Friday, December 13, 2019

Big News...for me!

by Patti Vanderbloemen 

I have not kept up with this blog space of mine - I have written in the past that I am not too sure people like to read blogs anymore. Social media sights seem to have taken precedence - it's more "on the spot, get to the point" than a blog post.  But, I know for a fact that with what I have to say today, NO ONE would read that long of a Facebook post (my go-to-source for social media lately). So, if you have landed on this page, Thank You for visiting and taking the time to read my thoughts!

I lived in Virginia for not all, but the majority of my adult life. Most of my immediate family is there.  We built what we thought was our "Dream and Forever Home" about 6 years ago.  Last year, for various reasons, we decided to make a change and move to Florida. My folks lived in the Tampa area for over 25 years, and I was quite familiar with this part of the State. So, after several trips to Florida and narrowing down our number one priority (water front), we purchased a just-built home in October 2018. Mostly for this reason:

My backyard - Tampa Bay, Florida
Although the house was brand-spanking new, it was not purchased from a builder, but from an individual who had intended on making this home his "Forever Home". After much back and forth, we decided to purchase the home but needed several renovations and fixes to be completed prior to moving (including renovating a laundry room that would actually be large enough to turn around!). We flew down to Florida several times, met and contracted with a builder, and came up with a time line, and an eventual move-in date of February 2019.

I believe the term "Island Time" applies to most subcontractors in Florida (at least Hillsborough County).  The builder we have was/is awesome - but the subcontractors...not so much. Truly - never had someone make an appointment with me and simply ... Not. Show. Up. Not everything was completed by the time we moved in, but we moved in anyway. We still had projects to complete, so we attempted to contract with various plumbers (they are the worst) and electricians to get the jobs done.  It was probably the hardest and most frustrating 6 months I have ever encountered in my life...and I have moved many times over the years. To this day, subcontractors and vendors make appointments...and simply do not show up.

Source: makeameme.org
Health care is another issue that just does sit well with me. Trying to get in to see a doctor - specialists in particular - is ridiculous. Just one example...I have had back issues for the past 20 years, and every year or so, I just need to visit an orthopedic, get an MRI, and receive the all important Physical Therapy that truly helps me. I don't want drugs - just PT! My journey to find a Spine Specialist began in September 2019. Finally had my appointment 7 weeks later on November 20 (along with a 2 hour wait time in the lobby), first available MRI was December 8, and the first available follow up is January 8, 2020.  That's 4 months!  Two days ago, I received news that was truly the straw that broke this camel's back. I received an email from this Orthopedic that my January 8 2020 follow up appointment was cancelled due to "scheduling constraints", along with a note to please contact us to make a new appointment. I called...and February 15 2020 is a bit too long for me to wait for a follow up appointment for an MRI that was completed on December 8.  Stick a fork in me as I am done.

Source Unknown (Pinterest)


This is just one example of the lack of adequate health care in the south Hillsborough County area of Florida.  I won't bore you with the rest. I feel for the elderly, however, who chose Florida for their final retirement. Especially the "single" senior citizens, who have no one to serve as the advocate and go-between. Several nurses with the various doctors we have seen simply state that the area has too many people and not enough doctors.

Well...three people will be leaving - that should free up some space!

In August, we drove back to Virginia for a few days to spend time with immediate family, and found a lot of land. New house is designed, and we break ground around February 2020.  Estimated completion is December 2020. Let's face it - the view in Florida is beautiful, but there is so much more to life than looking out a window!

The original completion date for the new home was going to be September 2020, but as with all new construction, that date has been pushed. So, as of yesterday, we are tentatively scheduled to bug out of Florida by 1 March 2020, as trying to go through the selection process REMOTELY for all the nitty gritty details on a home is just too daunting. We found a rental home close by the new lot and we could not be happier, Sarge included!


The Boss... Sarge
Frankly, the thought of packing for an out-of-state move SO SOON kinda makes me sick to my stomach...but I will prevail!  However, my smithing days are numbered.  I will not be setting up a studio in the rental home. So, the real purpose of this blog post is that I am closing my shop effective 1 January 2020 - and it will likely remain closed the entire year. It's scary thinking I will not have this creative outlet available to me. But, the end result of moving back to Virginia is the bright spot in my story!

Turquoise and Bali Silver Bracelet

With an original move date of August/September, I have been diligently stocking my shop - and it is chock full of goodies that I truly do not want to sit in storage for a year!

Faceted Labradorite Cuff with 14K Gold Accent

So....I am have a true - Store Closing Sale in my shop!
Hammered Copper and Turquoise Earrings

Azurite and Artisan Glass Sterling Silver Necklace

Garnet and Pierced Sterling Silver Earrings
Emeralds and Sterling Silver Earrings

Etched Copper and Blue Chalcedony Earrings

I am starting off this Store Closing Sale with 35% off - no minimum.  Everything must go!

Just use the coupon code: CLOSE35

And EVERY SINGLE PENNY from the proceeds of my sales will be donated to Miracle Horse Rescue and Sanctuary - as always! 

If you have made it to the end of this blog post - Thank You for taking the time to commiserate with me! :) It's only Happy Thoughts from here on out!

Much Love,
Patti

14 comments:

  1. Patti much love being sent to you for this new journey! Many many blessings to you!

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  2. Patti, I hope that you find happiness being close to your family again. You are deserving. I will miss those spectacular views as I enjoyed "living in Florida" through your posts, but I understand your desire to be in a place that makes you happy. XO

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  3. Patti Wishing you the best move ever. Just remember to breath during those stressful moments that always come with moving & new construction.

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  4. Best wishes for your packing, moving and the sale!

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  5. Patti, bless you sweetie, you have been thru the mill!!!! So sorry, but I applaud your being resilient and doing what is best for you������. I know this isnt easy and will be a financial hit, but in the long run your happiness and peace of mind is what matters!!!!. Your dedication to MHR and your financial contributions thru your beautiful creations are so wonderful! Good luck with your future endeavers!!!!!

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  6. I could tell over the months that you were frustrated with your home �� n Florida, and such poor access to good, timely health care is not good for anyone! On the bright side, how often do people get to build a second dream home? At least you will miss the bulk of this year’s Virginia winter, but sunny weather isn’t everything! I’m sure your mom will appreciate better access to timely and quality health care. Maybe you can find a studio you can spend time in periodically to help pass the time until your nice, new one is ready. Good luck! Terri Greenawalt

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  7. I'm sorry you faced all that frustration in your beautiful Florida home! And now the move back. BUT, it will be worth it. I hope it all goes more smoothly than you could ever imagine. Blessings on your newest journey.

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  8. I feel for you! I will miss your beautiful sunset photos but I can sense your relief with making a difficult decision. Peace of mind is all important and it sounds like you had precious little of it in Florida. Take a deep breath and forge on!

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  9. Best wishes to you and your family. You will be truly missed. Good luck

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  10. Aww- glad your getting to go HOME! I know how you feel, we like the Pensacola area but where we were in FL definitely wasn’t my cup of tea. Can’t believe you won’t be making jewelry for a whole year!! Hope you will still be around FB during your hiatus.

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  11. Dear Miss Patti, I am sorry to hear things didn't work as you expected them... and I am happy to hear you get back HOME :) I found that as years pass, it is harder and harder to even think to uproot oneself. I hope you find a creative outlet, even if it's not smithing (I will definitely miss your beauties!). Best of luck with your new plans and all the best wishes (and a hug for Sarge :) ).

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  12. Hi Patti, Well you were 8 hours from me in Florida and now you will be 10 hours from me again. I wish you all the best and I know you will be happy to be back in Virginia again, where in my opinion the views are just as beautiful as the Florida shoreline. I too will be pulling up roots and moving from Alabama to Michigan in June or July 2020.
    Therese

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  13. Dear Patti, I am so sorry that Florida didn't work out very well but, everything happens for a reason and it has put you back on a better path. I am wishing you happy new beginnings!!! Xoxoxo

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  14. What a horror. I do love Florida as well but so true what you say. I few months a year just fine for me. I am so lucky to have beautiful earrings from you. Healthcare is horrible especially for the aged. I have a daily struggle with longterm facility my mom is in and it's just not fair. They think you are dumping them and forgetting them (many people do) but not this girl. Cousin Lucy can fill you in. Best of luck. What a stunning view but like you said not all about that.

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