{{{vw}}}

I think you're handling the problem very well, and Ginger is probably right about the rain being the problem. As for your landlord showing the place, it is not your problem if the place doesn't look perfect when you show it and make sure they stick to having to give you 48 hours notice, so that you can find a way to deal with Toto.

Ok. What do we think of this letter to the landlords?

During the last month, I have felt significant pressure to let you know if we are moving or not, even though by law we only need to give you 30 days notice. This morning, I felt that you were not going to take care of the cockroach problem until I told you what our decision was. I cracked, and I told you that we were not planning to resign the lease.

I am very concerned about you showing the apartment for the next three and a half months. It is going to severely disrupt our lives. We have the right to a peaceful and quiet living environment. And while I understand that you need to show the apartment to re-lease it that does not need to continue for three and a half months. That is serious disruption to our household.

Also, because I have a dog, I am going to need 48 hours notice that you are planning to show the apartment. If you do not speak to me directly (and leave a message on our voice mail), I will need you to wait until I confirm that the time works for me, because I will have to take Toto out of the apartment while you show it.

I am also going to ask that you please not start showing the apartment until mid-June. There is no way, with our current schedules, that we can get the place clean enough for showing until then.

Lastly, there are several things I think you should consider fixing before re-leasing the apartment. This apartment has been lived in continuously for seven years. That is a lot of wear and tear. The floor in the living room should be replaced—the panels are splitting, and we have been getting splinters from it. The walls and ceilings (especially where there is water damage spots) should be repainted. Also, you may want to consider replacing the bathroom tub. The pink paint is pealing on the inside, which feels rough on the feet while showering, and is difficult to get completely clean…even after scrubbing bubbles and bleach. And, if you’re replacing the tub, you may want to consider replacing the bathroom floor. It is disgusting, even after much sweeping and scrubbing.

Thank you for your attention to these matters. We have enjoyed living at 223 Green St. #3 for the last several years.

((((vw))))

vw, why don't you take your nice trip to SF, and write a letter when you get home, after the cockroach problem has been handled.

My therapist is concerned that they may list the apartment immediately, possibly before we get back. I thought quit attention to the matter would be better.

See, they want to start showing the apartment before all the students head out of town for the summer. Honestly, I think they'll start showing it next week.

What Cindy said.

vw, they have to give you 48 hours notice before every showing. Make them stick to it.

Oh, I will. Trust me.

vw, one roach does not an infestation make.

One roach. Really I'm all sympathetic and yes it needs to be taken care of by someone other than you. Hows about I ship you some of our palmetto bugs. They will snack on your itty bitty roaches!

Seriously, major rain does bring on the bugs. When it dries out a bit they will find a better place to live.

I'm sitting in SF in my monkey pants and F2F top AIFG!!!

I can't wait for everybody to arrive. And to hang with and hug Anne & Ginger & vw! And I'm sad that I won't be seeing all of you. I brought my camera and I promise pictures. Although I didn't take pictures. But I will today! And I have to get back to work now....

If you're really concerned about the landlord starting immediately, I'd suggest a simpler note now.

I am very concerned about the disruption to our lives from your showing the apartment for the next three and a half months.

There is no way, with our current schedules, that we can get the place clean enough for showing until mid June.

Also, because I have a dog, I am going to need 48 hours notice that you are planning to show the apartment. If you do not speak to me directly (and leave a message on our voice mail), I will need you to wait until I confirm that the time works for me, because I will have to take Toto out of the apartment while you show it.

You can deal with the other issues when you get back.

(Why am I here? I must pack!)