Grump Central Archive: Week of 11 August 2019
Saturday, 17 August 2019
My new comforter arrived, and I just had to see it in place, even though I'm not quite ready for a "normal" bedtime routine (that will come once the shower is done and I have a TCO). What's perhaps strange about it is that it's a "camo" pattern, which contradicts my nature of being somewhat anti-gun and strongly anti-hunting. My choice to use it does not reflect anything about my personal tenets; it's simply attractive, and fits my decor. I also had a wonderful visit from my UPS delivery guy yesterday evening. He's been coming here for years, and had zero idea what sat behind the garage—he actually thought that's all I'd built, and that I'd be getting around to building the house one of these years. When I talked him into taking a few minutes off for a quick tour, I thought his head was going to explode when he saw the living space and, more particularly, the view. And he couldn't believe how cool and comfortable the house was—with no AC. He helped justify everything I've done.
Friday, 16 August 2019
Here's an interesting progression across four years. From August 2016 to August 2018, there was virtually no change. Only within the last few months has anything significant happened.
Thursday, 15 August 2019
I'm still shell-shocked from yesterday's news. I'm so numb I'm just recycling old images from 2016—I just don't have it in me to post something new right now.
Wednesday, 14 August 2019
I wish I could stay excited by my progress on the house, but a friend of mine was just diagnosed with lymphoma. As a mutual friend put it, the only mistake he's ever made in his life was being born. He's one of the kindest gentlemen I know. We are heartbroken.
Tuesday, 13 August 2019
I've just received a special order for accent tile I'd placed with Home Depot last week. It's brilliant lime green (my favorite color), which is something I've been looking for since I began this journey over five years ago. Not only is it exactly what I've wanted, but it's also quite affordable—less than $1 per tile, as compared to nearly $15 each for some I'd found a years ago. So, now I'm on a tear to use it in places I've only dreamed about. The initial order was for an accent stripe in the kitchen; now I'm looking at using it in the bathroom as well. This is going to be a lot of fun...
Monday, 12 August 2019
It was a year ago that the financial nightmare came to an end. If I pretend that I've got my TCO—which, essentially, is just one piece of paper away—it's taken me a whole year just to make the house habitable. I don't know whether to think of this as a triumph, or as pathetic. Back then, I imagined it would be 100% done by now, deck and all. Silly me.
Sunday, 11 August 2019
Recently I ordered a whole new set of bed clothes, including new pillows, and they've been arriving in dribs and drabs. As soon as I have everything, I'll be able to make my bed for the very first time in... years. I'm getting psyched. Yes, it's an ordinary little thing that everyone else takes for granted, but often it's the ordinary little things that provide glimmers of delight, particularly for someone who's gone without for so long.