The newness of the house is beginning to wear off, as countless elements of frustration continue to haunt us.  The major issue is our moving company and a promise to give us a top-level update yesterday on when our worldly possessions will arrive. No word, as apparently they still can’t find a driver. There is a hollow echo from the lack of furnishings in the house. We also don’t have our central vacuum accessories for some reason and the hatch of the garage attic remains open, waiting for the ladder system to be installed. Various cosmetic details will finally be addressed this afternoon.

We’re spending money left and right restocking our shelves, a new bed, pool furniture, TVs, wireless speakers, plantation shutters, window shades, bedroom furniture, wall hangings, and clothes. Some of these are duplicates of items still in the Portland warehouse. My car is scheduled for repairs and I’ve arranged for pool maintenance, pest control, and lawncare. It’s like a flood of outgoing dollars on a limited retirement budget. Other home improvements like decorative lights, an outdoor kitchen, and additional patio furniture will have to wait. My back aches in bad need of a chiropractor and my wife needs a stint removed from her kidney stone surgery. Our dog is equally overwhelmed with all the changes going on. 

My son and his family continue to be helpful in this difficult transition. They are all coming over for dinner tonight of brisket and the stone crabs that were missing from our anniversary dinner the other night. He’s helping us set-up all the electronics and mounting brackets, while providing some tables and chairs for entertaining. A trip to the beach this afternoon will help settle some of our mounting concerns. My sister is coming over next week for a visit and we have company from Tucson expected at the end of the month. We will have to make due for all our guests, as they share in our new home frustration.