Our house . . .

where high hopes meet hard reality.

At closing, the previous owners said they cleaned the house.  She needs to check with Webster about the definition of clean.  Because there was no "clean" at our new house.  The refrigerator was filthy.  Cabinets had hardened food residue.  Floors were dusty.  Cobwebs clung to walls.  The tub and toilet were grimy.

I knew I would wipe down surfaces for moving in, but I didn't realize I would need to scrub nearly every surface within an inch of it's life.

It was disheartening.

First week of ownership:
1.  Clean refrigerator and cabinets.  My friend cleaned the fridge, while I scrubbed cabinets.  She, also, was taken aback at the dirtiness in the kitchen.
2.  Buy supplies.
3.  Cut down spruce tree.

Weeks two and three:
1.  Spackle and paint.
2.  Buy supplies.
3.  Clean.  I am tired of the filth of the previous owners.

Weekend of July 27-29:
1.  Move in.
2.  Buy supplies.
3.  Clean.  Really tired of finding more filth from the previous owners.

Weeks following:
1.  Unpack.
2.  Buy supplies.
3.  Clean.  Tired of finding mouse poop because of the filth of the previous owners.  Even found mouse bones stuck to sticky pads under the stove.
4.  Continue moving remainder of belongings still at parents'.
5.  Organize.
6.  Figure out how to eliminate the water in the basement every time is rains, not just during heavy rains as the disclosure states, and the leak in the attic, of which the previous owners were unaware, so says the disclosure. (A River Runs Through It.)
7.  Work really hard at not being completely discouraged by the problems with the house we bought.
8.  Contemplate which breed of dog to adopt - Lab or St. Bernard.