Still Very Much Alive...

Happy 2013 Everyone!

The past two months have gone by in a flash. Since the death of my Siamese Angel, my remaining cats have adjusted rather unpredictably. Phoebe, my little "scared cat," who likes no-one but me, has become more affectionate. Jacob, her opposite in nearly every way, has become an almost full time lap cat. Both are currently enjoying a "staycation" with the staff of their cat hospital, which now provides boarding...

In mid December, I awoke to the sounds of water dripping in the utility closet in my flat's small hallway. After frantically calling a non-responsive contractor and several friends, one of them happily gave me the number of her sister's fiancee. He is a contractor and has been a life saver. He drove in on a Sunday and after quickly determining that the source of the leak was from the hot water heater in the apartment above mine, he purchased and replaced a needed hose. Unfortunately, damage had been done.

The owner of the unit uses it as rental property, so while its tenant was sympathetic, she could do little to help. The owner initially misfiled a claim and it was twelve days until his company adjuster showed up. In the interim, I contacted my insurer and got a water remediation company in to dry to floors and closet. Approximately thirty percent of my laminate flooring had to be taken out and the concrete subfloor dried. Additionally, the air handler and hot water heater needed to be taken out, the closet dried and treated with anti-microbial chemicals to inhibit mold and the walls and ceiling drywall in the closet taken down and replaced.

The hall space is so tight in this flat that the driers and other necessary work meant no access to the bedroom or bathroom for me and a potentially frightening experience for the pets.They were boarded and brought home, then re-boarded as a succession of subcontractors and my general contractor as well as an inspector have been through our home. I have had two stays in a nearby hotel and now await the installation of new flooring.

Since the hall floor was out, I asked my general contractor if he could expand my bath and bedroom doorways to bring them into compliance with ADA requirements. The 36 inch openings are so much easier to navigate, and an ADA compliant roll in shower, sink and toilet are in the offing. The shower requires changing the location of drains and pouring a properly sloped floor. These need to be finalized with an inspector before further work is completed. I will be leaving for yet another hotel this week.

Until Next Time...

Angel At The Rainbow Bridge...

My dear Angel died tonight...

There is a widely circulated poem called the Rainbow Bridge, author unknown, that asserts the existence of a heaven for animals in which those who were ill are restored to health and vitality. They can run and play, enjoy sunshine, have plenty of food and water, but it is only when they finally glimpse and re-join their human friend that both are complete and content. You can find the poem on the Web.

I find it comforting to think of Angel as the active, playful and very vocal Siamese princess she once was. The other two cats and I are in shock since none of the major health crises Angel experienced were at all anticipated. Circumstances forced my hand and she was humanely euthanized earlier this evening. I will post more about this at a later time. Thanks to all of you who responded with kind words and wishes for her good health on my last post. Sadly, that was not to be.

Until Next Time...