Less than a week

The celebrations begin in less than a week. The house is coming together, as evidenced by the massive transfer of seasonal clothing from the third floor to the basement. The futons have been constructed. In hindsight, the twin we got for one of the rooms was probably larger than needed. But it was cheap, and it's now already there and set up. Once we get the laundry back, I'll put sheets and blankets on them, sweep the floors, wash the doors, and then get busy on the office.

We are putting together the itinerary of happenings. There will be Duck Tours and museum visits. Two of us are going to The Tomb. One meal may happen in Salem. Reservations have been made, catering is in the process of being ordered. The wine was shipped in yesterday. Extra chairs are arriving over the course of the week.

And we are in the process of clearing the basement of old appliances. Some young men came to take the oil tank, stove, and fridge and other stuff that can't go out in the regular trash. Apparently, the oil tank still had oil in it (yes dear, you were right; the inspector was an idiot). So, they are coming back tomorrow to drain it and then take it. Hopefully that goes smoothly. In the meantime, we have a big hole in the wall where the 80 year old stove vented into the chimney. One step forward, one step back.