Two days without Brian and I'm starting to feel optimistic. . . well, I'm not sure that's the reason, but it is surely part of it. . . We are getting used to this place, decrepit as it is, and are getting back into the swing of things. We (the guys & I) roused ourselves at 6 am yesterday and went to the Argus Ranch for a day of Agility. It was a l o n g day -- they always are, but this one was even longer since we had to tack the trip to and from plus the ferry ride on to each end of the trip. We had some fun, esp. Henri, who happened to be the dog who was having his day. . . He was on fire -- and burned up the courses -- and his speed did not trump his accuracy in 4 out of 6 runs! He finished in 1, 2, and 3rd place and got one more Q, so that was a great showing!! Not only that, as always, he had FUN!! Hanna, on the other hand, looked like Coco Chanel at a Monster Truck Rally -- she would have rather been anywhere else than there. . .or so she let on -- and she made me work for each and every jump or tunnel that she gave me! And believe me, she was not giving them out too generously. . . She got one Q on her first run of the day and it was down hill after that.
Brian had the compound (Hyannisport West as it has become known in certain circles) to himself and he even managed to get a few things done in between football games. . . Although he did not get the bathroom drain unclogged or the dishwasher fixed so really, whatever he did, it was not enough. . . (which is what he would say I say all the time anyway, so what is the point. . . Does he in fact, have a point??) Whatever, I don't know, but what I do know is the dishes are piled high. . .see for yourself. . .
This sink is the best part of this junk-pile. I think it was actually in the workshop when Brian bought the place -- I don't think it was even one of his "treasures". . . If it was, he would surely not let us use it for this place -- he is "saving" all of his treasures for a project more worthy. . . if you can believe it! I do love the sink, it is the quintessential "wet area" -- you can splash water and be as messy as you want and it can handle it. It is perfect for our lifestyle, inwhich the sink is used for things like washing dog bowls and cookie sheets in my case, or dog shit off your shoes in Brian's case. We have gotten into a few "conflicts" over that last use esp. in the Orchard House, where there was a sink in the basement (4(!)sinks actually before we rented out the unit) where the shit could have been washed off the shoes far from any food prep areas. . . Here the only other sink is the one in the adjacent bathroom and that one has a distinct drainage problem. . . so the dog shit is definitely not a good idea. . .
The only problem with this sink is that it pools water in the back corner, not through any fault of its own, but rather because the back leg needs a bit of a shim under it to compensate for the slope of the floor. A good "Shim" in the right spot is the key to living in this house -- we have them everywhere, even under the espresso machine. . .you should see how difficult it is to roll out a pie crust -- it is impossible to keep the rolling pin from taking off. . . Needless to say, Brian is not thrilled with the sink -- he prefers something a little more "conventional". . .
So other than interior design decisions, we have not been too productive out here I hate to have to admit. . . It really feels most of the time like we are pilgrims or pioneers or whatever you want to call them. . . Everything is SO difficult AND time-consuming! It took several DAYS to get the washing machine hooked up, and even now, when it drains, water comes up into the kitchen sink. . . The dishwasher needed to have a wall outlet installed so we could plug it in, so Brian did that, and we ran it 3 times at the most, and it crapped out. . . of course it was one that Brian found on Craigslist for free or at least next to free I'm sure. . . but still, all the time spent getting it in, now taking it out, it is not a deal. . .but don't tell Brian that. . . The bath tub faucet was leaking and Brian tried to fix that and ended up having to replace the entire supply pipe including adding shut off valves at the tub, since they were so screwed up. . . of course that took a few days. . . I know there's more, but you get the picture. . .it is overwhelming. . .and that doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of the more major projects like the roof, of which about half is covered in 6 mil poly to keep it from leaking, and the heat or lack of it, both of which I am sure we will soon be noticing are deficient.
We did pick up a vent to use with the "new" gas fireplace we bought, but the fireplace will not do the trick, we need to install a wood stove I think, if we are going to be warm this winter. I REALLY hope it is a dry, mild winter. . .ha, ha, as if that's even a possibility. . .
Well, I have not been writing not for lack of inspiration, but mainly just because I couldn't bring myself to acknowledge the depth of our demise. . . some days it feels positively insurmountable. . .
Today we have a break from Brian because he actually has a bit of a job (bit being the operative word. . .) He is getting the gutters to install for a buddy of his. . . so 2 days of my own thoughts and not having to decipher the irrational verbage that I am bombarded with daily. . . it really is a refreshing break! A bit of a job is a good start, but we need more than that! Let it be noted that I am not just implying that Brian is the only one who needs a job or at least some money, the distinction being that Brian does not see a relationship between the 2, but who am I to judge at this point. . .
Know anyone that wants to buy a dump truck?
