Progression

Yesterday we got the lumber to build the wall for the laundry hook-ups. The plumbing cost is a huge chunk of what we put aside for the extras, but is non-negotiable. Then we took the laundry out to the laundromat, a stressful experience for both of us. We knew we'd have to do it for a wash or two, but it will be longer than that. We've done laundromats, most of our lives, or if we were lucky - apartment laundry rooms. We planned for not having to do that again, which is why this felt worse than it should have. I'm blaming January, it's like moving at 0200, no one is at their best.

That, and the rain of the morning mixed in with snow, making a slushfall that reached into the night. As we were about to start dinner, the power went out, taking our phone - or at least the internet component it fried - with it. Gas stove, so we ate a hot meal, and waited in ignorance. Forced idleness probably what we needed, really. Walked over to a local bookstore that just opened. A wet, cold walk, but rather nice anyway. Sat with candles and cat, D finally used the cell phone to the power company, ETA for electricity about 1030. We went to bed, hoping most of the lights were off. D woke when it came back on, I was barely aware.

Took it slowly this morning, then shopped for groceries and a list of hardware and supplies. I want to not spend a dime in February. Making my stomach hurt. Spendthrift is not a word appropriate to describe me.

So, I decided to clean and shine, not because it's the most important, but to keep me going and free up some space. Cleared the fireplace, an impressive amount of ash removed. Cannot find the flue, just a bit of twisted metal that doesn't seem to do anything, and a lot of soot. Call me Cind-er-ella!




Lots of mess, but gradually getting through, shining the glass, making the wood smell better. Found a diary, just a handful of the first pages filled in, 2007 - nothing historical.


We are both not in the best of shape, but not as bad as yesterday at this time. Call it progress. Call us Ishmael.

Cat still loving the sun, very engaged and energetic. Sat on my lap again today. Much love.