Today’s wind was strong enough to keep everyone driven back indoors unless they absolutely had to be out in it. I can definitely say my fingers were like icicles by the time I finished filling up the gas tank on my vehicle, and of course of all days, their self-serve pump was out of receipt paper, so I had to run across their lot to have one printed inside. Isn’t that the way it always seems to be?
My first duty this morning, was to get my new listing entered into our MLS, and as chance would have it, I managed to get it sold right out of the gates. What made it easy on my part, was having kept in touch with a buyer looking for something in that price range, and as chance would have it, the home was a near-perfect fit. Gosh, wouldn’t it be nice if that happened more often?
Once I had it disseminated out into the cyber universe, I changed my clothes and did a little paying it forward by assisting a friend of mine who was in need of another pair of hands with getting a stove moved from one location to another. Fortunately I still have the lifting strength in my arms and legs, and as is always suggested, we should always lift with our legs instead of our arms and backs. I was glad we managed to keep from scratching it or scraping doors and their frames. After we were finished, I couldn’t help mentioning how carelessly clumsy tenants and sometimes even owners are, when it comes to moving furniture and appliances into and out of residences. Oh, could I tell many stories about deep gouges in floors, walls and woodwork, and all due to ignorance and negligence. This is one of the reasons I strongly encourage sellers to include their appliances in the sale of their homes, and only because it frees them of a possibly liability created by negligent movers. Oh, and another thing I’ve noticed over the years, is the fact that many owners suddenly divorce themselves from their homes’ care once their purchase agreements have been signed. You need not ask me how many times I’ve had to remind them of those snow shoveling and lawn care duties during those weeks prior to their closings.
My mid-morning appointment was with the sellers of a home that’s closing on Friday, just to get all the transfer docs signed ahead of time, and only because one of the owners is unable to get off work that day. Since I’ve worked with that family for many years, we had good visit which touched on many subjects including that PPP giveaway. We all came to the conclusion that the bulk of those monies went to those who didn’t need it, while the ones that were really struggling, didn’t get a penny. Of course, isn’t that the way most of our Government handouts work?
I was saddened to read where the Iowa Wesleyan University is closing its doors after 181 years of academic service to all the thousands of students who were graduates. I find it a troubling fact that many of our private colleges and universities are financially struggling, which puts them in the same bucket as our main-line Christian churches. Since they’re now defaulting on their multi-million dollar loan, I’m now wondering what the USDA is going to end up doing with their 60+ acre central campus. Did you know that the first woman lawyer in the United States, graduated from Iowa Wesleyan? I’m sure that made quite the headlines at the time.
Today’s news about Iowa Wesleyan came on the heels of yesterday’s announcement regarding Mercy’s planned closure of Hospice of North Iowa’s facility which is just across the street from our museum and Public Library, which for a good 30+ or more years, has assisted those who’re struggling thru their final days. I can’t begin to tell you how many people have negatively reacted to Mercy’s announcement. For what it’s worth, I can personally say that Hospice has done a remarkable amount of good for those countless end-of-life patients and their families. Having lived thru the death and dying of relatives who didn’t have Hospice care, I can safely say going forward, we won’t be afforded the quality of comforts which their current hospital facilities provide.
I can’t imagine what Mercy will do with that grand mansion sitting on its one acre parcel just a few blocks from our Historic Downtown. Someone mentioned just yesterday, that whomever does buy it, will be completely immune to any thoughts of there being any lost souls lingering within their walls. But, I can truthfully say, I’ve have some unexplainable experiences while there, along with hearing some even more scary stories about shadows, voices and lighting. Some day, I’m going to make it a point to ask one of their retired employees whom I’ve known for sometime, just exactly what she experienced while working there. I may be seeing her at a gathering next month, so I’ll report back to you if I manage to get her pulled aside for a short question and answer session. I’m now wondering if this is the week for announcing closures.
I had a very busy afternoon where I had to get two letters composed and sent out in the mail, and then another showing of my listing over at 232 – 25th St. SW, and then a quick run over to a pharmacy to purchase several batteries I was in need of. Oh my gosh! The price of those specialty batteries have gone thru the roof. Of course, they all seem to be made in China, which is another reason I’m growing all the more disgusted with these global economies. Have you also noticed how today’s batteries don’t last as long as those from say twenty years ago. What’s that all about?
My last appointment of the day, was to meet with a buyer to make an offer on a home I recently showed him, and since he’s just recently been pre-approved from a local lender, it should be more appealing to that seller. The home is not something my office has listed, so I’ll keep you posted as to the outcome. Hopefully we’ll get it purchased.
Tonight’s One-liner is: One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship, is to understand and to be understood.
