20 Sleeps But Who's Counting

20 sleeps – that’s the number of sleeps left until Griff is back with me. It has been a long time since I came back to Canada. Not that it hasn’t been busy.

When I finally got out to the acreage I discovered evidence of bigger leaks than I was lead to believe by Randy – water spots on the ceiling in the study on the main floor. We decided that maybe it would be a good idea to get our insurance agent involved since it now looked like it would be costing more than our deductible. Very glad that we did!

It turned out that there were four major leaks in the two bathrooms as well as a minor one in the ensuite and in the kitchen. These were the result of frozen pipes caused by the renters leaving a window open and the furnace turned off in -30C weather and a blizzard. Of course bathroom leaks cannot easily be fixed without cutting holes in walls. Part of the ceiling in the study also had to be removed because even though the leaks were fixed there was still water leaking from the ceiling. When they opened the ceiling there was insulation present that was soaking wet. Next to be done was patch all the holes and paint. Thankfully the insurance company arranged for that to be done.

Finally, February 1st and everything was done. I moved in and haven’t stopped since then. I discovered that almost every wall in the house had either large holes from nails or dents from moving furniture. I can’t imagine using drywall screws to hang things, but that is what they used as evidenced by some left in place. I spent a few days filling holes and dents. Then I started the process of painting. It turns out that when I am finished every room will have been painted except for one bedroom upstairs and one in the basement. As well the main area in the basement was still not repaired following the flood last spring – I painted the walls and now I am waiting to get the carpet laid then it will be finished as well.

With the help of my brothers I have moved the bins in from one of the outbuildings and have slowly been unpacking them. However, since we decided to wait until Griff is home to move the furniture in I can’t unpack everything because there are no places to put some things and others are for hanging on the walls which I don’t want to do without Griff’s input. I remembered where some things were stored. Unfortunately some of the things I need to live out here – like our dishes – are stored in with the furniture. Thankfully my mother was willing to lend me enough dishes, utensils and pans so that I can at least cook here.

The weather the last week has been very unusual. It has been very foggy. This is a picture looking west along our laneway. There are other farm buildings about 200 meters from the end of the fence. You just can't see it. Because of the fog I stayed at the acreage. The main reason why I was able to get so much accomplished.

This is a picture of our gnome who sits under our cedar bush in the front yard. Notice the expression on his face - he sits under his blanket of snow waiting for the return of Griff and spring just like I am.

I am actually holding out fairly well. The loneliness is worse on some days. I am sure the next 20 days will go past as quickly for me as January has. I know it has been worse for Griff since he doesn't have the friend and family support close by like I do.