SUNROOM THIRTYTWO

The Sluice

Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain.

Friday June 1, 2007.

Yesterday as scheduled, George our lawnmower guy came. After finishing his work, he stopped a while as usual for a chat. He could hardly wait to tell me that his across-the-street neighbor, retired from the Military; Law Enforcement; and now working for the Government had contracted for an addition to his house. His CONtractor of choice was: Nice Guys Corp.!

George had spotted one of their trucks parked outside the fellow's house, so George, very familiar with our trailer, walked over after the truck left and enquired about it. Seems the fellow was fit to be tied, and didn't hesitate to let George in on his hapless plight. Having contracted last November; and laying down big bux for a room addition to his house, and getting nothing but promises, and un-answered phone calls, finally someone shows up. Some lesser employee no less...one who couldn't give any definite answers, but only promises, and in a pickup truck to boot.

Almost identical to our situation, except he hadn't yet been graced or favored with their infamous trailer, George had to mention us to him...adding that nothing would happen until he was. He then, familiar with our sequence of events, filled the poor fellow in. He didn't "make his day"...so to speak.

For George, who has been our lawn guy for a quarter of a century now, and considered almost family, this was in a way a happy circumstance. Now George could tell me I wasn't the only sucker on the planet...which he was beginning to believe.

Anyhow, the "Mrs." just this morning made another cameo appearance at the CONtractor's Place, and spoke with our original "Project Manager". As no one was on their premises the last time she was there ( last week ) except secretaries...and they have a slew of them...one of them was told to tell her that this past tuesday they would start work to the finish. They didn't come! Apparently, it's ( according to the Project Manager" ) next tuesday when they will start. Greta says she believes him this time.

However, since I have lost all faith in anything they say, and noticing by observation that if we get any rain of any substantial amount, the house will flood. I mentioned this to their "Senior" V.P. in an email along with photos. As we say in the Military: "Please Advise", needless to say there was none forthcoming. See RATHER IMPORTANT DISCOVERY.

Not one to wait for disaster, and having a distinct fear of flooding, I cut out a small opening in the 2x4 base plate as a "sluice". Now Greta says I have interfered with their "work", and that they could make an issue out of it...possibly finding an excuse for having to dismantle some of their work at our expense. I told her I thought of that, but couldn't care less, and explained the consequences of a flooded house: mild-dew damage; not to mention dry-wall damage; and to the extreme - possible electrocution.