Reason 259 why I should sell my house: yard work.
I have a service that mows my lawn and does some general weeding to keep the dandelions in check. But the rest of the gardening is left on its own.
My plan was to spend my few hours in Salem talking with friends -- sparring over philosophy or just finding out who was doing what. And I have done a bit of that.
But I have spent almost as much time getting the yard back into shape.
As you can see in the photograph at the top of the post, that parking strip lawn does not look very healthy. Nor should it. The irrigation system was turned off last winter and has not been providing any water since the rains stopped. As a result, the entire lawn is dead. I suppose I am being green by being brown.
My irrigation guy showed up yesterday to get the system up and running. It appeared to be fine when he left. And it came on at 4 this morning as scheduled -- and it was still running at 10 AM when I shut it off. Unless I want to star in one of those articles where citizens receive $2,000,000 water bills, this will not do.
In yesterday's post, you could see how the Boston Ivy on my chimney had run wild. I could not head to Bend tomorrow without ameliorating part of the problem. As nice as the ivy looks, it can destroy siding, windows and roofs. And it was attacking all three.
After spending five hours carefully stripping it off, I was able to fix most of the problem. The pieces that are obvious outliers were out of my reach on the ladder.
Once again, I have learned that age has played havoc with my balance. Getting near the top of the ladder was an exhilarating experience. But one I do not soon want to repeat.
That is how things must stay on this trip. I did not even have an opportunity to talk with my real estate agent. To, at least, initiate the first steps in being a former home owner in Oregon.
That will be for my next trip north. Probably dedicated for just that purpose.
By then, I will undoubtedly have discovered reason 260 to sell my house.
I have a service that mows my lawn and does some general weeding to keep the dandelions in check. But the rest of the gardening is left on its own.
My plan was to spend my few hours in Salem talking with friends -- sparring over philosophy or just finding out who was doing what. And I have done a bit of that.
But I have spent almost as much time getting the yard back into shape.
As you can see in the photograph at the top of the post, that parking strip lawn does not look very healthy. Nor should it. The irrigation system was turned off last winter and has not been providing any water since the rains stopped. As a result, the entire lawn is dead. I suppose I am being green by being brown.
My irrigation guy showed up yesterday to get the system up and running. It appeared to be fine when he left. And it came on at 4 this morning as scheduled -- and it was still running at 10 AM when I shut it off. Unless I want to star in one of those articles where citizens receive $2,000,000 water bills, this will not do.
In yesterday's post, you could see how the Boston Ivy on my chimney had run wild. I could not head to Bend tomorrow without ameliorating part of the problem. As nice as the ivy looks, it can destroy siding, windows and roofs. And it was attacking all three.
After spending five hours carefully stripping it off, I was able to fix most of the problem. The pieces that are obvious outliers were out of my reach on the ladder.
Once again, I have learned that age has played havoc with my balance. Getting near the top of the ladder was an exhilarating experience. But one I do not soon want to repeat.
That is how things must stay on this trip. I did not even have an opportunity to talk with my real estate agent. To, at least, initiate the first steps in being a former home owner in Oregon.
That will be for my next trip north. Probably dedicated for just that purpose.
By then, I will undoubtedly have discovered reason 260 to sell my house.
What happened to your house-sitter?
ReplyDeleteSame question I had.. If you are looking for another, I have friend moving back to Salem from Washington. She's a pastor and he's umm, a geek., computer programmer or something like that. They have three young boys, 8, 6, and 4; yeah, i know and they are very rambunctious. But, they are a lovely family.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, they actually own a home in that same neighborhood that is rented out. They are too nice to ask the renters to leave..
ReplyDeleteHe is sitting the house, but not the yard.
ReplyDeleteFor now, I will keep matters as they are. I need to get it on the market.
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain. I have a house in New Mexico that costs more to keep up than anything else we own - and it is there for storage - nothing else. Would love to get rid of it. But WHAT will we do with ALL that STUFF!
ReplyDeleteI ask myself that same question. But that is what the Salvation Army is for. In part.
ReplyDeleteTime for you to cut the lost cause.
ReplyDeleteI have one word of advice, which I am immensely qualified to give. Stay of ladders.
ReplyDeleteThat same ladder has thrown me twice. Failing to get back on your mount after being tossed is tantamount to voting Socialist.
ReplyDeleteYou should give in to your true life interest: Run a B&B
ReplyDeleteal
You must have spotted my inner John Cleese.
ReplyDeleteSteve, those of us who actually DO vote socialist are quite used to getting back on our mount after being thrown!
ReplyDeleteThe thought warms my libertarian heart.
ReplyDeleteMy question is why keep all the STUFF?? are you planning to use someday?
ReplyDeleteThat is a good idea ...
ReplyDeleteRemember. I am the guy who doesn't want to be tied down by a dog.
ReplyDeleteWith the exception of the art collection, everything can go with the house -- or to the Salvation Army. I was just waiting for the house to sell or get rid of the other things. I need none of it.
ReplyDelete