The Dynamic Duo

I hadn’t realized it before, but sister in law Kathy helped me see that we are living the life of the rich and famous. First, there is my Carlin house, located in a (semi) gated community. I mean, I DO have to open a gate to access my front yard, and hence the front door. Then there is our house out in the (Howe) countryside, which,currently, is being let out. Last, and perhaps least is our Mountain Get-Away nestled between two similar houses in the transportation yard in the far away Ruby Mountains. Are you jealous yet?
UltraDad’s new job with the NevadaDepartmentOfTransportation (NDOT) requires that he reside in the mountain home. UltraMom’s job, school and, questionably, her sanity require that she mostly reside a little closer to civilization.
The weekend before Thanksgiving, UltraMom, Dad, Johnny, Jimbo and Jessica spent a few days in Emmett at the lovely home of Panther and JohnRyder. Besides having a great time together, we also managed to have some much-needed work done on my car and purchase a new-used refrigerator for Udad’s new home. My car was ready sooner than expected, so UltraMom was able to head back to Nevada for a couple of days of work/school, while UDad went straight to Howe for early visiting and to pack up a little furniture and whatnot. He seemed a little edgy for part of the holiday, and I’m sure it was anticipation and nervousness about starting a new job and getting the house ready for habitation.
UltraMom had driven the old Taurus to it’s new home at Heather’s house the day before Thanksgiving. She got to see Heather and Heath’s new residence, play Guitar Hero until her hands were both numb, and spend the night on their very comfortable couch. Another interesting aspect of that evening was paying a visit to Heath’s Dad, Don and significant other, Marsha, who live in the upstairs counterpart to Heath and Heather’s basement home. Don works for the US Post Office repairing their equipment in various locations. He had been out to the Howe Post Office very recently. The house was full of his collections and Marsha’s cooking and needlework. Most notably, Don collects old (antique) record players, of which he has three, and old records, of which he has over 200. Even more notable and noticeable were the clocks. I think he said there were 40 or so, ranging from Grandfather clocks to table top or hanging clocks, all ticking and all chiming on the hour, not always at exactly the same time. It was fascinating listening to Don and Marsha talk about their passions and interests. Heath looks and sounds eerily like his Dad, and happily, everyone (Heath, Heather, Don, Marsha, Callie, Rocky and Nimbus) gets along pretty well.
Okay, back to UDad and the house. Saturday morning found UltraMom and Dad, with Dad’s pickup packed to the gills, heading back to Nevada. Sunday found them heading to Ruby Valley after also loading up UltraMom’s car and stopping for groceries.
Pat had arrived before us, having spent the night at sister, Kathy’s. From Kathy’s to home, Ruby Valley was on the way, and Pat had a few of John’s things in HER pickup. I’m really glad she was there; she was an enormous help getting the fridge in the house. She and John ended up having to take the doors off the fridge so it would fit through the front door. She stayed for lunch and a little more unpacking, and then she was off.
Now the fun began. UltraMom scrubbed out the fridge and cleaned countertops. She gave UltraDad the choice of cleaning the bathroom or washing out the kitchen cupboards. “Bathroom, of course,” said UltraDad. UltraMom, surprised and pleased, had been sure he would make HER do the bathroom. By the time she finished washing out umpteen jillion cupboards, the pleasure had pretty much evaporated. There was just enough energy left to vacuum and carpet clean the living room area and UDad’s bedroom, and help set up the bed kindly donated by Pat. Sometime in the midst of the unpacking, UDad realized he had brought plenty of underwear, socks and jeans but not a single shirt. Also missing was 1/2 of the coffeemaker. But he had a table and chairs and a bed, and had cleverly brought along the camp lounger received from the kids for Christmas a couple of years back. He also had a phone. Seeing him settled in, UltraMom headed back home to begin her own week.

Next time: First Week on the Job