NO WATER!

We are currently sitting in the Microtel just outside of Spokane airport as our flight for Phoenix leaves tomorrow morning. We have had a few stressful days in Odessa.

It all began to go "south" when the plumber finally arrived in Odessa. Now, you know that Odessa is a very small town. Well, the plumber got lost in Odessa...that should tell you how the rest of this goes. At any rate, he arrives finally and goes under the house, turns on the water, turns off the water and goes to his truck to make a phone call. Hmmmm-- I say. A few minutes later he comes into the house and says, "I have some bad news for you"....well, duh, what else do plumbers say???? Well, the bad news is that for the next few days we will have no water. YIKES! Apparently, we had a bad freeze and all the plumbing under the house needs replacing. Yes, ALL. AARRGGG! AND, all of the insulation under the house is wet as well, so it has to be removed and replaced and of course, someone else has to do that. Al and I look at each other, both thinking, this house isn't worth the amount this is going to cost us! Plumber estimate is over $8,200....and that doesn't include the $2,500+ for the insulation. double AAARRGG! So now what? Al says "bulldozer" about the same moment I say "Match"! We both were just sick. This is an old manufactured home...we have put some money into it, aka, new windows, painting, etc. However, how much more do we really want to dump into it? Finally Al has an idea...call our insurance company...maybe this is covered. So, being ever doubtful, I call and lo and behold, yes, freeze damage is covered! HUH? REALLY??? DID YOU SAY IT WOULD BE COVERED??? After I picked my jaw up from the floor, I got all of the details, etc. Adjuster will call on Monday, but go ahead and get the plumber scheduled. YEA! First RIGHT thing to happen since we got home. Whew! Then this morning the adjuster called. He will be out on Wednesday to assess the damage and yes, it will be covered, however we need to get another estimate (he feels this estimate is very high, and we agree!) But he is definite that we need to get the insulation removed TODAY if possible so no mold will grow! Got it! Call the insulation people and they were out in 3 hours to start the project. Now, all I have to do is find a plumber to give us another estimate by Wed. And we will be flying all day tomorrow. UGH! At any rate, hopefully, by the time we get back we will be "with water" again. Never a dull moment!

The funeral for Al's brother Gene was beautiful on Saturday, if you can describe a funeral as "beautiful". Gene was truly a gentle giant. Gene stood 6'4" tall and weighed 230-240 lbs. His hands were the size of Texas...I have never seen anyone with such big hands. And his heart was as big as Texas as well. He was the type to always lend a helping hand to neighbors, friends and family, sometimes to the detriment of his own family. He was generous to a fault at times, but EVERYONE loved Gene and could count on him for help. He was truly a gentleman, and a gentle man. I will never forget seeing him hold his grandson, those huge hands practically covering the baby! We will miss him terribly, but at least he is at peace and no longer suffering. I have not just lost a brother-in-law, but a brother as well.

Yesterday was Al's birthday and we celebrated by doing nothing most of the day (what can we do with no water???) and later in the day we went to Jerry and Ardis' for dinner. Baked a chicken and Ardis and I made a very lopsided white cake with peanut butter frosting....but it tasted great. Ardis and I have had several "kitchen" experiences together and we laugh and giggle about them frequently. I love that girl!

We stayed at the La College Motel (formerly the Odessa Motel) after the plumbers news on Friday. Jennifer and Kristine also stayed there. The motel is old, but clean and alittle on the funky side. Each room has a theme...we were in the "Australian Outback" room; Jennifer and Kris had the "Italian room". The rooms are decorated in the theme and have murals on the wall...very different. But it served the purpose well...someplace to stay with running water and a bed! However, Odessa is a desperate need for a restaurant that isn't fast food. We have the Coffee Haus, that serves a great breakfast sandwich and a good lunch, but no dinner and there is NO PLACE to get breakfast on a Sunday. We survived, but it sure showed what is really needed in Odessa!

Back to Tucson tomorrow, we will pack up and head north probably around May 4-5. Depends on when the plumbing project will be done.

Until the next time...........we are still
Wroamin' Wraspirs...kinda