Just Another Perfect Day in Paradise

A good night’s rest and I awoke just before sunrise to be greeted by a spectacular view to the south. The previous evening’s snow showers had ended. The gloaming light erupted into the most beautiful sunrise I could have imagined. Maybe I was still asleep, and dreaming it. But no! But yes it was real! And I was really here and it was mine.

I sprang into action, taking pictures, making coffee, toasting breakfast, and making myself at home.  I brought a cellular WiFi hotspot and had a strong signal, so I was in touch with the world. Life is good! It was cold outside but I was able to enjoy the multiple gas fireplaces and central heat that all worked fine.

I continued unpacking and began cleaning. The seller had left the place “broom clean” but the cabinets and the refrigerator were pretty dirty. I found a few things that he probably left behind by accident. I put them out in the unlocked garage and emailed him that they were available if he wanted to pick them up. I started cleaning the cabinets and after doing 4 or 5 I decided my time could be better spent. So I started cleaning the refrigerator. Three hours later it was spic and span and I had used every curse word known to mankind. But now I was feeling good about putting food in there.

I started installing a wireless and cellular alarm system – not because I was worried about security – but because I wanted to be able to monitor the indoor temperature and control the furnace remotely, make sure the doors were closed and generally be able to manage things from afar. It was one of the things that I had ordered in advance and sent ahead. I had a few hours to install a few sensors before my scheduled set-up with the alarm company over the phone. It went smoothly and when the call from the alarm company came I was ready. We spent an hour and half  doing final set-up, orientation and testing and it was good to go. Smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, door sensors, motion sensors, and even a little camera to watch the interior. I wasn’t able to hook up the remote control thermostat for the furnace because the wiring was too old – that will have to wait for a professional to install new wiring, probably along with a new furnace.

Then the doorbell rang. I was a bit surprised but then I remembered I had called my new neighbor Troy and he found a moment to come over and say hello. We hit it off well and were having fun getting to know one another. He told me all about the neighborhood and neighbors and the history of the “Peterson Ranch” that both of our places had been part of. And then the doorbell rang again! It was my friends from Castle Rock who were dropping by on the way to their getaway cabin in Grand Lake. I introduced them to Troy, showed them around and we all chatted when the doorbell rang again – it was Troy’s wife Melody. It was like a party to christen the place. Unfortunately there were only two chairs, but we had a good time.

That evening I joined Agent 007 and her family for dinner. Her mother – who had known my parents – was visiting from Cincinnati where we all grew up, and I was looking forward to meeting 007’s other half Jeff. Their daughter showed me her guinea pig, I met the dog, and I had a wonderful time getting to know them personally. They prepared a superb dinner and we had a wonderful time talking and getting to know each other without the complications of a client/agent relationship. A great start to my new adventure.

The next day was equally beautiful and I continued my unpacking and cleaning and exploring. I did some measuring and noting the specs of the furnace and water heater. By the time the sun was setting I was ready to go out for a dinner – try some place near my new place and have a glass of wine or a beer and relax.  The next morning I would be getting up early,packing up, and heading back down to reality. But I had enjoyed my little slice of perfection and was excited to begin the next steps.