Things Look Better in the Morning by taffy

Things Look Better in the Morning

This is the balcony I was standing on when I took the outside shot a few nights ago. Today the winds were so strong that I wouldn't even consider venturing out, even if I weren't terrified of heights.

I couldn't post any update yesterday as it was such a horrible day that no matter what I wrote, it sounded too negative. But today was much better so I'm listing for my journal record but know that things are MUCH better today!

Home Contents: "That's Not Our Job"
1. Cleaning company finally shows up. Says they don't have to inventory anything they aren't taking to clean and store. But that is what they were hired to do.
2. Cleaning company says they were going to finish up 'today' (Monday) but that the new contractors came in too soon and 'it's not our fault.'
3. Cleaning company said that standing water in the lowest level with temperatures in the house at 75 is not a breeding ground for mold, as we had suggested, because "it is winter and we have about 20 days before mold grows." Didn't 'get it' when we pointed out that it may be cold outside, but it is not winter IN the home when the temperature is at 75, no windows are cracked, and no dehumidifiers running.
4. Because cleaning company took Friday off and mitigation company had to get to work, mitigation company put all the remaining items in the back bedroom and in my study (whichever was closest for the two floors). They put loose items such as books in big black trash bags for the cleaning company to go through. Cleaning company didn't seem to think they needed to do this despite my pointing out that some of these books were valuable signed editions of children's books.
5. Cleaning company had tossed a beautiful hand-woven Peruvian table runner into the trash heap because it had gotten dirty (of course). Pulled it personally and they agreed to restore. Same with a small weaving from Alaska. Who knows what else was in the ruins?
And in the non-fire world...
6. Returned to office to work (work does exist and I can't keep ignoring it) and computer started acting up. Made appointment with Apple genius who worked to get some mal-ware off my computer. In 2-hour process, virus tried to "take down my computer" and did so successfully. Emergency appointment at Apple at 7:15. There went dinner and enjoying new house.
7. Move into temporary condo which looks great but must leave immediately. Spend 2 more hours at Apple and decision is made that I must restore computer to factory setting. Fortunately, I had backed up between Fire #3 and #4, so lost only 6 days of work since I could restore from the backup. Ran out of time as Apple store closed and had to leave computer behind.
8. Jim and I go to dinner at Burger Bar and drown sorrows in a beer and really good burger and sweet potato fries. Comfort food helps.
9. Quick trip to Target to get things we need for Condo, which only reminds us of all the things that we lost as we are only buying things that we already had -- not fun shopping (e.g., trash cans for bathrooms, shampoo and other toiletries, some basic kitchen stuff).
10. Unpack and organize til 2:00 a.m. -- though why it should take that long is a mystery as we don't have anything.
11. Fall into bed exhausted and worried about computer.
But today ... all is good ... continued on next day's photo from tonight -- all photos today of the balcony where I had taken the outdoor shot.
what a magnificent view!
November 19th, 2014  
wow! amazing view!
November 19th, 2014  
Such a glorious clear day and a fabulous view
November 19th, 2014  
Awesome view - could look at that all day. And night.
November 19th, 2014  
Oh, my, Taffy, I feel like I should hop on a plane and come help you!! What a terrible month this has been for you....btw, how is the knee? I hope it is not acting up amidst all of these happenings. I swear, dealing with contractors of any sort drives me to distraction and drinking, and makes me want to line them up against a wall and shoot them....and, I don't mean with my camera!!
Incredible view of the city on a beautiful day, though. Hope this offers you some wonderful photo opportunities from the balcony. Oh, and it sounds like you might have gotten your computer back. Which reminds me, I should back mine up!
November 19th, 2014  
Great shot and fabulous view, Taffy. FAV What a mess. Not only at home but at work too. I think I would have had a few words flying at the cleaning company. Sorry! Mold does happen in standing water very quickly, had it happen to neighbors in our old house as a water pipe broke during the night in their one story house and she woke to soggy carpets to use the bathroom and sons friends two story house leaked from bathroom upstairs to downstairs and same thing happened including the walls damaged. I sure hope that you are able to recover a lot of what they are sorting through. So glad you guys got something good to eat. Was turning out lights to go to bed last night and saw lights out front of our house. 3 cop cars, then ambulance and fire truck. More drama next door, a broken arm and off in the ambulance, never saw this gal before. So glad my son has tomorrow off and coming over. Take care.
November 19th, 2014  
@panthora Aw...wouldn't that be fun! If only it were for photography. My knee is doing much better due to the miracle of cortisone. Still not fine, but at least it isn't holding me back from dealing with things, which a few weeks ago, would not have been the case. Our new contractor is really a pillar -- such a joy to see them do their work. Today (or maybe yesterday, i've lost track), Jim went by the house to see what his office looked like after cleaning, but saw the guys walking around in white overall type of cover suits and masks over their heads -- he said it was like an infectious disease center. So he didn't go it. But they are really cleaning and testing as they go. And they are so nice to work with!
November 19th, 2014  
@darsphotos Oh Darlene, what a lot to have to deal with next door to you. It must get old and also just a tad scary!
November 19th, 2014  
Incredibly beautiful view Taffy! You can sit up there ( when it's not windy)
and play "Up on the Roof" by the Drifters...
November 19th, 2014  
I i would have a nervous breakdown if i had to deal with all that you are going through at the moment!
November 19th, 2014  
So clear sky:)
November 19th, 2014  
I love this view, what a gorgeous shot. It is so frustrating when you have incompetent contractors. I wish I could come over there and knock some sense into them. I'm sure that @graemestevens would have some ideas as what to do to them. I must admit I am very happy that your camera wasn't included in the damage.
November 19th, 2014  
@taffy @karlow75 I'm always happy to help in the 'taking care of people' department
November 19th, 2014  
Oh my goodness Taffy so much to deal with!! The cleaning company sound useless - so worrying thinking about what they have thrown away just because it was dirty!! So pleased the new contractors seem like nice guys. Your view from your new home is wonderful although I am like you I would never be able to go out on the balcony!! It sounds like you have sorted your computer - what a further nightmare for you. Thank goodness you had backups!! I feel exhausted reading all this so goodness knows what you must be feeling!! Take care!!
November 19th, 2014  
Ooh ! Taffy I do feel for you and I pray the nightmare will soon unravel . You and Jim do take care of one another --AT the moment the adrenaline keeps you going -- be strong as when the great realisation hits in ! At the moment every day seems to be another challenge and nightmare . At least a gorgeous view from your temporary apartment -so glad the camera is undamaged !
November 19th, 2014  
Oh, Taffy, what a difficult time you are going through, but at least I am glad that there are some positives, like the beer and the burger and the Apple which is being salvaged (I thought Apple was immune to virus attacks, or at least that these malware attacks are much more common in Windows PC's than in Apple). I love your view> I can imagine that my wife would have taken this shot from the exact same spot - with the door closed!
November 19th, 2014  
This sounds like such an ordeal! But great photo and I love your outlook - things always do look better in the morning.
November 19th, 2014  
Remember what doesn't kill us makes us stronger. When things get bad remember that you have your life and your husband's life and everything else is just things. Things are wonderful but people are on top of the food chain. BUt if you let the "inconsiderate" contractors ruin your days you will have lots of miserable days. The contractors are dealing with things. Make the best decisions you can, choose the best people you can and let the things drop away and celebrate your life. Because that is the important thing and now only you can let the "stupid" people make that impossible to bear. You have each other and so you have the world.
November 19th, 2014  
what a wonderful view Taffy - keep staying strong - it will eventually get much better
November 19th, 2014  
Taffy - please know you are in our thoughts and prayers and Keep your chin up, girl! I think it's wonderful that you are still posting and moving along. I may have just slunk away from it all. You are amazing!
November 19th, 2014  
What a nightmare you are dealing with if the fire had not been enough of a challenge. Your beautiful photography must be somewhat of a stress release. Take care now and wonderful image Taffy :)
November 19th, 2014  
This is absolutely a view I would love, and I'd be out on the balcony all day. So glad that at least this is going well for you. As for the rest - they say what doesn't kill us makes us stronger, and you will be so strong! This cleaning company seems really hopeless. I hope your computer gets fixed soon.
November 19th, 2014  
Well at least you're able to share the view with us and who knows, you might even overcome your fear of heights before you leave!
November 19th, 2014  
I can feel the frustration in your letter. I would need more than one beer to deal with all that. But every day will get better. I can't imagine moving furniture to your sky high condo. Don't know how they do that. Hang in there Taffy! Photography is good therapy. Oh yeah, and cosmopolitans with a lime.
November 19th, 2014  
Bless your heart — this experience is having too many nightmarish moments. That cleaning company.... grrrrrrr. It's amazing that you still have the drive to take pictures what with all you're dealing with. Chicago is looking bright and beautiful from your balcony though. What a view you have!
November 19th, 2014  
what a skyline
November 19th, 2014  
Lovely view, I don't know how you stay so calm.
November 19th, 2014  
This is the kind of beautiful view I keep in my mind as I go through the tough things in life! Love the fluffy white clouds, deep blue sky and fabulous Chicago skyline!
November 19th, 2014  
How beautiful it is!!
November 19th, 2014  
What a view!
November 19th, 2014  
wow - and I thought having a root canal yesterday that resulted in some unexpected gum surgery was a rough day. Sending you continued good thoughts and imagine that you must wear a Wonder Woman suit dealing with all that you are going thru. Hang in there !!!
November 19th, 2014  
@vega ouch!, you also had a rough one. Hope you are doing well today.
November 19th, 2014  
What a great view of Chicagoland! It sounds like you are slowly making some progress, but what a difficult journey. When house and computer are on the fritz, it is very distressing and unsettling. I am rooting for you guys. :)
November 19th, 2014  
So sorry yo hear that your old cleaning crew consisted of a bumbling fool plus. Glad you got that remedied and that the new crew is doing a good job. I know that you and Jim will make it through this and will come out stronger on the other end. Still sending good thought your way. I believe that this daily journal is helping you deal with it all.
November 19th, 2014  
Forgot to comment on the picture ;-) love the view. Fav what a gorgeous morning and a beautiful way to start the day.
November 19th, 2014  
It's all what you focus on isn't it. Love the shot from the balcony. Too cold again today.
November 19th, 2014  
Great capture of the early morning light
November 19th, 2014  
Wow, that is a view.
November 19th, 2014  
Outstanding shot, light, shadows, sky scape, composition, fav
November 19th, 2014  
great shot
November 19th, 2014  
Fantastic picture. Your restorer sounds like the contractor from he'll. Congratulations on making the Trending Page. Well deserved.
November 19th, 2014  
Beautiful view, great cityscape
November 19th, 2014  
Good that a new day brought shades of good news.
November 19th, 2014  
What a wonderful view and a bright day bringing brighter prospects. Glad life is improving.
November 19th, 2014  
I hope that this wonderful view is a positive sign that everything is on the up now!
November 19th, 2014  
Brilliant colours and lighting.
November 19th, 2014  
Love the light in this, fav
November 19th, 2014  
Taffy- this is breathtaking! I hope things are improving each day.
November 19th, 2014  
Sam
The view is still awesome in daylight!
November 19th, 2014  
I envisage you taking a lot more pictures from at least the door to the balcony as there is some great potential out there as the light changes by the hour and by the day and by the season. Hopefully you will be able to move back in the not to distant future.
November 19th, 2014  
Love your view from your balcony, the colors are gorgeous.
So glad today is a better day Taffy, hang in there.
November 20th, 2014  
It's amazing how many "not my fault, not my job" companies there are still in existence. Make you appreciate the ones that are competent.
November 20th, 2014  
Tom
Great shot, wonderful detail, and clarity, Sounds like a nightmare
November 20th, 2014  
Spectacular view, I wouldn´t go there cos I have terrible fear of heights. Have faith, things will go better!
November 20th, 2014  
Great view Taffy. You need to sit and look out over the city thinking of all the good things in life and drop the bad things over the balcony! You are coping wonderfully well and it's good to have 365 to express your frustrations on. Take care
November 20th, 2014  
Big puffy cloud mornings are always good to clear one's head. But I know that since we are freezing our tails off in NW Pa., it must be chilly in the Windy City!
November 20th, 2014  
What a horrible day that was, good thing everything was better the next day! don't get what the problem is of that cleaning company, but good thing you have such a great contractor that helped you through the weekend! this is a fabulous shot! Love the view and puffy clouds!
November 20th, 2014  
Amazing! Thank you for taking your valuable time to visit and comment on my postings. Sounds like your getting things under control.
November 20th, 2014  
Oh my goodness, what a time you've been having! So glad things turned around for you. I really admire that you can write about it all.
November 21st, 2014  
That was a miserable day to accompany a beautiful shot. I'm giving you a hot dog award for the narratives! While not the same situation, I had to go backbto factory settings on my desktop--so lucky to have gotten a backup. My old computer is new and powerful now! Glad you got cord and help at school tech lab!!
November 23rd, 2014  
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