I’ve had a run of homeowner issues lately, but after the monotony and paralysis of the COVID-times, I am not complaining.
From chipmunk infestations to gutter issues to rotted decking that took the entire warm season in Chicago to address, I have rolled with the punches.
But when the doorbell rang one morning this week at 7AM, I was surprised.
Padding groggily downstairs to make coffee, my first thought was maybe a neighbor needed help. But no, it was a Bob the furnace guy, who has been here many times, but never before breakfast.
It was unlike me to forget an appointment, but the previous day was a 5AM-10PM kind of experience, so no shame here. Opening the door while wearing my fuzzy bathrobe? Small potatoes.
I must admit, I was actually pleased to see a friendly face at that hour, and not just because the furnaces needed their check-ups to defend against Polar Vortex temperature plunges.
I needed advice.
It is my policy to ask every service person their opinions about things unrelated to their specialty. And now I had a problem that was being compounded not only by the frigid weather, but by the holiday season.
A hole in our roof.
And through the power of positive thinking and healthy living (just kidding) I had been lucky to find it.
I’d been retrieving wrapping paper from an attic closet; felt water on my head; looked up—and saw the sky.
Not good.
Do you have any idea how much it costs to get a roofer up there in the winter, never mind during Christmas week? A box of cereal costs $8.00 these days.
Let me assure you that roofer sticker shock is a whole lot worse.
The roofer I did find came out once, but did not return. Bob? He saved the day,
Was it karma, his generous nature, or years of random conversations?
Who knows?
It’s been that kind of year. ©
