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Message |
    
Rebecca Raines
Citizen
Username: Robin_realist
Post Number: 409
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, August 20, 2005 - 9:17 am: |     |
Progress is being made at our house. We arranged for some update in the kitchen to be done mid-Sept when we are mostly out. I'm almost done shifting things to the garage for this week's sale. I don't have room for all the furniture, but that can come out on Thursday or Friday morning. I'll be working on pricing this weekend. Mostly grouping things like: all hanging clothes $1/ea and craft items $.50/bag. There will be a great deal on books: Hardbacks $1/ea & Paperbacks $.50/ea, regardless of size, etc. and halfprice in groups of 10. Everything is negotiable anyway, it's a garage sale. Plus I'll be taking half price on almost everything Saturday.
I was really glad it rained yesterday as I didn't have time to water. Cricket went to a new home in the afternoon. We are relieved and really hope no more strays come our way. We have so many doctor/dentist appointments to deal with, I dont' know how we are going to get everything done. Apparently the health care in NL is mediocre at best so we're trying to get one last visit in for everyone/everything. Cats are getting microchipped. Apparently required along with current shots and health cert saying they have no communicable diseases. They get their own passports.  I checked with KLM/Northwest and they transport pets regularly. Will even allow them in the cabin with you if their cage fits under the seat. I can't imagine. What if they cried the whole time? or were sick? or the person next to you was allergic?
Things to think about. Of to the gym now. R
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mtierney
Citizen
Username: Mtierney
Post Number: 851
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, August 20, 2005 - 8:43 pm: | |
Becky, so sorry to be so late in learning about your move! How will you leave behind/or take all those craft projects! What will become of our needlepoint group?
But it sound so exciting, and I wish you and your husband all the best. Please keep MOL uptodate on your experiences. It sounds like a wonderful adventure. I really admire your taking your cats on the journey with you. How's the litter situation in The Netherlands?
I would have visited your garage sale if I'd known about it.
I think because you did not sell your Maplewood home, you will feel more like you're on a wonderful vacation. Best of luck. Marie
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Rebecca Raines
Citizen
Username: Robin_realist
Post Number: 410
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, August 20, 2005 - 9:07 pm: | |
Don't worry Marie, you haven't missed the sale. It's this Friday and Sat. Check the MOL garage sale listings for Richmond Ave. Thanks for the wishes. I really hope the Needlers will continue. You'll be without a leader for a month or two and need to meet at Main Library, but I believe they'll be hiring someone for programming during the fall months. We do hope to return here, but the aggravation with preparing to move while preparing the house to rent is almost more than I can take some days. I'm looking forward to the quiet after we get settled and then I'll be bored. I seem fickle, I know. I'm taking lots of crafts to work on and considering making things like aprons, etc. to sell. Maybe doing some applique wall hangings. We'll see.
I don't know about the litter situation? Is there something I should know? Do some countries not have cat litter? It never occurred to me to ask about that. I was worried about not having my Cheerios and Nyquil. R |
Rebecca Raines
Citizen
Username: Robin_realist
Post Number: 412
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, August 25, 2005 - 8:47 pm: | |
Well, the garage sale is ready to go. Or at least as ready as it will ever be. I just don't have enough table space to display everything so will have to shift things out as other items sell. Daughter K says we'll be having another garage sale in a few weeks. Hah! Not if I can help it. My goal is to sell or give away everything out there. The American Vets will take so many things. They're my backup plan.
One last word on the little kitten. She's doing very well in her new home. Very loving and not at all shy and she eats like a horse. A very small horse, I hope. Happy ending.
Our two cats are getting worried about all the activity here. Today we moved out a lot of furniture. Some rooms feel empty and I think they may be worried that something big is about to happen. Neither of them have ever moved before and this is going to be an especially difficult move for cats.
Anyway, stop by the garage sale Thursday or Friday after 9 am. We may have that one item you've been looking everywhere for. R |
Rebecca Raines
Citizen
Username: Robin_realist
Post Number: 413
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, August 25, 2005 - 10:33 pm: | |
Sorry, I meant to say Friday or Saturday after 9 AM. |
Rebecca Raines
Citizen
Username: Robin_realist
Post Number: 414
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, August 27, 2005 - 7:31 pm: | |
It's over. Two days of talking, talking, talking. trying to get rid of as many items as possible. It was so busy on Friday, I was really glad there were three of us to man the crowds. Saturday was slower, mostly local people. It was nice to see so many of you. Overall, we did great! We only have a few things left. Much of it will go to Am Vets. A few things we may take to Prospect Church for their rummage sale. We still have one big wardrobe. Sold the rest of the set, but the wardrobe is in okay condition and too big for most people. I'm taking all offers as long as the 'buyer' is willing to pick it up. The cats are happy the whole thing is over. Many dogs came to visit, but that's okay. We enjoyed the kids and the dogs. At one point it was "Free stuffed animal to every child". We'll sleep well tonight and tomorrow have to clean and arrange what's left of our household. 'Night. R |
doulamomma
Citizen
Username: Doulamomma
Post Number: 573
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, August 27, 2005 - 8:47 pm: | |
You might post on MOL classified section - I just sold some furniture there pretty quickly with low hassle.
Also, if it's an antique, I just sold some pieces to a dealer from Montclair who came & picked up - PL me if you want his info.
Doesn't it feel great to make room & let go of things? I sold some things I loved once (& still like) but am not sad - they are starting the next chapter of their furniture lives & so are we! |
Rebecca Raines
Citizen
Username: Robin_realist
Post Number: 416
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, September 1, 2005 - 10:53 pm: | |
This has been the week of packing the kid for school. The last time we'll do that together. She's getting excited about school though and already talking about coming to see us at Christmas. The worst part for me is that she's taking our car and we'll have to use the old clunker for the next four weeks. It does run, so we're really glad we didn't buy a new car this spring like we had intended. Would have been a waste.
I posted in the travel section regarding our cats and microchipping. Can hardly believe that American vets don't use microchips with an international standard. Our other option is tattooing. How would you do that to a cat? Put them out first? We'll see.
So tired from packing. Need sleep. R |
Rebecca Raines
Citizen
Username: Robin_realist
Post Number: 417
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, September 4, 2005 - 2:05 pm: | |
I posted this in Travel, but didn't get any responses.
"Does anyone have experience with microchipping cats in order to take them overseas? We need to have our cats microchipped with ISO microchips and the vet here seems to think they don't exist in the US. Our other options are using US microchips and taking an expensive scanner of our own or having them tattooed. What do you think? Any experiences?"
We still don't have a solution to this and seem to be on our own. The vet only has HomeAgain. The Netherlands Embassy says a certain HomeAgain chip is ISO compliant. HomeAgain says none of their chips are ISO compliant. It just depends on whether you have the correct reader. They can loan us a reader, but only for our entry to the Netherlands. That doesn't help us once we are there. We might need to have them microchipped again with ISO chips. We seem to be going in circles. I find it hard to believe that nobody in the US has these chips. We certainly aren't the first to move to another country. I already asked on Expatica and the recommendation was to refer to the Embassy website, which again says the incorrect info that some Home Again chips are okay.
Another frustration this week was carpeting. Unfortunately, we decided to use the Home Depot to install carpeting upstairs. They did the measure, but when we paid it seemed a really low price. Turns out there are several major errors int the write-up. These include charging us for furniture moving (the space is vacant), not including any padding and only charging us $1 per yard for some of the carpet. We only discovered this after we had paid and the staff just stood there bewildered and arguing among themselves. They seemed to be looking at us like we would say, "Oh don't worry, we'll pay whatever you say." I wasn't going to help them out. Make me an offer. It's their own incompetence. The best thing that can happen for them is that we cancel the order all together. We will, but first we need to find another carpet place and we're behind another three weeks from when we started with them. Currently looking at carpet warehouses.
On a positive note: We got K to school yesterday. Spent all day Friday loading a giant moving van (the only size Ryder had left after U-Haul refused to fulfill our reservation). Thank goodness the spouse can negotiate a big truck. K's stuff just covered the floor, very little stacking involved. We delivered her room contents to the dorm then emptied the rest into a storage locker in MA. We were all exhausted, but pleased at conquering a major job. She has a nice corner room this year, with a big closet. Since she has every bit of clothing and shoes with her, she needed it. R |
Colleen
Citizen
Username: Cbroderick
Post Number: 157
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, September 8, 2005 - 8:23 am: | |
How fun! We'll miss you at the library and story hour! Have a wonderful time! |
Rebecca Raines
Citizen
Username: Robin_realist
Post Number: 418
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, September 8, 2005 - 7:42 pm: | |
Thanks Colleen. We'll miss being here, but are really starting to look forward to the adventure. The movers are coming tomorrow to get an idea of the kind and quantity of our possessions. They're going to think it's strange: no appliances, lots of glassware/dishes and decorative items and about half the house has no furniture. I still have some things in the garage that need to be donated. Does anyone know if the Prospect rummage sale is still taking items. I should have taken them over earlier, but just finished up my job today and really hadn't been worried about it. Now we only have two weeks to moving day and I still have a garage with leftovers in it.
We didn't actually resolve the microchip issue, but are just going with the idea that since the guidelines specifically name Home Again, customs must have a reader for it. I just can't worry about every little thing.
Although we're still doing house prep, I'm also down to the fun stuff of having lunch with friends and going away parties. It's actually nice to see how many people care that you're leaving. Hopefully, I'll make just as many friends there. R
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hismom
Citizen
Username: Hismom
Post Number: 283
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, September 9, 2005 - 11:34 am: | |
Prospect isn't but St Georges is collecting stuff for their rummage sale (look under the garage sale listings and there is a place to email/call) |
Rebecca Raines
Citizen
Username: Robin_realist
Post Number: 419
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, September 10, 2005 - 3:45 pm: | |
Thank you hismom, I really lik supporting local groups. I'll give St Georges a call.
Today we're putting in a new kitchen floor. Bear in mind we don't need this to last forever or be first quality. It does need to look good and be able to hold up for a few years. Peel and stick tile is looking really good. It looks like slate squares and actually looks much better than the vinyl that was there. Had a little trouble with the door saddles, had to create a little step, but I think it will be fine. This was already done at the front door and other places.
Beautiful fall days. Cool mornings and warm, sunny afternoons are some of my favorites. I'll certainly miss this weather. I'm soaking it up right now.
Here's an example of the kind of place we might live. Only one photo on this one. I'll look for another example:
http://www.funda.nl/huur/detail_overzicht.asp?1=1&sfPrijsMin=1750&sfPrijsMax=250 0&Form=Homepage&locatie=2597&Page=2&obj_GUID={5B3D7004-A763-48C4-8207-A5EE0AB32DA9} |
Rebecca Raines
Citizen
Username: Robin_realist
Post Number: 420
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, September 10, 2005 - 3:49 pm: | |
Here's another one with more photos, although they are a little fuzzy. We're looking for something with a garden.
http://www.funda.nl/huur/detail_overzicht.asp?1=1&sfPrijsMin=1750&sfPrijsMax=250 0&Form=Homepage&locatie=2596&obj_GUID={88762974-7BF7-481B-B816-BFBAA574A406}
fotos = photos
Omschrijving = an overview of the property, scroll down for English |
Rebecca Raines
Citizen
Username: Robin_realist
Post Number: 421
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, September 10, 2005 - 3:52 pm: | |
For some reason these won't act as links, but if you paste them in the address box, they will go to the correct page. R |
Noglider
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 9361
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, September 10, 2005 - 10:43 pm: | |
It's because you can't supply URLs with braces in them on this messageboard. You can convert the URL with http://tinyurl.com
Your URL has become http://tinyurl.com/8n75r
The place looks nice.
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Rebecca Raines
Citizen
Username: Robin_realist
Post Number: 423
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, September 11, 2005 - 11:58 am: | |
Thanks for the help Mr. Noglider.
If anyone in curious about real estate in NL, just explore the Funda website. The page currently marked is just a possibility for us. We can't actually rent anything until we become legal residents and we can't do that until we get there. October will be househunting month while our goods are shipped to join us. I'm really hoping for a garden and three bedrooms. They don't have to be big, just big enough for beds. R |
Rebecca Raines
Citizen
Username: Robin_realist
Post Number: 427
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 9:54 pm: | |
Another day of working on the house. Painted all the kitchen radiators cream to match the rest of the room. We replaced two missing end pieces with white ones from HD (painted cream also). The whole project looks really good. TS spent the day rubbing down the woodwork. Looks fantastic. I'm telling you this house hasn't looked this good since 1910.
This week it's appointments of all kinds, lunch with friends, etc. Fun stuff, but my job is over so I can focus better.
We've apparently had some nibbles on renting the house. Mostly people curious about the price, etc. That's okay, it's getting some attention anyway. We don't really expect to rent to someone local, more likely a corporate relocation, etc. Unfortunately, one of our wonderful neighbors called the realtor to complain about the For Rent sign in the front yard. I guess we're bringing down the neighborhood. Even among 'nice', mature people there are always a few who think that their point of view is more important than others. I don't actually like having signs in front yards, of any kind. But I guess I just see them as a necessary item for commerce to continue. What about all the Rutgers Painting or Pintona signs or every other contractor's sign that's just advertising work that's been done? Realtors signs are actually advertising the piece of property.
Actually, that's what has surprised me the most about this whole situation. It didn't surprise me that realtors tried to convince us to sell instead of rent (more than one). It did surprise me that everyone seems to think they should have some say/contribution to whether we sell or rent and how and who we rent to. What do people think? That we're looking for someone to move in and have loud parties, tear the place up and keep the neighborhood in an uproarwith old cars parked in the yard? Of course we want nice quiet people who'll take care of OUR house. Oh well, let it go. The realtor is taking the high road and taking the sign down. If the enquiries stop and we don't rent for a month or two, I doubt anyone will step forward to pay our mortgage. (That was kind of low, but I have a right to be a bit peeved.)
I'm done griping now. One of the best things about me is that I am able to let things go. I rarely harbor resentment and I've actually had to work on being a little tougher and learning not to be taken advantage of.
Besides, I've got a big adventure ahead of me and can't worry about Maplewood problems. You guys are on your own for awhile. I gave it my best. Tried to make this place better, but now I'm going to do something different. R |
Noglider
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 9386
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 11:10 pm: | |
Thank you for all of your dutiful service, which you provided so selflessly, Rebecca!
Tom Reingold
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Rebecca Raines
Citizen
Username: Robin_realist
Post Number: 428
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 - 9:36 am: | |
Thanks for the thanks. Don't worry I have been well thanked by my coworkers and many library patrons and the township gave me an award for Individual Achievement. I was just feeling a little put out yesterday because of the selfishness of someone who I probably have socialized and been friedly with and maybe even cosider to be a friend. I don't know which neighbor complained, but it really made me feel betrayed.
Today I get to go to DMV and renew my driver's license. Oh yeah, my favorite place. I've heard it's not too bad lately. I'm guardedly optimistic about the experience and only set aside one morning to deal with it.
I try to balance these duties with fun experiences like SHOE SHOPPING. One of the most important things is to have lots of comfortable, stylish shoes to take. Their shoes cost several times more than ours and I'm going prepared. Shoes for biking, but in all styles and colors: dress, casual, leather, rain. I can get wet and bike or walk anywhere if my shoes feel okay.
We had a diffirent person come and talk to us about moving overseas and she says don't bother with the TV, too expensive to swith to PAL. What!? After I went through all that research and decided to take it? She also said to take the grill, just needs an adaptor for their gas, and the lamps will all need new lightbulbs. What? never heard that. I was told we'll need to have them rewired. This move is so confusing because we get conflicting information from different sources. Gotta go. R |
Duncan
Supporter
Username: Duncanrogers
Post Number: 4874
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 - 11:07 am: | |
rebecca you did make this a better place, no mistake. |
Rebecca Raines
Citizen
Username: Robin_realist
Post Number: 429
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 - 1:20 pm: | |
Thank you. R |
Rebecca Raines
Citizen
Username: Robin_realist
Post Number: 430
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 14, 2005 - 10:23 am: | |
It's very humid today and makes me want to just sit. However, there is no time to be idle. Never got to the DMV because we had to clean house for a showing. I really hope they screen these people and only show it to actual possibilities. I'm sure everyone is curious, but the special cleanup and time out of the house takes away from the time we have to work on the house. We really don't think anyone will rent it until after they see the new kitchen and carpeting. Too many rough edges showing now.
Just a few philosophical notes:
You know I'm a realist because of my screen name, but many people don't know that right off. I'm a midwesterner and a perfectionist, in a lot of ways, but not others. I've been called an optimist and a pessimist through the years. Which I am seems to have more to do with the other person than with me. Optimists like my spouse think I am a pessimist and get confused when I seem happy about things. Pessimists see me as always positive and happy therefore an optimist in their eyes. I'm also a moderate politically and religiously (maybe a little more progressive than most moderates, but I think that's a labeling issue). I believe in moderation in all things, but I really love sweets (hence the rounded figure). My spouse gets so aggravated at me for putting conditions on my opinions, but I don't believe in absolutes, so what else am I to do? Somehow I'm always in the middle of things, the mediator, negotiator and moderator of discussions. Sounds boring, but I have an exciting life with plenty of space for peace and quiet. Robin Realist |
Rebecca Raines
Citizen
Username: Robin_realist
Post Number: 431
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, September 18, 2005 - 7:53 am: | |
Our cable hasn't been working well for a few days so I haven't been able to get here to post. I've also been busy. The house is almost done and I'm packing items I'll need for the 5 weeks or so I won't have my whole household. Some issues are popping up: American Lung Association may have too long a lag time between application and pickup of our old car. We need it gone by September 29. Any other suggestions?
I'm also still trying to give away one large piece of furniture. It's an entertainment unit/wardrobe. It's just too big for most people to put in or on their car. If you have a pickup with a tailgate and want this piece of furniture, please come get it. Unkown wood, stained almost black, fold back doors for good TV viewing and two large drawers in the bottom.
I'm still waiting on two orders I place for things we need to take with us. LLBean sells Gore-tex clothing, very expensive, but highly recommended you get the real thing. Otherwise you just get wet.
I need to take some time to go downtown this week. I have two watches that need batteries and I have some Maplewood Money to spend. Maybe we'll eat out. We have to eat that week after the movers leave. Hmmm. R |
Rebecca Raines
Citizen
Username: Robin_realist
Post Number: 434
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 20, 2005 - 11:24 am: | |
Cable is now working, but today is the last day I can use it anyway. The packers came today, a day early. I only found out yesterday morning and I'm not quite as ready as I should be. They're carefully packing the living room and I'm sorting out the kitchen. On top of everything I discovered a mouse has been in the drawers. Additional washing of kitchen tools before they can be packed. Just more work. Carpet was laid yesterday in the halls and stairwells and it looks great. It really ties the whole house together.
Thanks to whoever took the wardrobe. I wasn't here so am not sure who was able to take it. I hope it works well for you.
I may not talk to you for awhile. Very busy week and no internet, I won't have time to go to the library, most likely. I'll reconnect when we get to The Netherlands and let you know about our flight and cat transport. So long for now. Tot ziens. R |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 2810
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, October 29, 2005 - 12:13 pm: | |
Rebecca-
It's been a while since you've posted. Hope you move went well. Have you settled in yet? Please don't forget to stay in touch... |
Dave
Supporter
Username: Dave
Post Number: 7777
Registered: 4-1997
| | Posted on Sunday, October 30, 2005 - 4:07 pm: | |
/discus/messages/3365/91180.html?1130314448 |
Duncan
Supporter
Username: Duncanrogers
Post Number: 5425
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 4:08 pm: | |
HAPPY NEW YEAR |
