Fall is my favorite time of year. Winter is nice for the cold days, spring is nice for the flowers, and of course summer is nice for the time off but fall is the most beautiful time of the year for me.

I love when the weather changes. The crisp nights and warm days make it easier to sleep at night. You can turn of the AC in your house and open the windows and let that fresh air come in. You can also turn the AC off in your car and let the cool air flow over you while you drive. The smog or haze that hangs over many cities seems to disappear and we have more clear days.

The colors that emerge during the fall are the most beautiful colors in nature. The yellows, oranges, reds, and browns of a maple tree make you appreciate the changes that take place in nature. I love seeing the trees transform from green to the brilliant fall hues they’ve been hiding all year. When I retire I’ll have to take a road trip to New England in the fall.

The world can rest easy now. People magazine reported yesterday that Lance and Reichen are very happy together. The report says not to believe the internet rumors that Lance and Reichen are breaking up.

And what about the rumors that Lance and Reichen will be working together? “No, not together,” Lance said “I don’t think we like to mix business … ” Lehmkuhl agreed: “We’re just enjoying each other.” There were internet rumors floating around saying that Lance and Reichen would be creating a reality show together very similar to the Nick and Jessica show on MTV. So forget that happening. They say they won’t be working together. That Reichen is a hottie.

At this point you’re probably asking yourself why I’m writing about this crap. Well, it’s because I’m tired of dealing with contractors who won’t return my calls or do what they say they are going to do. I talked with one contractor yesterday who said he would call me in the afternoon with an estimate. He hasn’t called yet. I guess I need to be more patient. I just don’t like having my house torn up but I have a feeling that my house will be a mess for quite a long time. So using the net to get away from this contractor stuff is a nice diversion.

The insurance people came this morning. There were 5 people who came in to look at, photograph, and ask me all about the damage in my condo. I showed them everywhere I thought it was damaged. One guy from the insurance company was HOT! If he was by himself the 70's porn music would have been playing in the background. He had this little moisture meter that determined how moist different areas are. He said anything that read 14 and below was fine. In my laundry room there was a reading of 106. In my kitchen on the countertop there was a reading of 75. They measured my whole condo and talked about how damaged the carpet was. Then they wrote down a lot of things and then left. No offer of a check or anything. I figured they need to write up their reports and then I'll hear from them. Time will tell. I have to hang in there and live with the damage a little while longer.

So the boyfriend and I are back from Charlottesville. We had a great visit with my dad. We also had a great time visiting wineries. We were able to go to 14 wineries while in Charlottesville. It was fun.

When I got home I was expecting to see the messed up carpeting all cleaned and put back in place but nothing had been done. They only took the blowers and the de-humidifier out. I had a notice under my door saying they would be returning on Monday to replace the padding, fix the carpet, and clean the carpet. So I waited all day Monday for them to arrive and they didn’t show up until 6:50 pm. I was not happy. Then they proceed to tell me that the carpet can’t be fixed. The backing had separated from the actual carpet and couldn’t be re-attached to the tack strips. I asked what that meant and they said I had to have my carpet replaced. The guy went to talk to the condo lady and she told him the insurance adjuster will be coming in today to take a claim. I will not be paying for this. I wonder if they will just cut me a check or will I have to get it replaced and then get paid.

Right after he told me the carpet couldn’t be fixed I got my camera out and started snapping photos for the insurance in case my insurance has to get involved. Here’s are some photos from the damage.

This photo shows how the backing has separtated from the carpet in the dining room.

This photo shows the stains and the separation in the hall.