What is it they say? What doesn't kill you makes you stronger? Heck. I must be able to take on Arnold at this point. 2022 saw the death of my mother, the challenge of the estate (still ongoing), moving to VT, getting my NY house ready to sell, getting Lyme's and Covid at the same time, getting through that to experience the Covid Rebound, getting through that to be felled by RSV, to finding out that I cannot sell my manufactured house without a motor vehicle title (news to me) in NYS.
Did I mention the water leak in the parental basement? No? Well, there's that. And the new furnace that is needed before the next heating season? So many 'ands'.
I do find it helps to give myself a pep talk every morning. Without it, I would just crawl back under the duvet and hide out until the Universe finally takes pity on me. Yes, yes, these are all First World problems, so it's time for the iron-clad BGPs. Wow, that sounds so uncomfortable, doesn't it?
As per my well-established modus operandi, I am trying to attack on all fronts. This is not an ideal method, but it's all me. I am a regular visitor at the bank for ongoing medallion notary stampings (who knew there was such a thing?) I am a regular visitor at the local Staples for printer ink and UPS mailings. I am a regular customer of not one, but two fuel oil companies. I am on the phone way too often with assorted attorneys. I am on a first-name basis with the local wine shop.
And...I must have a titanium immune system by now, since I have made it through all of the popular and available maladies. (Just kidding - don't jinx me!)
Dotted amongst all the activities above, I have been slowly, but surely, sorting through all the stuff of a combined 47 years. My father kept every. single. piece. of. paper. that came across his path for the last 60-odd years. I have been greatly enjoying the company of my sister, who lives two doors away. I enjoy beautiful mountain views, glorious sunrises and sunsets. I love Vermont.
Winter, this year, seems to be suffering from psychosis. We've had more rain that snow and the snow that we have had was heavy and deep. We are now being assaulted by Arctic temps and that is why I am up at 2:30A writing this. There's nothing like the specter of freezing fuel lines in a house that sits empty. I've been trying to platitude myself into serenity, but, so far, it's not working. However, I know that's a light at the end of the tunnel, and it's not a trail! Pollyanna Lives!!!!
13 comments:
Oh my goodness. I completely understand the passing of a Mother and the dealings with the house and sale and so forth. I though having laryngitis for 4 weeks was bad, but golly you have been thru a lot lately. I just gave a sibling a huge box of recipes from our Mom's house. She saved everything. I had to laugh at your comment about the wine store, but hand in there.
i feel your pain to a certain extent. at least i haven't been sick. we decided to move into the guest house because #1, i love what i did to it and #2, the main house is just way too big for two people. #3, i don't want my children to have to do what you've been doing so i have taken on the task of sorting through every single thing i have in the main house. forty years in one place = accumulation/hoarding. not only is it a LOT of work, it's a cathartic emotional experience as well. it goes on the market soon and i will be happier than the gods when it sells. talk about a monkey off my back! so, chin up, there is hope for both of us. vermont is one of my favorite places. i'm so glad you are happy and near your sister!
You HAVE been through the wringer! I miss your farm posts, but if you have to be somewhere else, Vermont is a beautiful place to be! Going through parental possessions is something I know far too well. Hang in there! -Jenn
After such a tough 2022, may 2023 be a much better and easier year for you! Here's to everything going smoothly!
Your move and illnesses sound like me 18 years ago when I moved here. I won't bore you with the details but it was pretty bad for the first 3-5 years. I think that's why I'm fearful of moving up north as much as I would like to....I don't have that many years left to waste trying to get acclimated again! LOL! Plus, as much as I love the snow we get just enough down here. I remember up North, standing out in the bitter cold and blowing snow trying to put gas in the car and also trying to walk through snow drifts to get the groceries in the house and it wasn't just one trip. Oh, and I can't forget trying to push a full grocery cart through a snow covered Target parking lot.....those were the good old days....and I was young then! It will all work out eventually....just remember like gas...this too will pass!
Hugs ~ Sam
I knew you HAD to have your reasons for being so quiet but holy cow, woman, you deserve medal for surviving 2022! For all that I didn't know about, many hugs. I think I need to email you....
It's awful when everything piles up at once. I feel for you. I admire your self discipline in getting out of bed each morning. Here's a tip from someone who has been through the mill. I have allowed myself one or two wallow days each month, stayng in bed, reading, grazing on food as necessary and what ever you fancy. I do it without guilt and I find it amazingly restorative. If I have an occasional two days in a row, I never let it go on longer, however much I might want it. My only must do each day is caring for the dogs and even they will tolerate two days without some excitement.
Each of my last three moves have included involuntary downsizing. It's done now, for which my children should be thankful. I'm down to six drawers of stuff, three of which my grands already have emptied.
You ARE going through it all!!
The move to Vermont sounds good though....
I was speaking to my daughter. We've had quite a serious of very unfortunate events here, and these VUEs have taken a toll. Luckily I have Houdini the formally feral cat who is slowly coming around. I was telling my daughter how I see a small shape moving past me in the dark. "It's not a rat," I said. "It is Houdini moving around under cover of darkness." She dryly said, "Rats will be next months VUE."
She's a comforting one.
Good luck. You've got a lot of sorting to do. Add illness and weather woes on the top of it all, well... I shudder.
Finally: Cast iron BGP? In frigid weather? You're a stronger woman than I am.
It seems like the universe could throw you a bone now and give you a few months of ease. Solo just jumped in my lap and started purring in sympathy for you.
that's one hell of a year. Don't they give out medals or something for surviving all that?
So sorry you've had to go through so much! So you're living in vermont? Is that in your mom's house? All was tough dealing with older homes that maybe need some tweaking. Vermont is certainly gorgeous I wish I could go there someday for a visit and go to Maine as well. Will you be able to do your gardening and plant fruits and veggies Etc? Will you have your ducks and chickens and critters? Take care hope you can get some rest spring will be coming soon
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