Finally a friend called to say he found one fairly decent, near the subway (John's big requirement) and close to our price range. We went to see it. He was right. The best we have seen so far. Not exceptional but had what we needed except one thing I was really hoping for...quiet. Again, near a busy street and above a school. We negotiated for some repairs from the manager of the place and got him to drop the price even a little lower. Now comes the bad part. If you want it, you have to pay for it now. The apartments are filled almost as soon as they empty. So we had to give a months rent to hold it while he did the repairs. That means we are paying for TWO places in one month. But that has given me time to clean and move a few things at a time in our suitcases. I literally have to clean from the ceiling down. I asked if we could paint. No! Okay, you paint. No! So I scrubbed the walls which are white with splashes of different color white here and there. No need to waste painting the whole wall. Just touch up, even if the paint don't match, is the thinking here. Oh well... there are worst things to deal with. Like an old stove with one burner not working, a very small refrigerator, and a very bad leak that has rotted the cabinets under the sink. I asked for a bigger fridge, No! Fix the leak and repair damage? Okay, he will fix leak but not repair damage. What about a new stove? Why? This one works.... Not really. Okay he gets me a new stove.
Then while I am working at the place the electricity goes off. A tripped breaker. Now what?? He calls in electricians. They flip switches, check out the appliances and conclude...it is the breaker box. It is too old. The condo maintenance man come out and puts a new one in. The results...still tripping. I pointed out from the beginning that the A/C was doing it. He now agree and called the electricians back. They have to climb out the window to reach the unit they believe is causing the problem. (See picture below) Oh, man, what a dangerous job!
I am glad to say that, once again, no one died while fixing my A/C. That was the problem and the house is safe again.
So here we are moving again. We will make the finally move with all the big stuff like our bed and mattresses on Oct 31. Funny, that was the day we sold our house 3 years ago. I am apprehensive about moving. I think being in the same house for 30 years has made me this way. I didn't think I would be so anxious but I am. I hate the thought of being in a new place. When we first moved from our house, I kept thinking I was on a long vacation and should be going home. It was difficult to say the least. Now I am used to this place and here we go again. I am thinking we should just move every year. That way I can get over this nonrational fear. But, as before, I know I have help to strengthen me and help me endure. I look for the silver lining. Our new home is BIGGER! I can actually get in and out of my bed without climbing over John, which isn't easy anymore. :-)
So here is a couple of pictures of this ordeal but I will wait and show you the whole apartment when we actually move in....
I hope you all are in good health and, if not, then please remember... it is all temporary. The best is yet to come!
Love and hugs.....Cindy