Dad and I have been getting freaked out about all the work to do to sell and move west but now that we have some momentum, we are really enjoying it.
What doesn't kill your will make you strong.
Dad replaced part of 2 posts on the front porch and a lot of the railing. I painted the railing, posts and the trim. We re-stained the deck. Dad tried his hand this year on part of the staining and did better than I did. We have finished most of the garden improvements but still have some edging and raking. As to the rest of the outside, we have some work on the gutters, shutters to have painted, doors to be painted, house to be washed, edging to spiff up the driveway, re-rocking for the drive. We have a little lattice work, to re-paint the mailbox, and a few trees to trim.
Most of the inside is finished, but we still have a little more in the tiny repairs department, painting and cleaning some more trim, cleaning carpets, waxing floors, and cleaning the windows, curtains and screens. Most of the re-painting will have to be retouched.
We have been continuously cleaning out cupboards and de-cluttering for more than a year. After our trip, we will go after that in earnest. We will be packing and moving all of the books in the bedroom this week.
Financially, we try not to worry because moving back west is what we want. But we do get concerned because we conservatively see $10K for the realtor, $15K for the move. Prayerfully only about $3K for home improvements.
Alas, it's only money. Or, it's our only money. Oh well, if you can't take a joke, don't choose to be born. Often, change is the only security we know and it is sometimes a lot better than the alternative. Who knows, we might still be able to get some work and pay it back in a few years. Yay!
