I've been meaning to update our plans for the farm but just kept thinking let's wait and see how things go.
But 2020...
... a dumpster fire for everyone.
Things are not immune here either.
First, a very dear coworker had a tragedy. Her husband died unexpectedly while out of town on business. Only 45. It kind of took the wind out of our sails because we are a close knit group at the office, we're like family and what hurts one hurts all.
Just heartbreaking.
Then, as some of you know, 2nd Man was laid off. It's been a while now. More than six months. With the pandemic it's just SO hard to find a job because there are so many looking and with his background, companies if they are even hiring, are just being very specific, more so than in any year past. I am employed and my job is secure. The unemployment though has run its course and so now we use savings for needed expenses. Thankfully, we have it but of course that was intended for doing things at the farm and this year was the original plan for that to start.
Well needless to say, that didn't happen. We are in conserve/saving mode. We had narrowed it down to a complete remodel and our backup was a prefab cabin type building (and that could still happen).
Have you ever watched one of those HGTV type shows where they gut down to the studs and then redo it? That's what we have plans for that were drawn up. Removing the dining room/mudroom addition and adding on a larger eat in kitchen and then remodeling the other rooms. We owe so little on the house and land, it just made sense to get a home improvement loan and completely remodel. We have a couple of contractors that came well recommended and will just need to visit with them when we get ready. We hope that will happen next year but at this point it's the furthest thought for us.
We have a backup plan of a modular cabin type home but that would involve demolition of what we have now and then figuring out how to get the new cabin onto the property. That adds a lot to the expense.
In the short term, we may get a couple of new window units that do both cooling and heating just to be able to keep it comfortable to go visit and have a place to get away until we get to the remodeling phase. That would at least make it nice this Winter and next Spring Summer but then again, spending money right this moment on that seems like less of a plan until we have a better outlook for the job future. We don't have to go out there this Winter so maybe next Spring we can get some cooling units for the hotter months. We're still staying in the apartment, it will be easier to find a job here and if either of us needs to work from home, it's easier at the apartment.
And lastly, the latest "2020 Sucks" news...
...we just found out about this a couple of weeks ago but I couldn't post until everyone in their family knew; 2nd Family is getting divorced.
Sigh.
We've known them for 20 years, well, that's for both of us, I've known them for almost 30 years. She is moving away, out of town, as is their daughter. We weren't sure what was going to happen with their property. We share the first part of their driveway and also share the well. He is going to stay there, at least for now we believe. He loves it out there but again, who knows what the future will hold for that.
That means a new well and a driveway cleared from the road will need to be on our shortlist once we can afford to do that. Again, not until some time next year, it just depends on how things go with him staying there by himself. If things seem stable for him (and for us) we'll work on the house first and then the other things.
I took this picture the other day and put this quote on there to remind us of why we have done this. Having a small place in the country to soothe our souls has been our dream for years and we're not about to let some crappy year ruin it for us. We'll get there eventually, a few bumps in the road along the way, but we'll get there. Until then, we have a wonderful property to go to and plant and plan and figure out fun things to do.
As dark as it seems now, the future is brighter!
Come on 2021, PLEASE be better than 2020.
I do not believe 2021 will be better. We should not pin our hopes on a new calendar for the wall. I don't mean to squash a dream. What is someone's specialty? I think you have said before, but I forgot. Hopefully, the divorce will not make him have to move! I have heard of people bringing in a mobile home in which to dwell while the work happens.
ReplyDeleteWell I would hope it's at least somewhat better than this horrible year but I guess we'll see. If everyone will keep up the masks and social distancing maybe we can get through this. 2nd Man is an IT Business Analyst...they "bridge the gap between IT and the business itself using analytics to assess processes, determine requirements and deliver data-driven recommendations and reports to executives and stakeholders". LOL, yeah I don't understand either, ha. But in general he can work in any industry helping them gather this info. But now the way the market is, companies are being much stricter in requiring specific software experience, etc. Mainly because they can, a glut of talent in the marketplace. Hopefully it will return to normal eventually. We'll figure it all out.
Deletelard awmighty! 2020 sucks diseased donkey dick for everyone. I've been unemployed since 6/30; spouse has been working from home since mid-march. I'm looking for work. the ONLY thing that will make 2021 better is JOE BIDEN in the WH!
ReplyDeleteLOL now that's a description! I didn't know you had been laid off as well. We have to vote if we want change. Hang in there!
DeleteCovid doesn't stop the other sad and difficult things happening but it sure makes them harder to bear when we are already worn out. One thing I know is you and your partner will not lose your kindness and gift for friendship. In our province our motto has become "be kind, be calm, be safe." It is a reassuring mantra for all. Warmest wishes to you both.
ReplyDeleteRight? It just seems like this year is piling on. You are so kind to offer such sweet words. Thank you. I like that motto...thank you again. The same back to you, let's all get through this together.
DeleteOh dear, as if 2020 hasn't been bad enough on its own. Still, I believe you can make your dream come true. Maybe not the way you originally thought, but you guys are resilient and resourceful. Hopefully, it will turn out better than you first thought it would.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I like the way you think. Thanks for this. You still inspire us!!
Delete2020 does not just suck; it sucks out loud!
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed that 2nd Man can find a job to his liking or that y'all win the lottery!
You know, we might need to buy a few tickets, it can't hurt, ha. thanks for the finger crossing, we'll take all the luck we can get.
DeleteI am so very sorry. So much pain, so much grief, so much fear.
ReplyDeleteIt has been that kind of year for so many. But we'll all get through this eventually. We are stronger together for sure.
DeleteHeart Breaking for sure, but we all just have to take things one day at a time as I do think that we are all in it for a long haul still.
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling that we will still have to do with the situation for most, if not all of next year yet.
We can only hope for the best and pray that next year will be somewhat better. Just have to think positive.
Praying that 2nd man will be able to get a job soon. It may not be a job that he was used to working at or the pay he was receiving but a job to where he has some income anyway. Keep the faith & think positive.
Praying for you both. Wishing and hoping for better days ahead.
It may not seem like it now; but I do think that bad situations like this makes us stronger in the long run.
I feel grateful that I wake up every morning and that my feet are still above ground. With that, I feel blessed that I still have family & friends to surround me in time of need.
Thank you. We do feel it will last longer too but maybe just maybe it will be better and people will learn to live with the new normal for a while longer until we can get through it. Thanks for the prayers. He's looking into other opportunities so fingers crossed for something. I like that, everyday we wake up is for more blessed day. Thank you!! Hugs to you!
DeleteSmile and glide
ReplyDeleteSmile and glide
Thank you dear John. And let's look fabulous while doing it! ;-)
DeleteThat's a lot of tough news. I was thinking today how will I feel if the idiot gets re-elected. Hard to stomach. Praying that won't happen.
ReplyDeleteYou have to believe that things will improve and your plans for the farm will happen sometime.
OH we believe it, we have to. We've come so far and we're almost there. It will happen eventually. Thank you for everything and always the kind words.
DeleteHard, just hard to keep the cheerful and hopeful going. But what else are you going to do.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard we have to keep up and stay strong, as difficult as it may seem. Thank you!!
DeleteI did not mean to unloose a tale of woe by my inquiry about the house. One just have to take the rough with the smooth and be grateful for having had the latter.
ReplyDeleteRoderick
Roderick, don't give it a second thought. You just reminded me that several of you have asked and we need to keep everyone update. The good AND the bad, ha. Again no worries, it'll be good to have this to look back on when things turn the corner (and they will). We'll take the rough now and the smooth and will indeed be grateful.
Delete2020 has been a terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad year. So sad about all the awful things in y’all’s and everyone’s lives. Hoping and praying for better things in the future.
ReplyDeleteThank you much, that means a lot. We'll get through it. Someday we can ALL look back on 2020 and the terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad year and remember when things changed back for the better.
DeleteOne possibility about the well and driveway. As long as your friend owns the property, he can grant you an easement for the driveway, and I am not sure about Texas, but in most states can grant you an easement to the well too. You might have to put your own pump in, but it would probably be cheaper than building a new driveway and drilling a new well. Worth checking into.
ReplyDeleteFor what it's worth, I say deal with the right of way/driveway and water first. You can always"camp" in the house until you renovate but access and water are essential.
ReplyDeleteThings will change. We'll keep on keeping on.
We make plans , the gods laugh. This year has been so bad for so many
ReplyDeleteSuch sad news about 2nd family; I was hoping so hard that it wouldn't happen. I know that you and 2nd Man will persevere and flourish no matter what. You can't have that much love and not. I think think that Bill and Ted gave really good advice a while back "Be excellent to one another". I try to practice that hidden away in my house trying to make sure my mom stays safe. Lots of love 💖 to you both!!!
ReplyDeleteSuch sad news about 2nd family; I was hoping so hard that it wouldn't happen. I know that you and 2nd Man will persevere and flourish no matter what. You can't have that much love and not. I think think that Bill and Ted gave really good advice a while back "Be excellent to one another". I try to practice that hidden away in my house trying to make sure my mom stays safe. Lots of love 💖 to you both!!!
ReplyDeleteYes, "so much pain, so much grief, and so much fear". My mind continued on with - and So Much Clarity for the direction of forward movement continuing your life together in a strong, compassionate, thoughtful and deliberate fashion filled with love for one another and all mankind. You Guys Rock !
ReplyDeleteDearest gentlemen, there is no doubt that this has been an Annus horribilis, and I don't see much relief soon. Short of someone actually getting Covid, the most agonizing effects of this pandemic are being unemployed, and not being able to be with those we love--in equal order. My heart hurts for 2nd gentleman. After years of reading your blog, I feel so close to you both; thus, I have confidence that between your job and abilities, and 2nd gentleman's many skills, not least of which are domestic frugality and resourcefulness, you and he will be able to batten down the hatches and survive this horrible situation. I also feel so much sorrow for 2nd family and for you folks; friends' divorces are almost as devastating to us as if it were our own parents. I do wish them the best. In the meantime, I hope you and 2nd man will use these hard times to draw even closer together. As for the farm, I am impressed with your realistic and practical plans for hanging in there. Do remember this; a dream deferred is still a dream. God be with you both.
ReplyDelete