Archive for March, 2009

Undeliverable-because-address-does-not-exist, dear Liza, dear Liza

Posted on March 30th, 2009 by lucy.

UPS can’t find us, dear Lucy, dear Lucy

UPS can’t find us, dear Lucy, they can’t!

Then buy an address plaque, dear John, dear John,

Then buy an address plaque, dear John,  a plaque!

But the plaques are online, dear Lucy, dear Lucy

But the plaques are online, dear Lucy, online!

Then order one, dear John, dear John

Then order one, dear John, order one!

I did, dear Lucy, dear Lucy

I did, dear Lucy, last month!

Then where is it, dear John, dear John

Then where is it, dear John, where is it?

UPS can’t find us, dear Lucy, dear Lucy

UPS can’t find us, dear Lucy, they can’t!

Sigh…

Fruits and Veggies!

Posted on March 26th, 2009 by jj.
Blueberries!

To be planted this spring!

To be planted next spring!

We don’t need no steenking roof.

Posted on March 17th, 2009 by jj.
Roofers

Roof.

No roof

No roof.

Dogsitting!

Posted on March 17th, 2009 by jj.
Raisin appears at the dinner table

Raisin appears at the dinner table

Peaches joins us at the dinner table

Peaches joins us at the dinner table

Peaches likes the dinner table

Peaches likes the dinner table

Raisin appears at the dinner table

glare fail

Thank you…

Posted on March 9th, 2009 by jj.

After five weeks, a summary list:

  • Anne Marie, Jim, Bill and Rebecca: for two glorious painting parties that worked wonders
  • Mom (Red Bull): for demolition, spackling, painting and coolers full of goodies
  • Marilyn (The Governor): for babysitting contractors, cleaning like a hurricane, painting and picnic baskets
  • Megan: for replenishing our dessert stocks and encouraging our garden dreams
  • Richard (The Stormtrooper): for being our electrician, carpenter, plumber and mobile workshop
  • And to Dad, Granzi and Grandpop, for mailed tools and encouragement

Progress report

Posted on March 7th, 2009 by jj.

Done so far:

  • Order Chase Home Improvement Rewards credit card
  • Cut holes in various walls to check for water damage/mold (none!)
  • Try to patch gutter leaks
  • Give up on patching gutter leaks
  • Get quotes for new gutters (and roof)
  • Take up old floor tile
  • Demolish old baseboard molding
  • Get quotes to update heat in living room/dining room kitchen
  • Try to remove old tile mastic
  • Give up on removing old tile mastic
  • Order new floors
  • Run video camera down sewer line to check for leaks
  • Have PSE&G track down the gas leak smell
  • Have PSE&G condemn the stove
  • Buy new stove
  • Hire movers
  • Update electrical outlets (fix wiring, replace yellowed outlets with white)
  • Get quotes to insulate house
  • Install new floors and update heat (well, write large checks to installers…)
  • Repaint living room/dining room/kitchen
  • Catch office plague
  • Move in (!!)
  • Tear out coat racks in hall closets, repaint, install wire shelving (pantries!)
  • Make first mortgage payment (youch)
  • Order new windows
  • Undercut and reinstall interior doors
  • Tear out clothes rack in master bedroom closet, repaint, install closet system
  • Get check in mail from Chase Home Improvement Rewards credit card
  • Buy food

To do:

  • Fix exposed wiring at electrical meter, bring breaker boxes up to code (contractor)
  • Install new roof (contractor)
  • Add light to addition
  • Install new gutters (contractor)
  • Select and install new baseboard moldings
  • Install new windows (contractor)
  • Dig up and plant garden
  • Add dirt to yard to try to push water away from the backyard swamp
  • Buy more mousetraps
  • Add attic and wall insulation (contractor)