Search results for

#TremontHouse

#1 Click this link to see Blog page --> 05/10/2018

I had planned to miss the monthly #RetireeBreakfast yesterday but it was raining and I decided I could use a break from the sorting of household items. I’m glad I went.

Greg followed me to the #TremontHouse and checked out some of our plunder. He took the small compressor home to see how well it worked and said he would like to buy the snow blower. That was a good deal.

He seemed reluctant to take the compressor for free and said he might pay me something for it after he makes sure it will work for him. I told him whatever made him feel right about it was good for me. I certainly wouldn’t get much out an old beat up little air compressor on Craig’s List or anywhere.

MjL

#2 Click this link to see Blog page --> 07/14/2018

#TheBigMove
I torched the burn pile while Tracey mowed grass at the #TremontHouse. I watched the fire for the first hour or so to make sure I didn’t set the world on fire and then went to the garage to continue putting stuff into the dumpster. We have all the big stuff in there and are now just filling in the very last four feet or so. May as well fill it all up since we paid for it.

Our neighbor to the north came over to borrow our mower just after Tracey finished mowing. He was still mowing when we left so I hope he didn’t have any problems.

MjL

#3 Click this link to see Blog page --> 07/15/2018

#TremontHouse #TheBigMove
We closed the door on the dumpster yesterday afternoon. We may toss a few more things in over the top but it is basically full. I will be glad to put the “Dumpster Days” behind us. I really didn’t think we would be able to fill the darn thing up —— but we did.

MjL

#4 Click this link to see Blog page --> 07/16/2018

Tracey’s sister Sandy came up from #Watson to get an old dresser and an antique garden harrow that had belonged to their grandfather.

We went to lunch at #JacksCafe and then over to the #TremontHouse where Tracey and Sandy loaded everything up. I gave a bit of advice on how to strap it in. (Sandy said, “You’re the guy here, how should we do this?” —— Which surprised me no end!)

MjL

#5 Click this link to see Blog page --> 07/20/2018

I spent a couple hours yesterday mowing grass at the #TremontHouse. Tracey has been doing the mowing the past month or so and I was very out of practice. I just thought with rain in the forecast I should try to get a jump on it.

Tracey was kind enough to bring Panda Express home for supper so I didn’t have to cook. I took advantage of that and had a nice nap before she got home from work.

I was happy to see the dumpster was finally gone from the driveway. Another chapter closed in the moving saga.

MjL

#6 Click this link to see Blog page --> 07/22/2018

#TremontHouse
We finished up the mowing for the week in Tremont yesterday. Tracey started cleaning in the house while I collapsed cardboard boxes in the garage. When we filled the dumpster we dumped the contents of all the boxes into the dumpster and then stacked those empty boxes in the garage. Turns out we had a LOT of cardboard boxes.

I got about 2/3 of the way through the boxes before pooping out. We hauled about 1/2 of those I had collapsed to the recycle bin when we left the house.

I hope to finish up the last of the boxes today and then start sweeping the garage floor and cleaning out the cob webs and mud dauber nests. That should be a dusty dirty job too.

MjL

#7 Click this link to see Blog page --> 07/23/2018

Finished the battle of box cutting yesterday morning while Tracey continued cleaning in the #TremontHouse. There is still one last pile of flattened boxes in the garage to haul off.

I managed to do some sweeping in the garage and general clean up. Probably still a few hours to finish that up and one more burn pile to accumulate of odd bits of lumber and plywood stored from years past.

MjL

#8 Click this link to see Blog page --> 07/24/2018

Spent some time on the phone yesterday calling to get some appointments to get estimates on some repair work done at the #TremontHouse. One place I called was evidently too busy or our needs were too small because they told me they were “booked”.

Also called about getting a couple dead trees cut down. The service that cut up our dead willow a couple years ago had a recording saying they were so busy they weren’t taking any new appointments. Must be a lot of dead trees this year?

Two other tree services didn’t answer the phone —— just an answering machine saying leave a message and they will get back. I did get one call back to tell me it will “be a while”. Not encouraging.

MjL

#9 Click this link to see Blog page --> 07/25/2018

I was up bright and early to let a repair guy check out the #TremontHouse and gather information for an estimate. My first impression was favorable. He asked intelligent questions and seems to know what needs to be done and how to do it. I was also relieved that he understands I’m not looking to make everything perfect, just do some needed repairs in order to sell the house. So now I wait to see how much he would want to do the work.

Later in the day I got a call from one of the tree services I had called. She said it would take three weeks to get to us and would cost $15 for an estimate.

I declined.

A while later I got a free estimate from another fellow and told him to go ahead. I thought it was a bit expensive to cut up two trees and haul them away but it needs to be done. He will also remove the stumps. I just hope they don’t drop either of the trees on the house or garage!

MjL

#10 Click this link to see Blog page --> 07/27/2018

I went to the #TremontHouse first thing yesterday morning and worked a bit at cleaning out the garage. I’m down to mostly sweeping the floor and clearing cobwebs. I still have a pile of stuff to make another burn pile but I don’t want to haul it out there until the day I plan to burn it —— otherwise it will just get wet and be harder to burn. That means I am cleaning around this stuff all the time too.

The two trees were cut down but the stumps remain. They did a great job of cleaning up so I assumed they weren’t going to remove the stumps. I called and left a message and a couple hours later I got a call back. They plan to remove the stumps today. That’s why I shouldn’t jump to conclusions.

MjL

#11 Click this link to see Blog page --> 07/29/2018

Started yesterday at the #TremontHouse. We took the final car load of clothes, blankets, etc. to Pekin and stuffed a donation box nearly full. Then returned to fill both cars with the last of the stuff we are going to keep. Almost all of it contained in large plastic storage boxes filled with our children’s belongings that they have left over the years.

Noted the two stumps had been removed and cleared up pretty well. There are still some wood chips piled where the stumps were but not too bad and should degrade well enough. Although they were expensive they did a good job and were relatively quick about it.

MjL

#12 Click this link to see Blog page --> 07/30/2018

We went to the #TremontHouse briefly to do some plumbing work in the basement. We removed the plastic plumbing to the old sink after deciding it was more work to repair then to just remove it. I plan to go back today to turn the water back on and check for leaks.

MjL

#13 Click this link to see Blog page --> 07/31/2018

Went to the #TremontHouse in the late morning and turned the water back on. It appears there are no drips or leaks from the plumbing work.

I then spent a couple hours on the mower. It is much easier to mow now that we are past the rainy days of spring weather when the grass grows like crazy and is so wet it clogs up the mower.

Should have stayed and did some more sweeping in the garage but pooped out and went home to take a shower.


I now think of the trailer as “home”.
I guess we have settled in completely.

MjL

#14 Click this link to see Blog page --> 08/02/2018

I went to the #TremontHouse yesterday morning to meet another home remodel estimator. He urged me several times to consider putting new carpet throughout the house and to re-paint every room. I understand it would help to sell the house but I don’t think we want to spend that much money.

I am disappointed I haven’t gotten the estimate from the guy who came a week ago Monday. I felt really good about him but maybe he is just too busy to get to us.

MjL

#15 Click this link to see Blog page --> 08/05/2018

Tracey and I went to Menard’s first thing and rented a carpet cleaner. We spent about five hours cleaning carpet at the #TremontHouse. Actually Tracey worked the carpet cleaner while I went from room to room cleaning and removing some of the last minute items like cable and computer wires. I also spent a couple hours cleaning the stove and counter tops. My right arm is pretty sore this morning from that.

We know we need to replace carpet in at least two of the upstairs rooms and we are debating whether it would be better to replace all of it upstairs. The best thing would be to get an estimate and go from there. We’ve already decided the basement will stay as is.

MjL

#16 Click this link to see Blog page --> 08/06/2018

#TremontHouse
We have a bunch of paint cans to dispose of and we spent about 1/2 hour in the Tremont garage yesterday opening them up so they can dry out. There are also some other things that classify as “hazardous household waste” that we are not supposed to throw in the trash.

From there we just continued cleaning for a few hours before calling it a day. My right arm and shoulder are sore from scrubbing.

MjL

#17 Click this link to see Blog page --> 08/10/2018

Started yesterday with a call to a carpet outlet to schedule an appointment to measure up the #TremontHouse. We have two bedrooms that we MUST replace the carpet in and I told them to measure up the entire upstairs. Then we can determine by cost what else we might replace. It would be best to replace it all but I’m not sure how much we want to spend to do that.

The lady I talked to said they had some pretty basic carpet and padding that would be affordable. We shall see.


Still no word from the home remodel places we were supposed to get estimates from —— perhaps our repairs are too small potatoes for them to bother with us.

MjL

#18 Click this link to see Blog page --> 08/12/2018

We went to the #TremontHouse. We put up a new ceiling light fixture in one of the bedrooms and then Tracey finished up the mowing (the hill behind the house) and I continued to clean.

The last to be cleaned is the furnace room in the basement where a lot of junk was stored. Also a large bag of aquarium sand that had leaked out all over the floor when the bottom ripped out. I shoveled up a five gallon bucket of sand to be hauled out. Also dismantled the make-shift shower that Aaron had built down there when he was living in the basement.

MjL

#19 Click this link to see Blog page --> 08/13/2018

We took a day off from the #TremontHouse yesterday. Tracey has worked there almost every day of every day off work for the past two months and she needed some free time. We ended up hanging pictures and sorting through boxes for a little bit. We still have stuff to be unboxed and put away somewhere. This move seems to be taking forever.

MjL

#20 Click this link to see Blog page --> 08/14/2018

Started the morning at the #TremontHouse to have the upstairs measured for new carpet. Although a bit expensive we think it best to replace it all. A couple places because they are threadbare and others because they smell of Louie pee and we can’t clean out the smell. The plan is to remove the carpet and paint the plywood to seal in the smell before putting down new padding and carpet.


I talked to one of the repair guys who still hasn’t sent an estimate and he says even if he got the job he wouldn’t be able to get to it until the end of October. We still have on estimate we are waiting for but it is beginning to look like we will just list it “as is” and see what we can get for it.

MjL

#21 Click this link to see Blog page --> 08/15/2018

#TremontHouse
We finally have the repair estimates in. One of them is much too expensive and the other is a reasonable price but they can’t even get started until the end of October. Not good. Looks like we will be listing “as is” after we get the carpet in.

I went to the carpet store and picked out a light brown carpet and paid our deposit. Somebody is supposed to call me today to schedule the removal of the old and the installation of the new.

Nobody seems to be in any hurry to do anything. I should think if they are all scheduled out a month in advance they would hire more people to do more work in a timely manner?

MjL

#22 Click this link to see Blog page --> 08/16/2018

Yesterday I called the scheduler for the carpet installation at the #TremontHouse. They will take up the old carpet on Sept. 10th and put down the new carpet a couple days later.

The only other thing I did of consequence all day was to get some groceries.

MjL

#23 Click this link to see Blog page --> 08/17/2018

Received a letter about the #TremontHouse insurance. They will cancel our insurance next month because the house is “vacant”. So now we have to find another company to insure the house. I suspect this lack of loyalty will require me to find a different company to insure our cars.

MjL

#24 Click this link to see Blog page --> 08/19/2018

We started yesterday with a trip to Tracey’s office in E. Peoria to retrieve her cell phone.

Then we went to the #TremontHouse to do some cleaning and take inventory. Since it appears we won’t be able to get anyone to do the repairs we are going to see what we can do with them. So first we made a list of stuff we would need such as ceiling tile paint, switch and outlet covers, etc. After cleaning we made a trip to Menard’s to get some of that stuff.

I started feeling bad about mid-way through the final furnace room cleaning. We went to Jack’s for lunch but I didn’t feel any better. I had assumed it was because we hadn’t eaten all day. After a long nap I was still feeling bad and when I checked my blood sugar it was quite high. I took extra insulin during the evening and eventually felt better.

I don’t know why my glucose was so high but I will have to start keeping a better eye on it. It obviously isn’t as predictable as it used to be.

MjL

#25 Click this link to see Blog page --> 08/20/2018

We went to the #TremontHouse yesterday to replace dead light bulbs and replace a hallway light fixture. Bad day. Nothing went right. First, we misread the installation instructions on the new fixture and ended up spending way too much time on that.

There are some light fixtures in the basement that have a hanging glass cover with one thumb screw. We changed the bulbs but had a hard time getting the covers back on properly. Bad design, cheap materials and they have been neglected for too many years. Finally cussed them into place but what frustration!

Discovered we bought the wrong light switch for the bathroom. Somehow we ended up with a three-way switch instead of a regular switch and got the wrong switch plate to boot.

After deciding it just wasn’t a good day to do repairs we called it quits and went home.

Tracey later went to get a new hairdo and I took a nap.

MjL

#26 Click this link to see Blog page --> 08/24/2018

I started yesterday morning with a grocery run and then to the #TremontHouse to mow grass. I was mowing the SE corner when Jerry Brown walked up to chat for a while. He and Dave Risinger are working on the drainage at Ike’s house just south of our property. What a coincidence that both my past local union president and vice president are still working together?

After mowing for a while I quit and went home. I watched the news while eating lunch and learned it is supposed to rain today (which it is doing right now) and decided to go back and finish the mowing. It mows so much better and faster when it is dry.

MjL

#27 Click this link to see Blog page --> 08/27/2018

Tracey and I started the day by going to the #CrackerBarrel for a fine breakfast thanks to the gift card from our anonymous benefactor.

From there we went to Lowe’s to get some heat vent covers for the #TremontHouse and another base for the dreaded mailbox.

The weather was so hot and humid we decided the rest of the day would be devoted to inside chores here at the trailer. It looks as though we have a few days of this heat and humidity.

MjL

#28 Click this link to see Blog page --> 09/02/2018

The garage at the #TremontHouse is finally cleaned out! Tracey and I hauled another huge load of wood scraps and old furniture to the burn pile. Then we swept up the floor and cleared away a lot of spider webs.

We are getting down to last of the cleaning and repairs at the old house. After the new carpet is installed we will list it.

MjL

#29 Click this link to see Blog page --> 09/03/2018

We started yesterday at the #TremontHouse. Tracey worked in the bathroom while I replaced an air vent cover in one of the bedrooms. We weren’t there for much more than an hour before going to Jack’s for breakfast.

MjL

#30 Click this link to see Blog page --> 09/09/2018

We cleaned the #TremontHouse for a couple hours yesterday and then stopped at Arby’s on the way home to get some lunch. Rounded out the day with an afternoon nap.

MjL

#31 Click this link to see Blog page --> 09/10/2018

Another couple hours at the #TremontHouse yesterday. It is rather disconcerting to open a cabinet or drawer and discover it still has stuff in it when you thought it was completely cleaned out. I am beginning to wonder if we are EVER going to get all of our stuff out of that house. Several more bags were put into the garbage bin yesterday and another load of stuff hauled to the trailer.

MjL

#32 Click this link to see Blog page --> 09/11/2018

I was at the #TremontHouse by 8:30 yesterday morning. They were an hour late but they removed all the carpet and padding pretty quickly. I worked outside sweeping the patio and cleaning up the alleyway between the house and garage.

I was home again shortly after noon. Then went back again to meet Tracey after she got off work. She went through the house painting the flooring to seal up the pee stains. Louie was not a very good dog and smelled the place up some. Hopefully by removing the old carpet and padding along with the paint —— his stink will be gone.

MjL

#33 Click this link to see Blog page --> 09/14/2018

I arrived at the #TremontHouse around 8:30 yesterday morning and the carpet installation guys arrived just after 9 a.m. They worked until almost 2 p.m. while I worked outside. I didn’t go into the house much because they had some hideous acid new wave retro rock station playing music louder than my ears could take. It was a welcome noise to listen to the mower most of the day.

I also set the burn pile alight and had a pretty cool explosion. I had an old can of charcoal lighter fluid and I couldn’t get the lid off. I put it upside down on top of the pyre and after a while it exploded and launched about twenty feet into the air with a flaming tail. That really got things burning. Fortunately the grass was wet.

The carpet guys got the padding down and the carpet laid out. They (and I) will be back again today so they can stretch the carpet out and fasten it down. I have some more grass to mow. Otherwise I suspect I will be in the garage to avoid the loud music.

MjL

#34 Click this link to see Blog page --> 09/14/2018

#TremontHouse
After I got home I sent an email to a realtor who had helped us get the trailer loan. He was the listing agent for another trailer we had looked at and answered a lot of questions about financing a trailer. Since he was so helpful and we didn’t buy from him I thought we would give him our business in return. Hopefully he will get back with us so we can get the house listed.

MjL

#35 Click this link to see Blog page --> 09/15/2018

Spent another day at the #TremontHouse yesterday as the carpet installers finished up their work and I finished up the mowing.

I spent a little more time in the house. I just left my earplugs in from the mowing and the hideous music wasn’t so bad. I just nodded and grinned whenever the installers said something in passing. Hope I didn’t agree to anything stupid but couldn’t hear them with the earplugs and blaring music. I suspect they will be as deaf as I am some day and probably sooner if they keep listening to that din.

There seems to be a proclivity for singers who sound like they gargle with razor blades.

MjL

#36 Click this link to see Blog page --> 09/16/2018

Tracey and I went to the #TremontHouse for a couple hours yesterday to trim some trees and cut down some scrub on the property. When we left there was still a load on the trailer, I just got too hot and tired to finish unloading it. I think I will leave it until I can get there earlier before the sun is too high and hot.

MjL

#37 Click this link to see Blog page --> 09/17/2018

Tracey did a major cleaning of the ceramic tile floor at the front door and the oak flooring in the kitchen at the #TremontHouse. I should have collected more stuff for the last burn pile but decided it was too hot and humid.

Today I will be calling to get a realtor to list the house. Hopefully this last chapter in the moving saga will go smoothly. We are ready to be finally done with it.

MjL

#38 Click this link to see Blog page --> 09/18/2018

I mostly took it easy yesterday. I decided after four days in a row going over to the #TremontHouse I would take a break from there.

I did make a few calls and have an appointment to meet a realtor this morning. I am hopeful we can sell the house faster than we managed to prepare it to be sold. Time will tell.

MjL

#39 Click this link to see Blog page --> 09/19/2018

I met the realtor at the #TremontHouse yesterday and we spent a little over an hour going over the house and answering questions. He will now do a “market analysis” to determine how much he thinks we should list the house for sale. I’m sure I will always think it is worth more than it really is worth.

MjL

#40 Click this link to see Blog page --> 09/23/2018

I mowed grass at the #TremontHouse most of yesterday afternoon while Tracey stayed home and did yard work around the trailer.

It was a beautiful day fitting for the last of summer. Temps in the upper 50s with lots of sun and a bit of breeze. With harvest well on the way and the days getting shorter it is easy to see the last of the summer heat is on the way out.

MjL

#41 Click this link to see Blog page --> 09/24/2018

We spent a little more than an hour at the #TremontHouse yesterday. First we hauled the last of the trimmed limbs and bushes to the burn pile. Then Tracey vacuumed in the house while I finished mowing.

There were so many threads from the new carpet installation Tracey had to empty her vacuum after each room.

I parked the mower in the garage and shut off the gas supply and let the engine starve to clear the carburetor bowl and fuel lines. I am optimistic this will be the last mowing. Ever.

MjL

#42 Click this link to see Blog page --> 09/26/2018

#TremontHouse
I met with our new realtor yesterday afternoon. He brought some listings to compare with our house so we could determine a reasonable price to list it at. It is a balancing act between what the place might appraise for, what is low enough it won’t drive buyers away, and yet high enough to get the best price we can.

Tracey and I discussed it some last evening and we decided to sign the papers tomorrow morning. We will open the listing at $174,000.

I really think the place is worth more than that —— but I suppose it is natural to think that about a place you’ve lived in for almost 30 years. We put a lot of work into the place over those years.

MjL

#43 Click this link to see Blog page --> 09/27/2018

#TremontHouse
Our house is officially on the market!

MjL

#44 Click this link to see Blog page --> 09/27/2018

#TremontHouse
Here’s another web listing of our house.

MjL

#45 Click this link to see Blog page --> 09/28/2018

#TremontHouse
Our realtor has added my phone number to their text message notification system so we know when somebody is scheduled to look at our house. So far we have somebody going there this afternoon and another next Tuesday. Not a bad start. Cross your fingers!

MjL

#46 Click this link to see Blog page --> 10/02/2018

#TremontHouse
We got a couple more feedback emails from realtors. The first was chastising about the property not being flat and too hilly. I guess they should have looked at all those pictures on the listing site first?

The second one is a bit more promising. It said they are “maybe” interested and like the layout of the property, the big kitchen and they loved the big garage. Now if they would just offer to buy it!

MjL

#47 Click this link to see Blog page --> 10/03/2018

Busy day yesterday. Started out with a grocery run and back home to haul it all in and put it away. Then to Pekin to #PharmacyWalgreens to get my flu shot. Had to wait in line about a half-hour. I wanted to get the new Shingles vaccine too but they were out of that. I had them put my name on the list.

I stopped at UPS to have a vacuum cleaner attachment returned. The silly thing had been assembled backwards at the factory. It was cheaply made in the first place but of no use the way it was assembled.

Last I stopped at the #TremontHouse to air it out a little and make sure all the doors were still locked. Also to pick up the trash left by the last people to wander through. Would you leave an empty fast food cup sitting on the counter of a stranger’s home? Me either.

Our realtor says we now have two buyers in the “maybe” column. I replied that he should tell them to make an offer. I’m not going to lower the price just because they say it is too high. Make an offer and we can go from there.

MjL

#48 Click this link to see Blog page --> 10/04/2018

Our realtor emailed us a copy of the ad the realty placed in the Pekin Times. Our #TremontHouse is in the paper.

Full Page

MjL

#49 Click this link to see Blog page --> 10/08/2018

We took a run to the #TremontHouse and checked it all out to make sure everything is good. After a few days we start getting paranoid and feel the need to go over there and walk about.

Tracey checked the basement while I wandered around the upstairs. No leaks, sump pump working, etc. With all the rain we worry.

Also checked the propane tank and it is still at 50%.

Then we went to #JacksCafe for breakfast. It looks like the new gas station is almost ready to open. Figures. We move away and they build a new convenient gas station.

MjL

#50 Click this link to see Blog page --> 10/09/2018

We have gotten some pretty persistent feedback about the #TremontHouse from those who have looked at it —— too expensive and needs work. We decided to lower the price to $167,900 in hopes of swaying those on the fence. We really don’t want to heat it all winter and home sales really slack off after Thanksgiving. So ——

MjL

#51 Click this link to see Blog page --> 10/12/2018

We had three more showings of the #TremontHouse yesterday and the realtor sent over a list of questions. A woman was interested and wanted some questions answered before she went back with her husband. I am very hopeful about this because if she has fallen in love with that big kitchen it will be a big help in selling the place.

MjL

#52 Click this link to see Blog page --> 10/13/2018

Grocery run yesterday followed by a trip to the #TremontHouse to turn the furnace on. It was still 60°F in the house but I think it is time to turn the heat on for the season. I hope we can sell the place before the worst of winter.


A comment from one of the latest visitors says the “layout of the house is strange”. What are we supposed to do with that?

MjL

#53 Click this link to see Blog page --> 10/14/2018

I got a text saying there was an appointment for a second showing of our #TremontHouse today. That means they have been through once and are now returning to look again. The realtor says that is usually good news as it means we are on their list of real possibilities. I certainly hope so.

Keep your fingers crossed for us!

MjL

#54 Click this link to see Blog page --> 10/15/2018

There were some more emailed questions from the people looking at our #TremontHouse. I am glad to see they are still interested. I wish I had more patience because the waiting and hoping is a bother.

MjL

#55 Click this link to see Blog page --> 10/18/2018

I stopped by the #TremontHouse yesterday. Somebody had turned the thermostat up, probably to check out if the furnace runs. I don’t mind that but I wish they had set it back.

MjL

#56 Click this link to see Blog page --> 10/19/2018

I got an email from our realtor yesterday. We are going to get an offer on the #TremontHouse as soon as they get “pre-approval” for a loan. Another step forward. I am trying very hard not to get too optimistic.

MjL

#57 Click this link to see Blog page --> 10/20/2018

I couldn’t turn my brain off last night. It was past midnight before I could get to sleep, so of course I slept later this morning.

We got an offer on the #TremontHouse late last evening. It is several thousand dollars less than what we wanted but enough that I think we will accept it.

We Googled the buyers. They are a young couple in the Tremont area that have been married a couple years and have a little girl.

I just can’t help but think of what it was like for us thirty years ago when we bought the house. We didn’t have much money and wanted a nice home for little Noah. I guess I’m getting soft in my old age but I think that few thousand dollars means so much more to the young buyers than it does to us.

The appointment is at 1 p.m. this afternoon and I imagine we will talk about it some more but I think we have already decided.

MjL

#58 Click this link to see Blog page --> 10/21/2018

I slept much better last night. More because of exhaustion I think than because I feel any less stressed.

We met with the realtor and signed all the papers to accept the offer on the #TremontHouse. I will be so glad when this chapter is closed.

After the signing we went over to the house. Tracey took her camera and took a bunch of pictures. She wants to build a collage of the old place to hang in our trailer.

There is so much I will miss about our home of thirty years and yet a lot that I am happy to be without. Like stairs and mowing grass.

MjL

#59 Click this link to see Blog page --> 10/23/2018

I had stopped by the #TremontHouse on the way to breakfast and picked up the gas cans. I put about four gallons of gas in one of them and took them home. Now we have gas for the generator if we ever need it.

Speaking of which I need to get the charger back on the battery. I also need to get somebody out to give us an estimate on wiring the trailer so we can hook up the generator.

MjL

#60 Click this link to see Blog page --> 10/28/2018

We went to Jack’s for breakfast and stopped by the #TremontHouse on the way home. We noticed there were many colored flags marking the power lines and telephone. I think maybe JULIE was called when they came to check out the septic tank and field bed. Still don’t know the result of that inspection or any of the others. We continue to wait breathlessly.

After a quick walk about the house we loaded up a few things we decided to keep. Mostly towels and cleaning supplies.

There are still a few things, like a couple of ladders, but the house is basically empty now. I’m amazed we continue to find stuff though.

It is such an odd feeling now. So detached from the place we spent almost thirty years in and yet satisfaction to be finally beginning to turn the corner to our new home. Life is like that.

MjL

#61 Click this link to see Blog page --> 10/30/2018

I just got an email from our realtor saying we have to make repairs on the septic tank and well at the #TremontHouse. I figured we would. I was skeptical when I found out the inspections are contracted out to “qualified contractors”. The same “qualified contractors” who will be doing the repairs. Classic fox guarding the hen house.

I have no idea if the repairs are necessary but I do know they are nit picky and expensive. And we have no choice if we want to sell the house.

MjL

#62 Click this link to see Blog page --> 10/31/2018

#TremontHouse
I spent a good deal of time on the phone yesterday morning. I started with the home warranty people. Our realtor convinced us to purchase a home warranty policy as an incentive for buyers. It also covers the house before it is sold so we have coverage for the repairs to the septic tank. We should only have to pay $75. (On top of the high price of the policy)

English isn’t the first language of the person who answered the phone. (Of Course) After being swapped around and put on hold a couple times I was able to decipher that we have coverage but couldn’t make a claim until today. (Has to be thirty days after policy purchase)

Also they will choose and schedule the contractor to make the repairs. I will be on the phone again this morning to get that sorted out. My only concern is that the work is supposed to be done by Nov. 14th and that may be not be enough time.

I also spoke with the people who inspected the well. We have to get the well cap replaced, new conduit to the well and the well cleaned up as there is some bacteria in it. (Again. Of course. What well doesn’t?)

The last person on the list of calls was to the realtor who is filling in for our realtor. Our realtor is in Hawaii on a 2nd honeymoon.

I’m beginning to feel like I’m doing more work on selling the place than he is. Anyway, the fill in realtor was helpful in getting me informed on all the requirements. We have to sign an amendment agreeing to satisfy the inspection extortion. And another agreeing to sell the buyers our mower and trailer. (Another problem solved and a bit more income)

MjL

#63 Click this link to see Blog page --> 11/01/2018

#TremontHouse
I spent a lot of time on the phone again yesterday and didn’t make much progress in getting somebody scheduled to work on the septic tank.

My first call was to the home warranty people and again no progress as they couldn’t get into the computer to make a claim. After a couple calls I was told it is possible none of it will be covered anyway. Doesn’t surprise me but considering nobody I talked to even knows how a septic system works or where Tremont is —— I take a lot of it with a grain of salt.

Later in the day the realtor called to say I should be getting a call from a local contractor. Hopefully that will happen tomorrow and I can get some better answers about scheduling, costs, and what might be covered under this warranty.

I keep telling myself to be patient but it is hard. Especially when some people think a city plumber will fix a septic tank. I really doubt that and the conversation quickly became a dead end.

Another part of the aggravation is that they still don’t have anything on the termite inspection or the house appraisal, yet they are pressuring me to sign amendments about the septic and well. I’m not too keen on agreeing to that much expense with no information about whether the buyers will get their loan or if I’m out of pocket for pest control. A very disorganized process.

Another big peeve is that the realtors will collect a hefty fee for dumping all this work on me. I appreciate the help in getting the house listed and sold, but lately they have really dropped the ball.

MjL

#64 Click this link to see Blog page --> 11/02/2018

I just got up. Massive oversleep by at least an hour. It’s been a stressful couple days.

The guy at the home warranty place I talked to last Tuesday finally called me back yesterday around 1 p.m. He was supposed to call me back at 9 a.m. He had told me Tuesday I had warranty coverage for the septic system. So we’ve wasted the past few days. He told me yesterday the coverage is only for the buyer, not the seller. Ridiculous.

It was almost five in the evening before I could get a contractor to agree to the work on such short notice and even then there are no guarantees the work will be done in time.

I will be so very happy to get this #TremontHouse sold. What a hassle.

MjL

#65 Click this link to see Blog page --> 11/02/2018

A big part of my worry is that I was afraid we would breach our sales contract and lose the buyers if we couldn’t get this work done on time. I was told yesterday they are eager to move in and not to worry because they would agree to have the work done after closing. So the stress about that is gone now. Thank goodness. #TremontHouse

MjL

#66 Click this link to see Blog page --> 11/03/2018

I find myself counting the days until we sign the closing papers to finalize the sale of our #TremontHouse. I’ve gotten so distracted with that I decided to put a countdown clock in the left margin so you can count with me.

MjL

#67 Click this link to see Blog page --> 11/03/2018

#TremontHouse
I just found out yesterday afternoon the buyers realtor hadn’t scheduled the termite inspection. I thought it was already done. And they don’t have the results of the appraisal and their loan isn’t approved yet. Maybe I am just paranoid but I wish they were a bit more pro-active.

MjL

#68 Click this link to see Blog page --> 11/04/2018

We went by the #TremontHouse yesterday to pick up a couple ladders and some stuff out of the garage. Major nostalgia. The less time we spend there the more it hits us when we do go. All those years and memories seem to crowd in all of a sudden. That mixed with some guilt and being happy we moved to a new home with better options for us now.

MjL

#69 Click this link to see Cartoons page --> 11/05/2016 #36

Yep. This was our attitude until this June. #TremontHouse
Now we are almost out the other side of the moving adventure.

MjL

#70 Click this link to see Blog page --> 11/08/2018

I went to the #TremontHouse yesterday to load up a small cart. Tracey has decided she would like to keep it after all. I was happy to see the work on the well and the septic tank had been done. Two less things to worry about before closing the sale.

They really left a muddy mess where they dug up the septic tank. I was quite concerned about it until I realized it really isn’t my problem anymore.

I am surprised at the feelings I have about the old place. I went into the house to wander about a little and check to make sure all was well. I teared up a bit thinking about all the years and memories.

MjL

#71 Click this link to see Blog page --> 11/09/2018

I called AmerenCilco and our propane supplier to get them transferred to the new owners of our #TremontHouse. In both cases they had already been informed by the Baers. I get the feeling they are anxious to get moved in. I think that is great. I think our old home will be in good hands and very appreciated.

I know it was in much worse shape when we moved in almost 30 years ago and we thought it was a palace of our own.

MjL

#72 Click this link to see Blog page --> 11/11/2018

We went to the #TremontHouse to pick up the last of our kitchen chairs. It will likely be the last time we are in the house. It was a real bittersweet moment as we were leaving. I think we may be getting old and sentimental.

So many memories.

MjL

#73 Click this link to see Blog page --> 11/13/2018

#TremontHouse
It seems our usual poor luck has come along again. We received an email from our realtor (who was gone on vacation during the “home warranty fiasco") explaining there was a problem with the title insurance.

The lady doing the title work thinks there may be a problem with the right of way in front of the house. She sent an email to the county tax assessor’s office some weeks ago and then —— left the office. She was back yesterday and nobody did anything on this while she was gone.

My realtor urged me to call her. I’m not sure why since I know nothing about the legal speak involved. She made it clear she “was not comfortable making a decision” about this issue and said I should call the tax office to see if, as a taxpayer, I could urge this person to make a decision for her. There will be no title insurance and no closing until this is resolved. The tax office was closed yesterday.

I sent an email and I suppose I should call again some time later today. I don’t know why we are paying the realtor or the title person if I have to make all the calls to resolve these problems.

MjL

#74 Click this link to see Blog page --> 11/14/2018

Yesterday was pretty much non-stop emails, texts and phone calls. We finally have everything ready to close on the #TremontHouse next Monday.

I think.

I called the septic and well repair contractors and got them to email certifications of work completed and the well water is clean.

I called the title company and she said my email to the county assessor’s office evidently jogged them to return her calls and a compromise has been worked out on the legal description.

And so on. The only thing outstanding (that I am aware of) is the invoice for the septic repairs. There seems to be some concern that I won’t pay for these so I don’t know if we will have to escrow some money for that or not. I say “that I am aware of” because this adventure has been full of surprises about legal minutiae, red tape and expensive empty inspections and repairs required.

MjL

#75 Click this link to see Blog page --> 11/15/2018

#TremontHouse
I returned home to a flurry of emails and text messages from our realtor. It seems they are all excited that I haven’t paid the bills for the repairs to the septic and well. I didn’t even have the invoices yet. My realtor had called them and told them to send me an invoice and he wanted me to run around and pay them so I could get a receipt proving they were paid.

I wasn’t too interested in doing that. Finally it was agreed the closing agent would pay them out of the proceeds from the sale.

I am getting very tired of these last minute emergencies caused by hyperventilating realtors.

MjL

#76 Click this link to see Blog page --> 11/16/2018

Each day I figure I have handled the last of the screw-ups on the #TremontHouse sale and each day I find another problem in my email inbox.

Yesterday I received an email listing the closing costs and the amount of our loan payoff is off by $500. That would be the November payment that was mailed Nov. 8th but wasn’t delivered to the bank until yesterday. I told both the bank and the closing agent to watch for this last week when I signed the papers to allow them to pay off the loan.

Both the bank and the closing agent assure me it is no problem. That I will get the $500 back after the closing when the final numbers are crunched.

Funny how that works. They have kitten fits about every nickel and dime I may owe on any number of things and expect me to jump through hoops to make sure they get their money before closing. They don’t trust me. But I am supposed to trust them.

I don’t seem to have much choice because they will “have to reschedule the closing date” if I don’t just go forward with their screwed up numbers. And I know the young buyers want to get into the house before Thanksgiving. But if I make them fix THEIR screw up it will be MY fault for making them reschedule.

I really hate this shit.

MjL

#77 Click this link to see Blog page --> 11/18/2018

We went to Jack’s for breakfast and then stopped by the #TremontHouse again one last time. Tracey is having a hard time parting with that old place with all the memories and nostalgia. I’m not much better. I didn’t even go in the house. I sat out in the car in the driveway. I already said my goodbyes last weekend.

She is worried about the fish in the pond as she hadn’t started the pump that keeps the water flowing so the pond doesn’t freeze over and kill the fish for lack of oxygen. I wouldn’t be surprised if she goes back today to put the pump together and into the pond. One last final goodby to her beloved pond.

MjL

#78 Click this link to see Blog page --> 11/19/2018

Today is the big day and I couldn’t get to sleep last night thinking about it. I will be going back to bed soon to make up for it.

We stopped by the house again yesterday. Tracey decided she just had to get the fish pond pump working so her fish won’t die. Except they won’t be her fish after today. That’s okay. If it helps give her some closure I’m all for it. It only took about a half-hour for her to get it all hooked up and the water flowing again.

I just hope there are no more problems and we can close the sale on the #TremontHouse quick and painlessly.

MjL

#79 Click this link to see Blog page --> 11/20/2018

#TremontHouse
The deed is done. Pun intended. We no longer own two homes. A very nostalgic event that took far longer than I expected. We signed so many papers I couldn’t keep track of them all. We even signed a paper saying our signatures were our own signatures. If that makes any sense.

There’s no going back now. And I don’t think we will regret it. I’m already much happier not having to negotiate all those stairs.

MjL

#80 Click this link to see Blog page --> 11/21/2018

I’m running later than usual this morning because I finally got some sleep. With all the #TremontHouse stuff on my mind I hadn’t been sleeping well lately and I guess that has finally been resolved.

MjL

#81 Click this link to see Blog page --> 11/22/2018

I still find myself thinking of the old #TremontHouse from time to time. Or the sudden realization that I LIVE here now. Not just visiting or a short vacation stay (like at a motel) but actually living here for good.

I’ve also set my phone back to “Do Not Disturb”. The only calls that will get through to me are those on my list of Favorites. The rest get shunted off to voicemail. (Don’t worry, there’s a good chance that if you are reading this you are on the good list.)

I had turned off the call filters because I was getting so many calls from so many people and places while we were moving and selling the house and too many people don’t leave messages. I had been dealing with the several calls a day from people trying to sell me junk.

I think somebody pranked me because I used to get a call at least once a week from some place who wanted to help me with my substance abuse. I effect my best stoner tone and voice to say, “No Thanks Dude!”, and hang up. (Actually I just push a button)

MjL

#82 Click this link to see Blog page --> 12/11/2018

I went for a grocery run yesterday and that was the extent of my adventures except for taking the garbage can to the curb and getting the mail. It is nice not having the daily worries of #TremontHouse selling.

I still think of the old place now and then but less every day. I still really miss our sun room and the peaceful atmosphere of country living. But it is balanced by not having all those stairs to climb.

MjL

#83 Click this link to see Blog page --> 05/03/2019

#TremontHouse
I’ve been watching the news about all the local flooding and I wonder about our old home. I’ll bet the sump pump is running constantly and Dillon Creek is running high if not overflowing. That is another thing that is nice not having to worry about since we moved.

MjL

#84 Click this link to see Assorted Stuff page --> 11/19/2019 #3

We actually had two of these drawers before we left the #TremontHouse.

MjL

#85 Click this link to see Blog page --> 11/19/2019

#TremontHouse
One year ago today we signed the papers to sell our home at Tall Weed Acres. Very nostalgic about that. I lived almost half my life there.

MjL

#86 Click this link to see Blog page --> 10/19/2021

Three years ago today we received an offer to buy the #TremontHouse, we sold soon after. We sometimes think about driving by again, but always decide not to. We would prefer to remember what it looked like when it was ours.

MjL

#87 Click this link to see Twitter Roundup page --> 12/01/2023 #7

We went through this nonsense when we sold the #TremontHouse
and had the argument about signatures. I told the realtors
to pretend we lived in Hawaii and couldn’t drive to town
every other day to sign another useless document. Amazing
how things can actually get done without the BS.

MjL

#88 Click this link to see Blog page --> 12/15/2023

#Obituary
Our neighbor when we lived in the #TremontHouse has passed. Mary Krumholz was a good neighbor. Obituary

MjL

#89 Click this link to see Twitter Roundup page --> 01/31/2024 #6

One of the financial reasons we moved from the #TremontHouse was the cost of taxes. Also propane and house insurance.

MjL

#90 Click this link to see Blog page --> 12/11/2024


Click to Enlarge		My brother Alan was driving west on Allentown Rd. when he noticed this large building and drove down the lane to our old #TremontHouse to check it out. This is the view looking north from the old place. Really alters the view from the sun room. Another reason to be glad we moved.

MjL