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BS: officially homeless
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Subject: BS: officially homeless From: Peg Date: 21 Apr 01 - 11:06 PM Some of you were aware I was waiting to hear whether I would lose my huge and lovely 2 BR apartment (wood floors, fireplace, porch, garden, roses, wisteria, quince tree)... Well I got my notice today from the new owner. Apparently he had been planning to live in the upper unit and let me stay on but he decided he could not "afford" that and want to live in my unit and rent the 4 BR unit above (after completely renovating it of course, which apparenty he CAN "afford"). The rental market in Boston now is a nightmare. My rent has been $800 for 4 years; the going rate for my place now is $1600. Of course, the house itself went from $300 grand to $400 grand in just one year... So any kind thoughts would be appreciated as me and my kitties seek our new digs in a city increasingly hostile to low-income people... Looks like my trip to England and Scotland in June will have to be postponed indefinitely since I will have to rustle up a huge amount of money for a deposit... ah well, life is full of changes and challenges. |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Allan C. Date: 21 Apr 01 - 11:35 PM Best wishes to you, Peg. I have been on that end of the same stick. It turned out to cause me to make a very good change in my life, though. My hope is that this will work out at least as favorably for you. |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Peg Date: 21 Apr 01 - 11:49 PM thanks Alan; you may be right. Peg
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Jon Freeman Date: 22 Apr 01 - 12:03 AM Well best of luck Peg. Jon |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: catspaw49 Date: 22 Apr 01 - 12:08 AM Say Peg, Barry was getting three squares and room and all.....Maybe you could opt for a liver transplant! Seriously, Allan has a good point. Several times in my life the "disasters" have led to something much better than I could have dreamed. One of those brought me to Karen........and that's the best thing that ever happened to me. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Amergin Date: 22 Apr 01 - 12:17 AM Oh, Peg, I am so sorry to hear that....I know the feeling well....things were like that all throughout my growing up years....(well, my physically growing up years...as the case can be strongly made that I have not grown up yet...) and each time it was just as scary and worrisome....but some how we made do and things eventually got better....so keep your chin up darling and things will work out.... My thoughts with you... |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Homeless Date: 22 Apr 01 - 12:22 AM My heart's out to you, kid. Sorry I can't offer any advice on new digs, but I don't handle cities very well myself. But welcome to the club. |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Peg Date: 22 Apr 01 - 12:31 AM thanks friends...I appreciate it. Wish I could chuck it all and move to England for a year to get my aromatheraoy certification...but I can't afford to do that either... Life throws curve balls; that's what it does.
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Helen Date: 22 Apr 01 - 12:32 AM Hi Peg, I second Allan C's comments. Life often throws me a curve ball just to get me off the track I was on and onto something far better, which my inertia was preventing me from seeing. I'm hoping that it's the pre-good times curve ball I am getting right now and that the better times are just ahead for me too. So you have lots of empathy from me at the moment. Helen |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: wysiwyg Date: 22 Apr 01 - 12:36 AM Peg, you know I been there. So [(**&*&(&(*&]-- there's all the stuff I could say. Yada yada yada YAH. But the thought that arrowed into my mind reading this is that of course there is a pefect place just waiting for you.... It's been getting ready for you (and/or still is) throughout all your worries. So grieve the loss of a home you have loved, grieve it deep and loud, and then when that well is somewhat emptier, take a deep breath and look... right... over... THERE. And it will be right there before your bright eyes. What an adventure it will be! ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Peg Date: 22 Apr 01 - 12:49 AM thanks Susan! Very inspiring and good idea. I am gonna throw a kick-ass party so all my friends can say goodbye to my place, too! |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Big Mick Date: 22 Apr 01 - 01:17 AM C'mon to Michigan, I am sure we can find you something.......and the rent isn't nuts like in Beantown........Love the place, but who can afford to live there....... Mick |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: wysiwyg Date: 22 Apr 01 - 01:21 AM Hey Peg. Pssst! No trashing the joint now... Kidding! Yeah, it's important to say goodbye-- clean and spiff it once more time to remember it the way you always liked it best. Hmmm... or would that be, drape all the lamps with... Well! I know you will know what's best! *G* Hope to see you next week, too. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Peg Date: 22 Apr 01 - 01:29 AM good point, Mick; it is insane here; no one can afford it anymore... But my life is here...my job, friends, community... |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Big Mick Date: 22 Apr 01 - 01:36 AM OK........but you have been around long enough and I have seen enough to offer you the hospitality of the Lane household should you just need to get the hell out for a bit. It ain't Scotland and Ireland, but Missus makes a helluva soda bread, I do the pratie soup, and there is always Guinness, guitars, bodhrans, whistles, uillean pipes and voices about. And Elderly Instruments is but an hour away. All the best, Mick |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Peg Date: 22 Apr 01 - 01:47 AM gosh, Mick that is very nice of you!!! If the apt. hunt gets real bad I may take you up on it...can I bring all six of my kitties?? ;) It has been my pleasure to offer my spare room to any Catters visiting Boston; ya better hurry up folks, only a month left!
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Big Mick Date: 22 Apr 01 - 01:51 AM Yep, long as they stay in the house and don't fight with the resident cat, Esmerelda too much. But she can handle her own...... |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Deni Date: 22 Apr 01 - 03:44 AM Hello Peg I had my place reposessed once. After losing everything the building society sent me a cheque for £1, some legal requirement to do with the leasehold. That hurt more than anything. I've still got it somewhere... never cashed it. Things took a good turn after and I/we have been on the up ever since. Hope you soon find a place and you are on the up and up too. love and positive throughts from good old England. Keep your chin up. |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Banjer Date: 22 Apr 01 - 06:41 AM Peg, I've always found like some others who have commented here, that when one door closes on your life another one opens. It seems each time things have seemed impossible to overcome the solution turned out to be better than what I had before. I know it's easy for us all to say, 'get the hell out of the big city and go somewhere where the cost of living is not so ridiculous' but that is an alternative I would certainly explore. With todays communication and travel possibilities, nowhere or no one is very far away. You and friends could always figure someway to get together and who knows, you may be setting a precedent that some of your friends would want to follow!! |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Morticia Date: 22 Apr 01 - 06:53 AM Peg, if you had a place to stay could you afford to come to England?Because you are welcome to stay with us for as long as you need to,and free. |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Liz the Squeak Date: 22 Apr 01 - 07:32 AM There are lots of people here who would put you up if you wanted to come over..... not just Morty.... Think about it, eh? Having had 3 addresses in as many weeks once, and 3 years trying to get accommodation on State Benefits/Council places, I can sympathise. If I were on my own now, my job wouldn't bring in enough to rent within 15 miles of my place of work..... stupid situation that will never be resolved until house prices are monitored and blocked. Nurses and police in London are offered golden handshakes of several thousands just so that they can afford accommodation, now that most of the nurses homes and Section houses are being sold off for a quick fix of cash... Good luck, I don't know how it stands in the States, but here there are rules to protect those who would be homeless when evicted..... ask at your local library or free legal aid centre.... take care. LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Dharmabum Date: 22 Apr 01 - 09:01 AM Same thing happened to me a few years ago Peg.New owner,new landlord,new eviction notice. Sounds like it's time to throw a farewell party! Hope to meet you at Susan's next weekend. Best of luck in your search. Ron. |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Peg Date: 22 Apr 01 - 09:25 AM everyone's kindness and wisdom is truly helpful; thank you so much. Morticia, you are being very generous. It has honestly been a dream of mine to spend a year there to do this, and I met some folks last June who only live in their home half the week and they also offered me a space for as long as I needed it... It is certainly tempting to take that 3 or 4 thousand dollars I will plunk down for first, last and security and just hop across the pond and enroll in a school to get my certificate. But what would I do with my kitties? Besides I am committed to teach in June, and then fall semester. Dharmabum; yeah, I lost a place before this one after living there for five years; the owner wanted to renovate and finaly charge "what he could get" for the place...I shall be in Elmira; whether I can make it to the little festival at Susan's I am not sure. It is such a brief visit, but I will look into it. Liz: since I am a "tenant at will" (month to month lease) I legally only have 30 days to get out once I am notified by the landlord. But with the situation what it is in Boston (zero vacancy rate and ridiculous rents) I may have some recourse. The new owner did agree to be somewhat flexible if I do not have something by June 1. I go to look at two places this morning: a 2 BR ($1500, almost twice what I pay now) in nice old house, and a room in a house (rented ironically by an Englishman named John Rogers). I'll keep you posted. Thnak you again, all of you.
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Naemanson Date: 22 Apr 01 - 09:26 AM As Banjer said, here is a chance for a new door to open. maybe you could clean up your act and become a squeaky clean Baptist preacher's wife! Or perhaps not... we would lose the Peg we know and love... and commiserate with. Seriously, Peg, I understand what you face and feel for you. Hang in there, that other door will open any day. BTW, I am a landlord and will have an apartment open in June or July but it is only one bedroom and it is in a small town in Maine, not close enough to life, job, friends, and community. |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Peg Date: 22 Apr 01 - 09:56 AM Naemanson: where in Maine? (I have considered moving to Portland at some point; but only after they put in that commuter train! I would have to swallow my Luddite pride and get a car, too; have not owned one in seven yeasr). Peg |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: hesperis Date: 22 Apr 01 - 10:23 AM Awww, Peg! (If I wasn't allergic to cats I'd offer the other room, but I don't think my SO would like that anyway... it's the music room. And we're in Canada, so it's a bit far...) Sending you good vibes. ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Charley Noble Date: 22 Apr 01 - 10:23 AM While we're all mulling Peg's move to lovely Portland, I thought we might enjoy a musical interlude, a chorus and verse from the old revival song "There's No Dissappointment in Heaven": Chorus: I'm bound for that beautiful city, My Lord has prepared for His own; Where all the redeemed of all ages Sing "glory" around the white throne; Sometimes I grow homesick for heaven, And the glories I there shall behold: What a joy that will be when my Savior I see, In that beautiful city of gold. We'll never pay rent for our mansion, The taxes will never come due; Our garments will never grow threadbare, But always be fadeless and new; We'll never be hungry nor thirsty, Nor languish in poverty there, For all the rich bounties of heaven His sanctified children will share. (CHO) It sings nicely to the tune of "Lightning Express." |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Peg Date: 22 Apr 01 - 12:21 PM great song Charley!!! Thanks. Well I just looked at a very nice apt. Very old house, early Victorian; the apt. has 2 bedrooms, one of which is down a few stairs from the rest of the unit and above the carriage house (which is sadly not in use) and has red shag carpeting! Very sunny space, lots of windows. The landlords are a young gay couple; very nice; this is their first time as landlords. We bonded while talking about Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I also waxed enthusiastic about gardening and they said some space could possibly be made available...their eyes lit up when I mentioned transplanting the antique roses from here to there! The cats are welcome there. No porch for them to sun in, but there is a wide open roof deck. Only thing is the price: $1500/month. I asked if they would come down on the price for a single tenant, and also offered landscaping work exchange for a slight reduction. They seemed very open to this and are considering it. I could also get a roommate but would prefer not to. Wish me luck! Wouldn't it be lovely if my search stopped there? It will mean becoming a wage slave, however, and probably put off actual home ownership indefinitely... But once my darlings are settled in I can make travel plans... love and gratitude to all, Peg
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: SINSULL Date: 22 Apr 01 - 12:32 PM How many kitties Peg? If you go to Europe for aromathrapy certification, they can stay with me. Keep in mind they will weigh 30lbs apiece when you return. It's the air here. I have three and have handled up to six. Mary |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Penny S. Date: 22 Apr 01 - 12:48 PM Peg, just to reiterate what others said about new doors opening. My mother's parents were evicted from a lovely house they had in the village of Mayfield when the landlord, who had assured them he would not do it, decided he needed it for a member of his family. As a result they moved to a small farm, with the house in an appalling state, but where my mother had the most amazingly happy childhood. Many years later she found herself sitting next door to the current occupant, made friends,and was able to revisit the place she so much loved on several occasions. Your first glimpse of that apt. sounds good - I hope it works out well, anyway. Penny |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Naemanson Date: 22 Apr 01 - 01:40 PM Wow, Peg, I am wishing for you and that new place with all my heart. Look for my PM.
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Peg Date: 22 Apr 01 - 05:08 PM thanks, Penny for your story; sounds like it worked out for the best on that occasion. and to you Naemanson! It did have a good vibe. Sinsull, you are very dear to offer such a thing. There are SIX kitties in all!!! I am not sure I would try to keep them all in one place; might split them up (3 and 3; they are mostly related anyway). They are very skinny cats (except Ziggy who has big bones!) so if they fattened up a bit that would not be so bad...
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Hollowfox Date: 23 Apr 01 - 09:48 AM I can send sympathetic thoughts now, and the candle gets lit this evening. Even if it means getting a car, the outlying regions might be cheaper. Perhaps there's a commuter train from, say, Dover New Hampshire? I wish you success on your quest, Mary (three evictions, now renting from her mother) |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: gnu Date: 23 Apr 01 - 11:32 AM Kind thoughts and a prayer for you and the kitties, Peg. |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Lonesome EJ Date: 23 Apr 01 - 01:35 PM Peg, if you can muster 3 or 4 grand, why not find a creative realtor who can engineer a purchase on a fixer-upper? All kinds of financing are available these days. BUY a place and tell all the landlords to take a hike! |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Peter Kasin Date: 23 Apr 01 - 01:54 PM Peg, maybe you could host a rent party? Musician friends/catters volunteer their talents to entertain your other friends/acquaintances who pay an admission for the house concert, to raise money for your move. It's an old fashioned concept, one that was common in the 1920's-1950's. Just a thought. This new place sounds great, and I hope they agree to your offer of a barter agreement to bring down the rent. Sounds like a win/win situation if they agree. -chanteyranger |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Ruthie A Date: 23 Apr 01 - 04:30 PM I don't know much about finding accomodation, but good luck. Ruthie |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Charley Noble Date: 23 Apr 01 - 04:46 PM A Rent Party sounds like a great idea! I could bring my friend Landlady's Daughter who knows hundreds of housing songs, some even cheerful. Of course, she is hard to shut up once she gets going. |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Peg Date: 23 Apr 01 - 07:03 PM EJ; I'd love to buy, but I just don't have the financial wherewithal to do it right now. Even a "fixer upper" in the Boston area now is 200 grand these days...I'd have to look in Vermont or the west of the state... a rent party! what a nice idea! I was already planning a pagan clothing and book swap this spring, and had some valuable vintage items to sell, the proceeds of which I would donate to a couple different charities..at this point I would probably make MYSELF the charity! It will be the same day as my "blow-out goodbye to the apt. party," which is May 12th...clothing swap and BBQ at 5 pm, party at 8 pm. All Mudcatters invited! we had a mini ceilidh last time I had a party! Ya never know I might have a "it's all gone but the cobwebs" party the day before I move out. BTW I have almost half a cord of lovely firewood left over from this winter; I don't imagine I will have a use for it wherever I end up. So if any new England based Catters want it you are welcome to it; you just have to come and get it!
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Jande Date: 23 Apr 01 - 07:26 PM Sorry t hear about your troubles Peg. I just wanted to add that often, when you take it all into consideration, you rmonthly mortgage for a house is usuall much *less* than you are forced to pay for rent. The beautiful house I live in now costs around $700/month to _buy_, compared to $1200 a month for a comparable sized rental. And no rental yet has been able to compare to this gorgeous place! When we first started looking for apartments in the $800/month bracket we were appalled at the unkempt places that were going for that price. We almost settled for one of those, but then a dear friend got a bit angry with us and said essentially, "Go direstly for what you want now! Don't put it off." We determined to take his advice. After two months of living in hotels, and looking at shabby overpriced apartments, we found this house on the first day! Not only that but it was already empty and waiting for us to move in on a rental basis before the closing date. I hope you won't find this too presumptuous (you don't know me after all) but... Whatever it is you feel is the most important thing for you to do, I can only pass on my friend's advice. Go directly for it now! ~ Jande, who hopes you find the home of your dreams.
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Peg Date: 23 Apr 01 - 09:52 PM thanks Jande; like I said I would buy instead of rent if it was an option for me... glad you found your dream house! |
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Subject: ADD LYR:Rent Party Rag From: Charley Noble Date: 24 Apr 01 - 10:00 AM Musical Interlude II in consideration of Rent Party According to the notes I found in Landlady's Daughter's recycling box, fiercely guarded by her calico cat, rent parties went something like this: Rent Parties A vivid description of the rent party scene is provided by contemporary blues artist Spider John Koerner's introduction to his tribute to this enduring institution: "Now a rent party is the kind of party you hold when you got a man who needs to get somebody to pay his rent. You see, he's been sitting around in his house there, and ain't been doing too good and he ain't got enough money to pay rent and the landlord is starting to come 'round knocking on his door saying, "Hey,man, when you gonna give me some money?" Well, now, the cat who has to pay the money has got to figure out some way to get it. There's all kinds of ways, I suppose, but the best way to get the kind of money to pay for rent is to have a rent party." RENT PARTY RAG (Words and music by Spider John Koerner © 1965 As recorded on Spider Blues) You did the rent party rag, pretty mama, umhmm, Well, can't you hear that party tune, They're gonna be jumping to the break of dawn, Well, hey, pretty baby, won't you come along? Oh, baby, it's the rent party rag. You grab that nigger by his coat, pretty mama, umhmm, Yah, everybody get ready to go, Well, hey, pretty mama, don't you be slow, Gonna walk up to the front door, Oh, baby, it's the rent party rag. Yah, now walk right in, pretty mama, umhmm, You got to go up three flights of stairs, When you get to the party, well, everybody's there, Step right down, have a bottle of beer, Oh, baby, it's the rent party rag. Yah, over there in the corner, pretty mama, umhmm, You got the musicians, they're getting in tune, Gonna have some music pretty soon, You've got a barrel of beer in the next room,V Oh, baby, it's the rent party rag. V Then, when the party's going strong, pretty mama, umhmm, Yah, everybody is a-moving around, When the musicians is a-going to town, Well, hey, pretty mama, won't you shake 'em on down, Oh, baby, it's the rent party rag. Yah, when the police come 'round, pretty mama, umhmm, Well, everybody had to cool it down, They just want to see what's going on, You get back a-jiving when they're gone, Oh, baby, it's the rent party rag. Yah, early in the morning, pretty mama, umhmm, Well, just about time to go, There ain't no beer and no music no more, You walk down the street with the sun comin' up, Oh, baby, it's the rent party rag.
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: kendall Date: 25 Apr 01 - 07:01 AM Peg, it was on the news just recently that the last hurdle was overcome. Amtrak is coming to Portland within a few months. For $1200 a month, you could rent the governors mansion up here! Two years ago, I bought a nice little place right in South Portland (nice neighborhood) for $72,000. Big back yard, huge oak tree and great neighbors. If you must stay in that money hungry jungle, I wish you the very best of luck. |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: katlaughing Date: 25 Apr 01 - 10:08 AM OH, Peg, I am sorry you are having to go through this. I knew it had gotten expensive around there, but those prices are ridiculous. Is it really worth it, to you, to pay that price to live there? Just wondering. The apt. you looked at sounds good and the landlords sound like fun, BUT criminey, that's expensive privilege! There are so many good outlying areas which wouldn't be so expensive, don't you fancy a place in the woods where you can gather St. John's Wort etc?**BG** When our daughter decided to buy this house, she had no money saved and made $10 per hour. Through a government program called Wyoming Development Authority/Assoc.(?) she was able to get a loan with a second for the down payment and found a house and moved in within a month. Surely Massachusetts has a similar program? At any rate, I know you and your kitties will find what is best for you and I wish you all the best. When I was a young mother, with three kids under the age of six, two cats, and a dog, my landlord kicked me out so that family could move in. I had just met my Rog; that day he came through the door, heard my sad tale and offered to let us move to the "ranch" with him, where he already had a horse (one of the things the kids had been asking for.) Here we are 22 years later. So...good things can come of it. luvyakat |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Peg Date: 25 Apr 01 - 06:22 PM gosh, kat what an inspiring story about your daughter! I make more than that per hour, but I also have no savings...(unless you count the $4000 I wil have to put down for a deposit). There may be something like that here for first time home-buyers, not sure I would qualify (my student loan was in default some years ago and so my credit is a bit messed up). Yes, I would love to live in the country...you have given me pause... Kendall; I do like Portland. Amtrak is not enough; it simply does not run very often. I am looking for a commuter train right into Boston! I did NOT get that apt. I am so depressed. I almost went to look at a BASEMENT apt. today. Finally called to cancel. I...just..could..not...do..it. I might try to get something farther out from the city and rely on the Commuter rail...and say goodbye to my social life. This process is demoralizing. Peg
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: hesperis Date: 25 Apr 01 - 06:49 PM Peg, do you want to go to England, or do you want to do that teaching job? MORTY HAS OFFERED TO LET YOU STAY. Anything is possible. Sorry if this is bullying, but at this point, you have an opportunity to do what you've always wanted to do... as long as you know what that is, and decide to go for it.
Good luck. |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: Naemanson Date: 25 Apr 01 - 07:18 PM Oh Peg, I am so sorry you didn't get that place. Still there may be a better one just around the bend. Hang in there, better days are coming. |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: harpgirl Date: 25 Apr 01 - 07:52 PM Well... you may have already thought of this and discarded it as a solution and I hate to give FREE advice...but what about the Massachusetts program that pays 20k bonuses for new high school teachers that are trained and admitted each year? Others get teacher training scholarships but no bonuses. And the Bank of America has mortgage loans of up to $252,700 available to teachers nationwide so you can buy a home with little or no downpayment. If your credit is clean you qualify for 100% financing. If you have some spots on your credit you might have to pay3% of a homes cost. If you haven't already done this, I think you would make a great high school teacher, Peg. College teaching is overrated and unless you are on the tenure track, as you know, they exploit you unmercifully. !!! Single women need their own homes. It's likely your biggest and best investment in life!! See this months Kiplinger's (May) for more details p90... In the meantime, do not worry. You will not be a baglady! But most women worry about this!!!!! hg |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: kendall Date: 25 Apr 01 - 09:19 PM Peg? a bag lady? we wont allow it will we folks? |
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Subject: RE: BS: officially homeless From: kendall Date: 25 Apr 01 - 09:19 PM Peg? a bag lady? we wont allow it will we folks? |