HI All,
There really isn't anything new to report...I'm STILL unpacking boxes and looking for missing things. I thought we'd labeled the boxes really well.....BUT, not well enough apparently! Seriously though, the garage is looking a bit bare, that has to mean that most of the boxes are already unpacked or else they are in the spare bedroom still waiting to be unpacked! I thought I'd gotten rid of A LOT of my clothes and shoes, but I still have way to much here. I still have 3 boxes that aren't even unpacked yet, mainly because I don't know where I'm going to put that stuff!
On the bright side...we have wild turkeys in the backyard! I first saw them Monday morning and couldn't figure out what they were. I saw them again yesterday at noon, so I went searching online to see what I was actually seeing. They are wild turkeys. And NO, I haven't been drinking the "Wild Turkey!". I saw about 10 of them, they just feed right behind the house in the dead brush and grasses. I tried taking some photos, but didn't get any really good ones, because I was shooting through the French Door...and when I tried opening the door, they took off.
For all our Northern Family & Friends...it's been cold here the past few days. I mean COLD! Lows at night...mid teens, daytime temps...high 40's. Tom even had to dig out his window scraper again!
We hope ya'll are surviving your bitter cold temps! Take Care & God Bless!
Michele
Friday, January 16, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Our New Home
I was finally able to get the photos of our home off the property management website. You are getting first hand what I saw when I went looking for a rental home. Of course, we have lots of stuff in the house now. When we get it a bit more organized, I'll post some new photos. Until then...this is it!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Trials & JOYS? of relocating!?!?!?!
Oh, the joys of moving!?!?! It seems like everything we try to do takes way more time than planned. The most popular stores in Rincon, GA are Super WalMart and Lowe's. WalMart is ALWAYS very busy. I dislike having groceries at WalMart. If I want groceries, I'd just as soon go to a grocery store. The problem is..the stuff at the grocery stores is quite a bit more expensive than at WalMart. So, my dilemma is this? Do I just bite the bullet and just buy everything at WalMart (where it's always packed with people and a VERY long checkout line) or pay a higher price and shop at the quieter, but more expensive grocery stores?
We went to get our new Driver's Licenses and get the new plates for the 2 vehicles today. All went well with the new drivers licenses. And Georgia even prints the licenses right then. (Angie, It only took me an hour to get all my makeup on, unlike the hours and hours it took last year!) Then we went to get the cars licensed. Tom was able to get his truck license and a new title. Of course, I didn't have all the paperwork that was needed to license the Envoy. Since it's a leased vehicle, I had to have the lease agreement, address of the leasing co., and a power of attorney from the leasing company. What a joke! I've never heard of having to have so much paperwork with me to just license a darn car! So, back home we go to find the lease agreement and call GMAC to tell them I need a power of attorney. GMAC tells me they will fax the power of attorney to the TAG Dept., but it will take 24-48 hours to do so. Since today is Thursday, that means the fax may not show up until Monday. Of course Monday is Tom's first day of work...he's on day shift for 2 weeks for training. Tom also has to sign the paperwork for the license plates for the Envoy. We don't know what time he'll get off work, but the TAG Dept. is only open until 5PM. So, I will probably have to go give them all the paperwork, get it all from them to bring home for Tom to sign and then go back again to take all the paperwork back! AND...of course....they don't take out of state checks and I only have $100 in the new checking account. In Georgia you also have to pay a vehicle tax based on assessed value of the vehicle. Between $200-$300 dollars a year, I HOPE not more than that. The other problem...the lease is up on the Envoy Oct. 11, so I won't even get the full year on the car taxes I have to pay!
Don't these people understand that we are STILL trying to unpack and put everything away somewhere?!?!?! And of course, they only give you 10 days to get new drivers licenses and 30 days to register vehicles.
Oh.... we also had to have the faucet replaced in the kitchen sink this morning. We had to have a plumber come because of the way the current faucet was installed. Thank goodness the plumber was prompt, 9 AM exactly, and got the faucet replaced in record time...40 minutes. I'm glad we didn't have to pay that bill...I guess that is one plus for renting? Let the landlord foot some of the bills!
Oh...and we are STILL trying to clean. I don't know how people live in homes that look like this! I didn't think I was a very good housekeeper. But after seeing what was left behind here, I don't feel the least bit guilty in my house keeping skills. I don't think the baseboards in this house have EVER been cleaned! It will take me months to get them all cleaned....MAYBE I won't bother, and I'll just put my blinders on? I did ask our property manager if we could get a break on the rent because of all the cleaning we've had to do, not to mention having to spend a night at a hotel because the carpets weren't dry. The pat answer: I don't know, I'll have to ask the owner! What do you think our chances are on getting a discount on the rent? I'd say slim to none! The only good thing I can think of is that I don't have to worry about leaving this place very clean if and when we have to move!
We hope all is well with ya'll. Especially to all those family members and friends who are in the snow country! Please be safe! God Bless!
Love,
Michele
We went to get our new Driver's Licenses and get the new plates for the 2 vehicles today. All went well with the new drivers licenses. And Georgia even prints the licenses right then. (Angie, It only took me an hour to get all my makeup on, unlike the hours and hours it took last year!) Then we went to get the cars licensed. Tom was able to get his truck license and a new title. Of course, I didn't have all the paperwork that was needed to license the Envoy. Since it's a leased vehicle, I had to have the lease agreement, address of the leasing co., and a power of attorney from the leasing company. What a joke! I've never heard of having to have so much paperwork with me to just license a darn car! So, back home we go to find the lease agreement and call GMAC to tell them I need a power of attorney. GMAC tells me they will fax the power of attorney to the TAG Dept., but it will take 24-48 hours to do so. Since today is Thursday, that means the fax may not show up until Monday. Of course Monday is Tom's first day of work...he's on day shift for 2 weeks for training. Tom also has to sign the paperwork for the license plates for the Envoy. We don't know what time he'll get off work, but the TAG Dept. is only open until 5PM. So, I will probably have to go give them all the paperwork, get it all from them to bring home for Tom to sign and then go back again to take all the paperwork back! AND...of course....they don't take out of state checks and I only have $100 in the new checking account. In Georgia you also have to pay a vehicle tax based on assessed value of the vehicle. Between $200-$300 dollars a year, I HOPE not more than that. The other problem...the lease is up on the Envoy Oct. 11, so I won't even get the full year on the car taxes I have to pay!
Don't these people understand that we are STILL trying to unpack and put everything away somewhere?!?!?! And of course, they only give you 10 days to get new drivers licenses and 30 days to register vehicles.
Oh.... we also had to have the faucet replaced in the kitchen sink this morning. We had to have a plumber come because of the way the current faucet was installed. Thank goodness the plumber was prompt, 9 AM exactly, and got the faucet replaced in record time...40 minutes. I'm glad we didn't have to pay that bill...I guess that is one plus for renting? Let the landlord foot some of the bills!
Oh...and we are STILL trying to clean. I don't know how people live in homes that look like this! I didn't think I was a very good housekeeper. But after seeing what was left behind here, I don't feel the least bit guilty in my house keeping skills. I don't think the baseboards in this house have EVER been cleaned! It will take me months to get them all cleaned....MAYBE I won't bother, and I'll just put my blinders on? I did ask our property manager if we could get a break on the rent because of all the cleaning we've had to do, not to mention having to spend a night at a hotel because the carpets weren't dry. The pat answer: I don't know, I'll have to ask the owner! What do you think our chances are on getting a discount on the rent? I'd say slim to none! The only good thing I can think of is that I don't have to worry about leaving this place very clean if and when we have to move!
We hope all is well with ya'll. Especially to all those family members and friends who are in the snow country! Please be safe! God Bless!
Love,
Michele
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Fifield Adventures (Days 3-7)
Hi Again,
Well....we finally made it to Georgia! Actually we arrived about 12:30PM on Friday. We got to the house to find it unlocked so we could get in...but were we disappointed! It wasn't cleaned at all! We made some calls, finally found out that the carpet cleaner was supposed to clean the carpets on Friday (but hadn't gotten here yet), but all the other floors were dirty, not even swept yet alone mopped! Needless to say...we had to spend another night in a hotel(because the carpets were still wet)...something we weren't planning on. We got a few things unpacked Friday night, then Saturday morning we had the unloading crew here. We met some very nice guys from our new ward...they had everything unloaded into the garage by 11:45AM. I didn't want a bunch of boxes in the house, so we've been bringing them in a few at a time and getting things put away the best we can. Of course, through all this we've still had to clean the house. It's still not all done..but we are slowly getting there. We got the DSL and phone lines in yesterday (Monday) without a hitch. I thought Direct TV was going to be here yesterday too...but they called me from MICHIGAN wanting to know how to get to the house, I laughed and told him I was in GEORGIA! Needless to say...we didn't get Direct TV yesterday, but the guy is here as I type trying to get the Direct TV hooked up. It has been an interesting few days without internet AND TV! We lived in our own little fish bowl and had no idea what was going on in the rest of the world.
We went to our new Ward on Sunday and met a whole lot of very nice people. It seemed like they all were fighting a cold like I am. The ward isn't all that big, compared to our ward in Ypsi. There are only 6 rows of benches(front to back)and the standard 3 sections (left to right) in the chapel. There were about 30 people in Sunday School class and only 20 in Relief Society, including the Relief Society Presidency. Tom said Priesthood met together (Elders & High Priests). I don't know if that's always the way it's going to be or if it was just a special Sunday. Sorry to Tom's family that may not have any idea what I'm talking about here... I just wanted to pass that info. onto my family and our friends from Church up in Michigan.
Temperatures! What can I say! IT'S NICE and warm! It's been in the 70's every day since we got here. The mornings are a bit chilly...about 59 degrees. I'm NOT trying to rub it in...just trying to keep you all informed. ;-) And NO we DO NOT miss the snow and cold!
Gas Prices! We we got here on Friday, gas was $1.58, today (Tuesday) it's back up to $1.68. And I haven't seen any gas stations that vary on the cost.
Food Prices! They are the pits! A gallon of milk is $3.13...bread anywhere between $1.97 and $3.00 (not on sale) and I can't find any brands that I'm used to seeing. Fruit is a bit cheaper than Michigan.
MY Closet! I'm having a big problem with MY closet! The darn attic access is in the ceiling of MY closet, and I can't have anything hanging because it's in the way of the fold down steps! I really had a break down over that! The first nite I layed awake wondering how I was possibly going to use that closet. I know.... a trivial thing? Well...to me it's a big thing. I was telling Tom I couldn't deal with the closet and he kindly told me I could trade with him. So, I'll take over his closet and at least 2 other closets in the house. I just don't understand why a builder would put an attic access right in the middle of the walk-in closet? Seems really crazy to ME!
We are very busy trying to find places for all our stuff.....it's really interesting to figure out. Tom's been busy carrying all his stuff up to the top room over the garage. I guess that will be the Man Room, minus Direct TV and a big screen TV. Maybe we'll put in a small TV and a DVD player, at least we could watch movies up there..OH! there's NO furniture up there either. We got the new washer & dryer yesterday and I've been busy seeing what I could wash up. I LOVE THE NEW SET! We got front load machines and they sure seem to clean well. I've even got the big blankets washed. It's nice not having to take them to a laundromat!
If any of you are interested, we got a Fridgidaire set (around $1,600 with pedistals). So far, they've worked really great! I did a bit of consumer checking on them, and most people gave them a good rating. I was quite surprised to find front loading machines for under $1000 each.
All in all, we are doing ok. We are both stiff and sore and tired. Bedtime can't come quick enough most nights. We don't even have the bedroom set up yet and I've been sleeping in the recliner where I can breath easier and not cough so much! I'm sure after the TV gets all set up, Tom will stay up and watch TV, but I'll be in bed!
BOTTOM LINE... We love and miss you all! We hope all is going well for ya'll!
Love,
Michele
Well....we finally made it to Georgia! Actually we arrived about 12:30PM on Friday. We got to the house to find it unlocked so we could get in...but were we disappointed! It wasn't cleaned at all! We made some calls, finally found out that the carpet cleaner was supposed to clean the carpets on Friday (but hadn't gotten here yet), but all the other floors were dirty, not even swept yet alone mopped! Needless to say...we had to spend another night in a hotel(because the carpets were still wet)...something we weren't planning on. We got a few things unpacked Friday night, then Saturday morning we had the unloading crew here. We met some very nice guys from our new ward...they had everything unloaded into the garage by 11:45AM. I didn't want a bunch of boxes in the house, so we've been bringing them in a few at a time and getting things put away the best we can. Of course, through all this we've still had to clean the house. It's still not all done..but we are slowly getting there. We got the DSL and phone lines in yesterday (Monday) without a hitch. I thought Direct TV was going to be here yesterday too...but they called me from MICHIGAN wanting to know how to get to the house, I laughed and told him I was in GEORGIA! Needless to say...we didn't get Direct TV yesterday, but the guy is here as I type trying to get the Direct TV hooked up. It has been an interesting few days without internet AND TV! We lived in our own little fish bowl and had no idea what was going on in the rest of the world.
We went to our new Ward on Sunday and met a whole lot of very nice people. It seemed like they all were fighting a cold like I am. The ward isn't all that big, compared to our ward in Ypsi. There are only 6 rows of benches(front to back)and the standard 3 sections (left to right) in the chapel. There were about 30 people in Sunday School class and only 20 in Relief Society, including the Relief Society Presidency. Tom said Priesthood met together (Elders & High Priests). I don't know if that's always the way it's going to be or if it was just a special Sunday. Sorry to Tom's family that may not have any idea what I'm talking about here... I just wanted to pass that info. onto my family and our friends from Church up in Michigan.
Temperatures! What can I say! IT'S NICE and warm! It's been in the 70's every day since we got here. The mornings are a bit chilly...about 59 degrees. I'm NOT trying to rub it in...just trying to keep you all informed. ;-) And NO we DO NOT miss the snow and cold!
Gas Prices! We we got here on Friday, gas was $1.58, today (Tuesday) it's back up to $1.68. And I haven't seen any gas stations that vary on the cost.
Food Prices! They are the pits! A gallon of milk is $3.13...bread anywhere between $1.97 and $3.00 (not on sale) and I can't find any brands that I'm used to seeing. Fruit is a bit cheaper than Michigan.
MY Closet! I'm having a big problem with MY closet! The darn attic access is in the ceiling of MY closet, and I can't have anything hanging because it's in the way of the fold down steps! I really had a break down over that! The first nite I layed awake wondering how I was possibly going to use that closet. I know.... a trivial thing? Well...to me it's a big thing. I was telling Tom I couldn't deal with the closet and he kindly told me I could trade with him. So, I'll take over his closet and at least 2 other closets in the house. I just don't understand why a builder would put an attic access right in the middle of the walk-in closet? Seems really crazy to ME!
We are very busy trying to find places for all our stuff.....it's really interesting to figure out. Tom's been busy carrying all his stuff up to the top room over the garage. I guess that will be the Man Room, minus Direct TV and a big screen TV. Maybe we'll put in a small TV and a DVD player, at least we could watch movies up there..OH! there's NO furniture up there either. We got the new washer & dryer yesterday and I've been busy seeing what I could wash up. I LOVE THE NEW SET! We got front load machines and they sure seem to clean well. I've even got the big blankets washed. It's nice not having to take them to a laundromat!
If any of you are interested, we got a Fridgidaire set (around $1,600 with pedistals). So far, they've worked really great! I did a bit of consumer checking on them, and most people gave them a good rating. I was quite surprised to find front loading machines for under $1000 each.
All in all, we are doing ok. We are both stiff and sore and tired. Bedtime can't come quick enough most nights. We don't even have the bedroom set up yet and I've been sleeping in the recliner where I can breath easier and not cough so much! I'm sure after the TV gets all set up, Tom will stay up and watch TV, but I'll be in bed!
BOTTOM LINE... We love and miss you all! We hope all is going well for ya'll!
Love,
Michele
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Fifield Adventures (Day 2) HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!
Hi Again,
I missed the ball drop, I was in bed by 10PM last nite, I was totally worn out! Today we did much better with the trip...of course, we started before noon too! We made it to Columbia, SC. We are only about 4 hours away (Uhaul speed) from our new home. Tomorrow will be an exciting day for us! We'll go get our new house keys, and check out the house and then start the unpacking!
The weather has been great, the roads haven't been all that busy, except for around Charlotte, NC..it was pretty busy there, I'd hate to be in their rush hour traffic! The turtle has survived, he's had front door service to our hotels and gets wheeled right up to our room on a luggage cart. I can't say that my plants have faired as well. It looks like most of the car full have died. It was just tooooo cold for them last night, stuck out in the car. I may be able to save 3 or 4 out of about 12 plants. So sad! Can you tell, I LIKE PLANTS?!?!?!
We won't have internet access after tomorrow morning (Friday) until Monday...(hopefully)...the phone company is supposed to be at the new house Monday morning, so I'm hoping to be back online sometime Monday. I will post again as soon as we have internet service again, and I can take a break from unpacking!
We hope everyone had a Great New Year's Eve...and a good New Year's Day...May God Bless you all and please have a safe, healthy, prosperous New Year!
Love,
Michele & Tom
I missed the ball drop, I was in bed by 10PM last nite, I was totally worn out! Today we did much better with the trip...of course, we started before noon too! We made it to Columbia, SC. We are only about 4 hours away (Uhaul speed) from our new home. Tomorrow will be an exciting day for us! We'll go get our new house keys, and check out the house and then start the unpacking!
The weather has been great, the roads haven't been all that busy, except for around Charlotte, NC..it was pretty busy there, I'd hate to be in their rush hour traffic! The turtle has survived, he's had front door service to our hotels and gets wheeled right up to our room on a luggage cart. I can't say that my plants have faired as well. It looks like most of the car full have died. It was just tooooo cold for them last night, stuck out in the car. I may be able to save 3 or 4 out of about 12 plants. So sad! Can you tell, I LIKE PLANTS?!?!?!
We won't have internet access after tomorrow morning (Friday) until Monday...(hopefully)...the phone company is supposed to be at the new house Monday morning, so I'm hoping to be back online sometime Monday. I will post again as soon as we have internet service again, and I can take a break from unpacking!
We hope everyone had a Great New Year's Eve...and a good New Year's Day...May God Bless you all and please have a safe, healthy, prosperous New Year!
Love,
Michele & Tom
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Fifield Adventures
hi Everyone,
We're still alive and kickin'! After a late start, I forgot I still had to clean the fridge/freezer...so with no water, I was very thankful I still had clorox wipes. It took awhile, but it was spick & span when we left. Actually, the late start was a blessing in disguise. It snowed during the nite, and the roads were a bit snowy early this morning. By 11:45AM, when we left, the roads were only wet. We didn't get into anymore snow, roads were good...traffic was light. We spent last night at Hotel Rogers, we really enjoyed getting to see the family again before we headed out. Tonite, Clarissa asked me if we'd gone "bye-bye." I told her that we had. Then she asked me if I was coming back to put her to bed. I told her I couldn't, then she said...will someone put me to bed? This coming from a 2-year-old that hates bedtime, or naptime...I told her that either Mommy or Daddy would put her to bed. What a sweetheart she is. We will really miss our Michigan family, it's like leaving our real children and grand children behind!
We'd also like to thank all those who put in many hours Monday helping us get the Uhaul loaded. We have help lined up Saturday to help us unload in GA.
We love and miss you all! Happy New Years!
Michele & Tom
We're still alive and kickin'! After a late start, I forgot I still had to clean the fridge/freezer...so with no water, I was very thankful I still had clorox wipes. It took awhile, but it was spick & span when we left. Actually, the late start was a blessing in disguise. It snowed during the nite, and the roads were a bit snowy early this morning. By 11:45AM, when we left, the roads were only wet. We didn't get into anymore snow, roads were good...traffic was light. We spent last night at Hotel Rogers, we really enjoyed getting to see the family again before we headed out. Tonite, Clarissa asked me if we'd gone "bye-bye." I told her that we had. Then she asked me if I was coming back to put her to bed. I told her I couldn't, then she said...will someone put me to bed? This coming from a 2-year-old that hates bedtime, or naptime...I told her that either Mommy or Daddy would put her to bed. What a sweetheart she is. We will really miss our Michigan family, it's like leaving our real children and grand children behind!
We'd also like to thank all those who put in many hours Monday helping us get the Uhaul loaded. We have help lined up Saturday to help us unload in GA.
We love and miss you all! Happy New Years!
Michele & Tom
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas!
We want to wish all our family members and friends a Very Merry Christmas! We hope this holdiay season(meaning Christmas & New Year's) finds you all in good health
(spiritually and mentally). We hope the Spirit of Christmas continues to live in each of your hearts through the New Year.
May God Bless & Keep you!
Love,
Michele & Tom
(spiritually and mentally). We hope the Spirit of Christmas continues to live in each of your hearts through the New Year.
May God Bless & Keep you!
Love,
Michele & Tom
Sunday, December 21, 2008
SNOW!?!?!?! & Birthdays
What a total turn-around! From nice, sunny, warm beach weather to LOTS OF SNOW, COLD & WIND!!!! We got home late last night...to a driveway full of lots of snow. It was a mess. We were out shoveling snow until almost 11:30PM... Today the wind is blowing terribly and of course most of the snow is back in the driveway. Why, oh why...couldn't the winter snows have stayed away from Michigan until after Dec. 30 or 31st? It was such a simple request. Anyway, we are home again...we'll be very busy packing more boxes and trying to get our house cleaned and ready to leave behind. It's hard to believe that Christmas is this week...Not that you'd notice here...tooo many boxes around to worry about Christmas...Maybe next year we can think of decorating for Christmas.
Did I Mention? Today is Tom's birthday? Well...It is Tom's birthday today! Happy Birthday Honey! Angie is going to bake him a birthday cake...Thanks Angie!
Merry Christmas!
Michele
Did I Mention? Today is Tom's birthday? Well...It is Tom's birthday today! Happy Birthday Honey! Angie is going to bake him a birthday cake...Thanks Angie!
Merry Christmas!
Michele
Thursday, December 18, 2008
At the Beach!!!
Yes...you read that correctly. We actually went to Tybee Island this afternoon! It is a very beautful day here today. There were even people in their swimsuits(not us).... Actually, days like today are the best days for me to be at the beach. I can handle the temps. alot better when they are a bit lower, than summer temps. I'm not trying to rub it in...especially for all our family and friends that are having snow storms and really cold temps., and no power for days. It's definately a different mind set to actually think about going to the beach on Dec. 18th...instead of shoveling snow. SO...everyone...we DID enjoy the warm weather and cool waves...please enjoy the snow shoveling for us! We sure won't miss it!
Stay safe! Merry Christmas!
Stay safe! Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Packing?!?!?!
I've redecided that I STILL HATE PACKING!!!! I'm glad we got as much stuff and things out of here as we did...because we still have too much that needs to be packed. We're hoping to get alot packed this week, so we don't have quite so much to pack after we get back from Savannah. We do have these dates set. We get the Uhaul on Monday, the 29th..and have to turn it back in, in Savannah on the 4th. So, we are looking at loading on Monday, finish cleaning on Tuesday and maybe head out...if it's not to late in the day. At the latest we need to leave the morning of the 31st. We still haven't had any serious buyers, but hope and pray that our home sells quickly.
We hope you all are doing well! We'll keep you updated!
Michele
We hope you all are doing well! We'll keep you updated!
Michele
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