Finally, I can post. It's not that I haven't tried because I was only without computer a day but maybe just as well you were spared the whinning I might have been doing anyway. Since I can't seem to access the original threads I may as well start a new one. New life, new thread. It works for me.
So, I have been in Kelowna since Friday night. I was very glad I had put snow tires and new wipers on (they were going nearly all the way here and my car was caked by the time stopped) but the drive itself was not too hair raising even if there was no safely going over the speed limit for 80% of it. I do love snowy cloudy mountains because they are so moody so that part was kind of cool. Kind of like a kid's story about crossing the big snowy mountains and entering a protected green valley. THERE IS GREEN GRASS HERE AND LEAVES ON TREES STILL!!!!!! It's so neat to feel transported back in time to the beginning of fall.
Meanwhile I am in a where-were-you-in-'82 hotel room we could all have a good time updating. I am also very glad I decided to throw the feather duvet in the car as this mattress is made of some sort of concrete I think so the duvet is playing the roll of pillow top. I am a soft sinky mattress type person so this hard stuff isn't condusive to sleep for me.
The move went reasonably smooth considering how moves go. My Realtor pulled yet another rabbit out of her hat and if I don't figure out a way to calm down about it she will find me reporting her to the Realestate Board. I swear just when I thought she couldn't cause me any more grief...you'd think she was paying me the way she behaved. Very unprofessional ending to a shakey relationship.
Anyway it's done and I think if I did it again I'd get rid of everything possible and avoid moving furniture etc as it just makes more sense. I gave away all my kitchen stuff excep the good ol' Paderno pots and oodles of other stuff from all parts of the house and still had a lot to bring. My car was packed with more than I expected so I couldn't bring some groceries I had hoped to bring and poor Eb was limited to the front passenger seat for the whole trip so she wasn't impressed. I think my stuff was supposed to arrive today for storage. Originally they were storing it in Calgary but changed it at the last minute. I can't wait to see my bed again that is for sure. I have free storage for 60 days so no rush to keep costs down on that when it comes to finding a place to live.
I made the mistake of looking on the MLS today and there was a nice little ol' house that to me is perfect, great price (and it has a pool too although I am not sure that is a good thing). I have to keep telling myself no, rent until you know what is what but boy am I tempted to see that house and if there is any way to wangle it. I'm just waiting for the money to hit the bank so I can start looking for a place to live. I'm not sure how easy that will be given my attitude about renting needs some adjusting that is for sure. Maybe I should go see that house just to see because maybe just maybe it's all icky inside or something and that will get it off my mind. Maybe a driveby tomorrow eh? Just a look see?
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I have enjoyed reading all about your move to Kelowna. Having stayed in Kelowna a few years ago, I am envious of your move there. I hope you enjoy it. The house looks adorable. And what a view of the lake you have.
DBD: not sure if you are aware of this site http://www.manualsonline.com/ but it might be useful if you are having trouble finding instruction books/manuals.
How did you end up arranging the bedrooms, office, etc? Also, how did the layout in the living room turn out?
Nice that things, other than technological hookups, are starting to happen for you. As someone suggested, take your laptop to the library. ORL has wi-fi access.
Ebony will appreciate all her visits to the parks.
Don't ask me how or why, but for some reason today I was able to pick up a wireless connection from places unknown. Life without Internet or TV has been a real test for me I can tell you. Never before have I found myself at the dog park 3 times in one day or before 8 am but with no entertainment (still haven't found the box with my stereo even) and sun set at 4:30 my schedule is not what it has ever been before. The high side I suppose is I found the VCR and about 10 old tapes that are full of old Cityline shows. We're talking 5+ years old and I'm having fun watching those but have to limit it since they have to last me a week.
Anyway, the move went okay and Eb hasn't fallen in the pool yet. Someone came and completely cleaned the yard so it's all beautious now. I'm still unpacking and figuring things out since this kitchen is smaller than my last (wasn't sure that was possible but apparently it is) and having that 'extra' bathroom is making for some creative thinking when it comes to clothes and such
I made an important discovery all those who are moving might find useful. When you can't find something and run to the store to buy a replacement the very next box you open will have what you needed. It's happened to me 3 times now so it must be a natural law or something.
Meanwhile, it's back to trying to catch up on the posts and hoping this connection lasts long enough for me to get instructions to some of the things like the water heater and thermostat that is in this house. It's higher tech stuff than I am used to and no instruction books handy so it will be nice if I can find out how to work them today.
Four days and no posting - DBD are you ok? I think being without cable or phone in the house is going to really impact us more than you.
However you did get a laptop and there has to be places around town where you can get a wi-fi fix and log on. Yes?
Anyway I hope all went well and there were no surprises along the way.
Wow! You made it! Congratulations DBD!
In our situation, we had to buy a house in five days to take advantage of my husband's employee moving benefits...but I do wish we had had time to rent and get to know what we really wanted.
However...I think a look-see would be fun non-the-less at the house on MLS.
Gee I hadn't thought of him having keys. I will have to ask if they are the owners or a separate set and go from there I guess. Basically I just have to ask the property manager since it's all his responsibility.
I don't think Shaw cares if it's for business or not really. What the world needs is some competition for Telus and Shaw here because the two of them pretty much have the west sewn up and basically aren't really worried about anyone walking away.
Zulu, Shaw doesn't rush for anyone I guess. I was very tempted to go back with Telus who could hook me up instantly. I used to prefer Telus until they decided customer service was not their thing and figured we'd be happy to wait 99 minutes on hold every time we called. Now they've allegedly put more emphasis on it but it's obviously somewhere in another land far away where English is not the first language. I've had a few calls through to them lately for disconnects, connects, cell and such and every time it's been a total hassle to figure out what they are saying. It beyond being reasonable and I don't have the patience to deal with it when I know I will need to call a few times over time to solve problems with Internet connections. If you can believe it, when I signed up a new cell with them I gave the "M as in mother" type explanation for my initials and what do they put as my name? Mother and then it was a long drawn out discussion to fix it because there was a language barrier... Just not doable and they should be contracting this stuff out locally IMO.
Had a bit of a strange time today. I decided to move a bunch of stuff out of the hotel and over to the house so I would have less to do tomorrow morning. When I got there someone was cleaning the yard (yeah!). He tells me the landlord told him he could live in the house until Wed (boo). I have no idea what is going on but someone is confused so he'll be packing his stuff into his car tomorrow morning (yeah) and I have no idea if he's going to finish all he's supposed to do (boo) since I can't put my movers off now (and I sure don't want to spend even more nights on this hard bed when I can almost see mine now) and this guy is not from here so has no where to stay. Someone somewhere got mixed up so I assume the owner and property manager will be having a chat tomorrow. Meanwhile my plan to do another trip from store (buying dishes and such) and unpacking them today was foiled.
Stay tuned. If you don't hear from me again for a couple of weeks you know I got in okay.
DBD,
I am so glad to be able to log on again and to see that you have arrived in BC and already have found a rental.
The place looks very nice indeed. I am thrilled for you. Why the delay in getting hooked up, are they just that busy or is it something else.
One day at a time, and just try to enjoy your new life. Everything will find its place in time. I envy you the nice weather.
That area with the bed (a double that comes with the house...like I want to go buying double sized sheets etc. right now...not) might be removed completely. It guards the only casement windows in the house (the rest are all the old windows that I am hoping still open) so I want access to them. The loft would be good for my office except for a couple of things. One is apparently the lights only work from up beside the bed (so you have to wander up in the dark to turn them on). There is no power in the house until Monday so I haven't seen how those lights up there work exactly yet. Two is no air conditioning in the loft (there is heat though only one register). I have visions of melting in the summer if that is the case and I don't want to risk it being too cold in the winter since I spend a lot of time in my office.
I think I would rather have the little window area as a sitting area and use some of the rest of the space for storage. Maybe I'll blast the bed under the eave and make it a 'couch' so it's there if someone comes to visit. I haven't made up my mind about it all but I do have to decide what to have the movers take up there today so I'm not wondering while they are bringing a zillion boxes and asking for direction.
I discovered room for the freezer near the laundry (which is beside the kitchen) and have to decide if it will go there. It should fit just fine but I don't like the idea of having a freezer in the living type space but it is a utility area. I have visions of cracking my toes into it when I go around the corner and it would cover the crawl space cover. Since I've never lived with a crawl space I have no idea if that is a problem or not although I've been told they need access twice a year for the irrigation system.
As for that one closet. It's got a nice toilet and pedistal sink in it and even some wainscotting. Nice effort but the loss of the closet means they included the chest in the pictures plus another unit for clothes. I'm actually quite surprised how well it does all fit in there as I wouldn't have thought a standard closet was big enough for it all. The blue room still has a full closet so it may end up office/dressing room (which is a big problem under Revenue Canada guidelines). They also are leaving the dinning room set which is one of the tall jobs and a nice kitchen pantry shelf thingie I can't remember the proper name for at the moment.
One issue I can see coming up is the same as at my old house. The sofa being centered to the fireplace means there is a big empty space on the other end of the LR (by the windows facing the DR). I can manage the sofa the same way I did before but have no idea what I am going to use that empty space for. If I was a plant person I could fill the area with something large but in my case it would have to be silk. If I hadn't given away my narrow bookcases I could have used them on their sides and put seating on top but I'm not into buying new for a rental.
About insuarance for the pool. Wouldn't the home owner have liability insurance on that? Insurance itself is killing me here. Since I'm self-employed I carry liability insurance for that. Usually it's $150/year but I was just told that in BC it's $700! I have a call into my Calgary agent to see what can be done about that since it seems the household type insurance isn't gov't issue like the car insurance is. Since I am a CAA member I was told to go there for a better deal but they don't offer liability for self-employment yet so I'm hooped there. To do the car I have to pay $100 or so for a safety inspection before they will even begin to tell me what that is going to cost through the provincial insurance system so I am in a bit of shock. Doesn't matter if the car is 10 minutes old, it has to have that inspection or no plates, no insurance.
Oh well, I have nothing at all to do for two weeks (till the cable gets connected) so can entertain myself rearranging things a few times I guess. I may have to drive around with this little netbook and see if I can pick up some free wireless somewhere and make my car my office for a bit if I go completely nuts.
Today it's dog park and gather up some of the stuff from the hotel and move it over so I don't have to deal with it all tomorrow. I don't even think I'll pack most of it back into my suitcases since I can just drag them from one closet to another and leave the hangers on this way.
I can't wait for tomorrow night. My bed!!! My nice comfy bed so I don't have to feel like I am sleeping on a floor. Hopefully my back and the rest of me will stop hurting once I am back to what I am used to.
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That is tooooo funny. Wish I had thought of that.
DBD: just wanted to add that you could always go to the local library and get internet access that way for checking emails and reading this forum. Not sure if you can log in at the library or not. Where I live you can make an appointment for one hour of free interent time or one computer is for walk-ins for 20 min. of free internet but you take your chances and may have to wait. there also may be internet cafes in the area that you could go to. Can't help you with the television problem. There are always bunny ears.
I think they would be dustbunny-ears
DBD: just wanted to add that you could always go to the local library and get internet access that way for checking emails and reading this forum. Not sure if you can log in at the library or not. Where I live you can make an appointment for one hour of free interent time or one computer is for walk-ins for 20 min. of free internet but you take your chances and may have to wait. there also may be internet cafes in the area that you could go to. Can't help you with the television problem. There are always bunny ears.
DBD: What a charming little house! I can see why you fell in love with it. Great street & view. Looks like a fairly private back yard and a nice covered patio area. Inside has so much charm. Love the floors with the inlay. Looks like the brown bedroom is the biggest of the two. Soooo, is that really a watercloset? Does it have a sink as well? There must be another closet in the room then for your clothes? If that is a keeper the way it is, I would probably drywall the wall and put in a pocket door. I realize though that it is not yours to do that to.
As for the loft, that is a great extra space. I can see your desk working in the dormer where the bed is now just for the view, the light and fresh air. I don't see why your desk would not fit up there if a double box spring fit up there. Also, since your desk is Ikea, the whole thing should be capable of being disassembled. I would try and do something else with your desk topper by making it a bookcase type of thing near the desk. I don't see any wall that a tall unit would fit against anyway. That is of course that you do make the loft your office. You could always make the second bedroom on the main floor your office and the loft the second bedroom. The bed does not have to be against a wall either. Have it in the middle of the room with the head (no headboard) facing the stairs and put up a bookcase/loveseat or a roomdivider with a dresser in front of that facing the stairs so when you come up the stairs you can't really see the bed. Put a chair and little table in the alcove where the bed is now for a reading nook. Maybe even make this your bedroom. I think you commented on places for your freezer, storage, etc. and this could go in the closet of the office room on the main floor. If the closet doors are sliders, this could hide the freezer out of site and other storage stuff. Alot to think about and alot of options when you get right down to it. One thing to consider is stairs. If the second bedroom is upstairs, all of your living space is on the main floor and you don't have to worry about the stairs except to go up and clean. Something to think about.
P.S. Eb does look bored!
Come to think of it - EB has that 'What have you done to me' face on. Like Mom - what did I do wrong to deserve this! She will really enjoy the move and having a permanent bed!
Am I seeing what I think I am? In that closet I see toilet paper and a dispenser! Are those doors there to hide the loo? That really would make it a Water Closet wouldn't it.
The floors are fab and in general it looks like a very nice spot to hang your coat for the next 12 months. Now about that loft! Oh bed, oh bed, get thee out of there. Making the bed would be a promo piece for a Richard Simmons workout tape and sleeping there ----ouch my arms and head would for sure be sore the morning from hitting those walls. What were they thinking?
But in general DBD it looks nice and I think the next picture of EB will have her smiling after you have moved in. Get those assurances about the pool though and insurance for it as well. ICBC will be another one of your new friends for the car and I don't recall if they do rental insurance. If not make sure the pool is listed for liability.
Good luck.
Oh yes, the loft too.
And...this is important, if you have any comments, I need them right now because as of moving in Monday morning I will not have Internet (or TV) until the beginning of Dec. We need a screamer smilie face. I have no idea how I will make it that long. It's like being thrown back into the dark ages...
and just because...here is Ms Eb giving me the "when are we going the park? there is nothing to do here" face
and some more since those worked. I'm not in until Monday and there are a few things like they have to come clean the yard and pool and fix a couple of things. I'm glad you mentioned ensuring things are in working order. They noticed the pump was gone yesterday and that owner must have taken it so some follow up required although they are responsible for fall and spring when it comes to the pool and yard work.
Note the closet in the brown bedroom...there is a clue how they renoed it in a rather unique way.
yeah, right...the posting pictures part. I may have figured it out so let's see...giving it a shot.
Okay - happy Saturday and all that. How did the inspection turn out yesterday? Everything ok?
I noticed your pool questions were very capably answered and the only thing I could add would be to get some written assurance that everything was in working order when you moved in and who repairs what and pays for it if something goes wrong.
The pump could be twenty years old and if it kicks the bucket next week you should not have to pay. On the other hand, if it has a liner, and EB punctures it with her nails, that would be a you expense.
We are going to be posting pix - right? Looking forward to seeing them and learning how it all turns out for you.
Yes, this is a rental which is why I am not particularly worried about some things like painting (agian, thank heavens they didn't beige it out or I would be wanting to paint for sure). The owner of the house apparently did consider selling but it's land value only (that area being one where the old houses are demolished and a grand new McMansion goes in). He pulled it off after realizing the market was dropping and I was told as long as it's rented he will keep it. I am going to sign a year's lease just to protect myself a bit there.
Thanks for the info on the pool. There is a roll of that bubble wrap you mentioned and some other odd things I can't identify around the pool so the list will be good for me to have when I do the inspection. As far as floatation devices...there is a big blow up dolphin in the garage but I have a feeling that isn't very condusive to nice cold drinks while in the water.
As for dogs and being natural swimmers, they are. Eb paddles away like a pro but when I had her experience swimming in a rehab pool they told me she is bottom heavy. So she paddles like she should, but her back end starts going down and the rest follows so really she is under water within a minute. They told me it's not a breed thing and any dog can be bottom or chest heavy. It varies by individual dog. Even labs and other typical water dogs can be sinkers so they need life jackets to keep their heads above water. I had no idea that could happen so I am glad she had that pool experience to give me warning. Knowing her she will avoid the pool but it's the cover being on and her not realizing she could still fall in and get trapped that worries me. I've just heard of too many dogs getting trapped and drowning under those covers.
I have to take a tape measure with me on Friday (just so happens I had to throw mine in the car when the movers missed packing it so that was fate at work I guess). The loft has slanted ceilings and the best veiw and air flow (although property manager couldn't remember if the A/C went up there or not so have to check that too) so I would like to have my office up there but my desk may be too tall. It's one of the Ikea ones with a top storage unit and for the life of me I can't remember if I had the extra desk top around to be packed or not so I may not be able to separate it even if I wanted to now. Guess I'll have to hope it's still on the Ikea site so I can get the dimensions because once the movers bring it in, it will have to stay where they put it because I won't be taking it apart to move it between floors again.
Oh well, two more sleeps before I can decide which room will be what. Here's hoping the Internet and phone etc. can be hooked up on time. Since they were all closed today I had no way to find out what time frames are like around here.
Congratulations, DBD, on not being homeless. I, too, am unsure whether you're buying or renting, but I do have some advice on the pool (some of which may not apply if you're renting):
Make sure it comes with all the equipment -- which should include a pump, some kind of chlorination system (the conventional kind or a salt water system) and a long pole with a pole with a detachable leaf skimmer and a brush head, a vacuum hose and head, and a winter cover and container for when you close the pool in the winter.
It may also have a heater (not sure if you need it in balmy BC but we sure do in Ontario), a long, flat blue backwash hose (these require regular replacement so you may have to buy your own), a lifesaver ring, a Creepy Crawler or some other kind of automatic cleaner and a solar blanket (looks like a big piece of bubble wrap on a huge spool -- this is a good thing to have if it doesn't have a heater).
There is a little more to it than just keeping it clean. You have to test the water periodically to make sure that you're maintaining the right PH balance, etc. We just use these little paper strips that show the four levels on them. Depending on what the strip says, you may have to add chlorine (or salt), stabilizer or algaecide. You also have to backwash the filter when the pressure gets too high or if it has rained a lot and the water level is too high. And you have to periodically add fresh water to keep the level up when it's hot out.
You will probably want to get a pro to do the opening and closing. You should be there for the first opening so that the pool guy (or girl) can give you some tips on how to operate the equipment.
It sounds complicated, but there's lots of info available on the internet and through the pool maintenance companies. All in all, it's worth the time and effort you put into it to be able to take that refreshing dip on a sunny 85-degree day. And there's nothing sweeter than floating on your air mattress with your choice of frosty beverage at hand. Enjoy!
Great news. If there are two bedrooms, can you put the heavy things (freezer, tools, etc) in there and make the loft into the 2nd bedroom/office?
Did you have to sign a long term lease? Any chance of buying the place later if you love it?
Home Sweet Home DBD! I am confused though when you say that "not my house to worry about improving" - does that mean you are just renting?
Update: I am no longer homeless! I got it! I got it! I got it! The neat little house complete with pool. I still have no idea what one does with a pool. I was told 'you just keep it clean' which to me is like telling someone 'you just keep your car in running order'. I have no idea what they are talking about other than the obvious like take the leaves out of the water. I could use some help if any of you know what I should be asking about, I could use your questions before Friday. I know finding out if it's fresh water or salt water might be one question but maybe I'm being an idiot.
Anyway I do the inspection walk through on Friday and movers arrive Monday. It's so cool and way better than I expected to find. Apparently I am also in the swanky part of town, right in the middle of it. Nestled between the mansions and those of the money to burn ilk. It's a whole 100' from the lake and apparently the house 2 doors down is the summer house (sure...it's a very nice house) of some pro hockey star (I suppose some would consider that juicy but it doesn't do much for me).
I'll try and get some pictures on Friday because I will need some help I think. The colours are okay (no beige thank heavens but some pretty (as in pretty like attractive not pretty as in sort of) deep navy/blue, grey greens and such and besides after all the painting I just went through I am not painting even if the kitchen has a faux finish and where were you in 82 cabinets. Besides, not my house to worry about improving really so I have to keep that in mind.). It's nice hardwood floors, original layout maintained from the 30's but has a kind of odd livingroom, which as per usual it seems, has the fireplace situated so things are a little tricky. There is also no basement (being so close to the lake I guess they don't do basements because of the water levels) so that could get interesting but there is a loft so I may use that for my freezer, tool storage, and guest room (anyone know how to make that combo aesthetically pleasing?).
So, onward and upward. I get to see my bed again!!! I can't wait. It will be so nice to sleep comfortably again.
Note to self: buy dishes, glasses, and doggie life jacket
Now where did this thread return from? I couldn't find it at all yesterday.
Anyway, not so fast cancelling the pool party...Other than the price being a bit higher than I wanted, a managment company showed me a great little house today, complete with pool and bbq. I have a call into them to get some more details but saw it today and anyone who knows me would say it's a pretty good match for me (other than the pool which I keep having visions of a certain dog having to be baracaded from since she sinks when she swims). Hopefully I will have it sorted by this time tomorrow.
Apparently Kelowna has taken a bit of a swing in the rental market. I was told twice to day that renters pretty much have their choice as there are a lot of vacancies compared to last spring or so when landlords had their pick of tenants. Hopefully that works in my favour. I had noticed a few ads saying things like 'price reduced' or 'incentives'.
Good to see that you are getting some help learning the lay, or the 'dead' of the land. (pool party called off eh?) And that little tip about using management companies is worth remembering.
How long you wish to rent will also determine how much flexibility there is available and of course the dreaded lease. Month to month people don't have as much flexibility. Do you know how long you would like to rent for?
I have a friend who lives there and is another Albertan transplant. If you have any questions or concerns I can run them by him. He and his wife have been there for quite a few years. They just built a new house but I'm not sure what area they are in.
Well today I was fortunate enough to have a Kelowna resident (relative of a friend of mine) drive around with me to various houses etc. so I could get a sense of which neighbourhoods are which. I learned a lot and was very glad for the help. Tempting little house is not so tempting due to it's location (apparently there were a couple of murders on the street a while back and some not so nice assaults in the area). So cross out that one. There is something to be said about having someone along who recognizes the Hells Angels club house I can tell you.
I did see a really nice rental that is perfect in every way (that I could tell from outside) except the price is a bit steep (it still kills me to consider paying rent, but after getting my house pay out through today and considering my options, I still think renting is just more sensible right now).
I have also found out that the investment houses are usually handled by the managment ends of some of the Real Estate companies so I will following up on that as I've been told many are more negotiable on the rents if they can get tenants they like. They have a better sense of the market in that regard and would rather have the houses off their plates than be constantly worried/monitoring renters so that may be a good way for me to go.
On the lighter side, Ms. Eb had a nice bath and clean up at a local groomers yesterday. I also bought some fleece sheets at Costco ($40...and BTW they have the 420 count nice smooth cotton sheets in now again, $80/King and $60/Queen, and some not quite as nice 400 counts are on clearance $20/queens). I thought the fleece folded together might soften this bed a bit and last night I finally got some sleep. They are so thick and soft they do the trick. I actually considered buying a couple of their dog beds to use I'm so desperate for a soft surface, but thought the fight might be on between Eb and me as to who gets them (she would lose since I get cranky when I want a soft place to sleep too) so fleece it was as they will be useful after. The mattress pads were just more than I want to pay for a temp solution. For any of you who like warm, boy are those fleece sheets warm. I'd say hot actually if you had a duvet with them so they will be very cozy if it gets really cold. They are also sooo soft. I have my feet tucked under them right now they are so comfy.
Anyway, I now feel better about getting serious looking for a place and arranging to get settled. All systems go now I hope and tomorrow I will be working on that.
We have a pool (put in by the former owners) and I love it. We actually looked for a house with a pool and a lot big enough so that we would also have some backyard. I know a lot of people don't want the work and expense of a pool, but it's really not that bad. We have a salt system (any pool can be converted to one for about $1,500) and it really reduces the maintenance. We have the pool company shock it with some chemicals in the spring when we open it and then we throw a few bags of salt into it. From then until the end of the summer, we check it regularly and throw a bag or two of salt in a couple of times over the season. I'm not sure how much the gas heater costs us, but we make sure to shut it down at night if the temperature is going to dip so we don't waste gas. All in all, it's more than worth it to us.
Hope you find a place you like. Again, welcome to B.C.!