Last weekend I had planned to take my dog trap over to a co-worker's house to get fixed but I just wanted to stay home and not have to drive anywhere so that's what I did. On Sunday, I decided to put the dog trap in my truck so that I would be prepared to go over to his house after work. Just for fun, I tried to start the truck which has been sitting for a few weeks now. Of course, it didn't start. Since I have 3 vehicles at the moment, I was able to jump start it all by myself. I think that was only the second time in my life that I have jump started a car on my own. I was nervous but thrilled that it worked. Off to the auto parts store where the manager replaced my battery for free and asked me out. I declined. I also bought myself a battery trickle charger and jump starter because I don't plan on having 3 cars forever. $65, Merry Christmas to me.
On Monday, I received a reply from the building department. I had asked if I could close my building permit since I passed the pull test. They said that I still needed to pass a grading inspection and a final inspection. I could put off the electrical inspection until later. I had no idea I needed those other inspections. I called to schedule a grading inspection because I was pretty sure my grading was good. The grader I had hired was very good and made sure the drainage went away from all buildings. I thought they would tell me what time to meet them out at my building but no. I sat at work refreshing the permitting website in case an inspection time was entered. I tried to call them but got transferred to a dead phone. Finally, after lunch, the website updated and said PASSED! I was so relieved. Now I just need the final inspection if I decide not to put in the electrical wiring yet. Since I just passed an inspection, I think I have another 365 days before my permit expires so maybe I should just wait and see if I can get the electrical in. Or, maybe I am being too optimistic. Anyway, I have spent so much this month already, I know the electrical isn't getting done any time soon.
I have the next 4 days off and I plan to spend them relaxing, cooking, and hopefully, getting organized. Last weekend I made Dutch Baby pancakes and hot cocoa like my father used to make. It was good.
After work today, I bought some gifts for my mother's neighbor in Arizona and then checked on my mother's place. The tomato and basil plants had been killed by the cold but everything else looked ok.
I must confess that this month's extra mortgage payment was spend on Christmas gifts. That's what happens when I let remodeling costs get out of hand and don't have a specific budget category for Christmas. What was I thinking when I thought that $650 pull test would fit in to my budget this month? And then there was all the easy point and click shopping on my lunch break. Except for the gift for the neighbor, I didn't even have to step in a store. Ah well, it was fun while it lasted. January will be back on track (as long as there are no unexpected car bills, vet bills, travel bills, etc... oh, and can't forget taxes coming soon!)
PS: Dog trap was fixed and will be donated to a rescue group after I paint it. It seems like every week there's another skittish dog on the loose. I don't have the time to be driving my trap all over town so I will give it to a group who has time for that sort of thing.
6 comments:
Merry Christmas and hope you enjoy your days off.
Merry Xmas Daisy. That was nice of you to think of your Mom's neighbor. Hope you and your family are all doing well.
Merry Christmas, hope you (and the puppies and kitties) are having a great day.
Merry Christmas, Lizzie. They were lovely and mostly unproductive. Relaxing though. That should count for something.
Thanks, Anonymous. The neighbor seemed to appreciate it. I hope you had a good Christmas.
Thank you, Anonymous. The dogs were especially spoiled with bits of steak and sweet potatoes cooked in bacon grease, as well as helping get rid of my cheese danish failure.
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