Some of the Bubbles Alyssa Spotted
About two weeks ago our youngest daughter was sitting on the couch in the family room and asked a simple question, “Why are there bubbles in the ceiling, Daddy?” Much to our chagrin, once we looked up it was difficult not to notice areas that were clearly filling up with water. We had a leak (another one, as it turns out, since we’d had one almost two years ago). We immediately fetched a couple of buckets and pierced the paint holding the water in to relieve the pressure. I also immediately called the Plumber, who fortunately was able to come out and fix the leak.
Stage one was complete. We’d stemmed the tide. Unfortunately, the ceiling was now ruined and – as Shane the Plumber pointed out to us, there was still a fair amount of water up there. Next stage – contact the insurance company and get someone out who can fix the ceiling and bring us back to status quo ante. Would that it were so easy.
More Bubbles and Damage
Because of the age of our house, everyone now suspected there might be asbestos involved and we needed to have someone come out and test for both it . . . and lead, which might have been in older paint. Sure enough, asbestos was discovered but no lead <whew!>. So now we need to have specialists come in, completely seal off the room to avoid contaminating other parts of the house, and remove all the offending material.
One problem. The room has to be completely emptied and nobody says they expect me to do it on my little lonesome. Hint – there are items of furniture in that room most 35 year old men can’t move by themselves, let alone a 65 year old man. So the guys show up but the room is as it was. They get all confused and, ultimately, leave without saying a word. Thus begins a bit of a Keystone Kops routine of non-communication, mis-communication, and confusion.
Family Room Empty – Living Room Stuffed
As of today, I’m pretty certain things have been worked out. The company I was referred to by Shane the Plumber came out and packed up everything and moved almost all of it into the living room. Tomorrow the remediation company is scheduled to show up, seal off the room, dry the attic, and remove any asbestos they find. Unfortunately, they will have no choice but to seal off the back of the house, rendering it unlivable. I’m waiting for the adjuster to get back to me and authorize our staying at a local residence inn for Wednesday and Thursday nights; they say we’ll be able to return on Friday.
In the meantime, the kids have school and life goes on. We get a two-day “vacation” I really don’t want yet have no choice other than to take. So . . . we’re off on a mini-adventure as of, well, as of now since we’re going to have to pack up and gtf outta here early tomorrow.
Systems Savvy 
May 14th, 2013 at 2:58 pm
Wait, you want a “tongue lashing”? Kinky! And here I was just thinking I’d express my empathy for your situation. 🙂 The girls will probably have fun — but pretty annoying and disruptive for the parents, huh? Good thing the girls are observant though! Try to have fun too, if you can. Can you get a place with a jacuzzi or sauna or exercise equipment you’d like to try?
Take care, Andrea
LikeLike
May 14th, 2013 at 4:12 pm
I just took the girls and looked at three different places: Extended Stay America; Courtyard by Marriott; and Best Western Posada Royale. The first was a bit too cheesy for my tastes, as well as kinda cramped. The second was pretty much filled up and only had their most expensive suite available, which I was not prepared to ask for reimbursement for. So, we’re staying at the Posada Royale. It’s a tiny bit pricier than Extended Stay America, has a reefer and microwave and a full buffet breakfast with omelette bar, and it’s right across the street from The Elephant Bar. I’m hoping it’s only for two nights, but I know how these things go. Also, there’s a pool, spa and exercise equipment. Big plus – it’s only 2 miles from the Ronald Reagan Library. 😉
The tongue lashing part was meant as a somewhat preemptive approach to how I expected some people would feel about my socialist and atheist postings. My approach to blogging has morphed over the last few years and I’m really trying to reach the point where I can find something to write about every day. Then again, maybe just writing – not necessarily posting – every day will be enough. I do want to get a book or two out of me. Just wish I wasn’t so damned scatterbrained.
Thanks for stopping by. See you in the aether.
LikeLike
May 14th, 2013 at 12:49 pm
Good thing grandma came home.. Now that the room is empty it would be a good time to paint. Im available to help if you decide to splash on a few coats.
LikeLike
May 14th, 2013 at 12:52 pm
Thanks, Richie. Actually, we had them postpone the work so she wouldn’t be here and have to deal with the disruption. According to the guy who’s in charge of the repairs (which will take place after the asbestos remediation), they’re going to go close enough to the walls that they’ll have to repaint them as well. We may have to pay for the paint, but it sounds like they’ll do the work. Thanks for the offer. Maybe we can take you up on something else down the road. Aren’t you getting too old for manual labor?? 🙂
LikeLike