Checked out of yet another hotel this morning with no word about the furniture. I tried to extend our stay at the illustrious Holiday Inn but they were booked for this evening. I did a quick check of airbnb but there was nothing for tonight. The only thing we could find was a fancy room near the plaza for $250+ per night. Well that was the straw that broke the camel’s back. I was not going to pay that kind of money to stay in a hotel near my house! A plot was hatching…

We stopped at the local coffee shop – the Roastery – for some very large lattes. Then we picked up some basics at the Brookside market for breakfast which we ate at the impromptu table that the whiskey box became. Quick meeting with the insurance man and we were free to run up more credit card bills to put the finishing touches on the house: blinds, towel racks, ceiling fan, stools for the breakfast bar in the kitchen (assembled by yours truly), and a few less obvious items.

We got word during this spree that the furniture wouldn’t be delivered until Thursday morning. Yes, the very last day of the delivery window. *We* had to be here Monday just in case but they have until Thursday to show up. Two more nights in hotels? I don’t think so! An air mattress, sheets and pillows cost far less than just one night so we were bound for some urban camping! And we got to find the local laundromat to wash the new sheets which is always an adventure!

The beautiful but unbelievably expensive fridge was delivered in the heat of the 100 degree day so we could stock up on food that doesn’t require real cooking and stop eating out for every meal. So back to the local market for some essentials and we celebrated our first day in our house with that gourmet meal that is rotisserie chicken and microwavable sides. But nothing on paper plates has ever tasted quite so good!

So we drink a glass of wine while the air mattress inflates in the dining room and enjoy the adventure because when Thursday and the furniture arrive, them the real work begins!