Final day

Excited, happy, anxious, depressed.

It's an odd mix of emotions when you get ready to leave the place you have lived for 8 1/2 years. Even when you have been working toward the move for a long time.

This has been the first place I have ever been able to call MY house. 

Lot of memories here but time to make memories in a new place. 

Not like I haven't moved before. I've lived one of the most transient lives of anyone I know. This will be move number 31 that I remember. There were a couple more moves that happened when I was too young to recall. 

I have the meeting at the title company today. Sign papers and give them my bank account info. That's at 12:30. 

Only things left are packing last of my clothes and some cleaning house. Polish the floors a final time. 

By this evening I will have the computer desk and speakers loaded in the van. Guess I'll leave the office chair here. I'm taking the cushion with me for the drive. Be sitting on the mattress this evening. But going to medicate myself to sleep really early so I wake up and get on the road before sunrise tomorrow. 

That figures

Seems to be a day for belt problems.

Tightened up the belt on the van but it still squealed very slightly. Enough to annoy me. Got some belt dressing and applied that. Problem solved. The belt does not show signs of advanced wear and should last quite a while. The tensioner would not adjust any further. I'll still get a spare before I hit the road just in case. 

After tightening the belt (before getting the belt dressing) I walked inside, tools still in hand. Notice the swamp cooler is not blowing any air. However I could hear the motor running. Got on the roof and checked. The belt broke.

I could have just left it but did not want to be rude to the new owners. Besides, seems like bad karma. The first day or two we moved into the house the swamp cooler was not working. It got hot as hell in here. Though that was late May and it would not get that hot now. Still..

Went to Home Depot because Walmart already removed swamp cooler supplies from stock. That trip served to remind me how much I hate Abq drivers and police. There was an accident in the road on Coors. Fire truck blocking 2 of 3 lanes. How many police directing traffic? None, of course. Flares? Nope. These people don't even try. 

I could tell the accident had been there for a while. Got further down the road and there was another accident. Or one of the vehicles from the first one tried to drive away but was too badly damaged. That car was on the side of the road. One police car blocking one lane. 

Got to Home Depot, got the belt. Coming back they still had not cleared part of the wreck. So traffic was still screwed up in both directions. 

Got home and it was raining but getting dark. Climbed on the roof in the rain. Not so easy, since I still had to climb on the van using the ladder and then pull the ladder up to get on the roof. Installed the belt and climbed back down the same way. At least the swamp cooler is working well now. 

Took a bath and cleaned out the tub. Don't have to do that tomorrow. 
Cleaned the toilet. 
Did dishes. 
Made dinner, so will have to clean the utensils from that before bed. 
Polished the part of the floor I sanded.
Wiped out the inside of the stove. 
Cleared the freezer and wiped it out.

So, very little left for tomorrow. 

Almost ready

Nearly everything is packed. Probably a little over an hour of work total to be ready to head out the door.

Only things remaining are dishes some of which I retained with the intent of discarding, one load of laundry tonight and then last cleaning. 

I do need to do some adjustments on the van this evening. Tighten the belts which still keep squealing. I've only tightened one belt. Have to see if I can tighten the other one. I do know the one I worked on the other day is making noise because it got worse after replacing the idler. But I didn't tighten it as far as it was before. Probably take about 10-15 minutes. The paint on the front of the van is faded, so I got some matching spray paint yesterday. Apply that this evening if it isn't going to rain. 

Of course, never heard from the guy who bought the car. Obviously I got screwed. I hope the car breaks down if he screwed me by intent. Like, I hope it breaks down tonight. On the highway. During rush hour. In the heat or the rain. Outside of town. With no cell service. And no money for a tow truck. 

That's what I get for being a nice guy. 

Oh, well.

Fixed the trap door the rest of the way. Dug out the planer and trimmed it down so it's easier to open and close. It's level with the floor as it should be. Stable. I jumped on it several times to be sure. If you could not see it, you would never know it's a trap door. 

Two days

Only two more days until I hit the road.

Not much left to do. Laundry, dishes, final packing, last cleaning.

I got the van halfway packed today. Mostly tools including the tiller and air compressor. I was able to figure out how to lay the seats down and the items mentioned fit between the 2nd and 3rd row seats, leaving lots of space above. The boxes fit on top of the folded seats and leave room for visibility through the rearview mirror. Had to get two more boxes for remaining items. 

Fixed the trap door. Again. Though I will dig out the planer and trim the edges tomorrow so it fits more easily. I used construction adhesive to put it back together. Letting that cure overnight.

The guy who bought the car said he will meet me tomorrow to get the title. So he will probably give me the remaining money then. That's a little bit of a relief. 

Had to sand the floor where the office chair has been sitting. Let that dry overnight and apply polish tomorrow. Moved the computer table into the dining room, which is now completed aside from next paragraph.

Got touch up painting done but screwed up some small white spots. Get those spots redone before bed, once the black dries. 

Have to go to the title company on Wed to sign papers and give them bank account info. 

Not sure how but I lost my phone. Glad I never tossed the old phone. Had to transfer back to that one. 

Difficult thing to do for me was giving away the remainder of my cannabis today. Gave it to someone I know who is also on the medical cannabis program. Have to face the fact that I will only be able to use that for two more days. Anything remaining after that has to be discarded. I only kept enough for that time frame. But I will be taking seeds with me, just in case it becomes legal at some later date. I have more hope it will become legal at the federal level than for AL to legalize it. It's obviously a major cash cow for them there. 

Of course, it's a trade off. Give that up but get to see my daughter again. I call it a valid trade. Who knows? Maybe it will have good sides. Hopefully more energy? 

Stopped writing long enough to grab dinner from the kitchen and finish the spot painting. That will be the last painting I do in this house. 

Closer and closer

For months, I have been looking around the house, comparing how it looks now to what the house and yard looked like when I first moved in. Mostly room by room. It is inevitable that as the time to leave comes close, you look around things in entirety. 

The yard looks like a completely different yard. The house looks considerably different inside and out. This is the condition I wanted the house to be in. Almost. I never did install the water features I had planned on. Never installed the solar heating system. 

Been looking around and remembering my daughter as she grew up here. Skating in the hallway and living room. Painting windows and walls together. The seesaw. Her attempts at car washes and lemonade stands. (Just not the right neighborhood for those things. At least not for a white girl.) The walks we used to take along the aqueducts and river. 

I remember digging out bamboo from the yard. Getting rid of The Pile. Living for over a year with only a generator and battery powered lights. Various versions of the greenhouse and solarium. 

Only a few more things to do. Going to start packing the van today. 

Three days

Well, I did not get everything done today which I had planned on. Got most of it done.

Did the roof. It was really just areas of oxidation that needed refreshing of the coating. It could use some additional gravel on top of the coating but I'll leave that to the couple moving in. I did the hottest, messiest, most labor intensive and most expensive part. 

Got the floor done in the dining room. Including scraping up old paint spots that have been there since before I moved in. 

Got the yard trimmed front and back with the trimmer.

Now I have one heck of a backache. 

Oh, I got a lot of trash out of the house and back yard. Including discarding clothes I will no longer be wearing. 

Tomorrow I'll get the front room floor done, some touch up painting and start packing the van. 

I still have to figure out how to fold the seats the way I want them folded for maximum cargo space. If I can't figure them out of it's not enough room, I can fold them a different way and load the van however it fits. Which I somewhat suspect is going to be the case. 

Plans for the day

The forecast today is for a high of 90. But not too hot yet. Going to get up on the roof shortly before it gets really hot. Chance of rain this afternoon, so I want to have it done before then. It's okay if the patch is in place and it rains later. It just won't stick to a wet surface. 

Have to get touch up painting done. 

Get the floor in the dining room finished.

Trim the grass.

Till a small area which just isn't straight.

Fix the trap door which the inspector messed up. 

Then start packing the van. 

That leaves only cleaning house after these things are done. I'll have 3 days to clean house, do any paperwork necessary and pack my last few items. 

Lots done

Got a bit done today. Painted the dining room. Including the baseboards. I do have to do some touching up after the current paint dries. I even applied a coat of primer as mentioned. 

Got the sunken living room floor polished. Looks good.

Got up on the roof and patched some areas pointed out by the inspector. Still have more of that to do because the roof has to be dry. It rained for a short while, so not all the roof was dry. The parts I patched were dry. I think the remaining part will take maybe 1-2 hours at most. Happily, this stuff spreads pretty far so I'll definitely have enough with just the one bucket. I took a good look and the parts around the edges that need patching is really only a few inches and only over the sunken living room and dining room. 

I'm going to start packing the van tomorrow. Anything I won't need for the following three days can be packed and loaded now. No more need to wait. 

Five days

Went to karaoke for the last time in Abq last night. Had fun. Nothing too exciting. Decided against the song I had mentioned because of the sound system. Just not conducive to that song.

Getting started on remaining painting. Had to mop the sunken living room and wash the baseboards in the dining room. Waiting for that to dry right now. I am going to use a layer of primer and then the paint. Few spots on the wall have stains. Hey, I was using it as a workshop for years. Stains happen.

By tomorrow evening I need to have the majority of any remaining garbage out of the house and yard. Monday morning will be my final trash pickup here. 

Today marks only five days left and one wake up. 

Have not heard anything else from the guy who bought the car. I would not mind having that other $80. 

Update 8-25-17

Seems I had forgotten the fact that I added some black paint to the paint I used on the sunken living room floor. So had to mix in some black and go over the areas I spot painted this morning again. Otherwise those areas would have been bright red while the rest was dark (brick) red. Looks a lot better now. 

Got the new idler wheel for the van and installed that. Sounds better. No more squeaking and squealing. (Which was mild but better to fix it and avoid potential problems.) 

Real estate agent called and NOW they need me to sign papers before the sale? AND that cannot happen until like Wednesday? WTF? Glad I haven't headed out of town yet. 

She also said the buyers want to do a walk-through before closing. Sounds like that is supposed to happen Wednesday, also. 

I am NOT happy with all this crap being scheduled for the day before I leave town. But at least she gave me ample warning, so I can load most of my stuff in the van on Tue and have very little remaining on Wed. 

I installed some outlet covers for the outside outlets. One of the things mentioned on the inspection. 

Think I'll do the roof tomorrow. Told a friend I would meet her for karaoke tonight. This will be my last karaoke night here in Abq. Been thinking of a song I haven't done in years I want to sing. It's a love song but I just want to sing it because it's a complex, difficult song. Jet City Woman by Queensryche. 

Plaster still drying in the dining room. It has to dry overnight. So, tomorrow I have to polish the floor in the sunken living room, paint the dining room and do the roof. Sounds like a lot but it's not. The roof is likely to take the most effort. Rest will take half the day or less. 

By Sunday all I should have left to do is trimming the grass, maybe some touch up painting and then packing. 

Activity

Dragging butt today. Disrupted sleep schedule for the previous two days, now just dragging. Had a UC flare this morning, calming down now.

In spite of that, got myself off my tail and started getting remaining tasks done.

Cleared off the work bench and took it outside, listed it on CL for $20. Also put out the Hurricane scrubber for $10. (I honestly don't think it's worth that much.) Only used it maybe twice.

Between those I can get enough for a tank of gas. I estimate it will take about 6 tanks to get to AL. Maybe 5. 

Patched the holes in the walls in the (now) dining room with plaster. Have to wait for that to dry before painting. 

Spot painted the sunken living room floor. Have to wait for THAT to dry before I can apply polish. 

Somebody texted me about the work bench. Once that's gone I can go to the store and get drop cloths. Get on the roof this evening and do the work up there. 

I need to get an idler wheel for the van. It's making a noise. Would probably last but no urge to take a chance while driving through the desert. 

Got one spot in the front living room which will have to be redone. Because of the office chair scratching it up. I think the next office chair I get I will install silicone wheels. 

Six days

Yes, I skipped one day. 

Six days and a wakeup until the move.

Worked last night and did not get to sleep until after 5 AM. Got awakened several times by different means, including twice by some guys doing the land survey. I did not know they were coming. So I wound up sleeping until almost 2 PM.

I still got the rest of the garden tilled. Have one spot to touch up which I make kind of crooked. But it's cloudy and cool today, so it was a good time to get that done. 

Ran to the store for some items. Paint for the living room floor because part of it needs retouching. There was some kind of grease or something on the floor which seeped through the paint and made paint come up when I mopped. Going to mop with grease cutter and cleaning vinegar and then repaint that area. 

Going to clear out the workshop tomorrow and sell the work bench. Then plaster and paint the following day. 

Damn. I forgot to get drop cloths. Oh, well. Get them at Dollar Tree tomorrow. 

Got some roof patch material. I'll try and get the roof done but not going to commit myself too much. If I have to, I'll leave the supplies and the new owners can apply it. Pretty sure I can get it done if the weather cooperates. Only spots that need any work are the edges. 

Eight days

Only 8 days left until the move.

Have to work today, so not much to be accomplished around here.

Got all the laundry done, so I should only have to do one more load before packing. I admit I sometimes wear the same clothes for two days if I don't do anything too dirty or sweaty. 

This weekend, going to clear out the closet and linen closet from things I no longer need. Most of the clothes I kept behind are just worn out things I use for working around the house. Lots of holes and stains. They're disposable. Just need enough for a few days until I get into the storage unit in AL. 

Of course, already thinking ahead to next Wed because I will pack the van with everything except my clothing for Thur morning. Plan on getting up quite early Thur and hit the road before it gets hot. Be about a 12 hour drive to Kerrville. 

I am feeling more excited than nervous now. 

Made arrangements for all services to be turned off or removed from my name. Trash, water, power, gas, internet, hold mail. Hope I'm not forgetting anything. I don't have a land line, so that doesn't apply. They will all be turned off on 8/31 or 9/1. Asked power to be off on 9/1 so I don't wake up in the dark if they get too ambitious. 

Nine days

Only nine days left here.

Finally got the Saturn sold today. Comes with a possible regret if the guy doesn't keep his word. (Honestly, I think he will simply because he is from out of state.) He was in need, so I let him drive it off for $320. He promised the other $80 in the next few days. If not, I hope I helped him. 

That clears the driveway so I can set out the workbench and tile saw to sell. Then THAT clears the workshop so I can paint in there. 

I tilled part of the garden today. Get the rest done in a few days. Was going to finish this evening but have had a lot going on. Guy came late for the car. And I have been battling actual Nazis online all day. The real thing.

Their numbers in this country are much higher than most of us estimate. I am being serious when I say I need to buy more bullets. Because they are violent and deadly.

For now, going to relax. Watch some videos. Already took my medication. Took a strong dose because I did not sleep well last night.

Have to work tomorrow, so get the tasks listed above done starting the day after tomorrow. 

Ten days

Counting today, only ten days left until the move. I leave the morning of 8/31.

Unbelievably, the Saturn has not yet sold. One guy wanted to give me $50 yesterday and come back with the rest today. I've had several people offer less than $400. Unreal. 

I freaking hate when things all have to be done at the last minute. I want to sell the car and clear space in the driveway so I can set out the work bench and sell that as well. 

Have to call the storage place in Kerrville this afternoon. Make sure they know I'll be clearing the unit out on the 1st. 

The eclipse is today, happening as I write this. Only a partial eclipse here. Light level like a cloudy day. That's why I'm waiting until afternoon to call the storage place. 

I'm rather bored and frustrated. I have so little left to do and so much time to do it in. I can finish all I have left in maybe two days. 

Work just called. Going to pick up one shift this week. My paycheck this weekend was lower than expected, so that will help make up the difference. Besides, help break the monotony. 

The waiting place

Now that I'm done with the house, the sale is pending, inspections are done and I am done working, I'm just waiting.

I have a few things that need to be done but all of it combined comes down to 3 days of work, max. Most of that I want to wait on until closer to the move date. Things like tilling the garden and trimming the grass. 

Going to vacuum out the Saturn today and post it online to sell this weekend. I'll go ahead and sell the work bench as well. I can clear out most of the tools and pack them. 

Getting rid of the work bench clears out the workshop and I can paint the room. That will take two days because I have to patch screw holes and let the plaster dry. 

In my head I keep jumping ahead and thinking I move next weekend but it's the following weekend. If I had the money to get an apartment, I would just finish everything and leave immediately afterward. However, I only have the money for either the truck or an apartment. Not both. Would have been different if the house had sold sooner than it did. Only by 2-3 weeks. 

Right now I am bored and frustrated. Keep trying to think of things to do and occupy my time but there's nothing to do here. I'd much rather be exploring in a new place. Get to know the area of Montgomery. Oh, well. 

I guess how things are is best. I already paid the mortgage and bills here for this month. If I left now I would be paying for another place concurrently. Too bad I could not find a travel contract there. Then again, that's always a shot in the dark as to what I would encounter when I got there. But it would mean my rent an utilities would be paid for 3 months. Then I could save more money and buy a house toward the end of that time. I will try and conserve and save money as quickly as possible once I find a job. Then buy a house. I may get a better deal on a house in the real estate "off season". 

Racism

This is one I have been battling my whole damn life. Now it has exploded into the national consciousness. Finally.

For years, our country has basically denied the existence of racism here or downplayed it as isolated occurrences. They can no longer do that with large groups of Nazis, KKK members and people who still support Confederate symbolism. All of that is tied directly to racism. 

I have been seriously distressed for days. A little from the Nazi who ran over people at a protest. Far, far more by the people who say the racists have a right to "freedom of speech". 

Of course, many people are focusing like zombies on Trump. I keep telling them that this has been an issue for centuries. Focusing on Trump will do nothing. We have to focus on issues.

That's where something positive comes in. I think my message is finally gaining ground. More and more people are finally waking up. They are seeing the problem is the system itself. Names, identities and parties don't mean anything. We have to address the issues directly and head-on. 

I've been writing continuously like a chipmunk on meth.

Here is a small part of what I have written:

Contact your elected officials and tell them this:
ANY group that advocates the oppression of others based on race/color/religion/gender/sexual orientation needs to be declared a hate group. If that group uses, advocates or implies the use of violence (such as carrying firearms during a rally or protest), that group should be declared a terrorist group.

If you are still focusing on Trump, you are NOT awake.
The problems are much bigger and much older.

If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.
If you are neutral, you are not part of the solution.

White supremacy in and of itself IS violence.
Denying employment to qualified people is violence.
Denying housing or charging much higher rent/mortgage to minorities is violence.
Forcing people into starvation and homelessness is violence.
Using disparaging remarks against groups of people based on race/religion//gender/sexual orientation is violence.
Leaving people with no choice but public assistance and then making negative statements about being on public assistance is violence.
Taking away public assistance from those in need is violence.
Shooting unarmed people because of their race is violence.
Imprisoning members of black people at a rate four times that of whites is violence.
Forcing people of one race to look at monuments to white supremacists is violence.
When you remain neutral in the battle between the oppressor and the oppressed, YOU have taken the side of the oppressor. You are NOT innocent.

If you think YOU have as much right to protest unmolested as white supremacists do, you are NOT awake.

For white supremacists, the true operative is not "white", it is "supremacists".
Look closer at them. Look at their history.
50+ years ago people with the same mindset had a white knuckle grip on power and a true majority in this country.
Yet they were still divided. 
Even in areas where they hold power now they remain divided. Christians versus Jews versus Atheists. Protestant versus Catholics. Straight versus gay. Irish versus Polish versus German versus French an on and on.
If it were even about skin color, you can't get much whiter than Russians.
Subdivision upon subdivision. Division upon division.
Even for the racists, it's not about skin color.
If there were only white people, these people would still be attacking anyone they saw as "different".
Money will not fix this.
Impeaching Trump will not fix this.
Them having power or control will not fix this.
Education will not fix this.
Integration will not fix this.
It's about hate. Xenophobia. "The other."
And for them there will ALWAYS be an "other".

If you are too WEAK to stand up against Nazis, sit your ass down and wait your turn in the ovens, bitch!

If you don't SEE the problem, you ARE the problem.

Some people still aren't getting it.
Anyone on my friends list knows I am pretty much a loner but have always cared about the welfare of other people. Especially the oppressed.
I remain the same person, I make no excuses and no apologies. If my friends list reaches zero I shall remain myself. I shall keep the same values.
Just because you do not CALL yourself a Nazi sympathizer does not mean you are not one. The telling is in your actions and opinions. Refusal to stand when you should.
"The world is a dangerous place to live. Not because there are evil people in it but because of those who do nothing about it."- Einstein
If you defend Nazis I will unfriend you. Persist and I will block you.

Maybe some of you think I was not being serious when I suggested concentration camps or colonies for racists.
I assure you I was being VERY serious.
No, I am not suggesting torturing or killing anyone.
Honestly, I am suggesting giving them exactly what they say they want.
Their own little “safe space” so their snowflake asses don't melt out here in the real world. 
It does not need to be mandatory. They can be offered more choices than they wish to offer people of other races.
They can be given the options of integrating into our diverse society, a one way ticket to another country of their choosing (if that country will accept them) or voluntarily entering a colony.
They must be marked to identify them as racists.
They can take their precious guns with them.
The colonies should be fenced (so they get their wall), guarded and mined around the periphery.
Once they enter, they are not allowed to leave. Why would they want to? Then they may encounter someone “different” and would have a meltdown.
It's not like many of them have ever been to another country where they learned anything about the world.
They still get to marry their cousins or siblings.
If there are not enough jobs, they get food stamps and welfare. We don't want to starve them.
They can elect their own little racist government.
They can erect statues of Lee or Hitler or any other racist leaders they choose and we won't try to take them down. 
They can have their own racist little churches.
They can poison their water all they like. For all I care they can pour used engine oil right in the water reservoir.
They can teach Creationism in their schools and make fun of people with advanced educations.
They can drive their big trucks in circles while blasting redneck music as loud as they like.
This should actually sound like heaven to them. It's the world they crave.

So, that's only a small part of what I have been writing for the last few days. This battle is far from over. The first step is getting more people to wake up. 

Final planning!

I am now making final moving plans!

I do not have to be here for the closing and money is supposed to be deposited directly to the bank. 

So I will be leaving here on 8/31 and driving to Kerrville. Get a hotel room for the night and get things out of storage on 9/1. Then drive to Temple and visit with Mary and Dylan. 

I figure I will get to Montgomery probably on 9/2 or 9/3. Get a cheap hotel room, visit with Emily. Won't be able to get an apartment until 9/5 because of the holiday weekend. 

Went and got a used but very decent laptop, which I am using now. It's a large Compaq. Looks almost new, so I'm guessing it was previously a business computer. Even the touchpad has no scratches, so whoever had it used a separate mouse as I am doing. This will hold me until I get the PC fixed.

Finally put the van back together yesterday. I could not do the brakes because I don't have the right tools, they're in storage in AL. Checked the brakes and they have a very good amount of pad left. Not sure how but the hose for the coolant disappeared, can't fill the AC yet. Oh, well. I really do need to vacuum the system before filling it or it won't work very well. 

That's okay, also. Going to drive through cooler and more scenic areas on the way to Kerrville. Take off very early in the morning. Should hit the mountains just as the heat of the day sets in. Get to Kerrville by that evening. Part of that drive will be hot but then I get the UHaul and that will be air conditioned for the rest of the trip.

Today is my last day at work. Honestly I would call off but that money may be needed if there is any delay in money being credited to my account. I will have enough for the trip with the check from this shift. 

So, 14 days and a wake up. I am happy, excited and very nervous. 

Computer crash

My PC crashed. And the tablet goes slower and slower as each new update (and newer iPad version) comes out. 

I think it's either the processor or motherboard. Just going to have to wait until AL.

Until then, will have to stick with the tablet, which is annoying or get a used laptop. Think I'll go look at a used computer shop this week. The tablet will not multitask, which I am addicted to. Fucking slow as shit. 

Seems my computer always crashes when I have a major life change. For real. 

Still trying to figure out if I can move before the 1st. Looks very possible but have to wait until next weekend when my check goes in the bank to decide. The money from the house is supposed to go straight to the bank. So I could be in AL or on the road there. Just don't want to run short from renting a truck in Kerrville or get stuck with no gas money somewhere in between. 

No AC

So, the AC compressor came in. I tried to install it. It was the wrong compressor. Line connections were on the top, where the old one had connections on the side.

Took it back. They didn't have the right one but looked up a possible match at another store. So I went to the other store. Got the other compressor. It didn't fit, either. Connections were on the side but a different size.

Took that one back and got the core back. I have it mostly installed but ran into a problem so I will have to pull it partway back out.

Have to do that tomorrow because I have to work today and Sunday.

Because of all that drama I never got the oil change and brakes done. Do that also.

I did note where one line connects there was dirt or tarnish where there should not be. It is possible the compressor is okay and I just needed to replace the o-rings, which I did. I'm going to try recharging the system with the new o-rings and see if it holds pressure. In this case, I will get a leak detection kit and see if I can find the leak myself, if there still is one. Or not. Not sure yet. I got a vacuum device for the system. If I hook that up I can see if I can tell if it holds vacuum. But it's easier to check pressure to test for leaks.

If there is, I already checked with the dealer. They had to look up the right part by VIN number. Not in stock, would take a week to get here and would cost $650. Just for the part. So that will have to wait until after the move. I may go ahead and check the salvage yard, also. Or see if I can buy a used one online. The ones online are typically pressure tested. 

Still counting down the days. As of today, only 20 days until closing. (21 counting today.) Today is one of three shifts remaining at work. 

Two paychecks left. One next Fri and one the weekend of 9/1. Total of 5 shifts. When I returned the compressor, they gave me the refund in cash, so I need to put that money back in the bank. The bills are pretty much all paid, so what goes in the bank mostly will stay there. I also have to sell the Saturn. 

So, coming down to the final days and final steps. Both excited and nervous. 

Waiting on parts

Ordered parts to work on the van. Went to Auto Zone a few minutes ago and they're not in yet. WTF? They're just coming from another location in town!

Oh, well. I went and got two new front tires on the van. Got front brake pads yesterday. Got the coolant for the AC today. Just want to make sure this trip happens safely and comfortably. 

Got some paint to paint the dining room/workshop. Plus some black to touch up around the house. 

Worked on a couple of things the inspector pointed out yesterday. Simple stuff. Tightened up a couple of blower assembly screws in the furnace. Tightened up the water heater exhaust. Tightened the toilet to the floor more. (It never wobbled or anything like that. I guess he pulled up on it?) 

I'm waiting on my copy of the inspection. That way I can check things off as I go and leave that copy for the new owners. 

Honestly I was nervous, afraid the buyers could back out. Not sure that's possible after signing the agreement to buy the house but you never know. Felt much better after the inspection and nothing major found. 

I may go as far as getting some roof sealant and sealing the areas that need it. Cold sealant. Just some spots around the edges of the roof. Depends on how much it costs. 

Inspections

Inspections on the house are done. Two inspectors came by today.

One was inspecting for termites. I'n guessing she didn't find any sign of them because she left without saying anything to me. 

The other was the home inspector. He found small things, nothing major. House is structurally sound. No safety issues. Mostly as he said, aesthetics and formal inspection notations. That's it. 

Met the couple buying the house. They're both really nice. She has a 10 year old son. They like the location and the yard especially. Looked like they liked a lot of things about the house. I showed them around. 

They don't want the work bench, so I'll be getting rid of that and the shelves in the workshop. Then paint that room. 

My biggest concern was the electrical inspection. But that all came out okay. I knew it would be safe and meet code, I was just worried they would ding me for not all of it being done by an electrician. But he did not ask and I did not tell that I did most of it. He just checked the patency of the wiring, made sure there were no shorts. There weren't. Couple of spots under the house he said need junction boxes. Those were the same when I moved in. Never caused a problem. Just where two wires are connected. One connection is in a box and it just needs a cover. 

I will work on a few of the things the inspector pointed out. Most of it is small. I made clear I will not work on anything in the crawl space. 

Really happy that is over. My stress level was so elevated that I took a hit off the bong before anyone got here. I rarely do that during the daytime. Unless I am sick or stressed out. 

Registration

Got the van registered today. I was afraid it would cost a lot more than it did. It ran about $90, so not too bad.

Tried to get a haircut but every place with decent prices was closed. Guess I'll do that on Wed.

Most of the laundry is done. One load left after I take a bath. 

Pulled the covers off the crawl spaces. Readjusted the one in my bedroom so it won't sink in any more. It only sank like 1/4" but was visible. Now it should no longer do that. It's been stable enough to jump on but just looked bad. Besides, it's in a spot where you can't do much with that area but place a laundry basket or dresser. Just leaving the trap doors open until after the inspections. 

Checked the back crawl space entry to be sure it's not full of black widows. The inspectors may not like that too much. 

Got the dishes done. 

All pretty mundane stuff. I just want the inspections done and over. I want the closing done and over but that's not going to be for a while. It will be a relief to have the inspections done. 

I've decided sometime after I move I am going to not only start a YouTube channel but also a Progressive website. Going to try and make it the largest Progressive website online. I know that's a big goal but why aim small? To start off, it will be free. Later I will charge for some functions. Take ads from Progressive candidates. Make a calendar and resource list of Progressive groups and events nationally. I will have to update my web design skills for the purpose but that's okay. If I can get it going I may eventually be able to do it full time. Not looking to get rich, just make a living. But rich would be nice. 

Cooling issues

Like my karma has demonstrated, I always go through multiple problems in the same general area.

In this case, it's cooling. The AC in the van. Then the thermostat. Then the pump to the water cooler. Today I turned on the switch to the swamp cooler and got a buzzing noise but nothing else. 

Climbed on the roof, checked and the swamp cooler would spin manually with no abnormal resistance. Came back in and tried the switch again, same result. The motor was shot.

Made a quick run to Home Depot and got a new motor. Installed that, adjusted the pulley for maximum air flow and it is working great. Best cooling from the swamp cooler I've had this year. 

I had just replaced that motor 2-3 years back. I think the spider assembly was leaking where the pump hose attaches. I fixed that while installing the new motor. Otherwise, these motors tend to last a lot longer than 3 years.

I saved the old motor. Try to refurbish it. A 3/4 HP motor could come in handy for one of my "mad scientist projects". 

Got out this afternoon/evening and trimmed the grass. It looks decent now. Both front and back yards. That took a while but happy it's done. Since the weather is cooling down and we're having a small amount of rain here and there, I'm going to water less this month. See if I can avoid having to cut the grass again. But if I do, I have 3 weeks from now for it. 

Got most of the laundry done. 

Now all I have to do is clean house and buff or polish the floors and I'll be ready for inspections on Tue afternoon. 

The next crash

Time for my next prediction, or at least an update to what I have been predicting.

I haven't even released all the details of this to my online friends or anyone else. I'm weighing the risks versus benefits. Should I let people know so they can prepare or keep some of it to myself to prevent widespread depression and panic? I have written most of this as separate issues but not so much all in one.

So, the next crash is coming but it's more than that. It's going to lead to widespread rioting and probably some form of civil war. Only this time there will be a LOT more than just two sides. This crash is going to make 2008 look like a day at Disney World.

I never use this term but right now the perfect storm is developing which will lead to all the above. 

News talks about the economy doing well because they quote what the stock market is doing. The stock market has no bearing on the actual economy and may actually be the exact opposite what the real economy. If stocks are up, often it's because jobs have been eliminated in large numbers for the sake of short term profits. Only the rich benefit. 

Wages have been stagnant or even decreased over decades but especially since 2009, the last minimum wage increase. (Which was approved while GWB was in office.) Meanwhile, inflation has continued. The jobs available now are lower wage jobs than before 2008 and far less than previous decades when adjusted for inflation. 

Home prices are increasing due to investors, not home owners. Millions of homes and businesses sit empty with more being built. Yet the number of homeless has remained constant or even increased. Because of investors, rent has increased while wages stagnate. 

Millions of Millenials live at home with their parents due to financial concerns. Many move away from home and have to move back. Others have taken roommates. 

Tens of thousands of jobs are being eliminated yearly due to automation and that is accelerating. Other jobs have been or are being centralized. Branch offices across all industries are closing or closed. 

Access to all forms of public assistance is being stripped to the bone. That leads to less disposable income across the board. As less money is spent, more businesses will continue to fail. 

Experts now predict public service pensions will lose over $1 trillion in the next few years.

Saudi Arabia now hold less in US Treasury bonds than at any time since 1972. They are expected to completely liquidate their remaining holdings next year. 

China is not going to loan us money. They are spending money building the New Silk Road, aka the Belt and Road Initiative. 

Sanctions on Russia are causing the EU to threaten countermeasures which will strongly affect the US economy negatively. 

Repossessions of vehicles is rising rapidly, especially high interest vehicle loans. 

Add all that up and that's more than enough for the next crash. But wait! There's more!

Influences which will further exacerbate the civil unrest are many. 

First, there is the DNC fraud lawsuit, which has not yet been concluded. Waiting on the judge to make a decision. If he rules as I expect that the DNC is guilty of fraud, the DNC will collapse and that will lead to small scale riots. 

Next, the GOP is trying to pass legislation which basically allows them to install anyone in any state office they choose, with no vote required or regardless of the outcome of the vote.

The DNC is now supporting a GOP candidate in FL who is running against a Democrat who supports universal healthcare. They are actually holding a fundraiser for a GOP candidate this month. 

The Russia investigation continues. I expect that will show nothing from Russia. But they could fabricate evidence so it goes the other way. On that one it does not matter what the outcome is, it will result in more riots. 

Put all that together with 2018 being a midterm election year. While people on both sides of the aisle knowing their vote does not matter in any way. 

All the above put together at the same time in an election year means that the civil war I have been predicting for the last decade is upon us. Then combine it with the heat of summer when I expect it all to come together and this country is going to explode. 

But maybe that will mean we can't afford any more bombs. 

Rained out

Never did get the grass trimmed yesterday. Got rained out. Just have to do that tomorrow.

Have to trim grass and clean house tomorrow and Monday to be ready for the inspections on Tue. Not sure if the buyer will be here. I want to be, if for nothing but to show how to open the trap doors to the crawl space. 

The house has been a lot more comfortable since I fixed the swamp cooler the other day. More humid and cooler. Got a lot cooler while it was raining and the outdoor temperature cooled down. 

I'm finally at the point where I am counting down the days until the house closes and I can leave. Right now looking at 27 days. 

Paycheck went in the bank this morning, so that looks a lot better. For the moment. Child support hasn't been cashed yet. The ex said the first check I sent never arrived, so I sent another a few days ago. I wasn't sure if I had 2 shifts or 3 on this check. It was 3. Not a great check but keeps me above the level I want to maintain. May drop below that for a day or two when I buy the AC parts but that's only until I sell the Saturn. My next check will have 4 shifts on it and my final check probably 1 day. The last check will hit the bank the same day I'll be on the road. 

So, if I keep my expenses down I should be able to be right at the amount I wanted to have when I move. But I still have some bills to pay, so I may be a little too optimistic. It may fall a couple hundred short. Hard to tell just yet. Few things in flux. But if I'm within a few hundred and not over $1000 off, I'll be happy. Even if it exceeds that, just have to suck it up. What could I do? 

I'm really ready to be gone from here.

Next week

My paycheck did not go in the bank yet. It will probably go in tonight.

In spite of that, I decided to try and get the van registered just to get it done.

So, went to get the emissions tested. No problem, passed with flying colors. 

Then I drove around the parking lot to the DMV. Walked in the door. Standing room only. To the point it would probably take 4 hours to get done. 

That figures. I did not think of the fact that it is the first Fri of the month in THE most government dependent state in the country. 

So, that indicates that the tire shop would be just as busy. I was going to get front tires for the van also. 

I just decided to wait until next week to get those things done. I have the insurance, have the emissions. If I happened to get pulled over I can present those and explain about the DMV. Chances are I'd be let off with a warning. Besides, it's been years since I was pulled over. I've been pulled over less than ten times in my whole life and almost every time wound up with a warning. Then one was eventually dismissed years later. 

That leaves me with nothing to do today. I may trim the grass later after it cools down. Right now too hot and humid.

Test drive

I did go out to eat dinner at one of the casinos. It was a bit of a drive out in the desert, up and down some fairly large hills. 

That was largely the point. This was the first real test drive I have given the van and I wanted to do that, see how it performed. It did really well. Temperature stayed stable and no leaks. That was my biggest concern after I fixed the thermostat the other day. No check engine light. It took the hills with no problems, not even noticeable lag. Though I did not push it really hard. 

I think it does need new shocks, at least in the front. At least better shocks than it has now. That will have to wait until after the move. I plan on replacing the front tires and brakes. I may get an alignment before the move. It feels like it pulls very slightly to the right. But I should check the air pressure in the tires first and make sure it's even. 

Large part of this was just because I did not want the first real test drive of the van to be when I am moving and the whole thing is loaded down. Then wind up breaking down in the desert. Now I feel more confident. I may take it for a drive in the mountains, also for more confirmation. All the areas around here for such drives are fairly populated, so if I broke down help would not be too far away. But a breakdown seems very unlikely. 

Have not yet gotten spare belts for it but will, when I get the other parts. I have gotten in the habit of always keeping a spare belt in whatever vehicle I am driving. Since my finances will allow it. In this case, the van has two belts. Have to get one of each. 

Minor change of plans

Making a minor change of plans regarding the AC in the van and selling the Saturn. 

Finances are getting lower but not critical. I want to keep a certain amount in the bank, so I'm going to wait until next week to do the AC in the van and sell the car. I'll come out even financially from that or maybe a little ahead in the long run. However, it will drop my account balance initially, until the car is sold, which I expect to take only one day. In any case, my paycheck will come in tomorrow or Sat morning. Still, going to wait until after the inspections on Tues. 

Of course, complications often happen and I want to have the car until I am done with the van. Just to go for parts or tools if needed along the way. Or if it takes longer than expected to put back together (weather, getting the wrong part, etc) I need transportation for work. 

The swamp cooler has not been cooling the house at all. In fact, if anything it has made it hotter in here. Not sure if that's because of the humidity lately or what. Since I no longer have the long ladder, been a problem getting on the roof to check it. Came up with a solution. I backed the van up to the house a few minutes ago. I'll use the A-frame ladder, get on the top of the van and from there to the roof. I may not even need a ladder from the van to the roof. Figure that out once I'm on top of the van. If I do, I can pull the ladder on top of the van. 

Had a slight problem with a radiator fluid leak after replacing the thermostat the other day. One of the gaskets did not seal properly and I suspected where the leak was but wasn't sure. Turned out it leaked far less than it looked like, maybe a pint or so. However, I just went the easiest route and got some radiator sealant and used that yesterday. Let it run for half an hour and the leak was gone. I did use a brand I've used in the past which worked really well and I trust. Costs more than the cheapest but is good and works with any kind of coolant. 

But I tend to make it a habit to carry extra water in what vehicle I am driving just in case something like that comes up. I've had too many experiences of overheating and stuck on the side of the road over the years. 

In any case, I am going to take it on a test drive this evening. I have yet to drive the van any distance further than going to or from work. I'm going to the buffet tonight at Rt 66 Casino. They started having what they call the Hungry Cowboy BBQ Buffet. Price isn't outrageous and those are some of the best words in one sentence I can think of, "BBQ Buffet"! lol!