Where Have all the Flowers Gone?

Long time passing, as with so many other things. Ruth & I are now homeless, although not without warm friends and beds to give us solace.

The move from Niagara Street occurred on October 13th and 14th, when Lee & Brendan of Rolly's Transfer swept in and away with our worldly possessions. Happily, and most thankfully, Davis asked me at about 9:15 a.m. on the 13th whether we had considered using a semi-trailer to store our stuff until the house was done. Truth was, I had and had also dismissed the idea because we thought at the time that we'd be further along on the house build by now. Also, there was the issue of miserliness. Then he mentioned the added difficulty of drywall dust coating everything. Well, I rushed off to Jim & Johanna's and, within three hours, a trailer was parked on Ruth's Ridge awaiting the arrival of our stuff.

As that day and the next passed, I was repeatedly grateful for Davis' suggestion as Nathan & I began the task of wiring the garage and workshop. The congestion would have absolutely driven me to distraction, not a trip I seem to need any help with these days.

I can't believe what Ruth and daughter, Jill, accomplished in preparing for the move and cleaning up thereafter. The new owners called last night to express their gratitude for the effort that went into preparing the house for their arrival. When I arrived at Niagara St. on the evening of the 14th, Ruth was nearly delirious from exhaustion and lack of food, but she persisted that she was nearly done cleaning. She'd swept and washed sidewalks and garages, touched up paint, etc., etc. Jill had vacuumed and dusted and cleaned and washed windows, etc.

There was a moment's concern when, upon arriving at the McPhadens' to drop off some of Ruth's stuff, I saw that she'd sent over the Gucci boots I've never seen her wear. She has since, however, made a couple of visits to Ruth's Ridge and I am comforted that she intends to bring her boots with her when she rejoins me.

I, on the other hand, have been brought into the proverbial bosom of Abraham.... I am now a most happy and contented resident of The Olde Tree Farm, otherwise known as Chez Argyle, the home of Jim & Johanna Rodger. The food and wine are wonderful and liberal (uh, sorry, socially democratic) and the hospitality and friendship even better. Rebus & I have happy hour with J&J, enjoy a completely home-cooked country meal, head to bed, rise to a country breakfast, head 6.5 miles to Ruth's Ridge. It's as close to being home as one might wish. I'm even allowed conjugal visits from Ruth on weekends. Will blunders never cease, I hope.

On the Ridge front, we've accomplished a lot since last I posted, I think. What did I last report? The mind is addled at this time of night.

The basement floor has been poured, the driveway is complete, the septic tank has a pump, the stairs from basement to loft are complete, the structural framing necessities are all but complete, the soffit & fascia should be commenced this week (a little late), the DWV plumbing is done and awaiting inspection, we're well along with rough-in wiring and hope to be near complete this week. The heating & ventilation folks should be in this week to being installation, the water system will be installed shortly, the siding will be delivered mid-week, and I finally have pictures of Ruth on Ruth's Ridge - as well as her new pooch, Sadie, the white earth-bound comet.

Unfortunately, I'll have to figure out how to upload photos to Picasa from a PC so that I can populate this blog with images. Another learning curve, another day.

Anyway, the really stressful issue - the move - is now behind us and the weather has decided to cooperate with warmer temperatures for this week. Must head to bed in order to be at the site by 8 a.m. on the morrow.

Sleep well, Ruth (and all).

Love

Gord, the Excited but Weary