Cottage Countdown

LeighofMar

Thanks SH. i probably need fluids and maybe an iron infusion. Steroids do more damage with my condition. After sleeping okayish last night I'm feeling a bit better. If I lose any more weight I'll go next week. Right now I have my bananas, peanut butter and snacking on dry Cheerios. 

Mr. LoM came in this morning and told me to close my eyes. When I opened them the room was full of bubbles. I laughed so hard. He bought one of those little handheld bubblemakers and it was so neat. Nobody can be sad with hundreds of bubbles all around you. He's sweet. 

LeighofMar

Well, it happened. I just wasn't getting better so I went to the ER on Sunday at 2:00AM. It was empty and I was seen right away. Doc comes back to tell me my hemoglobin is 3.4 and dropping and my body isn't making any more blood and if I keep going like that, it would be a matter of days. Fun times, right? So they admitted me first to ICU for fluids and an iron infusion. Then I was able to go to private floor and get my room for the next 6 days. Iron coupled with epo shots and I was discharged on Saturday with a level of 4.4 and instructions to follow up with more infusions outpatient. It was an adventure. My parting gift from the hospital was thrombophlebitis in both arms due to the IVs slipping. 

I managed to keep up my spirits pretty good while in hospital and was so grateful I prepaid the mortgage early until July so we've had plenty of extra breathing room in our paychecks. I paid 100.00 today and balance is down to $17,800.00. I paid 1000.00 from my home fund to the bathroom remodel and added another 100.00 so I have 725.00 left but remodel as of now is about 2200.00 above budget. Oh well. Can't stop now and the only thing left to order is the showerhead and sink faucet. My parents came up to be with me during my hospital stay and saw the bathroom. They loved it but won't tell me about any of the surprises Mr. LoM has made for me so it's still a total secret. 

General savings reached 7100.00 so I took 5k of that and put it in a 6month CD at 5%. I will use that to lump sum the mortgage at the end of the year. Efund is still steady at 5k. 

Since I'm in the US, I know I will have some hefty bills to look forward to from the hospital stay. But I've decided to stay focused on paying off the mortgage and just pay what I can to the medical bills when they arrive. Here, as long as you pay something it doesn't go on your credit report or get sent to collections and no interest accrues. Either way, we're halfway thru the year and it's going to be so expensive, especially as my drs all agree that I need a partial hysterectomy to get rid of fibroids and the menorrhagia I've suffered with for years. Mr. LoM is already eyeing the kitchen as the next remodel project after he finishes my bath. Lord, the chaos. But it's all good. I'm so happy to be home and comfortable in my cottage that's so close to being paid off. Time to go sit outside for some sun. 

savingholmes

Glad you are home safe again. Sounds scary.

Tahlullah.H

Sorry to hear about the poor health and hospital stay LOM.  But, the good news is you were seen immediately and received swift treatment.  Something that doesn't happen in the UK that often any more.  The downside, is having to pay for it, which doesn't happen in the UK!  Pro's and Cons.  Good news is you can afford to pay for the treatment and you will recover.

Glad you feel able to stay focused on the mortgage repayment. You know what you need to do for the best to get to where you want to be in life.  Here's hoping your heath recovers enough for you to enjoy your home to its fullest. 

LeighofMar

Thanks, SH and Tahlullah. I agree. I'll pay my bills as they come and not stress about it. My focus is the mortgage and am so excited to get that down and out of the way. And of course, focus on my general health. 

The last of the faucets and showerheads have been ordered and Mr. LoM says he should be done tiling the walls by Tuesday. The end is in sight. I ordered a new bed for my bedroom. My old king has been solid for 20 years but I want a change now from king-sized mahogany to queen-sized French country/cottage style. The bed is backordered and won't be available for two to three months, so it gives me a chance to pay off the bath remodel and save up for my bedroom which will just be paint, bamboo flooring and curtains. 

My son visited me my first day at the hospital and was so grown and handsome. Makes me proud. He's talking about moving to a tourist down by the beach in Alabama, possibly getting into real estate part-time. I love the idea of him exploring and traveling where he wants to go, plus having a new place to visit. I'd miss him but we're just a state away and I'd love any excuse to visit the beach. We have a mini travel trailer and have stayed in that city before in a wonderful RV park right by the beach. Absolute heaven. 

Utilities this month come to $305.00. That's power, gas, and water. My budget is $350.00 so $45.00 savings will go to the mortgage this week on top of the $100.00 I budgeted. Work is slow at the moment, but I know that can change in a minute so I figure we have 2 weeks before our next paycheck to come up with something so that I don't have to take payroll out of the business savings. Either way, our sanctuary is coming along little by little. I love my house and need to work on my garden again as I get to feeling better. It's all a labor of love, although from the shouts Mr. LoM is making from the other side of the house, I'm not sure he would agree 

savingholmes

Plans sound lovely 

Tahlullah.H

Alabama.  I have such a strong image of that state, even though I have never been.  It sounds lovely, but it is influenced by the Lynyrd Skynyrd song.  Certain songs speak to your soul, and that is one of them.  So much is on the right track for you at the moment.  I hope it all comes together shortly.  Nearly there.

LeighofMar

Thanks SH and Tahlullah. I'm content with my plans and hope I can get it done.

Good news all around today. Hemoglobin climbed to 7.4. Still low but not at death's door at 2.9 like 2 weeks ago. Progress. Still at a terrible 105 lbs. Ribs showing. Not a good look. But my appetite has returned so hopefully as I heal with healthier blood levels, I can gain some weight. I was actually able to drive and run an errand after my Dr's appt yesterday. 

Paid an OP of 150.00 to the mortgage today. Balance is 17,650.00. 6 months left to pay it off  . Somehow, someway. 

We made bbq pulled pork sandwiches last night with my wonderful Paleo bbq sauce. So delicious and we have leftovers for today. No cooking! 

I need to get back into exercising, carefully of course. But looking forward to getting some strength and stamina back. 

I've noticed on several posts here that it's hot and muggy in places and people say it's hot and uncomfortable in the house. Is central AC not a standard thing in the UK? What about window units? I know they're not the most attractive and they will shoot your electric bill up but if used here and there to cool down the house, is that something that's available to you? It of course blows my mind because I live in the Southeast US with hot, humid summers. I can't imagine one day without AC. Either way, wishing everyone beautiful, comfortable weather.

Elisheba

Hi @LeighofMar.  Just found your diary.  Sorry you have been so poorly recently - I hope you have turned the corner now and will keep getting better.

No, no air con here unless it is in supermarkets or some offices.  Basically because up until recently it was cold for 90% of the year.  The summers have been getting hotter though, so I know a few people who have started investing in small air con units for bedrooms and things.

LeighofMar

Thanks and welcome, Elisheba. I am starting to feel better. Interesting about the AC. That makes total sense though and hopefully we won't have those sweltering heat waves but with climate change, who knows?