February 24, 2015

I have not posted anything for weeks because I have been steamrolled by circumstances. January 17-19 a crew was here to improve the insulation levels in my attic. They cleaned out the old insulation and sprayed in open-cell foam and cellulose insulation. Money well spent, I think, but a week later I discovered hot water running down the inside of one bank of kitchen cupboards. One of the crew had accidentally whacked a hot water pipe in the attic, a water pipe critical for my hot water baseboard heating system. The repairs were expensive and messy, involving cutting holes in the kitchen and bathroom ceilings. My electric wall oven also was damaged. The insulation company took responsibility but I have yet to see a check from their insurance company for my expenses. Repair crews were tracking in and out of here for days.

When one bad thing happens, it is harder to be resilient when the next trouble hits. The snow plow crew tore up the tar and chip driveway that was installed last August, plowing the top layer of granite chips into big piles at the top of my driveway. They will fix it, but it is frustrating to see work undone.

A few days later I found tiny holes in the wood paneling of my living room; I suspect the termites are back and am waiting for the termite inspector.

I reminded myself that it was just a home and driveway, just things, and that my loved ones were all right. And then my sweet old dog woke up one morning and could not walk without falling down. My farewell to Kali will follow in another post.

The British have a saying: “Mustn’t fuss, could be worse.” I will keep that in mind.