Hi Honey, I'm Home!

We are in our condo at last, but not without a problem or two.

First, the truck was due to arrive around 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 26th. He arrived at 10 a.m., but could not get the 76 ft. tractor-trailer down the apartment driveway. This meant that the move-in was post-poned until Sunday, but before that could happen there had to be an emergency meeting of the Board of Directors for the Condo Corp. because moving in is not allowed on Sundays. They kindly made an exception after I begged them to let us in.

So, the truck driver arranges for a smaller truck (read an extra $1,000) and he parks across the street in a huge mall parking lot and transfers furniture and boxes from the tractor-trailer to the smaller truck. Drives the small truck over to the loading/unloading dock where about 4 guys are waiting to unload and bring it up in the smallest elevator for freight I've ever seen, and the move-in begins. This happens about 10 times, shuttling the furniture from one truck to the smaller truck to the apartment. We started at 9:00 a.m. and didn't finish until 5:30 p.m. What a way to say hello to your new neighbours by breaking one of the most stringent rules. I will have to make a card of thanks/appreciation for the Board and post one in the mail room, too.

So, here I sit amongst 278 boxes and bits of furniture! I know that's the exact number because we had to mark them off on a list as items came through the door to make sure nothing was missed. I can't even see my craft room yet and may not for a couple of weeks. I'm actually using John's computer because mine won't be hooked up until my craft room can be accessed. It contains boxes at the moment. Mathematically speaking, 2500 sq. ft. of household goods do not fit easily into 1350 sq. ft. of apartment.

The phone doesn't work. It seems that the line coming into the apartment is still the previous owner. Maybe I should make all my long distance calls now, before the repairman arrives tomorrow morning to re-direct it to our new number!

The fridge didn't work after the move, so there goes another $300 to have the electric starter components replaced. It's working now so I'm happy. I can't find the coffee and even if I did, I don't know where the can opener is because nothing is unpacked in the kitchen. Thank goodness we love to eat out.

Sears haven't called me back to arrange a time for the installation of the washer and dryer, but my new stove is being delivered today. Yeah, but no food to cook. Another yeah!

So, here I sit in my new home and my sons have been fabulously helpful. I've seen them everyday and am loving it. I love my new place and don't plan on moving any time soon. Being around Jackson, my grandson is amazing. I still can't believe I'll be able to see him on a regular basis and watch him growing up.

Here's a couple of pictures of my 'future' craft room. Any guesses how long it will take to get organized.



We have already received some terrific "Welcome to your New Home" cards from friends. Sherri, thanks so much and both John and I would love for you to visit; Cathy, thanks for your card and I hope you find your new home really soon and that we can get together for stamping times and to my 'sis', Jennifer, your card is darling and we're really not that far away anymore and I do hope to meet up with you before Christmas. Thanks, ladies, your thoughtfulness means a great deal to me.