Well, time is running out. Lots of boxes either full, half full or still to be taped into readiness.
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| The Wine Closet |
That having been said, still a lot of packing to do. Progress on the moving front is OK not great, but it has made some progress. These are the contents of our wine closet. 60+ bottles of PDG* wine. That will be loaded into my truck (inside the cab of course) and transported to CStat (AKA College Station) and stored at MBD's house. Too big a risk of theft/heat damage to move it with movers.
Mrs J and I went to College Station last Thursday, spent the night and returned on Friday. Took a look at the property that Mrs J was interested in. It was a lot nicer than it looked from the air photo.
We'd set up an appointment to meet with a builder to talk about what was needed, what issues we might have, water, all the things that are needed to build a house. The property is about 4.8 acres, which we feel is enough for a house, a barn, grazing area for the horses and privacy. Lots of tall oak trees, but quite a bit of underbrush to be removed. Fencing-in the perimeter will be one of the first tasks. Then we can bring in the horses to graze.
Mrs. J also had a pretty good idea. She had done a bit of research on situations like this. Apparently, there are people who have herds of goats that they will rent to "mow" the underbrush. Gonna have to check out that a bit more, but if that works, well...
Got boxes all over the house, some full, some partially, some still need to be "built". Got until December 18th to be out as the house changes hands at that point. So...Time's awaistin'
Oh, one more thing, after a long day, Mrs J and I were sitting out front having a medicinal glass of wine.
Being somewhat interested in aviation, Austin Bergstrom and San Antonio Airports flightpaths are within viewing range. (Yes, Beans a glass or two of Josh Rose' aids the visual acuity). In any case, I happened to notice this rare vision.
Given the bearing of the X and from where I'm looking. I'd say that they three Airliners passed over a TACAN station along I10 northwest of San Antonio. Just thought it kinda cool that they all (well except for the fourth one) passed over pretty much the exact same spot. The accuracy of the station is a couple of miles, so pretty accurate navigation, Mates!
Yes, Beans, they were also altitude separated as well as time over the TACAN.
So, sorry for a short post, Gang, that's all I've got at this point. Gonna be a very (OK very, very) busy next few months. Looking forward to completion and move in.
Peace Out, y'all!
*Pretty Darn Good! (Sarge wouldn't allow the other "D" word!)
4.8 acres for house, barn and pasture for horses? in one year you will have bare soil in the horse pasture and be feeding a round bale every month.
ReplyDeleteYeah, probably, but that's what I've been doing since we got them. The meal conversations I have with them are very relaxing.
Deletejuvat
Lots of work to do, boxes galore. A neighbor is moving on the first, her place is full of boxes getting ready for the movers and her pup is wondering what is going on. I see your pups were taking a break.........:)
ReplyDeleteNylon,
DeleteYeah, there is and a lot of "Junk" that I'd forgotten we had is being shipped to the dump. So...We'll just have to start a new collection of "Junk" in our new house. Took 25 years to accumulate the previous level, I don't think that'll be achieved again.
juvat
Lots of boxes, in the kitchen, lots of boxes all the same. Label the heck out of those suckers.
ReplyDeleteInteresting contrails - a sign that you will be all packed by Guy Fawkes Day.
Joe,
DeleteThanks for the encouraging word, but 5 November might just be a trifle optimistic. We shall see what we shall see!
As for labelling, we are endeavouring to do so.
juvat
Good luck with the packing!
ReplyDeleteThanks Rob!
DeleteYou can use CLL, too, that's the API for Aggie Land. I do not miss moving. Your place is a mansion compared the my hovel, sweet hovel. I about pooped out last year getting away from of there. God give you strength and help.
ReplyDeleteSTxAR,
DeleteLast first, Deeply appreciated. I'm pretty pooped out already, Falling asleep at night? No problem whatsoever. Back and muscle soreness kick in agout 2 AM, sleep, not so much. The house does seem to be getting larger as we open closets that haven't been opened in a while. Most of that "stuff" is going directly into the blue dumpster. So...No, I do not miss moving.
OK last but not least, I don't get the first sentence CLL?
juvat
Wow! Big news, good luck with everything!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sarge! Much appreciated.
Deletejuvat
Juvat, it has often been for me that nothing happens for a long time - then everything happens at once.
ReplyDeleteOur movers to New Home 2.0 would not move the wine at all, so it came out in the car.
+1 for goats on the underbrush removal. Near where I grew up, they are regularly used in Spring to reduce underbrush for the fire danger.
THBB,
DeleteGood to know that it's a real thing (Goats) and that it works. The wine was never going to go with the movers. Mrs J is going to College Station to Babysit the Grands while Mom and Dad go to a friends wedding (in England). She'll take the wine over to their house.
As to your first, Man! Is that the truth!
juvat
Great progress on all fronts!
ReplyDeleteThose contrails are really cool!
You've done the "build a house" drill before, so have all the experience needed to foresee calamities, delays, excuses, frustrations, but also the joys of living in the completed project. New place probably won't be done by 18 December, so temporary camp out will be in order for however long they predict to build, plus the inevitable delays for supply chain, Jose is sick this week, holidays, etc.
Might make a difference in packing with some boxes labeled "temp quarters" and others "new house".
Glad to see the equine members of the family are going along, even if you might need to board them at current home during the build.
JB
JB,
DeleteYeah, we just got back from an RV dealer and the wife is on the phone with the bank arranging financing. We shall see what we shall see! 18 Dec is when we close on our current house and have to be out. Hence the rush. We have ID'd a horse boarding facility in the College Station area, so that hoop has been jumped. Gonna put down some earnest money this week, so our construction foreman can start some of the initial planning. So...Progress!
juvat
Careful with that RV financing IRT financing the new house.
DeleteYep, just found that out. We can finance it through USAA, but can't live in it even temporarily. Gotta figure out some other plan.
Deletejuvat
Rent an apartment so when the house is ready all you have to do is walk away. There will be enough to do without dealing with where you used to live.
DeleteMight end up doing that (Read my response to Well seasoned Fool below). Bummer Dude!
DeleteYou might consider buying a retired 53' freight trailer with a lift gate. They are often affordable. Always someone around with a Class 8 truck that won't charge a fortune. Put your "possibles" in the trailer, store it on your new property until your new home is ready, then sell it at an auction.
ReplyDeleteHadn't thought of that, might look into that. (Have to bounce it off the CinC first).
DeleteThe RV is basically the same plan as your last idea. Not really RVers, but who knows if we live in it a while, it might grow on us. Not in size mind you!
juvat
If you go that way rodent control will be necessary. Your local farm implement dealer will have solutions. Those half million dollar combines siting ten months out of the year need to have the wiring protected.
DeleteUnfortunately, the housing authority for the area has a rule you can't live in an RV even temporarily. Back to Square one. It was pretty nice property.
Deletejuvat
Juvat, so the horses won't convey? Btw, that Cab and Merlot won't fit in MBDs house. HA!
ReplyDeleteTuna,
DeleteNo, Since we got them from Animal Rescue, we either keep them or turn them back over to the Rescue folks. Besides, I like them. They listen to me when I talk to them. Not a lot of people do that. No. That particular brand of Cabernet and Merlot definitely won't fit in MBD's house.
juvat
Ahh, ok. Horse rescue- an honorable, but expensive hobby. Hope you got to ride them.
DeleteYeah it is, a bit. Not gonna get to ride them. Doc advised me that if I were to get thrown once and the best thing I could hope for would be Quadriplegia. Bad neck!
Deletejuvat
I would look into renting a furnished apartment for the 6-12 months it will take to get a new place built. I know, it's not YOUR stuff, but, when you can move into YOUR new home, ya just walk out the door of the apartment---the only thing to pack will be your clothes...and maybe a favorite pan or wine glass or coffee mug. I know it could be a hassle to find a place that will let you bring your critters, but, that is what you have a real estate agent for. Have them find you a place to rent while your new home is being built. That is a lot less work for you and Mrs J to do while you are packing like mad to get everything boxed up before leaving on your cruise(s).
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't need to be some beautiful apartment, just a solid roof, semi-comfy sofa, bring your own bed, and to allow critters. In an alright neighborhood. With solid door locks.
Just my two cents.
Suz
Fortunately, we had a miscommunication vis a vis the RV. We spoke with the HOA bubbas and explained that construction would take 6-9 months and we wanted to be on property to keep an eye on it. When the house was ready for occupancy, we’d move in and probably sell the RV. “ Oh, well then! Come on down”
DeleteThank goodness Mrs J is an excellent diplomat. I might have started WW 3!
All is well and proceeding in an orderly fashion
juvat
Glad to hear things are 'looking up'!
ReplyDeleteStill lots of hoops to jump remaining, but…progress!
Deletejuvat
I got tired just reading these posts! We pray for you and yours now and then (I wouldn't be telling the truth if I claimed every day). For me, it is always exciting to read about the progress you are making in establishing yourself as a gentleman fighter pilot (never heard of that before, but it is OK), and land baron.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe that you are going through the same thing you went through just a few years ago. I still recall the progress photos of the house and all. Enjoy your situation, be content, love your wife. Time speeds up with age.
FuzzD4
Fuzz, going to sleep at night isn't much of an issue lately. But we're making progress.
DeleteWe've lived on the property for 25 years. Little J and family are retiring soon and moving to College Station, both he and her went to school there. MBD and family are also currently living there. Lot of advantages to having family nearby. We can babysit on short notice if needed. They can drive us to a Dr's appointment if needed. So, that's the plan. We'll see how it goes.
juvat