Whoops
My zeal for the project of buying something to “rent out” in McBride has pretty much burned itself out. I still feel that I’m in a “watching and waiting” mode, but I’ve started spending the savings that I had set aside, for other things. What we buy with those funds will enhance our lives over the short term AND the long term.
I found out that the office building “gem” which I had my eye on would need rezoning; it’s zoned Commercial, but not Commercial Residential. All levels of government have their hands out, always. I also looked into the “upgrade” to the heating system and found that it needs a BOILER replacement, for $10,000. With the purchase price of that building already somewhat out of my comfort zone, I’ve had to let go of my vision of buying and renovating it.
The small houses that I had my eye on have not become available; they are tied up in probates or whatever you call estate resolution. I do agree with friends who say, “If it’s meant to be, it will happen.” even while I think, “I have to MAKE this happen!”. And, “If I build it, they will come.”. However, I don’t want to get into financial trouble, and if I had sprung for a mortgage and then had a shortage of work (and these are relatively quiet times for animal care), I would have been panic stricken.
I finished paying for this acreage in 1998, and celebrated quietly, by myself. At the bank, the financial officers gleefully suggest putting THIS place up as collateral on a second property, but I will NOT.
It’s with a feeling of relief that I let go of my vision, or at least put it on the back burner. Thank you to all who felt that they were behind it.
The Pet Hostel work has been steady, not hectic. Not so many owners get their house dogs clipped short at this time of year, and it has been -20˚ Celcius (about -4˚ F.), but I have enough work anyway. The thing is to be available for pet sitting, and for those who agree that regular grooming keeps the animals happier and even more huggable. We are already almost booked up for Christmas for indoor and outdoor accomodation for pets. It’s all good; it’s my priority and my joy.
I should start taking pictures again! For some reason my website won’t accept new pictures, even though I have taken some off to make more room. But I’m still able to add photos to this blog, as I paid for an upgrade.
Have been making a few new jams too. I couldn’t list all I’ve made in the past, and I keep dreaming up new ones. This week I made Cranberry Orange Sauce (jellied condiment for Christmas turkey!), Mango Conserve, Yikes Hot Pepper Jelly and other pepper jellies. I have a a good time doing the jam & jelly thing, and a friend who is the NEW owner of the Beanery sells many jars at her coffee shop. She sends out “samples” with orders of toast as well.
I’m not sure if that brings you up to speed. Every day is different around here, but I forget from one day to the next what has happened, until I go back through my daybook (or, when I keep it up, this blog!). Things happen in lives, all of ours, which we couldn’t or shouldn’t write in a public diary, and that happens to me as well. I have some shock and sorrow about a friendship that has waxed and waned over a span of decades, but in general, life has been excellent. Except for the lack of tropical weather, I usually feel like I’m living a holiday.
If I can quit playing Scrabble online so much, I will get some Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls made, more jam invented, and Christmas prepared for. However, there are about 15 people waiting for me to take my turn in Scrabble in different games, so off I go!
Stay well everyone. Be cool or stay warm, depending where you are! ~ Ann
