Moving Forward

Yesterday we loaded all the furniture minus our bed in the U-HAUL. The bed will be the last thing loaded & the first thing removed so we have something to crash on.

Sweetie went to bed at 9 p.m. and woke at 1:30 a.m. He puttered in the pole barn awhile then came in & drank coffee. I stayed up until 11:30 p.m. and got up at 6 a.m. The garbage has been hauled to the community dumpster and a few crates have been loaded but we need daylight to do much else.

Our aim is to leave here today. Time will tell as Sweetie just admitted to spitting up blood for the past two days.

I've arranged for more help once we arrive down state. In the meantime we appreciate everyone's comments and prayers. Treesong

The Procastinator's Curse

Sweetie and I have many similarities but also a glaring opposite trait; namely he's a procrastinator who takes his time to "think things through." I, on the other hand, act quickly, decisively and work a project through to its conclusion. If it has to be done, I getter done. Then it's finished!!!

The sheer thought of moving has immobilized him due to his "mess" in the pole barn. This consists of buckets, crates, boxes, tool chests, and piles of more stuff than I care to mention. And hardly any of it's been touched since being unloaded from the U-Haul 18 months ago!!!

So, a 26' truck has sat in the drive since 1 p.m. today - still empty. Our pickup, with sides built up around the bed, has been partially loaded.

Everything in the house is packed except the TV and computer, minimal toiletries and the coffee pot. We're living on soup, sandwiches, and oatmeal cooked in the microwave in heavy paper bowls.

We've had six calls from potential buyers of the Blazer/plow but either they haven't shown up, haven't had the money or low balled the asking price.

As of today, he plans to load the pickup; place it on the car hauler and have me drive the car down state. The Case tractor goes in the U-Haul with garage junk around it and furniture to the back of the U-Haul.

That's the plan. When it will come to fruition is any one's guess. We have until 1 p.m. Tuesday to return it - in Ionia.

WHEN this move is completed all of his stuff will land in yet another pole barn, where fortunately I can't see it from any window of the home.

To say I'm frustrated is an understatement. Thanks for letting me vent.

Living on Preps

I always knew there'd come a time when we lived totally on our preps. That time has arrived.

Based on our balance sheet and the likelihood that our land contract will be foreclosed on, we're belt tightening now.

Canned meats, soups, vegetables and fruits will be supplemented with dried pastas and beans and instant potato flakes. I have sauces, flavorings, gravy mixes and baking mix and pancake mix too and even powdered egg, butter, powdered milk, canned juices and 12 cans of coffee.

There have been times in my life when I ate nothing but pasta and soup for weeks on end. Thankfully, wise prepping will give us better fare.

So, from here on out, no grocery shopping. Our fridge top freezer here has 3# of hamburger, a beef roast, 30# of blueberries, some frozen veggies and a package of chicken breasts. Gonna clean up the freezer meat first instead of packing it in a cooler for the trip south. The blueberries will be transported on ice for use in pies, muffins and bread through the winter. Even if they thaw some, blueberries re-freeze well.

Our cleaning, personal care and medical supplies are in good shape too. The thing I'll miss is my caffeine free diet coke. But, sacrifice we will.

Occassionally I'll give updates as to how our diets are faring.

Well, it's late and I've been yawning long enough. Later, Treesong

Developments Since 10/14/10

The Buyer's deposit was delayed until Monday thanks to electronic snafus.

The people in our family - who've had little to do with us or my father - threw a tizzy over the nerve of us moving and "abandoning" my Dad.

We packed our truck full to the side walls Sweetie had built and hitched the golf cart on its trailer behind it. The motor home starter gave out 50 miles later at a gas station and we developed a fuel line leak to boot.

We had no other mishaps until the golf cart windshield flew off near the Lewiston exit. About 23 miles later a State Police car had stopped a car on the right shoulder so traffic merged to the left lane. Sweetie did likewise, promptly pulling in front of an 18-wheeler traveling at 70 mph while he did 55 mph. Four cars behind the 18 wheeler braked hard headed for the right hand lane where I was. I closed my eyes and said, "Lord, if this is my time, fine."

When I opened my eyes, the four cars where stopped in the left and right lanes; Sweetie was back in the right lane oblivious to it all, and the 18 wheeler was way ahead of the whole mess. I, on the other hand, was about to run into the back of a pick up as I had not braked at all!!!

At the first St. Johns exit, north of Lansing, I drove 25 mph on a side street in front of Sweetie in the motor home. Within 300 feet, the trailer detached from the ball hitch, a chain broke too and the tongue slid beneath the truck. I pulled over, thankful that we weren't traveling 55-65 mph on the highway.

We arrived at the new place just before night fall and couldn't find the key that had been hidden. A few phone calls and half an hour later we were inside. While waiting for entry Sweetie walked around the buildings and yard. His only remark was, "it's too close to the road."

We spent four days working on the place, unpacked and shared three meals with friends. It was wonderful to be in an area where people were looking forward to seeing us. By the second day we knew we'd made the right choice. Sweetie liked the road, the field, the neighbors and the convenience of an 16 mile round trip to Tractor Supply or Menards versus the 240 mile round trip we used to travel.

We arrived here last night and the family dramas have continued since. My sister-in-law had taken my father for a tour of an assisted living facility. He like the place, turned in his application and deposit and picked up a change of address form from the post office.

While my SIL was gone to a neighbor's to pick up some homemade jam, my ex showed up at her home and completely undid the previous arrangements. When she came home she found my ex sitting at her kitchen table with three empty beers. He said he "had taken care of everything" for Dad and he would be moving in with my daughter's boyfriend. The fireworks soon flew and the ex soon left.

My father said nothing at all but left the house while she was in the shower the next morning. He went to my daughter's home, called my middle sister and asked her to come out here with himto check on the cats. While here, they loaded most of his stuff in her truck & delivered it to the boyfriend's.

If you're dizzy from reading all this, imagine how we feel.

We've wisely chosen to remain neutral. In a matter of weeks they'll all realize what they've signed up for and their complaints will begin. In the meantime my father will relish all the attention and have lots of people to play against one another.

His niece and nephews downstate are amazed and shocked by all that has transpired. I've assured them that it's all "normal" in this family. The SIL and we feel fortunate that we'll be some distance away. She was going to remain here this winter but may return to Idaho. We'll be 527 miles south.

Frankly, when all is said and done, that's exactly what our "family" wants. Once again, what at first seems like upheaval and disappointment will be a blessing.

We've also received another past due tax notice on the land contract downstate. Tomorrow begins another round of phone calls, legal maneuvering and appointments. Perhaps by Tuesday we'll return to packing and loading a truck and enclosed trailer.

The adventure continues!

Just As I Open My Mouth...

Within two hours of my last post the buyer's lawyer finally called. The Purchase Agreement is signed tomorrow and the deposit is wired to our account.

Meanwhile I talked with my Dad's niece downstate and told her the news. She was excited as my Dad is the only elderly family she and her brothers have in Michigan. Dad's sister (her mom) lives in Florida. She too thought it would be good for all of us to have a change of scenery, etc.

The owner of the place we're buying downstate called awhile ago. Just wanted to be sure we're still interested. She's carrying a lot on her shoulders with her upcoming wedding, cleaning out her old home, her fiance's health (he's awaiting a heart transplant) and starting a new part time job.

I assured her we were more than ready to move & told her what we'd already packed. That in itself encouraged her.

And just imagine, Sweetie hasn't seen the place yet!!! Not in person anyway.

In a few days I'll post pictures of our vehicles and the sparse interior areas here.

Thanks all for your comments, Treesong

In Limbo

We're in that familiar place - Limbo.

I, being the proactive, getter done kind of gal, have packed the motor home to the ceiling, keeping in mind even weight distribution. It is our personal U-Haul and I'm crossing my fingers that it survives the 500+ mile trip.

Sweetie, being the laid back, reflective guy that he is, watches the progress and asks, "Did you remember to...?" And, "What about....?"

So today is role reversal time.

I'll read and sip coffee and wonder when he's going to remove himself from his all mighty recliner.

Occasionally, I'll comment on the weather and ask if he'll need help with anything.

Meanwhile, my father's been told of "the move" as simply and delicately as possible. Too much said leads to confusion and endless questions. We've told him he's free to remain in the area or go with us. To our surprise, we said he'd go with us.

However, and it's a huge however, my brother's in town until Sunday. A last minute trip to get dental, vision, hearing and a physical before jetting off again delights my Dad who meets his only son for breakfast this morning. Sunday brother flies to Iraq for work as a "gun carrier" according to his long suffering wife.

His wife and I have communicated via email (still ignoring her husband's directive) and she passed the word to my brother that we're moving. Brother made a few wisecracks and quickly went next door to my next youngest sister's. We all await the result of that meeting. We expect a pronouncement from them as to what Dad is to do. Brother is his executor and has Power of Attorney but otherwise limited contact with our aging father. Sister has called Dad about five times in 10 months and visited here three times. She's always got a smile on her face while here but goes home, calls my brother and mentions the tiniest concerns. The last was that Dad's car should be parked so that he doesn't have to turn around to leave the drive. And maybe he should eat more fresh fruit instead of canned.

Brother was fired from his last assignment in Jordan but, after two rejections elsewhere, managed to secure a 2-3 month stint in Iraq. His previous three stints there were at higher pay and position but, like his wife says, the AAA is catching up with him - attitude, arrogance and alcohol.

Dad doesn't want to sever the relationship with his cat so either he moves into a an apartment that allows pets; with another relative (can't imagine who) or with us. Right now he feels he and his cat should remain with familiar people. Personally, I think a change of scenery and closer to amenities and his downstate relatives and friends might be the best medicine.

Alas, as I'm always saying, time will tell.

We also await the signed Purchase Agreement and deposit from the buyer here and have issues to address with the land contract people downstate.

For sure, life is not dull!

In Response to What's 4 Sale

If any one's interested in the items we have for sale, keep in mind we're located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula in northern Houghton County.

For those of you who've asked, the prices are as follows:

Golf Cart, 92 Yamaha w/canopy and split window, ball hitch & 3 sided box ($1500).

570 Case Diesel w/back blade, bucket, 3 pt. hitch, live PTO & new Country Line 5' brush hog ($5000).

1978 Chevy Blazer with Western plow. 350 V8. Missing rear bumper. Has great tires plus a spare. Used only for plowing driveway. ($900)

1981 Dodge Rockwood 2300. Sleeps 4-6. Awning and Onan generator. Propane 4-burner stove & oven. Propane/Electric refrigerator. Full bath w/tub/shower. Upholstery and windows/screens in excellent shape. ($3000).

Contact us via this blog if seriously interested.

It's All For Sale

Sweetie has selling fever. He's had me listing things on Craigslist half the day - between three loads of laundry, vacuuming, cooking, bookkeeping, and packing a few boxes while Dad was walking.

I know what's motivating him: the chance to wheel and deal and visit farm implement stores, junkyards, scrap metal shops and auctions. As long as he keeps his wheeling/dealing on a profit making trend we'll both be happy.

So here's a sampling of what he's put up for sale. We've given first dibs to the guy whose buying this place.

Thanks all for your comments. Talk to ya'll later, Treesong

A Week of Changes

As I posted earlier, the winds of change have been blowing and I knew something was in the works.

While visiting downstate, I followed my desire to return to a familiar area by lookin at real estate. I looked in a tiny village, then considered the nearby town of Ionia.

I also toured my elderly friend's home and knew instantly this was NOT the place. I talked to Sweetie that evening and told him of looking at my friend's home. He said, "I need a pole barn and five acres to drive my tractor around."

This was my first clue that he just might be changing his mind. Hmmm.

After four days of looking I decided to wander country roads. I'd told myself I'd turn down any road that had a real estate sign.

The very first road had NO signs but I turned down it anyway. Sixth-tenths of a mile later I came upon a for sale by owner sign. It said: "Mobile home, pole barn and five acres."

I sat there and cried for a couple minutes, gathered my senses and called the owner's number. The woman was bound for Chicago and would return in two days. Once I toured the place I was amazed at how God had heard my prayers. Both bedrooms are larger than what we have now and a bedroom and bath flank each end of the home. The layout is like none I've ever seen and there's more storage that I've ever had. The parcel is a long 5 acres with 168 feet of road frontage bordered by a corn field to the north and forest to the south. A two-track leads up a small incline beyond some woods by the pole barn and to a field where deer gather. Following that road I thought to myself, "this could be my after dinner walk." Twas a nice feeling.

The attached mud room will come in handy when Sweetie comes in from the pole barn where he will be able to drive his tractor inside thanks to the full-height sliding door. A deck off the living room looks out at perennial flowers, lilac bushes, raspberries and blackberries. Aside from removing the kitchen wall paper and rebuilding the deck, there is nothing to do.

We drive downstate next week so Sweetie can see the place. He's drooled over the pictures and spent the last few days "thinking about what to pack in the U-haul."

We emailed the man who wanted to buy the three acres and he's signing a Purchase Agreement and sending us a deposit next week for the whole place. We've also received an offer on the property downstate that we sold on a land contract.

If that sells we'll be out of debt and have a tidy nest egg.

Our only remaining challenge is what to do about Dad. We've decided not to say anything until all the ink has dried and the results of his CAT scan are in.

I pray my father will realize he needs to live in town where he's surrounded by my sisters and my children. He craves attention and action and we're either tired or too sedate at this point. I think we're all in need of a change.

If things have worked out thus far the rest will too.

Sweetie accepts the fact that his health no longer permits working on constant remodeling/repair projects. Living within a mile of a small grocery, gas station, library and medical clinic would be advantageous and best of all we have wonderful neighbors. The road is a mile long and includes three retired couples, one Black Angus farm next door, a 30-ish couple with two kids, and a 48 year old single man who winters in Florida.

So now The View From Treesong's will have a difference perspective!

The Winds of Change

They're blowing. I can feel it in my soul.

Of course, life is never static, but I've lived long enough to recognize the signs. I have my private meditation/prayer time every day and "unexpected" things are happening.

My elderly friend near Ionia, MI. called and confessed she thinks her time to leave this world is approaching. She really needs new legs or a wheelchair and like she says, "the first option is too expensive and the second is too depressing." She then said she feels depressed - a startling admission from a woman who's been the backbone of her family.

It so happens my father wants to make another trip to Mt. Pleasant to spend a week with his professor friend. I'm dropping him off in about a week and continuing on to Ionia. I called my friend to confirm my visit and she said, "you'll never believe this but my old place is up for sale."

She's right. I thought her current home was for sale and she'd decided to move in with a family member or go to the nursing home. I hate the thought of either and so does she.

Now she's dreaming of her old place and half-jokingly tried to talk us into buying it. "And if you can't move here right away maybe I could stay there until you get here."

Strange how my night time dreams at least partially come true. Sweetie, who's adverse to moving downstate but will move to Florida, was actually interested in reviewing the realtor's photos online. He asked a few questions and has been quiet ever since - a sign his gray matter is processing a few things.

In the meantime, we continue to work on things here and plan for the trip. Sweetie thus far says he's not joining us - unless he has a funeral to attend or a fat check to pick up from the sale of his mom's home.

So, like everything else in life, time will tell.

Today, I'm cleaning closets, donating to Goodwill and picking up the supplies for International Coastal Cleanup Day. I have a four mile stretch of beach to clean between now and October 2. Anyone want to join me?

Birthdays

Yesterday we celebrated Sweetie's 67th birthday - which I have been celebrating for awhile now as I've been saying for months that he's 67! Ah well, he's taken it in stride.

Dad took us to dinner at our favorite place and two of us enjoyed eating beef! Prime rib for Sweetie, rib eye for me and fish for Dad. Later we stopped at the grocery and picked up a pecan pie and strawberry cheesecake. Sweetie had stayed up til 5 a.m. yesterday so he slept in until 12:30 p.m. as did Dad. I got plenty of things done while they slept and occasionally checked to see if they were still breathing!

This morning I fixed the guys fried ham and eggs, toast, juice and coffee and now Dad has gone back to bed. Sweetie's playing Freecell and thinking, I'm sure. Once again the land contract payment is overdue and once again we're both holding our breath and hoping and praying it will arrive soon. If the buyers can manage to make payments for nine more years then we're free of the place downstate. If not, well, I really don't want to imagine that scenario. Like our banker here says: "Receiving payments from them, even if they're late, is better than them walking away. Look at them as though they're renters..."

Would be a great thing to do if we had several thousand in reserve.

In other news my Dad was the victim of a bank scam. We would never have known about it if I hadn't questioned him for the third time about a "book they're publishing" that he wanted to send a photo in to. Two days ago he said, "the nice man who called me already had my bank account number and wanted to record what he told me and my answers so it was okay to take money out."

This "nice man" called him about two weeks ago while we were either outside or not at home. The strange thing is he reached my Dad by calling OUR phone number. Few people know our number or that Dad's here and our phone seldom ever rings!

Two hours later a friend of his called. "We wondered if your Dad mailed his contribution to our ministry because we haven't received it," he said. By then it was too late to contact the bank but we stopped there yesterday. We surmise someone lifted his donation from our mailbox, or elsewhere in the process, then used the account info to access money. Dad's missing check has NOT been cashed but two ACH debits have gone through: the first for a small amount from one phony company; the second a large amount from another company. According to the bank, this is a common practice. The first is a "test run" and then the real damage is done.

Add to this pressure the fact that Dad gets confused and we have a real challenge on our hands. He also steadfastly refused to add my name to his account as an authorized signature because he claims my dearly beloved brother "handles everything!" My brother is his executor but is nearly always playing mercenary overseas. I emailed his long-suffering wife about the bank scam and she forwarded it to my brother. HE responded by saying I'm the one raiding Dad's account and that set off a round of fighting between the unhappily married couple.

My brother, who cheats on his wife and was fired from his assignment in Jordan, is now holed up with a "friend" over there while he tries to find an assignment in Kabul! Like his wife says, "Maybe a sniper will hit his target."

So, closer monitoring of my Dad's financial affairs is in order.

We also learned that local banks in this little corner of the world are not exempt from fraud. The bank's security person said attempts to steal account information happen daily and much of it ends up being unrecoverable. The scams happen quickly and the jerks change accounts, locations, etc. HOURLY.

Another reason to keep cash at home guarded by a loaded gun.

It's Been Awhile

It's been awhile since I've posted because...

I've been way layed by another MS episode. It's passed for now but not before I've accumulated more broken dishes, a gashed elbow and some bruised arms and legs.

When I've had energy I've helped Sweetie get a few projects completed. We're about seven weeks away from our first snowfall. It seldom stays longer than a few days until the season really gets going in mid November. In the meantime we've had low temps, high winds and lots of rain. The gravel road we live on is in sore need of a grader and a week of sunshine.

We've had some luck selling a few things along the roadside in our front yard. Sure has helped the bottom line as we've had plenty of expenses. Before one can sell land it has to be resurveyed ($250), an attorney hired ($300), and two new deeds prepared. Add insurance and plates due on two vehicles because of Sweetie's birthday and the piggy bank is looking sickly.

Dad's taking us out to dinner Tuesday and on the way home we're picking up another load of firewood. Despite any claims of the Farmer's Almanac, people here are prepping for a hard winter. We still need to get the pole barn roof extended over the firewood stacked along its west wall. Though we have most of the materials for this project we need some lumber and clear skies. Three times today we started outside to work and all three times we never got beyond the front steps.

I did a large grocery/prep restocking yesterday. As usual prices had increased: 80 cents more for butter, 98 cents more for a dozen eggs, 18 cent increase for ground check (didn't buy any). Chicken or pork in a zillion different varieties will be on the menu for the next few months. $3.89 for round steak or $4.49 for beef roast just ain't happening in this house.

May have some great pictures to post next week - if the weather clears. Have a great week everyone. Treesong

And the Saga Continues

Potential buyer of the 3.1 acres arrived Thursday. We spent a few hours talking around the kitchen table and then he walked over the land again. He stopped to introduced himself to Jack A--'s wife who told him they're "real sticklers about property lines" and don't feel our fence is in the right area. When the potential buyer stopped by later to tell us of his visit he also asked if we were aware of how much stuff the jerk had moved back onto our land. Yesterday he fired up the Case with the brush hog attached and headed through the woods. Aside fromt the noise, when he stopped within inches of their encroaching outbuilding, he had their attention. The wife came running outside with her video camera and her hubby dashed out the door buckling his belt and asked "what's up?"

As usual Sweetie extended his handshake, smiled and said, "Just here to let you know this is my land and you need to move your stuff - just like I told you before."

Jack A-- once again claimed he "didn't think it's your land." And once again, like a broken record, Sweetie repeated our standard response: "I have a survey, a deed, title insurance, a mortgage, property insurance and an investment in fence and posts. I don't mess with land that's not mine!"

About this time I walked up and the wife repositioned herself so she could record all of us. I waved and smiled at the camera and then turned my back. She repositioned herself again. I smiled and waved again and turned sideways. Sweetie smiled and later, at home, told me he had waved and smiled at the camera too. "Gosh, we're so much alike!" I said.

But back to the conversation. We talked about him not liking the fence; us not liking the mess on our land; his son and grandson telling us we have no business on the access roads or the beach; and the fact that we're not backing down. At one point Sweetie mentioned the potential buyer's plans which include posting the property and dealing with his encroachment. That brought a shadow to Jack A--'s face but he bit his lip and didn't say anything.

The potential buyer he told us he has deep pockets; has hired a real estate attorney and won't be messing around with B.S. from the Jack A--.

The conversation ended by Jack A-- saying, "Well, do what you want. It's your land but I don't like it."

Translation: I'm ending the conversation but I'll continue to be a nuisance.

Tonight we've invited the potential buyer to dinner. And while sitting here in the early morning quiet another thought occurred to me. I think another visit to the courthouse is in order before we proceed further. Just to be sure of something...

Unexpected Blessings

If you've read this blog for any length of time you know the headaches our neighbors have been.

Now, if all goes well, we will sell 3 acres to our neighbor to the north. He's a like-minded individual who has already bought 24 metal No Trespassing signs and attached them to plywood. When he's here next weekend he intends to post the southern boundary - that area around Jack A-- who's decorated the fence once again with dozens of deer antlers, & Harley and Budweiser banners. As if that's not enough he's attached an old fuel can to the western corner post & uses it for target practice. When we were offered $2,000 an acre for the land we decided why not let the land be someone elses problem?

We still retain nine acres and once the transaction's complete we'll have paid our mortgage down by $6,000 too. We couldn't be happier.

Then, Sweetie, who's waxing nestolgic for Florida said, "I wonder if he'd like to buy the whole place."

Time will tell.

Out & About

Here's some photos of our addition and Midnight, a 6 year-old male we inherited from my youngest granddaughter. Her Dad's bunking at my daughter's while rehabbing his house and his children are only here on weekends so now Midnight has full time attention.

Today we're out and about to pick up used 1x2's from my son's remodeling project, pay auto insurance and pick up a few groceries.

Another cool breezy day here. Thermometer is inching towards 50, it's raining and the winds are a brisk 30mph. Signs of fall are everywhere. Maples turning color and ferns about 50% brown. In a way I'm looking forward to cooler weather and color season. Sure is a lot more pleasant taking my daily walk in 50-60 degree temps and no humidity!

Well, time to scoot. Sweetie's got the truck idling. Have a great day, Treesong

Tested

Aside from the jack ass neighbor, here's a sampling of what we've faced in the past two weeks:

Broken starter on the Case tractor; flat/slashed tires on the golf cart (prolly some one's reminder that "this is not a country club); leaking sprayer at the kitchen sink replaced with a spare that also leaked; new brakes on the truck and rear of the motor home; 48 degrees here this morn so turned the furnace on - no heat, blows cold air; the well pump sounds like a garbage disposal - Sweetie thinks a bearing is going.

And finally, the land contract buyers on the place downstate are delinquent in the property taxes. The finance company sent us a notice to pay up in 30 days or the total loan amount is due ($18,000).

Remarkably, we have not bitched, whined, cried or shot anyone - yet. In fact, yesterday when we waved at the neighbors they turned around and walked the other way.

Went to a metaphysical fair only to say goodbye to a friend who was selling salt lamps there. A woman approached me and said she had a message for me: "You're climbing the valley and the sun is coming over the horizon."

And so life goes. Treesong

Simple Pleasures

The humidity here makes me want to stay in the water all day or stretch out on the sofa with the AC on high. Either option soon bores me so yesterday I took a walk to indulge in one of my favorite pastimes: rock hounding.

The picture above shows the copper specimens I picked up along our gravel road. After the road grader has been by is the best time to find copper. I't looks different than the other pieces of crushed rock; often has a tourquoise patina and is noticeably heavier.

Another favorite pastime is blueberry picking. I picked three pounds yesterday and gave most of it to friends and family. Last year I froze more than 40 pounds; this year I've froze half that. In February, when the wind is howling and the temps are reading 10 degrees there's nothing better than a fresh baked blueberry pie and a strong cup of coffee.

Some maples have begun to color; the ferns are already turning brown and the blueberry bushes are dying off earlier than last year - all signs that we'll have an early winter. High temps and humidity have warmed Lake Superior which translates to heavier snow fall. Personally, I hope for 400 inches or more! A real record breaker would test our preps and perhaps wake up a few sheeple - or send them south. The less population here the better. Trying to re-create a Traverse City, Ludington or Grand Haven here is insane. I'll have none of it. This peninsula isn't on the way to anywhere and has no expressways after the St. Ignace-Sault Ste. Marie corridor.

I sometimes dream of a huge snowstorm that leaves us housebound for at least two weeks. Of course, in the dream we fare well because we've so well stocked. And wouldn't you know as soon as I write that last sentence I think: "Oh, oh, I forgot to buy chocolate bars and cocoa."

Anyway, being a couple homebody retirees means we don't have to commute. And that, my friends, is the best part of living the life we have. Our time is our own.

Have a great week, Treesong

Further Entertainment

Thanks all for your comments. MamaBear please send me a private message with your email.

Last night we drove down the road the jackass behind us claims as his driveway. Sweetie told someone standing nearby that he was glad to hear the guy was staying the winter. "Will be one more person around to keep ALL of this private road open to ALL of the adjacent landowners," says Sweetie! They guy coughed up his coffee and we waved goodbye. The jack ass neighbor didn't hear a word because he had a bandana over his mouth and a paint sprayer going full blast on the plow truck he just bought.

We promised to stop by and introduce ourselves to the millionaire lady who owns the beachfront here so that was our next stop. Our timing couldn't have been better! Her so-called caretaker (who tried to run us off our land & told her we were posting HER land; and swerved toward Dad and I while walking on the road) was just leaving. Poor guy looked like he pooped his pants as we met in her doorway. We smiled, said hello and he scurried away. Across the street two of the loudest troublemakers were coming out the door and they too looked like they needed to change their pants. I looked at Sweetie and said, "I'll bet the neighborhood will be a buzzing tonight!"

The millionaire lady was friendly, gracious and invited us to come by again. None of us mentioned the local jerks. We heard from another source that they've all whined to her about us so we figured enough had been said to demonstrate their character.

I was reminded yesterday of two things: attitude is altitude and "love thine enemies." Well, I can say it helps alleviate stress if we smile and wave to certain people. As for loving them, No. But sometimes acting as though we do produces the same results. Twice today we've both bit our lips. When they can't get a response they push harder. Again, we bite our lips.

Like Sweetie said, "Until they either damage our property, assault us or try to stop us from completing the fence (attaching to both ends of the encroached building) we won't respond." According to him, when we're out there finishing the fence & installing the gate if any thing's said we'll respond with the same thing our lawyer said, "shut up or hire a lawyer."

Developments

The jack ass who removed his crap from behind his 34 foot long outbuilding has now moved some of it back!! He's also stacked next to the woodpile he's been splitting - thus blocking the access road between his lot and our property. We hold a recorded easement to the back section of our land via this road and he knows it. But, as usual, if us "big shot city slickers" are gonna tell him he has to change his ways he's gonna reach into his bag of tricks and try another one. Typical behavior.

Tonight, while parked on the beach much to the chagrin of his son and their drunken friends, we learned that jackass has decided to stay here the winter. He's worried about what us city slickers will do next. I take that to mean we got him scared.

And so, next week we visit the lawyer to discuss our next move.

In the meantime, we've taken to smiling and waving every time we encounter him or his other moron family members. Disturbs the hell out of them.

Naturally, his son complained to one neighbor about this. Wise neighbor asked the son, "what's your problem?"

Not hard to figure out the answer to that. Like I told Sweetie, if we laugh more about their insanity maybe we'll feel less stress and they'll look more like the fools they are as they struggle to comprehend what the hell's going on.

If nothing else, they're cheap entertainment!

Maybe I'll snap some pictures tomorrow for your viewing pleasure!

It Pays to Do Your Homework!!!

After listening to certain neighbors tell us we have no right to use the "shared access" waterfront here - and saying we don't own the four lots we do own within the private plat - I decided to do a little homework.

Imagine my surprise when I paid for copies of six deeds and not a one has deeded "shared access"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We all own property in the "unrecorded plat" which states that all lot owners have "shared waterfront access."

ONLY six lots within the plat have DEEDED access. After that point, the original owner who developed this plat decided not to include "deeded shared access."

And wouldn't you know that the people who are NOT a problem in this neighborhood - except for one - have the deeded access????

So, as usual, we have ACCURATE information to respond with the next time one of the morons opens their mouth.

If the jerks hadn't attempted to intimidate my youngest grand kids (ages 5 and 10) while we were at the beach Sunday I probably wouldn't have gone to the courthouse.

That trip also yielded interesting info regarding this plat so I'll eventually copy every deed in the plat.