I skirted the house

[annavere]

That's it. That's the post.

Between that and four cords of split wood, I now feel credibly prepared for winter. There are some other projects, because upkeep is complex and evolving, and at some point this winter I may finally give in and attempt to catalogue all of D's carpentry tools so I can be better prepared for the future, but the big ticket items are behind me.

Next is the holiday season, which is going to be really difficult and emotional to navigate.

Comments

[killabeez]

Sending you SO many hugs, and also gold stars for managing all this. ♥

[annavere]

Thank you. 💙💙💙

[senmut]

Oh man, putting skirting up by yourself is a chore! Well done!

[annavere]

In fairness, my mother did come over to help, which made it go faster than it would have. My partner always took lead when I helped him put up skirting in previous years. This time I took lead.

[argentum_ls]

That and four cords of split wood?!

Impressive!

[annavere]

Thank you! It's kept me busy, which is a goal in and of itself sometimes.

[havocthecat]

You are amazing. And so strong.

Who wants to be strong? I don't. I hate being strong. But I guess we gotta do what we gotta do. Ugh.

But my point stands: You are amazing.

And I'm here for you during the holiday season. I know how rough it will be.

[annavere]

Thank you. 💙

I don't feel strong. It's something I only see in hindsight, with the work done and the months survived, and I'm grateful for the inner well to draw from, but I hear you. Being called strong is very much a compliment with too much cost attached. It's all so hard.

Holidays... *Sigh* 🫂

I'm always around to talk if you need it, too.

[havocthecat]

I mean, it is, I get it. I don't want to be strong, I don't want to have a well of inner reserves, fuck "grit" and all that. I've had various mantras like, "I don't have to be strong, I just have to endure." "I just have to get through this next [day] [hour] [minute] [second] and then the next one, and then the next."

And thank you. We just scheduled the interment so-- Fun times!

[annavere]

I have so many mantras, also with a heavy focus on getting through the next day/hour. Training myself to just keep going, or to stick a pin in something for tomorrow and let myself crash out today.

It's awful and I'm sorry. You're a good friend. Fuck this year. 🫂

[teratornis]

Wow, that's a ton of work. Bet it feels good to have it done.

Thinking of you for the holiday season. It's. . . yeah, it's hard. 🫂

[annavere]

Thanks, it does feel good. The house is holding warmth a lot better, too!

The holidays are going to be a huge struggle. Or possibly a quiet struggle. Won't know until afterward. 💙

[teratornis]

That's definitely good. A warm house makes a lot of things better.

I definitely understand that. 🫂 I'm around and thinking of you, if you find you need anything.

[annavere]

Thank you. 💙