It's the little things

As I sit in the driveway, enjoying this glorious day, in shock and disbelief that it's in the high 60's in northern Wisconsin, so early in the season.  Yesterday topped out at 83 degrees!  I am thankful for the little things.  My ER friend and I drive to Rhinelander each (almost every) Tuesday and coffee clutch with some ladies then do some city type errands.  Today was a plant day.  As most of you know I love my flowers.  I miss my perennial garden terribly, however I more than likely can grab a few from the yard when back in Milwaukee in two weeks.  Today we stopped at the local organic food store and found some pretty good deals for up here.  Flats in ER were $20!!! And a single 4inch Gerbera Daisy pot was $25!!!  Seriously.  But in Rhinelander at the Golden Harvest Organic store, flats were more reasonable (gerbera daisy's were $7, same size pot).  I was able to snatch up a few annuals within my budget.  We also stopped at a nursery called Forth Floral.  It was kind of like a miniature Mileagers.  Very healthy, not too pricey plants.   I was so proud of myself as I did not go crazy in there!  Back in the day I could walk into one of those nurseries and walk out with so many flowers I couldn't fit them all in the car or truck in one trip!   So a little color will be great at the new house.

So on the downside...just got a call from Bob who says the hooptie (aka the pedophile van) is dead.  Took it to our good friend Ralph who says, it's not worth fixing.  The transmission is shot.  Sigh.  Oh well, ups and downs is how we roll.  Ralph says it could make it a month or six months.  Hopefully he will get back!

Also a bear got into our bird feeder overnight and had his way with my Shepard's hook. Bent it in half.  Rude.  Not too hot on the idea of a visiting bear with the dogs and all.  I guess I will bring in the yummies from now on at night. 

I had a visitor this last weekend that helped with a butt load of yardwork.  Maddie was nice enough to come with her mom Misty and hang out while we sweated and worked hard.  As you see her and Maggie are also hard at work....lots more to do.  But, I love yard work and shaping it into a pretty space.  Well, the blue jays are yelling at me because they can't get to their feeder with me sitting here.  Headed in to finish some trim painting on my door.  It seems I have started a tradition and I have painted my entry door purple.  Sounds like a good name for a book, "Angie and the purple door".  Oh wait, that's Harold and the purple crayon!

  

Finally HOME

   A sigh of relief just left my lungs in a loud huffing noise.  I sit in my living room looking out the front window and am so giddy I could giggle like a kindergartener.  This past few months has been a roller coaster, and yet that is not the right word as that it implies that it was a fun ride.  In 4 and a half short months we moved a 3 bedroom home (and scrapbook room, and man cave stuff, and tools, fishing and hunting equipment) twice.  Through the process I wonder how people do it?  I have some relatives that moved states, jobs, lives almost every other year.  And they also had stuff. 
   My not-so-nice ex-landlord called yesterday and left a voicemail, he sounded defeated.  "Wondering if you gave any thought to buying the house you are renting from me?"  Uhhh, no.  I did recently tell him that we were re-locating and going to be out on or before June 1st. I wonder why he thinks we may change our mind.  This was after he called Century 21 who promptly put a 'for sale' sign in the front yard.  His offer for us to purchase the house was ridiculous.  He wanted us to pay an outrageous higher rent, for 3 years, and after that 3 years, still purchase it for the asking price of $159,000.  As nice as the house was to live in, it was not the house I wanted to live in forever.  Even if the water worked (needs a new drilled well $6,000) or if the heat always worked, or....well the list goes on and on.  Plus, on principle alone, no way.  He lied to us.  After living there for 2 months we found that our rent was going in his pocket and he was going to foreclose.  Hey, I get it if you can't afford the house, but don't tell us that you'd like us to be long-term renters with a possible time frame of 3-5 years. 
   Yet, in a way I am grateful to this man.  If it wasn't for him, we would never have found the home we just moved into.  A fabulous man who I will call BB, has this business who helps people like us.  We are renting to own.  It's truly a win-win.  He buys homes (more than likely foreclosures), puts some money into them, and sets up a rent to own program for a time period that allows you to recover financially and eventually purchase the home with your own financing down the road.  I did the math and he makes about 5% in the end.  No different than a bank.
   Let's move on to a new subject; Niko is coming to Milwaukee for Bailey's high school graduation and will be there June 1st.  I can't wait to see him.  My parents haven't seen him for 11 months!  Bob, I and Jake will drive back for Bailey's graduation, Jake will be staying with his mom for awhile, and I will bring Niko and Bailey back for a week or so.  I can't wait.  Hmm, Niko, do you think you can take some of your crap back with you to Hollywood?  It's taking up almost a whole storage locker !!!!  Then Bailey leaves for North Carolina in August for basic training, 9 weeks, afterwards, Missouri for 21 weeks for job training.  Wow, I am old.  However, not as old as Bob :)  He just turned 44 in April.  My brain still feels like I am 20 something, now the body, that's another story.  Knees are doing ok, but I really should get on that darn bike.  My body has been so sore from moving, I just couldn't bring myself to do it.  But I will. 
   My goal is to keep positive during all these changes that are happening in our lives.  I continue to miss my family and friends, but truly feel that I belong here, up north.  I am at ease, calm and feel like I am in another world when sitting outside, watching the wildlife, trees, even the people.
   I saw a rubber stamp at an event I went to this weekend, and boy did it hit home; God always provides a safe landing, but he never said the ride would be calm.

Rainbow in my woods

   I  am starting to feel a little less of a visitor and more of a resident.  This past few weeks has been pretty positive.  There were so many ups and downs with house hunting.  Of course I use the terms "house hunting" loosely.  We were really so pressed for time trying to find a place we could call home before our current landlord returns from Florida, my constant fear that Bob would beat the living snot out of him if we saw him in person.  I also didn't want to pay said landlord one extra penny,  I wanted to be out.  We were juggling the prospect of 3 separate houses, one worse than the other.   One was tiny, I mean tiny. One was dirty, and really dirty.  And the last one was far away from town, pricey and very much in the boondocks. 
   Bob was leaving last week to go work in Milwaukee for 5 days and I had found a craigslist posting for a house just down the road from us that was for rent and on the Wisconsin River.  Bob told me not to bother calling as he did not want to rent and really was hoping to find a house on land contract.  So of course I did what any good wife does, and used total disregard and called on it.  I spoke to such a nice sincere man that explained to me that I probably would not be interested as he would really prefer to sell on rent to own!  There was some competition as another interested party wanted to buy it outright, but I could come and see it if I would like.  I fell in love, instantly.  This house needs no immediate attention.  There are a couple little things Bob could tinker with, but definitely nothing huge and/or expensive.  Three levels, 3 bedrooms, 2 and a half baths, new carpeting, new flooring, newer toilets, showers, brand new kitchen appliances, a butcher block island with a dishwasher in it, gas fireplace in the kitchen, house heated by LP gas, electric backup if necessary, a screened in porch facing the huge backyard that leads to the river (I will refer to this as the veranda, it sounds so much cooler than I really am), and 135 feet of river frontage, with a pier.  Sigh. 
   Two of the houses that we were crossing our fingers about, turned us down as they decided against selling on land contract.  The last house (the dirty, dingy house) that was on the line had turned down our initial offer, however accepted our counter offer verbally, but not on paper.  And at this point they hadn't met the time frame to respond.  So here we were in limbo. 
   April 10th, my last day to pay the rent on our current house before he assumes that it is our 60 day notice, I receive a call from the nice gentleman from the Wisconsin River house.  Brad.  I could kiss Brad and his business partner Randy.  What an awesome pair.  I had told them everything and we worked out an awesome deal. And I mean everything.  We are in a rent to own situation for 2 years or more, putting down a down payment and with part of rent going towards the principal/down payment of the house. 
   We don't close until May 1st, but I have been there a few times doing some yard work and sitting on the pier in awe.  I keep thinking; if we didn't rent our current house, and have to leave after only a few months, we would never have found this amazing place. 
   I must say that faith has been playing a huge role.  Our new church is awesome.  Even as I type this I am watching an episode of The Big C on Showtime.  The young man who is in high school just joined a Bible group at school. It really is painting a different picture of what I had assumed in the past that bible study was about.  Bob and I go to a new friends house and watch a video called "The Truth Project".  I really enjoy it.  I really am learning so much.  I also decided that there are no coincidences.  I feel that I am here in ER for a reason, that I have met my FDL girlfriends for a reason, along with my new northwoods friends. 
   I promise to worry less.  I look forward to moving into our new home.  I feel guilty and not deserving of how beautiful it is, but I am going to earn it.  I am thankful for my health, my family, and my friends.  I will continue to miss my friends and family and the PD and The Scrapbook Store.  And I will continue to keep my new faith.
 

April Showers....

   Heading into April with the unknown still looming above.  At this point we have 2 houses lined up for possible land contract (rent to own).  There are positives to both and negatives to both.  Either one will be fine....I just want to have it done and over with, on paper, in the door, moved in, etc. 
 The Sayner home which we found on our own is smaller, more reasonable, charming, has character, newer siding, newer garage, metal roof, dry basement, decent yard, and no realtor involved, no extra added costs.  Downfalls; farther away than we wanted, smaller than we wanted, needs a bathroom total remodel, and stairs have to be moved (the stairs to the 2 small bedrooms that are upstairs are located in the bathroom, yep, bathroom).  The Eagle River home is much larger even enough to accomodate guests, great location, decent size garage and a pole barn, dry basement which is really large, newer roof and has a wood burner besides electric heat.  Downfalls; a little more expensive, needs every piece of carpeting ripped out, including the basement (which means replacing), needs extensive yard work, a realtor is involved and an attorney will be needed for the paper and the homeowner wants more of a down payment.  The house has a very basic layout, no additional charm at all.
   The Sayner home has accepted our offer and we could move forward, which we were going to do today, however...at the last minute the Eagle River house which initially declined our offer, is trying to work something out with us.  So... I am thankful for both opportunities and thankful for our realtor friend who has been really helping us out. 
   Bob is in Milwaukee this week building a house and staying at my parents, coming home (I think) on the weekend and brining Bails with him.  She will be staying for the week with me.  It's going to be awesome.  I really miss her.  She got sworn in today for the ARMY, and I missed it, I feel like I am really disappointing her.  I have a little surprise for her... I bought some little ARMY guys at WalMart, and I plan on making a cake and putting them on top, along with some other "way to go" small gifts.  Bob, Bailey and I are spending Easter at CC's house, who has really been kind and welcoming to us.  Bob will head back to Milwaukee after Easter sometime and Bailey and I will watch movies in our pj's all day, hit the thrift stores and catch up.  We also need to find her a (very) reasonable Prom dress, as she was recently asked by one of her best guy friends to go.
   I continue to think about my friends and family that are far away.  I will admit the scenery and the way of life up here in ER is beautiful, but I do still miss them. I miss the store, and the PD, as always....
   Niko is doing well, still.  He recently wrote up a resume and plans on trying to find a flight attendant job.  Target, however nice it is that he has a job, is just not his ultimate goal.  They tend to schedule him all over the board; days, afternoons, evenings, weekends, with no apparent pattern, which makes it hard for him to get a second job or schedule anything.  Travelling would be right up Niko's alley.  Perfect fit.  He is somewhat of a loner, but makes friends easily.  I can just hear him being a little snarky "no sir, we DO NOT provide pillows..." can't you???

  
 Hopefully next post there will be sunshine and answers.   

  

U Rah!

   So the word is in.  This sweet little girl got accepted into the US ARMY.  I cannot believe it.  We had been waiting for her medical file to get cleared from the Surgeon General (regarding her Jones tube in her eye) and she was passed through.  Last week she went to the MEPS center (Military Entrance Processing Station) for her last physical testing.  She described it as a weird "bonding" type thing with the girls that were present, as they had to jump around in their undies in front of each other; ha, ha.  Although very proud of her, I am still in shock that this is her chosen field.  We aren't talking ARMY Reserves, full blown ARMY duty for her!  Next week she gets sworn in.  I am sad that I probably won't be able to be there for that.  Hopefully gram takes good pics.  Bailey is pictured above with Milwaukee County Sheriff Clark, from last years Pet Expo at Wisconsin State Fair.

   It's a gloomy dark day here in the northwoods.  Today so far is a no pants required day. Wind is blowing and it's overcast. Watching a few movies on tv and enjoying the pretty view of the trees outside.  This past weekend my good friends from Fond du Lac visited and scrapped.  We had a really nice time.  We laughed, cried, ate and enjoyed the time scrapping. Poor CaSandra, had to hear Misty and I talk about church and God and other such things that C didn't want to talk about. She was a trooper and told us to shut the f#$% up!    It's so nice to have such good friends, not complicated, no pressure, just hanging out being ourselves.

   Still haven't heard if we are for sure going to be living in Sayner.  Haven't heard from the owner and nothing is in writing yet.  Bob will be calling him today to confirm.  It sure would be nice to have that set in stone so we can move on with plans.

   It appears I will have my first full blown camping experience soon.  July 5-9th we will be headed to Porcupine Mountain and we will be camping....a tent and everything!  I can't wait.  Then our good friends' the Leppers are coming for a visit with their family.  This too is exciting.  I can't wait to see some friends from home. 

   Tonight we head over to the Calvetti's for dinner and the Truth Project.  Should get going on the dessert now, as that's my responsibility this time.   Tomorrow or Thursday volunteering at the Childrens Museum and the opposite day a 2 mile hike with Bob.  Headed to Milwaukee on Friday as Bailey is in a musical.  Can't wait to see her.  Back on Saturday.  So glad we found a nice girl to pet sit.  She stays at our home while we are gone. 

   Well time to put pants on.  Have a happy day everyone.

   So many changes;  Last night I had such stomach issues, I was up all night using the restroom from more than one orface of my body.  Ok, so that's not the big changes, but I believe the changes made me have this appointment with the porcelain potty.
   We have confirmed that our house that we are renting will be put up for sale the first week of April.  So, I hit the bricks....I have searched, researched, read, spread the word, looking for a new place to live.  We are at wits end.  Yes, it's inconvenient to move again, but that's just the tip of the iceburg.  We got rid of our stove, frig, washer and dryer as the house we are renting provided these.  Because we thought we would be renting this house for the next couple of years (as the landlord had said he would like us to), we didn't feel it was economical to keep those appliances (move them, store them, will they work after we store them anyways....).  Plus we downsized so much.  Will we need these things now???
   Our hope is to find a house that we can buy on land contract.  Gives us a chance to put a little money down and call it home (including making any updates etc) while we get our finances in order for the next 2 years.  Bob does NOT want to rent again, plus who the heck will take us with our furry babies?  Yes I know, some people will say "they should just get rid of their dogs", but I cannot.  We have lost so much over the past months, and not just material things; pride, sense of purpose, self worth, emotional and physical well being, the list goes on.  I can't imagine looking at these dogs and letting them go.  I made a commitment by adopting them and darn it I am going to do everything in my power to make sure they stay with us. They are the one thing in my home right now that make me happy.  The kids are gone, all my old friends are a million miles away, I don't see my parents and my favorite Unc's (moved to FL 2 years ago).
   As much as I feel that it was in everyone's best intererst to move to the beautiful northwoods at this point, it's sure not easy. 
   So after a couple of weeks of dead ends, doors slammed, looking at unliveable properties, we have our fingers crossed.  We found a tiny house in Sayner 15 minutes NW of the house we are renting.  Lots of potential, lots of work.  BUT, it's reasonably priced, it has all of what we need; a garage, a basement, and some acreage.  It's got "3" bedrooms and 1 bath, a mud room and comes with the appliances, even a washer and dryer.  I use quotations for 3 because of this...guess where 2 of the 3 bedrooms are?  Yes, upstairs, but how do you think you get to those rooms?  Oh you will never guess.  And I mean never.  Through the bathroom.  Bathroom, yep, that's right.  At first Bob was like no way are we going to live here.  But, after we weighed our limited options, we started re-thinking it.  Bob is a carpenter ya' know.  So we went back and looked at this house.  It has so much charm and yet some updates (ok besides the whole bathroom with stairs in it issue).  Besides charm, it has a newer metal roof, newer siding, the garage has pull down stairs with a 2nd story for storage and you can actually walk around up there!  Knotty pine ceilings in the living room, knotty walls in the dining area and living room.  A cute little front porch sitting area that is enclosed.  It's adjacent to a tiny cemetery too.  That doesn't bother me one bit.  So, any who Bob took a look and found a way to re-configure the stairs to go through the front porch area up to the 2nd story, we could take the stairs out of the bathroom which would make the 1960's decorated bathroom even bigger.  So the money needed for updates is mostly cosmetic.  Not structural besides the stairs, which he would do.  If we do close the deal on this place I will post pics of the bathroom/stair issue.  No one will believe it. 

   Today we leave to head to the Northwoods Childrens Museum to help a friend that is doing a little acting during a field trip there.  They need one of our dogs.  So we are bringing Bunnie.  Hopefully sometime today we will know more about the cute little house in Sayner, actually Town of Plum Lake.  Please cross your fingers, pray or whatever it is you do, for us.  Any positive thoughts will be helpful.  We need this break.

cabin fever

Glad my husband is back.  Dogs even seem more at ease.  Had a wonderful weekend at Klondike Days in Eagle River. Bailey came for the weekend and I really enjoy seeing her, even if she seemed quiet and reserved.  I think she is pondering moving here in the summer if the Army falls through, I know she is torn between living here with mom and staying south, hanging with grandma and grandpa to keep them company.  I wonder what way the chips will fall.  Three short months until my baby graduates from high school.


Financially we are getting back on our feet.  No clue on our current rental situation but I decided to put worry on the back burner.  I continue to look for the perfect job, to no avail.  


The snow total turned out to be more than 20 inches last week, and we really had fun sledding down Chickaree Lake Rd on small, round saucers. We also built quite the fort.    I look forward to warmer weather so I can walk without fear of slipping on the ice.  Fell on my butt last week and still can feel it in my bones.  Winter fat is starting to pack on!!!


Starting to really miss some friends south of here. Hoping to visit with them soon. 


Niko continues to thrive in Cali, and as I know as he reads this I say... 3 more months Niko!  More work, so I don't worry so much.




Baby Kitty has decided to take up residence on my chest, time to stop blogging and start petting.  


Happy thoughts :D