Good, I think this will work.

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The owners are home and I think they were, for the most part, satisfied with my efforts. The lady of the house had a few issues with the kitchen. She prefers her counter spaces open and completely uncluttered. She did most of the work, though I loaned what efforts I could toward that goal. The rest of the place, to my knowledge, passed muster. What a relief.

As well, I was not sure about time here and how to work things. They had probably discussed this on the return and have a pretty good plan. First, the living situation is rather open. Coming and going is not a difficulty, nor is my odd schedule a problem. I may keep my hours, and usual affairs. However, for my part and own good to boot, I will maintain as slim and quiet of a profile as I may. My one thing is cooking. I will do this but I will also have to be more kempt in that affair. I think they will enjoy some of the foods I prepare and will be welcome to any meal. All are welcome and invited guests to my meals, that is just how that goes. I think I got that from my mother. A good woman to be sure. Next is timing. I was not sure how long they would willing allow an intruder in their domain. They also had a plan for that. The suggestion is that if by the end of the month the deal has not gone through, it is time for me to find another place. That is perfect and gives me enough room and a reasonable window to maneuver. I had some ideas, but this is not my house. The offer is generous.

I did leave for a bit, ostensibly to visit my friend. This I did do, however, my real motive was to allow them alone time to get settled, look over the place in my absence, and readjust as they saw fit. And, a little, to shake the nerves about the experience and get out myself. All good. I also took another load to the storage unit. I took one last night, if a little too late for a second trip. But I loaded the vehicle in preparation for another delivery when I returned from last night's trip. We went out to supper, and of course had breakfast. I love all day breakfasts! Then we drove by what may become my new house. It looks like the painting has been completed. It looked like nobody was home. They have two vehicles, neither of which have I ever seen in the garage, and neither of which was in the drive. The lights were off as well, all of them. But the curtains are still up and their cat (owner?) was there, looking out the window.

Tomorrow I get to visit my broker and finish the last pieces of an epic run to home ownership. We will see what we will see. I think everyone has had their doubts, their grumps, their failures, and their successes. It really did take a team to get this going. Successful or not, I would suggest that all, including the V.A. people, did precisely what they were supposed to do. I did my part too. As with, say, a basket ball team, even if everyone does everything they should and could, only one team wins. So too with this. Win or lose, we played the game and hard.

I was pleased to hear the owners of this house suggest that a good side to the house sale not going through is that they would have someone reliable, someone they trust, to live in their house again this winter. And, to be honest, that does not sound bad. I would find a summer rental and figure things out from there. It was nice to hear that they never had a worry about this place because I was here. That DOES say something. These are solid folk. Strange, academic, experienced in the world, propertied beyond their home, and practical in many ways. Yes, I will take that as a compliment.

Well, back to gaming. I am going to enjoy some relaxation time (as much as that is as deep into the inner working of the game as I have 'fallen'). But I love it and it does keep me active, on my toes, thinking, and learning. Cannot knock that. Oh, and it keeps me awake!

Have a great night, morning, or wherever in your day this finds you.