Inn and out and Inn

Good Morning to all.

Just a quick update. Today is Saturday and it is way too cold for me. In the 20s at the moment. High to barely reach freezing. Tomorrow it will be a bit better.

Anyway, I’m in a Holiday Inn in Mentor, and need to get out this morning to go to the Holiday Inn Express in Painesville for 3 days. Then finally, I should be able to reside in my new house. Why the Inn exchange you might ask? Seems like something must be going on up here and when I tried to book rooms from Florida a month ago, the Holiday Inns around here were fully booked for days and days. The one in Madison didn’t have any rooms in March until the late month. The one in Painseville was full until today, and then booked up again by the end of next week. This one was also closed off for some of the month. So, I took what I could get. (I wanted to use some of my “points” to save a buck or two!!).

It has been a busy few days since I pulled into town on Thursday morning. I had to stop at AAA (East Central) to transfer my AAA-South membership up here, and get my new home insurance signed. Then I had to call up AAA-South to cancel my truck/home insurance down there === oops, was supposed to do that on 3/2, but they were nice enough to back-date it for me. Then get online and stop the auto-payments for them, and the old mortgage. Not sure why, but the companies seemed like they would have no problems taking more money after the accounts were closed — Chase even sent an email telling me they were going to do it. Oh well — they can’t now.

Yesterday I was able to do a final inspection of the new house. The present owner is still moving out and has quite a bit yet to remove. But I could see he was making sure things were as clean as possible as he left. Even cleaning carpets.

My real reason for being there was to do measurements for appliances. All were gone except microwave over the spot where the gas stove would be, and the dishwasher. While they should be removed, per the contract, I won’t be too upset by them staying. Why? Because after leaving there, I went to the closest Home Depot, and ordered a suite of top-rated LG appliances in Black Stainless (or Graphite for washer/dryer). New Fridge, gas Stove-with griddle, Dishwasher, Microwave with external exhaust, etc. And they will be delivered/installed on 3/14. I paid for the removal of the existing dishwasher/microwave, just in case they haven’t left on their own. To make certain I’m good for the next 5 years, did the maintenance agreement too.

I picked the right time (pure luck!!) to make these purchases. Maximum discounts, and combination discounts for multiple appliances. The tagged prices were discounted, and then there was close to another 20% off the total as the salesman scanned the various tags together. Quite satisfied. with overall cost, and shouldn’t have issues now with them for my time in the house.

I do still want to replace the other major appliances (Water Heater/AC/Furnace) this year. That would be a clean sweep of the 17 year-old mechanical stuff, and hopefully give me a decade or two of issue-free service.

I have other items that I need to finish up. I would like to replace the counter tops in the kitchen, and then the carpet throughout the house (it’s okay, but not my favorite color/type). Those will wait until I am in and settled. I also need to order my new bed — Fairly certain I will be going with the Avocado mattress setup. Good reviews. Probably will get a new couch, but need to see furniture I have in the house to visualize what size/type.

And then there are things I’d like to have. A Fire-pit on the deck. A Spa / Hot-Tub on there also (now that I don’t have a pool (I’m going to miss it!!) Those will just have to wait. I’m not rich, and am not earning income anymore.

What I really need/want, is for it to be May/June and all of this being done… I’m tired, and just want to relax for a bit.

However, compared to working at the Office, this is a wonderful way to . . . .

Enjoy Life