Ugh. My current house is 50 years old, but the last one was older. It's never ending. Unfortunately most of the current P1 issues are outside and it's crazy hot. The neglected item that will probably bite me soon is the garage door which is barely holding together. First hurricane and that is a big ole pile of rubble.
Some of the rooms have old terrazzo flooring with strips of nails from the old carpet. When I first moved in I tore out the carpet and haven't done anything about the floors yet. I also pulled the paper off the walls in 2 of the baths anticipating doing something about painting. That was 6 years ago. The crisis projects always come first.
As much as home ownership has been a series of pocket draining chores I still think it is better than renting. It has given me an asset on the many occasions I needed to borrow money. I wouldn't have been able to start my business without that asset. And it is my only retirement savings.
I'm sorry for your loss Anne. Even the expected and merciful losses are still losses and leave that empty spot in your life. I hope all goes smoothly for your mother.
Susan, it sounds like you have done what you need to do to prepare on the practical side of matters. I hope you can find some time and peace to prepare on the emotional side. I'm glad that VCOB is keeping you in the loop on information. It is so hard when you are living so far away.
Go askye with the date having!!
Also, I want to be a mom like Laura when I grow up. She's my role model.
Wow. Thanks for the encouraging words on a day when I am doing the homework battles. Ugh. I'm pretty relaxed about the parenting thing most of the time. Mostly because of my general laid back nature, but also because of my age. Like all parents I suffer from a constant pressure to make to right decisions. Diet decisions, school decisions, and decisions on which battles to choose. It's a tough job. In the end you just have to trust your instincts. What works for one kid doesn't work with another and what works for one parent doesn't work for another. Gotta make it up as you go along.
Now to do the homework thing. Ugh.