The landlord came and did the very minimum he could do, by shoveling the snow off the portion of the roof over the heater.

Water is still coming in and it is supposed to rain for 3 more hours.

It's not a plumbing issue.

Apparently, the severe winds we've had recently have destroyed the roof. The rubber panels have peeled up, exposing the 150 year old roof to 5 inches of snow.

So. He didn't shovel the whole roof and now the cracks from the earthquake in 2011 are leaking. Which means it is leaking in the living room now as well.

Still no problems with the heater or power.

I've packed a bag with clothes for me and food for Cagney.

There are two people I can call, but no guarantee they'll be up at 4am.

If I have to go to a hotel, I'll probably have to have Cagney boarded.

For now, I'm just putting pots under leaks and hoping for the best.

The landlord had the nerve to say this has never happened before. My kitchen ceiling leaked for 5 straight years...and he just patched over it, rather than fixing the roof. Now we have this.

In a weird way, I'd rather be here right now, in case the heater is compromised, or the power does go off. I'd rather be able to report that to the fire department and get their help if I have to.

My bff, in Tucson started lecturing me about getting some sleep because I'll need to be rested to deal with whatever happens tomorrow.

Um. No. I'm hyper alert to cracking sounds or more leaks. No sleep for me. Sheesh.

Ugh, what a nightmare, bonny. I know you've had issues with your place for quite some time and your landlord has been handwaving everything away, but that roof does not sound handwaveable. Just incredibly dangerous. Fingers crossed for a safe (and together!) landing spot for you and Cagney until the landlord tackles this, and please check in again when you have the spoons for it.

Morning JZ.

I've used my sleepless night productively. Actively searching for new leaks. And improving my capture containers effectively.

I've also turned my new itouch into a phone by buying a Skype number and installing both the Skype pay-as-you-go wifi app and an emergency app that allows me to text 911.

If I have to evacuate, at least I will be that much safer and connected.

All my laundry has been done so I have my favorite, warm clothes in the go bag.

Moved everything out from under potential new leak spots.

Thank everything holy and good, my heat did not go out, though I've limited my use of lights so as not to temp any faulty wiring.

Now that the sun is up, I might lay down until the landlord calls back saying he's on the way with tarps and a plan for the roofer contact.

I'm exhausted and frayed, but I don't imagine I will actually sleep.

May there be rest and rapid roof resolution, bonny.

How much does Cagney weigh? I ask because this hotel [link] is cheap and has no pet fee for animals under 45 pounds.

eta: I know it's ridiculous to look for hotels when I have no idea what would work for you. I was just taken with an urge to do something.

Oh Ginger, I could kiss you.

I may need to find a hotel but Cagney weighs 55lbs...on a good day. He is rock solid with his house training but can be loud when he wants to play.

The director of the pet care company might be able to help, but she is out of town because her house is too cold. Not sure why.

Two other friends are possible as well, but I just hate the idea of leaving my bed and putting folks out. If I absolutely have to board Cagney with one of the pet company providers I will. It will be hella expensive, but I'll pass those bills right along to the landlord.

Rather than laying down, I completed a video I have been planning to share with a very nice neighbor lady who is a childhood friend of one of my best friends. She knows people around here and has offered to make introductions with folks looking for a responsible, middle aged tenant who lives a quiet life.

Sent that one off with a kiss and a prayer.

Fortunately, Cagney has slept the night through, but now I feel rocky. Unlikely to get a nap now. Blergh.

I suspected he might be more than 45. This place [link] is reasonable for tonight, but then gets more expensive. There's no weight limit or fees and they offer pet beds, bowls, toys and treats.

Ginger, can you type the name of that last one? The link isn't working.

The landlord just called to tell me his is stuck on the parkway behind a major accident but that the roofer (who he hastened to say was not responsible for 'the part that blew up') is on his way from Annapolis.

'The part that blew up' is telling, since he took 5 years to repair a leak in my kitchen and, instead of actually, you know, repairing the ancient roof, he just patched it. Funnily enough, the place where the patch joined the rest of the roof is where it 'blew up.'

Anyway.

Thank God for heat and no leaks in my bedroom so far.

bonny, I wish the process for withholding rent/receivorship/repair&deduct in DC was easier. May you soon be under a safer roof (be it over the current place or elsewhere) and may you have ... damn, every form of wishes for peace and rest sound terribly funereal... oh, right, how about this: I wish you the appropriate levels of sleep and relaxation that will allow you to have optimal strength to handle the challenges of the coming days.

Blargh. I ws completely immobilized yesterday by a horrible migraine. These weather changes don't do me any favors. But I'm glad it's warming up here in NC, at least, because there's still a sheet of ice under my car. I feel for everyone still buried under snow and ice north of here.

askye, just echoing what Zen and Andi said, so wisely and compassionately. Love and ~ma to you.

smonster, so much love to you and your family. I'm holding all of you in my heart, always, but esp. right now. Will call later once I can use phone as a phone again.

Echoing what Andi said, I'm so glad you and Nora have each other, esp. with all that you both have had to deal with in NOLA this past year.

bonny, I'm worried for you, and angry on your behalf. This situation is just untenable. I hope you find a quick and safe short-term solution for you and Cagney and then an excellent, workable long-term living solution. Wishing you all the best!

Ugh, this migraine. Typing is using all my brain.