We have returned back to earth after the visit to LCNM and the absolute high it produced. It’s funny, I don’t remember feeling this way about moving to Massachusetts when we relocated from NYC some 29 years ago. We picked the area, felt it was a positive move and anxiously made it one crisp October weekend. But I don’t remember the euphoria about finding a place. Perhaps it is being older and more mature (ahem!), maybe it is the thought of a move running hand and hand with retirement, maybe the fact that we have some friends already in New Mexico rooting us on. I don’t know, but the feeling is different.
What follows is the official TFabP/Penguin Household timetable for relocation the LCNM. Understand that all dates are subject to change and some of the things our out of our control so we need flexibility in considering this timeline. However, it will be done.
May 2010 – August 2010 - our work mule, I mean dearest son, returns from college and after a bit of rest (about 20 minutes) the cosmetic work on the house begins. Make no mistake, the list is 3 pages long, including lots of scraping and painting and washing and cleaning and clutter removal. Highlights include revitalizing both decks, painting at least 2/1/2 rooms in the house, outside trim.
June 2010 We hope to have our “junk men” totally gut our basement, including removing lots of junk, some walls and lots more junk. This area will then be cleaned in prep for the sale
July 2010 – We hope to have our landscape guys aka junk men do a cleanup and neaten up of the yard. This was a potential barter agreement for my ATV but if this does not work out, we will pay for the basement junk removal and contract with a different landscape guy, who plows our driveway, for the outside work.
August 2010 – Possible new gutters, repair garage door entry way, shed doors and shed beams, possible painting of trim
September 2010 - The dreaded Title 5 inspection. For those who don’t know what that is, this is what the MA Realtors Association says “Homes that are not connected to a sewer system use septic systems or cesspools, both of which are regulated by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and local boards of health. A septic system has a tank, a distribution box, and soil absorption system commonly known as a "leach field." A cesspool has a pipe carrying waste from the home to a pit which distributes liquid waste. Improperly functioning sewage systems and cesspools are a major cause of the pollution of our coastal waters, rivers, and water supplies. As of March 31, 1995, the state environmental code governing septic systems, commonly referred to as Title 5 regulations, requires inspections of septic systems and cesspools prior to a home being sold or enlarged. In most instances, systems that fail inspection must be repaired within 2 years. After January 1, 1996, most septic system replacements or upgrades will also require that the soil evaluation test be performed by a DEP-approved soil evaluator. On November 3, 1995, Title 5 was again revised to encourage increased compliance with the regulations and to minimize financial hardships and delays for homeowners.” A failure needing a repair can cost $500 - $1000 above the $500 cost of the evaluation. A complete replacement can run $20,000 - $30,000. One word: OUCH! One more word: F^*#! To be honest our home was built by a person who was on the town building committee and took so many shortcuts in building the house that I am very, VERY nervous that our septic system is a hole in the ground with a moth cake dangling in it. This will be the moment on which our move hangs. A full failure will unleash a rash of delays including time needed to figure out how to pay for it. The website says that the state has made low interest loans and grants available to get into compliance which is encouraging but then I remember that this state is in so much debt even we may have a better credit rating so who knows what will be available to us. We cross that bridge when we get to it.
October 2010 – Bury St Joseph (thanks Clairz!), put house on the market and begin the prayer vigil. The realtors have told us that the current “days on Market” for a ranch in the Brookfields is about 200 days, which gets us to about June 2011.
November 2010 - I will have 55 years age and 27 years of work toward my pension. In February 2011, my birthday, I get a bump up and again in November 2011. My percentage by then will be 45%. I will be applying for a special upgrade related to providing direct service. If I get this, the percentage will be bumped up to almost 60%. This is enough for us to survive. Sure, it may be tight at times but as long as I can still make my beer, pay for my internet and spend time with Mrsfabp, I will be happy.
So, there it is right now, anticipated retirement sometime around November 2011, move to Las Cruces, November 2011. Please keep the chiles hot and the beer cold, we are coming!
8 comments:
Okay, a couple of comments here. Fer gawds' sake, don't bury St. Francis, patron saint of animals and the environment--who knows what would happen if he were to find himself underground because of you. That's only going to cause you trouble. Bury St. JOSEPH. He's your guy, never been known to fail (as they say). Just be sure to dig him up after your house sells and bring him along to LC. Give him a nice home in one of your nichos. You're sure to have one. Our St. Joseph loves being above ground once again and loves his nicho, too, and all the little offerings we bring to him.
Next, after that very scary sounding septic inspection and when your home is on the market at last, spring for lots and lots of flowers for outside. Yellow flowers are said to say "welcome" (a realtor told me that). Put them in pots, put them in window boxes, put them in planters all over the decks. We spent a lot on flowering plants, more than I really wanted to, but they made a big difference. Our buyers turned out to be real jerks (later revealed themselves as Tea Party fans, too), so after the closing I gave all the flowers and pots and planters to the realtors, who were sweethearts.
Okay, got that? 1) St. Joseph and 2) Flowers. It would be good if you put these two items on a list and hung it up on your fridge. Oh, and 3) Don't forget to bring Maqz; he's a part of the Penguin Family and is not to be left behind.
One last item: Good things happen to good people. Never, never forget that. The chile beer is chillin' on ice for you.
Love you, Clairz--MrsFabP
Ok. Very simple. Good plan. Makes sense. Makes me sad.
No, Maqz. No reason to be sad. You're coming too, verdad?
One more comment. If you provide me a comfy sleep place (which could include a cleaned out spot in the basement and a comfy cot, I'll come up and do SOME work to help you clean up and out in August. Possibly even June.
Wow. Hi Clairz! A visit to NM isn't out of the question. Nice to have a new friend waiting. Thanks!
Umm, Maqz, you don't know The Plan? Pat! Pat????
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