Friday, March 28, 2014

WORK TO DO…EVENTUALLY.

Last week, after months of contradictory but mostly just plain wrong banking-required compliance information, we finally managed to deposit our flood insurance refund check, while at the same time freeing up the funds so that we could actually use the money to buy materials and pay labor costs in order to begin repairs on the cottage resulting from its December 23 flooding.

It has been an arduous, angering, fatiguing, and needlessly frustrating trek through an inane maze of bureaucratic ignorance and laziness. And like so many such ordeals, was eventually solved by finally managing to talk to the right person who not only was willing to take on the responsibility of the issue and getting it completely and correctly resolved, but knew just were to look for the appropriate procedural guidelines information. In fifteen minutes, from start to finish, the cash was in our account and available, with no strings attached.

Myladylove, currently a branch manager with another financial institution—and having spent most of her professional career involved in money matters—was giddily overjoyed. I was greatly relieved to know that in the not-very-distant future, I wouldn't have to choose between committing a variety of felonies, or seeking brain-numbing asylum through the liberal consumption of alcohol. Trust me, it was coming down to one or the other.

Now, of course, the redo work can begin…that is, it can begin just as soon as the weather breaks and spring finally makes up its mind to settle in for the long haul. 

Yes, we've had a couple of nice days since the equinox made the season official—including one last week in the low-70˚s F. But not lately. A couple of mornings ago the thermometer read 14˚F at breakfast time, when Moon and I stepped out for a look-see around the riverbank after I gave the dooryard pair of Canada geese their morning scoop of cracked corn. The day before that it snowed a pure blizzard—flakes swirling and blowing so thick I couldn't see the island across from the cottage. True, none of the snow stuck…but it didn't look or feel much like spring out there either. And the truth is, even our recent sunny days—few and far between as they've been—have not felt spring-like. Early crocus remain tightly furled, and hints of vernal green remain elusive.

When spring will truly come remains a mystery—just as when we'll finally be able to start setting out the sawhorses outside for cutting and painting, is anyone's guess. 

Soon I hope. I have lots of work to do.
    

8 comments:

Carolyn H said...

Grizz: I'm glad your flood money is straightened out. That's got to be a big relief. Weather is equally bizarre. But that's fairly typical for March.

Grizz………… said...

Carolyn H…

Thank you, and yes, it certainly was a big and welcome relief. Persistence pays!

Re. weather, I'm used to March's fickleness—and, of course, expect it. But this year's version is still in winter mode, and serious record-setting winter, at that!

KGMom said...

May the work now go smoothly. And the results be pleasing to you.

Grizz………… said...

KGMom…

Thank you. Smoothly and pleasing will certainly be the goal. My practical aspirations are to achieve the level of tolerably decent. But given the skill set of yours truly…on the tough stuff, I'll be pleased by any project I muddle through which surpasses functionally adequate.

Gail said...

HI GRIZZ - So glad the flood monies due you are finally resolved and deposited. Hallelujah. I so understand when such matters are complete. The relief is glorious given the frustrations of the process. Phew....
I have been busy with the wedding and all. It was wonderful. There are pictures on my facebook time line if you get a moment.
Today is cleaning day - I am filled with gratitude for what I can do. Who would have thought that my gratitude list would include cleaning, but it does, it truly does...
Love to you
Gail
peace....

Grizz………… said...

Gail…

I actually looked at your facebook page this morning while sipping coffee and trying to decide whether I'd survived the weekend.

You have the right attitude about gratitude and being grateful for the small, everyday stuff. Being able to do certain tasks—work or not—is a blessing, though we don't necessarily understand that until we reach that iffy point of maybe not being able to do them any more.

It's a lovely, spring day here today; 60˚F and bursting with sunshine. Saturday was full of sleet. And yesterday was partly sunny but cold. Looks like rain ahead for the rest of the week, however.

The Solitary Walker said...

I'm so glad you managed to avoid crime and alcoholism in the nick of time, Grizz — that would have taken your estimable blog in quite a different direction! If the insurance cheque hadn't stayed your hand, I'm sure the accusatory gaze of that stern-looking goose would have.

Grizz………… said...

Solitary…

First off…please excuse (and I hope, forgive!) this unintended long delay in post and answering your comment. I'm so sorry! I've been off my usual blogging routine for the better part of a week and just now logged on to find your friendly observations.

You are indeed right—I'm too old and squirrely to take up a life of crime and not get nicked immediately; and too comfortable enjoying my, uh, comforts to savor spending time in a cell. Plus, as you point out, blogging from the big house is severely limited for an outdoorsy sort of fellow who delights in impromptu rambles. Wardens take a rather dim view of impromptu rambles.

As to my watchful goose, trust me, he's a feathered pit bull and not a fowl to run afoul of unless you enjoy having your backside pecked.

Again, Robert, I'm really sorry to not get this up and answered in a more timely manner.