Continuing New Chapters

 As I said in my last post: “a lot has happened” … a third thing is that I bought a van!!

Its a 2014 Chevy Express passenger van, with all wheel drive, a factory back up camera, a tow package, and has only been in NY for a couple years. I’m not planning on towing anything, but the backup camera was on my list, and AWD was a bonus.

The previous owner kept excellent care of it, meticulous maintenance records, and it was stored inside when not being driven. The motor is only a year old, along with many smaller things that were replaced or upgraded to ensure its safety and reliability.

The day it was posted I called the seller and arranged to drive the two hours to see it; my dad wasn’t thrilled, but was blown away after we checked it out. In his defense, the last van I asked him to check out ended up being a death trap. (I made notes and asked better questions this time around.)

 

Thankfully, he’s been keeping it safe since I don’t have room at my place. My house search includes having space for my van.

You’re probably wondering, “why was he selling it?”

Unfortunately the owner had passed away. He had a small taxi business, which often included interstate adventures. This van has seen miles! And its why he kept such good care of it. One of his wishes was that the proceeds be denoted to charity, and that’s what his estate was doing.

When I first talked to the seller he let me know the van had a salvaged title for unknown reason, and gave me the VIN number so I could look it up. We learned that it had been rebuilt a couple years after it was made and sold soon after. In this case living in NY came in handy - its originally from out of state and bought by the NY dealership who sold it to this last owner. Because NY has stricter requirements for dealerships than private owners, the frame would have been examined before the state issued a new title.

The executor and I helped each other navigate through the sale since neither of us had done one as an estate before. (The hold time for the DMV help line is no joke lol) He was so patient and helpful, and I’m thankful to have gone through the process with such a person.

I don’t know if he’ll ever see this, but if he does: Thank you for your kindness. You and your family deserve all the best!

Closing Old Chapters to Open New Ones

 A lot has happened since my last post, so I wanted catch you up before there’s more to add.

Back in May I had started fostering this five year old southern gentleman. I’ve never had a dog who wasn’t used to the snow before; its been fun watching him grow from being terrified of it to easily leaping through piles as he refuses to go back in the house.

He’s not doing snow angles yet, but he’ll gladly sit outside for what feels like forever and watch for squirrels (that don’t exist because its winter).

Another big thing is last month I pulled the trigger on selling my house. This week I started packing, which is both stressful and calming.

I’m taking the opportunity to declutter as I pack. Its something I’ve been doing for a while in preparation to moving out, but at that time there was no urgency; it was just the idea that I wanted to move in the near future. But now its not a hypothetical, its a reality.

If you’re wondering about the knobs in my kitchen that I posted about last time: I’ve taken them off so I can bring them with. I did the same with the shelves that I wanted to put up in my office space.

I guess the rule of thumb is that when you show the house, if its attached it goes with the house. I’m currently glad I dragged my feet with mounting my chandelier and replacing the bathroom mirror.

I always knew it would come to this, I just had to fully accept it.