Claire, why aren't you taking time off and supervising that work? The insurance company should NEVER be left in charge of something like that. You're the customer and need to tell them to back off. At least move the things out of the totaled room that you want before they get to it.

I tested a countertop electric saucepan yesterday - it works very well - but the house still smells like bacon today. Clearly this needs to be used near the vent or the house will be victim to cooking smells.

I have a box to pack this evening and I'll be ready for the Salvation Army some time tomorrow. I have an envelope with half of the proceeds from the big things at the garage sale to give my friend today. It's not a lot, but it's better than going in the dumpster!

Laundry and dishes await, and as soon as I get the last of this stuff out of the garage I must address improving the gate into the dog area, and add another house - Zeke is staying for a week over Thanksgiving.

SRS