Do you ever feel as if everything is collapsing and falling apart around you?
Well, that’s happening here, and my reaction has not exactly been a calm one.
The back room on our house is in a state of collapse, literally. The house was built in the 1980s, and the room in question was originally part of a back deck that was enclosed by previous owners to make a sun room. We live in a rural area where there was not exactly an abundance of building codes in the 80s, and the room, which sits about 3 feet off the ground, was not properly constructed. Apparently, the posts are not large enough, and concrete footings were not poured. With all of the rain we have been having over an extended period of time plus the passage of years, the room has begun to sink/collapse. It has not pulled away from the house, but we have been told to stay out of it so as not to add additional weight that might cause a further problem.
Finding someone reputable who can lift the room, pour proper concrete footings and build new supports has been a nightmare. There are about 150 construction companies in this county, but a reputable builder of commercial buildings warned me to be very careful about who I hire. Many of the companies have only one or two employees, and many are what we call “jack-leg” builders of dubious qualifications.
So I finally found a company in a large town about 30 miles away who are very reputable and can do the work and provide a lifetime warranty. Yay! But it will be three weeks before they can come out and do the work. I’m going crazy here!
And then I found out we have mold in the crawl space under the rest of the house. A lot of mold. That was looked at today, and the mold removal company will have to remove not only the mold but also the insulation under the house, will have to treat the wood so that the mold will not return, will have to put in new insulation, and will have to install a vapor barrier.
And then the mold removal man told me we have a broken floor joist under the house. That will have to be repaired.
And then we’ve been told that the gutters and downspouts on this house would never be installed on new construction. They are not adequate to funnel all of the rain away from the house, and too much water in the soil was part of the reason the room is collapsing.
So here we are. Well, here I am. My poor husband (who as my long-time readers may remember is an invalid and is nearly blind) just has to trust me to take care of all of this. I’ve had no idea what to do, and I’ve had to rely on recommendations of others and just do the best I could. I’ll keep you posted…
Unexpected in common hours 
JUST KNOW I CARE———– & IF I WIN THE LOTTERY——- I’LL SHARE– BUT IN THE MEAN TIME— OF COARSE PRAYERS FOR YOU!!! LOVE YA—- MAN– ARE YOU GOING TO BE STRONG WHEN ALL THIS SET OF NEW TRAILS IS OVER!!! 🙂 I’M HERE IF YA NEED ME—-
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Thank you so much! That means a lot! I always appreciate your comments and encouragement. I’m learning a lot through all of this. Here’s hoping you are still loving your new home! I think you’ve chosen an amazing place to live. Take care, and God bless!
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Oh no… sending my prayers.
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Thank you, Amy! I appreciate that a lot.
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So sorry to hear it and wish I could help. Alas, I’m past the point of doing my own repairs and also must rely on others. Fortunately, I do have a couple of reliable handymen who can do the work on our old house in Lula, GA, but they don’t come cheap! Life is a struggle or a grand adventure — sometimes both! Good luck.
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Thank you, Don. Yes, I’m trying to look at it as an adventure. I’ve hired a company out of Gainesville to lift and repair the back room and a local company that specializes in mold removal to take care of the mold problem. In the process, I also now have found a father and son duo who can do some of the other work that needs doing around here. So that’s a plus! Hope you are doing well!
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Scary as it may be to you, to us on the outside you are obviously doing a fine job of keeping things together, Deb! We’ll be thinking of you while this is all being sorted out.
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I appreciate that, Dries. I’m feeling better about things today than I was yesterday, so that’s good. And I appreciate your kind comments. You are always so encouraging! Thank you!
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Hi, Debby, I hear you. I am in the same boat. I have to do it all by myself without anybody to help. Support systems are gone. So, remember – the Lord helps those who help themselves. So, one thing at a time. Simplify. From now on. Relearn how to live. Ask for help. Trust intuition. Simplify. The good news is we are still going. It will never be the same. Simplify. The bad news is that it won’t ever be easy again. Simplify. Remember. You ARE strong. You can’t help but be strong. That’s who you are. You were born strong. So was I. Spring is on its way. These are all solvable problems. Choose what is important. Spend wisely. Simplify. I love you. Trust your intuition. Simplify. Fly without a safety net. It is merely fear. Do it anyway. Inaction does not exist for us. Courage ! I will always love you. Janet
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I will always love you, too. Thank you! I think I shall take your words as my mantra, “Simplify and trust your intuition.” Yes, these problems are solvable. I have to take one thing at a time. I’m making these decisions on my own now, and I am trying to trust my intuition and make the best decisions I can with the information available to me. I’m learning a lot and am plowing ahead even though I often feel very vulnerable.
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You are doing a great job mom! All you can do is take it one day, one situation, at a time, and you are doing just that. Keep hanging in there. Love and prayers always!
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wow, what a mess………..I am so sorry you are all on your own with this, it must be a very unsettling feeling. I have sent up prayer for you for wisdom in all matters.
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Thank you so much. I think that’s the best prayer anyone could pray, a prayer for wisdom, and I greatly appreciate it.
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You are very welcome, it is truly my pleasure.
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After sharing it, hope you’re feeling little better now. Actually, life is all about expecting unexpected things. Stay strong and put your trust in Almighty. Don’t worry everything will get sorted!
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I am feeling much better today than I was yesterday. Things already are getting sorted out, and I’m trying to see this as another of life’s adventures. Thank you for your encouragement!
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It’s great. Stay strong!!
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I am so sorry you are having all these construction issues! I am glad you are able to get some companies out to work on the issues though; sometimes people don’t want to go out into the country to work, they have enough work in town. It makes you understand those people who decide to live their later years on cruise ships!
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That’s so true! I’ve never thought about living on a cruise ship, but I know people who chose to live on their boats. I’m sure I will get this all worked out and done and then look back and breathe a sigh of relief.
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Sounds like you are handling things! Does Bob have macular degeneration? Harry’s has left him without central vision but he has these electronic glasses that allow him to see the football on TV and use his computer. They were expensive but worth it. I can send you information on them if you need it.
Praying things go better for you. Lucy
Sent from my iPhone >
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Thank you, Lucy! Bob’s first stroke left him with only half of his vision in each eye (a visual “cut”). And yes, he also has macular degeneration. In addition, he has cataracts, and the eye doctor doesn’t believe he is a candidate for cataract removal because of his general health. Bob told me today that he believes his vision is getting worse, but he does have an upcoming appointment with the eye doctor. Electronic glasses sound great! Thank you for your prayers, and I hope you are feeling better!
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This is all so sad. I can’t begin to imagine how you must be feeling having so much responsbility, but I’m glad you have found people to advise you. Such an expensive business. Sending warm wishes and prayers it will be better soon.
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Thank you so much! I’m also helping care for my father who has dementia, so all of this is very hard. Thank you for your prayers and your encouraging comments!
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So sorry! You are doing a great job keeping things together!!
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Thank you! It’s rather daunting to be responsible for everything with no idea what I’m doing, but I’m learning!
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Yes it is!
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