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