many clothes! Another bag or two of trash.
We got the most FRAGILE of my wall art packed. I wouldn't let anyone touch it for the longest time because I'm so paranoid of those professionally framed heavy pieces getting broken. But we got them padded up well and in a special box and set it safely aside as that is one box that is definitely going to the new place in a car.
So now I am down to about 8 small boxes of miscellaneous that I need to sort.
After this, the only packing left is the daily stuff.
It is looking bare in here and sorta dreary. But if everything goes well with housing, there will only be 9 more days to be here.
I am hoping to take a second load to the storage place this weekend and also tackle the remaining miscellany.
Merme
* * * *
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
posted
Merme, You sound tired. Rest well and everything willget done. Look how much is done already? Take care of yourself and Maxi. ~Tina
* * * * ~Tina Getting old is the pits. But it sure beats the alternative. My Blog Plants: 7549 | From: So. Cal. | Registered: Nov 2005
| Seeded: 71.103.179.141
posted
Weezie, we will be gardening on our large front porch. And, I'm thinking of letting Maxi put some of his vegetables in the ground at his dad's girlfriend's mother's house as she has some plots she didn't use last year...
Merme
* * * *
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
posted
Hi Merme - glad things are moving along for you, and that your friends are being extra careful with your treasures.
Did you remember a long while ago we had a thread about growing cherry tomatoes upside down in a hanging container - the 5-10 gallon size or so? Many people use thoroughly cleaned out cat litter containers because of the size... This would be a possibility for Maxi to have some veggies right there at your place. If you'd like the instructions I can dig them out for you.
* * * * Lynne's knitting journal "I'm spayed, declawed, and housebound - how's YOUR day going???" Plants: 17066 | From: Rockland County, NY | Registered: Nov 2003
| Seeded: 68.192.121.47
posted
If you need to rest Merme.....give me another call and we can visit for another hour or 2!! My goodness girl the time just flew didn't it? You have so much accomplished already, take your time and be careful ok?
* * * *
GO DAWGS! Plants: 3479 | From: The Idaho Boonies | Registered: Apr 2005
| Seeded: 69.21.8.70
posted
LYNNE! I would love those directions for the hanging upside down cherry tomatoes!
Papito has also shared some very clever container ideas in the Gardening W/ Disabilities forum I hope to adapt for us so we can do a few things.
He will miss his giant stand of sunflowers, though, unless i can find a kind landowner to let him plant them up. Sunflowers are Maxi's symbolic flower and we would both be sorry not to have any this year.
And yes, Fernie, I will call you again sometime 'coz you are also worlds of fun on the phone. Not to mention the peaceful gift of your lovely voice...
Merme
* * * *
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
posted
We have never tried the dwarf. Now I will have to look them up to see how tall they get. Oh! Wouldn't Maxi just adore that?
Merme
* * * *
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
posted
Sarah ~ Were you able to harvest the heads to feed the birds come winter?
Lynne ~ Thanks for the link! What a cool idea! And I'm guessing my pal the chef has restaurant 5 gallon buckets with lids intact! I'll ask him tomorrow when he comes over.
Merme
* * * *
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
Jiffymouse
guest
posted
merme... how's it going?
Seeded: 12.77.201.63
loz
guest
posted
Merme, I didn't forget about your package....I just figured it would be easier to send it to your new address when you get moved in. I'm in the same situation with V...have a package for her but I guess I should wait and send it to her new house address.....
I can't wait to see your porch this summer all spruced up with beautiful plants and flowers.
Seeded: 70.16.181.106
I got a call from housing this afternoon... the apt has FINALLY been approved in terms of them accepting the financial package, thanks to my Rep's office advocacy!
What remains is them scheduling the mandatory inspection before I can move in. Because it is new construct, I know it will pass muster without a hitch. Unfortunately, the regular full-time inspector is out gravely ill and so the other office staff are covering for him, along with doing their usual work. This is likely to cause some delay. I'm praying hard that it doesn't!
I have an appointment with the realtor to sign the lease and give him the money and get the keys. But I do not have the money YET.
The only day I can move realistically before our out date is this coming Saturday. The movers will do the move, but I will need friends on hand to set things up and begin at least the basic unpacking. My friends all work during the week, so it has to be a Saturday.
So Housing really can't delay the inspection and I'm so praying something works out financially!
We are getting down to the wire here and I'm feeling wiped out.
OH AND TO EVERYONE I SENT A PM WITH MY NEW ADDRESS! I MADE A MISTAKE!
THE CORRECT STREET NUMBER IS 51.
PLEASE CHANGE YOUR RECORDS. Sorry about that!
Merme
* * * *
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
posted
merme, I am so glad to hear that SOMETHING happened today. I hope that the finanaces all fall into place as well!!! Will be praying to that end.
* * * * We are all under the same stars... therefore we are never far apart. Plants: 30076 | From: Washington, the state that is... | Registered: Aug 2004
| Seeded: 66.235.45.83
posted
I just spoke with my priest and he told me he can handle the cost of the movers out of his Discretionary Fund -- a fund the church maintains for him to use to help people at his discretion and/or to protect their privacy.
I've also made a few calls on the other financial needs looming by Friday. Please pray!
Merme
* * * *
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
It won't be long now... You'll be havin' a Hot Red Rose Tea, in your new kitchen all snug and cozy and you'll be looking back on these days.. Just hang in there...
* * * * Weezie
Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it. - Bible - Hebrews 13:2
posted
Merme, glad some of the finances are taken care of. now for everything else to fall into place. Still praying for you.
* * * * We are all under the same stars... therefore we are never far apart. Plants: 30076 | From: Washington, the state that is... | Registered: Aug 2004
| Seeded: 66.235.45.83
posted
I'm sorry I haven't been on much lately, my friends, but things have been rather difficult around here. What is that old Jerry Garcia song about the wild, strange trip or something like that?
To continue the saga...
I got a call from our Rep's office saying that they'd gotten wind that the local Housing office BACKED OUT of the deal at the last minute! So our Rep's advocate called the State Housing office and asked "are you aware of this the local housing office is doing?" They were not aware... and they called the local Housing and got into a major huddle about me.
Hours later, I got a call from the local Housing and was told they finally, and really truly, no backing out this time are agreeing to let me have the unit under their "medical exemption" guidelines! AND also, they would waive the mandatory inspection which would delay the move for more than a week!
However, to put this exemption through, they need forms from my doctor stating why I need an accessible unit and also a form signed by me. She faxed it to the doctor's office and asked me to call them to let the secretary have a heads up that the form was coming and it needed to be returned ASAP.
I called the doctor's office and spoke with the manager. It is a HUGE practice and the fax machines run constantly in the fax room. Documents are just stacked according to doctor's names. Understanding the seriousness of the situation, the manager decided to go to the fax room, dig out the form and hand carry it to the doc for his signature!
THEN I realized any form mailed to me this afternoon wouldn't even arrive at my place before 4 PM on Friday and I'm supposed to be signing the lease at noon!
So a friend agreed to let housing fax her the form for my signature so she can bring it over tonight and fax it back to them in the morning!
Ay-yi-yi timing is so much of this deal, it is giving me fits!
Then, last night, the woman who had originally backed out of helping with the finances, agreed to donate the security deposit. She's sending it from CT and I need to have it by noon on Friday. She was going to send it Western Union, but that is so pricey, I contacted her back to just do a wire transfer right into my account. Her bank will charge a fee but it won't be as big as Western Unions!
Then the people I've been paying to help me pack on Thursdays cancelled. They said they were tired of it and someone else should finish up as they had planned to do tomorrow.
That about made me nuts. The majority of my friends work 9 to 5 type jobs. The reason I hired these two is because they do not work and are available to do it, and also because they could use the cash.
So now I'm supposed to suggest that people who have already done so much WITHOUT pay take a day off work to do more?
So then they said "well, we are sick with some sort of flu, bug, virus, something, anything."
Yes, I am very familiar with that -- it is called The I Don't Wanna Disease!!
Then, I just had a call from a woman who has always been close to me but in recent years has obviously been suffering from some sort of advancing mental difficulty from aging. She caused me much trouble the last time I moved, so all my friends have been saying Don't Let HER help!
I knew today's call was going to be some sort of offer I was going to have to refuse creatively. So when she first got started, I simply said "Would you please make a big pot of your delicious soup and bring it to the new place because everyone is going to be cold and starved by lunchtime?"
Well, she was THRILLED at the suggestion and went on to offer fixings for sandwiches, a Box of Joe and a bunch of donuts.
THAT will be a big help to all the people working, will give her something truly useful to do AND keep her away from decision making - such as throwing away all my house plants like she did the last time!
I'm telling you, though, the stress is taking it's toll on me. I had such a bad headache today and that is SO unlike me! Now *insert barfing graemlin here* and the headache is a bit better and I'm calmer but yipes!
Would somebody please tell me the kid and I WILL survive this mess and once we are in the new place next weekend (coz it WILL happen) we'll all feel much better?
Merme
* * * *
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
quote:Originally posted by weezie13: You're still in my prayers Merme...
It won't be long now... You'll be havin' a Hot Red Rose Tea, in your new kitchen all snug and cozy and you'll be looking back on these days.. Just hang in there...
Just grasp ahold of that feeling of being on the other side of this....let it slide alllll over your body, warm you up, calm you down and you'll be there in no time at all....and you'll be looking back on these days soon enough!!!
* * * * Weezie
Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it. - Bible - Hebrews 13:2
quote:Originally posted by weezie13: Merme Referr back to my last post...
quote:Originally posted by weezie13: You're still in my prayers Merme...
It won't be long now... You'll be havin' a Hot Red Rose Tea, in your new kitchen all snug and cozy and you'll be looking back on these days.. Just hang in there...
Just grasp ahold of that feeling of being on the other side of this....let it slide alllll over your body, warm you up, calm you down and you'll be there in no time at all....and you'll be looking back on these days soon enough!!!
Ditto from me!!!!!
* * * *
GO DAWGS! Plants: 3479 | From: The Idaho Boonies | Registered: Apr 2005
| Seeded: 69.21.8.6
posted
Merme - you and Maxi are going to be so snuggly safe and warm in your new home before you turn around! These last days will fly by, and you will be so tired by the end of them, that you won't remember a thing! That's a GOOD THING!
Wishing you a smooth move and peace in your new place!
* * * * Lynne's knitting journal "I'm spayed, declawed, and housebound - how's YOUR day going???" Plants: 17066 | From: Rockland County, NY | Registered: Nov 2003
| Seeded: 68.192.121.47
login | 
| 
| 
![[nutz]](graemlins/nutz.gif)
Don't you just love when you're put on hold and the recorded voice says "Don't hang up, your call is important to us, a representive will be you shortly." ![[dunno]](graemlins/dunno.gif)
That certainly makes me feel important. ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
I hope all ends well and soon enough you'll be relaxing in a wonderful new home.
![[thumb]](graemlins/thumb.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
)and chuckle..well okay maybe NOT chuckle...but WE will be releived that it is a done deal!!!!
***
![[kissies]](graemlins/kissies.gif)
![[angel]](graemlins/cherub.gif)
![[clappy]](graemlins/claps.gif)
![[shocked]](graemlins/shock.gif)
you didn't know that?????? ![[lala]](graemlins/lala.gif)
Red Rose Tea???????? ![[muggs]](graemlins/mugggggs.gif)
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
GO DAWGS! 
![[flower]](graemlins/flower.gif)
UPDATE! 
Printer-friendly view of this garden