It wasn't an easy move. With the help of friends, relatives and "the kindness of strangers" (thanks Blanc Dubois), I returned once again to the Four Corners area of the American Southwest. Employment was uncertain and getting a roof over my head became the biggest priority.
I would use the rent from my house in Wellsboro, PA to cover rent on a place in Cortez, CO. My life felt like some version of Chinese Checkers- move here and something will give way here...that kind of thing. Sound confusing? It was!
As I navigated the means to downsize my life to four boxes and a backpack, arranged transportation to and from Amtrak stations, I put out feelers for a place to live. My friend Rich emailed me and mentioned another person of the archaeological circle of friends needing to find a renter for his house. I'd been to the house once but, other than the location, really couldn't remember much of it. In short, through emails I'd committed myself to renting the place.
I've occupied the shack for five months. I've tried to take the approach of "an attitude of gratitude" but find myself listing ongoing frustrations. The first night of occupancy, the front door bolted itself shut (in other words with my lame little key I could not get back inside); I decided the best way to deal with this was to use the backdoor. Problem #1 solved!
Other problems became more apparent as winter set in. The roof line drips perfectly on the sidewalk along the house and I need to navigate solid ice most of the time. There is only one heater. On cold nights, I sleep on the couch to keep warm. The very worst problems though lay in the realm of Frozen pipes: as the temperatures dropped it became a constant irritation. I hate frozen pipes!
Well, okay. Here's the thing. It isn't a palace. However I have learned so much from living in such a place. As I am currently seeking out a new home for myself, I am considering all I have learned from this shack. It's a lot like learning about parenting from bad parents...learn from mistakes. The home I seek needs to be solid, clean, have good light, and function. I will continue my hunt until I find my place in the sun.
This is on my mind along with some other topics. Consider it a little glimpse into my life. I need to jump into editing the second book in the Cliff Huggins series. Come back again, my friend, and I will share. Happy trails- Joe
I would use the rent from my house in Wellsboro, PA to cover rent on a place in Cortez, CO. My life felt like some version of Chinese Checkers- move here and something will give way here...that kind of thing. Sound confusing? It was!
As I navigated the means to downsize my life to four boxes and a backpack, arranged transportation to and from Amtrak stations, I put out feelers for a place to live. My friend Rich emailed me and mentioned another person of the archaeological circle of friends needing to find a renter for his house. I'd been to the house once but, other than the location, really couldn't remember much of it. In short, through emails I'd committed myself to renting the place.
I've occupied the shack for five months. I've tried to take the approach of "an attitude of gratitude" but find myself listing ongoing frustrations. The first night of occupancy, the front door bolted itself shut (in other words with my lame little key I could not get back inside); I decided the best way to deal with this was to use the backdoor. Problem #1 solved!
Other problems became more apparent as winter set in. The roof line drips perfectly on the sidewalk along the house and I need to navigate solid ice most of the time. There is only one heater. On cold nights, I sleep on the couch to keep warm. The very worst problems though lay in the realm of Frozen pipes: as the temperatures dropped it became a constant irritation. I hate frozen pipes!
Well, okay. Here's the thing. It isn't a palace. However I have learned so much from living in such a place. As I am currently seeking out a new home for myself, I am considering all I have learned from this shack. It's a lot like learning about parenting from bad parents...learn from mistakes. The home I seek needs to be solid, clean, have good light, and function. I will continue my hunt until I find my place in the sun.
This is on my mind along with some other topics. Consider it a little glimpse into my life. I need to jump into editing the second book in the Cliff Huggins series. Come back again, my friend, and I will share. Happy trails- Joe
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