Dear Friends and Family,
Holy cow - a lot has happened in the past three weeks and I kick myself for not writing sooner.
Tracy (Jimi's niece) had a birthday on April 5th. Happy Birthday Tracy!!
I spent April 7th through the 15th working in Texas, During my weekend there, I drove to San Antonio to visit long time friends; I had a wonderful afternoon with my best friend from high school Judy and lunch with Judy and her husband, Gary. Then I spent the evening with Sylvia (Judy's brother's wife) enjoying the San Antonio Riverwalk.
While I was out of town, Jimi laid new carpet and walnut hard wood flooring in the back porch. It was much needed and looks great.
I received another order for 24 greeting cards at a coffee shop here in Longmont. I continue to make cards and send out samples.
Jennifer's boyfriend, who lives in Chicago arrived on Friday for a 2+ week visit. We had them over for dinner and enjoyed a nice visit Saturday. We will spend more time with then while he is here. The plan is he will try to transfer his National Guard duty station to Longmont or Jennifer will move to Chicago.
Two weeks ago we received news that Jeff (Jimi's brother) collapsed at work and was taken to the hospital. With in a week of the incident, Jeff was on the operating table having open heart surgery. One of the valves in his heart had to be replaced. There were some complications a day after the surgery, but he seems to be doing well now and should be coming home in a few days.
Jimi and I went to the Pawnee Grasslands to camp overnight. We usually sleep in the back of the truck, but this trip we took the car and Jimi talked me in to sleeping on the ground. It was cold, but I got through it. The smell of the campfire made it all worthwhile. We roasted turkey brats and corn on the cob for supper and scrambled eggs on the fire for breakfast the next morning. Lol
We watched the "Roots" series and began "Gone With The Wind".
Now for the big news - Jimi signed a contract with buyers on his house today; and we are on the fast track. The buyers want to close and take possession by May 20th. We have a lot to do in less than four weeks. This is an exciting time, as we finally move forward.
I will make an effort to write more often to keep you updated.
Happy Easter!
Love everybody,
Lorie & Jimi
Monday, April 25, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
Introducing Mr & Mrs Faber
Dear Friends and Family,
Last Monday through Thursday was the 'same as always' - blah blah blah, but after months of trying to talk Jimi in to going to Chicago for Tom and Tracy's wedding, just five days before the wedding, he gave in. I was ecstatic and so were the Chicago clan.
We left Friday morning for the 16 hour drive stopping in Davenport to sleep overnight and finally arriving at Jeff's house at noon on Saturday. It was rush rush and we were thrown in to help with preparations. The wedding was at 5:30 in the evening, small, but perfect; I'm so happy for Tom and Tracy. Another great surprise was that Jimi's father came. This is the first time in 25 years Dad (Ron), Jeff, and Jimi have been together. It was so great. With Karen, Bob, Michelle, Tom, Tracy, Tommy Jr, and myself, the entire Nicolaus family was together. It was really neat. We failed to get a full family picture, because so much was going on; however, we did get a four generation picture and a proud picture of Dad and his boys. It was a night we will never forget and always cherish.
We headed home Sunday morning stopping to spend the night at my mom and dads and then finishing our journey to Longmont on Monday. It was a really fast trip, but so worth it.
These past few days have been back to the ole' blah, blah, blah - ha ha. It's really just work and no play. I've painted everyday producing some worthy canvases and some not so worthy canvases - the practice continues. Jimi spends all his time studying anything and everything he can regarding sailing. Jimi lowered the price of the house by 5k and the showings came to a halt. Weird - huh? I think I've said it before, we are in a rut. It's so hard to stay optimistic in our situation. I think we both simply try to stay as busy as possible.
That's all for now. We hope all is well with you.
Love Everybody,
Lorie & Jimi
Last Monday through Thursday was the 'same as always' - blah blah blah, but after months of trying to talk Jimi in to going to Chicago for Tom and Tracy's wedding, just five days before the wedding, he gave in. I was ecstatic and so were the Chicago clan.
We left Friday morning for the 16 hour drive stopping in Davenport to sleep overnight and finally arriving at Jeff's house at noon on Saturday. It was rush rush and we were thrown in to help with preparations. The wedding was at 5:30 in the evening, small, but perfect; I'm so happy for Tom and Tracy. Another great surprise was that Jimi's father came. This is the first time in 25 years Dad (Ron), Jeff, and Jimi have been together. It was so great. With Karen, Bob, Michelle, Tom, Tracy, Tommy Jr, and myself, the entire Nicolaus family was together. It was really neat. We failed to get a full family picture, because so much was going on; however, we did get a four generation picture and a proud picture of Dad and his boys. It was a night we will never forget and always cherish.
We headed home Sunday morning stopping to spend the night at my mom and dads and then finishing our journey to Longmont on Monday. It was a really fast trip, but so worth it.
These past few days have been back to the ole' blah, blah, blah - ha ha. It's really just work and no play. I've painted everyday producing some worthy canvases and some not so worthy canvases - the practice continues. Jimi spends all his time studying anything and everything he can regarding sailing. Jimi lowered the price of the house by 5k and the showings came to a halt. Weird - huh? I think I've said it before, we are in a rut. It's so hard to stay optimistic in our situation. I think we both simply try to stay as busy as possible.
That's all for now. We hope all is well with you.
Love Everybody,
Lorie & Jimi
Monday, March 21, 2011
Home again
Dear Friends and Family,
Again, it's been two weeks since we've written. Not a lot has happened during this time, but enough so that it is time to write.
The showings on the house have continued to increase. In the last two weeks, we've had nearly a dozen. Our Realtor says that with this kind of showing activity, we should be seeing an offer soon - we certainly hope so.
I spent the last two weeks in Texas getting additional training on the new software system, as well as some other instruction. I enjoy going to McAllen, Texas because the weather is so nice, being away from home I get to do things like allot of reading, but most of all I get access to the awesome gym equipment at the hotel. I just love doing aerobic walking while I'm watching my favorite shows. My mind focuses on the shows and I don't even realize I'm out of breath, that I'm sweating badly, or that my body is aching. While there, I went in to Mexico with some friends. We enjoyed shopping, lunch and margaritas.
My flight home was scheduled to leave McAllen at 6am on the 18th, which means I would have been home by 10:30am; however, none of that happened. During the plane's inspection, something on the aircraft was broken. The airline attendant made an announcement that the flight would be delayed an hour. This meant I would miss my connection in Dallas, so I got it rescheduled. Then about 30 minutes later, the airline attendant announced that the plane could not be fixed and would need a new part. The part would be flown in on the next incoming flight, which was scheduled to arrive at 10:30; again I had to change my connection. Then about 11:30 the airline attendant announced that the flight was delayed until 9pm. Finally I rescheduled for an entirely different flight which left at 3:30pm and I arrive home at almost 9pm that night. I was exhausted, but grateful. These things are to be expected when traveling and I had plenty to keep me busy while waiting around at the airport.
Jimi and Matt went to Moab, Utah to visit the Anasazi ruins for a few days. They camped by night enjoying the cool evening air and explored the ruins by day. Jimi was able to do some photography in the mornings. Attached is a picture he took of the Anasazi ruins appropriately name “house of fire”.
This past Saturday, Jimi and I spent the entire day together. We slept in. He made us a delicious breakfast, We ran a few errands during a house showing. Then we set off for a long walk stopping to check on my cards at the coffee shop, stopping at a rent to own store (I'm looking for an elliptical or a treadmill to rent or borrow until we leave), and then we stopped by the Restore. At Restore, Jimi found two light fixtures, a large 12 volt cooler, and I found the Torso Track 2. Yes, we had to carry all these items home and none of them were small. That in itself was a good workout. After looking through all of our goodies, we laid a blanket on the grass in the back yard. We laid on the blanket soaking up the sun and beautiful weather, while Jimi read to me about the Ft Myers and Sanibel Island area. It was a beautiful day. Afterwards, we did our respective workouts, we went to the grocery store, and then watched a movie. It's great to be home.
Sunday, I found myself quit sore from my workout and didn't do a whole lot; I laid around and rested mostly. Jimi worked on and around the house. He also hooked up a TV to the exercise bike, so I can continue my workouts at home. He's such a sweetheart.
That's all for now. I am home for a few weeks.
Love everybody,
Lorie & Jimi
Sunday, March 6, 2011
It's been two weeks
Dear Friends and Family,
It's been two weeks since we've written and we have actually done a few things.
We have had about seven showings over the last two weeks. This is a really good sign. The market and interest level has certainly picked up. We are so anxious about moving on, Jimi is considering lowering the price on the house again. We'll not be too hasty though.
We had dinner with friends Jason and Vicki a week and a half ago. After dinner, Jimi and I stayed to play several hours of pool. We both did quite well and had a really great time.
We continue long walks anywhere from a short mile to four or five. The weather here has been really nice, therefore, we take advantage of being outdoors as much as possible.
I began painting again. Something I haven't done since before Thanksgiving. I have painted five canvases: giving away three. I get discouraged sometimes when something doesn't turn out well enough.
I sold my first order of custom cards making $22 and received another order worth $30. I have cards placed in one coffee shop in Longmont selling for $3 each and the potential of another coffee shop. I mailed out 24 samples to 12 businesses in the area today hoping to get my product out there and generate more orders. If you know anyone who may be interested in custom greeting cards of all occasions, please give them my email address and/or phone number. cardsbylorie@gmail.com 303.351.2324. Currently I have 20+ different designs. I can supply pictures of these and send samples to potential clients. Business is good and I am excited to grow it.
Jimi picked up a free gym set off Craig's List. He set it up in the basement and uses it quite often. It's a pretty nice set with nearly a dozen different exercises with weights.
Now that we have dental insurance again, we both had dental appointments and we both had a couple of cavities. My experience did not go well and I have vowed to never have a cavity again. Lol
Jimi and I have spent the last two Saturdays in the mountains snow shoeing. It was awesome. The mountains are so beautiful and we will miss them when we leave. In places, the snow was six feet deep and in some places it was soft enough that Jimi would break through past his knees. We walked on frozen lakes, investigated beaver damns, followed rabbit foot prints, and more. It's so peaceful up there. I have attached some pictures for you. The snow was so soft on our way back to the truck that we decided to take the road. However, this idea wasn't any better. The winds were blowing 60 mph and I could not even stay standing let alone walk up the road. I stayed behind hunkered down in some trees on the side of the road while Jimi fought the winds to get to the truck and come get me. That was not so peaceful!
Last Wednesday I served on my first jury. It was a very interesting experience. There were six of us chosen and I was convinced it was an open/shut case. In fact, five of the six of us felt that way. But one member of the jury disagreed and we deliberated for more than five hours. I didn't get home until after 10pm that night. Anyhow, it is an experience everyone should have. I would do it again in a moments notice.
Jennifer and I went to dinner Thursday night; we had a nice time. She seems to be doing well. She likes her job and the people she works with, as well as the place she is living. She is still struggling with how she is going to get transportation.
Jimi took me to dinner on Saturday night, which was a nice surprise. With good food and good company, we had a great evening.
Sunday I joined my old sorority group to paint bowls for a local annual fund raiser called Empty Bowls. It's a great project and we had a great time. I've attached a picture for you.
Jimi will be home alone these next two weeks while I am in Texas on business. I don't expect anything on interest to happen to either one of us during this time, but maybe Jimi will sell the house while I am away. Keep your fingers crossed.
Happy March to all!
Love everybody,
Lorie & Jimi
It's been two weeks since we've written and we have actually done a few things.
We have had about seven showings over the last two weeks. This is a really good sign. The market and interest level has certainly picked up. We are so anxious about moving on, Jimi is considering lowering the price on the house again. We'll not be too hasty though.
We had dinner with friends Jason and Vicki a week and a half ago. After dinner, Jimi and I stayed to play several hours of pool. We both did quite well and had a really great time.
We continue long walks anywhere from a short mile to four or five. The weather here has been really nice, therefore, we take advantage of being outdoors as much as possible.
I began painting again. Something I haven't done since before Thanksgiving. I have painted five canvases: giving away three. I get discouraged sometimes when something doesn't turn out well enough.
I sold my first order of custom cards making $22 and received another order worth $30. I have cards placed in one coffee shop in Longmont selling for $3 each and the potential of another coffee shop. I mailed out 24 samples to 12 businesses in the area today hoping to get my product out there and generate more orders. If you know anyone who may be interested in custom greeting cards of all occasions, please give them my email address and/or phone number. cardsbylorie@gmail.com 303.351.2324. Currently I have 20+ different designs. I can supply pictures of these and send samples to potential clients. Business is good and I am excited to grow it.
Jimi picked up a free gym set off Craig's List. He set it up in the basement and uses it quite often. It's a pretty nice set with nearly a dozen different exercises with weights.
Now that we have dental insurance again, we both had dental appointments and we both had a couple of cavities. My experience did not go well and I have vowed to never have a cavity again. Lol
Jimi and I have spent the last two Saturdays in the mountains snow shoeing. It was awesome. The mountains are so beautiful and we will miss them when we leave. In places, the snow was six feet deep and in some places it was soft enough that Jimi would break through past his knees. We walked on frozen lakes, investigated beaver damns, followed rabbit foot prints, and more. It's so peaceful up there. I have attached some pictures for you. The snow was so soft on our way back to the truck that we decided to take the road. However, this idea wasn't any better. The winds were blowing 60 mph and I could not even stay standing let alone walk up the road. I stayed behind hunkered down in some trees on the side of the road while Jimi fought the winds to get to the truck and come get me. That was not so peaceful!
Last Wednesday I served on my first jury. It was a very interesting experience. There were six of us chosen and I was convinced it was an open/shut case. In fact, five of the six of us felt that way. But one member of the jury disagreed and we deliberated for more than five hours. I didn't get home until after 10pm that night. Anyhow, it is an experience everyone should have. I would do it again in a moments notice.
Jennifer and I went to dinner Thursday night; we had a nice time. She seems to be doing well. She likes her job and the people she works with, as well as the place she is living. She is still struggling with how she is going to get transportation.
Jimi took me to dinner on Saturday night, which was a nice surprise. With good food and good company, we had a great evening.
Sunday I joined my old sorority group to paint bowls for a local annual fund raiser called Empty Bowls. It's a great project and we had a great time. I've attached a picture for you.
Jimi will be home alone these next two weeks while I am in Texas on business. I don't expect anything on interest to happen to either one of us during this time, but maybe Jimi will sell the house while I am away. Keep your fingers crossed.
Happy March to all!
Love everybody,
Lorie & Jimi
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Happy Valentines Day
Dear Friends and Family,
I didn't really think I had much to report for last week, but as time goes by I realize I better write something.
I picked Jennifer up from the airport just after 7pm last Friday evening. She was discharged from the Army because of depression and having multiple stress fractures in both feet. Now she will have to figure out what she is going to do and how she will support herself. We told her she could stay here without paying rent until we leave, but she would have to find a job and buy her own necessities. She's turned in her applications at a few places and has had one interview at Lowes, with a promise of a second. Yesterday she made arrangements to 'rent' a room from a friend in exchange for help with the kids and around the house. I'm glad she's out on her own. I really think it will be good for her and be more motivating than to stay under our wings.
I attended the Valentines luncheon on Saturday with my old sorority group, Epsilon Pi. We had two showings on the house Saturday, and Jimi met with our Realtor on Monday to lower the selling price by $10k, now at $199,900.00.
We celebrated Valentines Day on Saturday night. Valentines has never really been our Holiday, but this year was an exception. We had the most wonderful evening. We went to dinner at Japango (a sushi restaurant in Boulder) and then spent rest of the evening with each other - talking and hanging out without computers and TVs. We had agreed not to exchange gifts this year, but I woke up to a dozen red roses and Lindt Lindor Truffles Monday morning. He is such a sweetheart. I surprised him with a dozen coupons of special things. It was an awesome Holiday.
Since Jimi worked on Monday night, Jennifer and I went to Red Lobster for dinner. It was also a lovely evening.
Other than Jennifer coming home and Valentines Day, our week was uneventful. We gone for several long walks every day that we can. We find ourselves walking all over town and we enjoy it. Otherwise, we work and work some more. We watch movies at times. I started painting again, I scrapbook, and make greetings cards. Jimi does research on boats, weather patterns/signs, and whatever else he comes across to help us in our future endeavor.
I'm not sure if I will continue writing every week. I don't want to bore you and lately we've been pretty boring. We work, walk, and have a showing now and then. It's not that fun to write about and certainly not fun to read about. So, until we do something that we think you really want to hear about, I will only write here -n- there.
That's all for now. HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!
Love everybody,
Lorie & Jimi
I didn't really think I had much to report for last week, but as time goes by I realize I better write something.
I picked Jennifer up from the airport just after 7pm last Friday evening. She was discharged from the Army because of depression and having multiple stress fractures in both feet. Now she will have to figure out what she is going to do and how she will support herself. We told her she could stay here without paying rent until we leave, but she would have to find a job and buy her own necessities. She's turned in her applications at a few places and has had one interview at Lowes, with a promise of a second. Yesterday she made arrangements to 'rent' a room from a friend in exchange for help with the kids and around the house. I'm glad she's out on her own. I really think it will be good for her and be more motivating than to stay under our wings.
I attended the Valentines luncheon on Saturday with my old sorority group, Epsilon Pi. We had two showings on the house Saturday, and Jimi met with our Realtor on Monday to lower the selling price by $10k, now at $199,900.00.
We celebrated Valentines Day on Saturday night. Valentines has never really been our Holiday, but this year was an exception. We had the most wonderful evening. We went to dinner at Japango (a sushi restaurant in Boulder) and then spent rest of the evening with each other - talking and hanging out without computers and TVs. We had agreed not to exchange gifts this year, but I woke up to a dozen red roses and Lindt Lindor Truffles Monday morning. He is such a sweetheart. I surprised him with a dozen coupons of special things. It was an awesome Holiday.
Since Jimi worked on Monday night, Jennifer and I went to Red Lobster for dinner. It was also a lovely evening.
Other than Jennifer coming home and Valentines Day, our week was uneventful. We gone for several long walks every day that we can. We find ourselves walking all over town and we enjoy it. Otherwise, we work and work some more. We watch movies at times. I started painting again, I scrapbook, and make greetings cards. Jimi does research on boats, weather patterns/signs, and whatever else he comes across to help us in our future endeavor.
I'm not sure if I will continue writing every week. I don't want to bore you and lately we've been pretty boring. We work, walk, and have a showing now and then. It's not that fun to write about and certainly not fun to read about. So, until we do something that we think you really want to hear about, I will only write here -n- there.
That's all for now. HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!
Love everybody,
Lorie & Jimi
Sunday, January 30, 2011
It's really cold here
Dear Friends and Family,
The showing activity on the house has definitely increased. We had three showings in four days and then two more showings this past weekend. We are hopeful and confident; it's just a matter of time now.
I worked all week, as Jimi also worked delivering pizzas. We had lunch with Vicki on Wednesday. I met Brenda for dinner on Friday, and Saturday we spent the night in Denver visiting friends, Janka and Juraj.
Last week the weather was so nice, Jimi and I were taking long (average 3 mile) walks nearly everyday. This week the weather is really really cold, with a high of 0 degrees today; ouch. I am so thankful I don't have to go out and I can work from home.
I still have not a word from Jennifer; therefore, I know nothing about her discharge or when she will be here. I haven't given up hope yet though. Maybe no news is good news and they have decided to keep her. :-)
Well, my update is really short this week. But, I don't want to bore you any more than I already have.
Please pray for my long time family friend, Sally Goetzke, as she had surgery yesterday.
Love Everybody,
Lorie and Jimi
The showing activity on the house has definitely increased. We had three showings in four days and then two more showings this past weekend. We are hopeful and confident; it's just a matter of time now.
I worked all week, as Jimi also worked delivering pizzas. We had lunch with Vicki on Wednesday. I met Brenda for dinner on Friday, and Saturday we spent the night in Denver visiting friends, Janka and Juraj.
Last week the weather was so nice, Jimi and I were taking long (average 3 mile) walks nearly everyday. This week the weather is really really cold, with a high of 0 degrees today; ouch. I am so thankful I don't have to go out and I can work from home.
I still have not a word from Jennifer; therefore, I know nothing about her discharge or when she will be here. I haven't given up hope yet though. Maybe no news is good news and they have decided to keep her. :-)
Well, my update is really short this week. But, I don't want to bore you any more than I already have.
Please pray for my long time family friend, Sally Goetzke, as she had surgery yesterday.
Love Everybody,
Lorie and Jimi
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Home is where Jimi is
Dear Friends and Family,
I'm home and I am so happy. Home is where Jimi is; making the most of it and not taking it for granted, as I don't know when I'll have to leave again. With the new system Cencorp adopted, I am paperless. This means I should be able to work totally from anywhere I'm at only needing to travel to McAllen in certain instances.This makes me happy.
When I arrived home Friday evening, Jimi was at work; however, he left me a bouquet of fresh flowers and a strand of black pearls with a note welcoming me home sitting on the kitchen table.
We spent the entire day on Saturday rearranging the house to make it more inviting for showings. The shows are increasing. We had one on Friday and another on Saturday. Our bedroom and an office for Jimi is located in the basement. We converted the storage area in to a walk in closet and it looks pretty nice. The main level now has a dining room, living room, the kitchen and the bathroom. We didn't make any changes upstairs. It still has my art studio, my office, and the spare bedroom. The changes are different, but we will get used to them and are certain the showings will be better received.
Sunday was a lazy day. We kind of putzed around the house, took a long walk around the neighborhood, and then Jimi went to work at 4pm.
I finally heard from Jennifer yesterday. I am sad to report she is coming home. Thank you to everyone who prayed for her. I will give a further update on her status in the near future.
That's all for now. Love and Prayers.
Love everybody,
Lorie & Jimi
I'm home and I am so happy. Home is where Jimi is; making the most of it and not taking it for granted, as I don't know when I'll have to leave again. With the new system Cencorp adopted, I am paperless. This means I should be able to work totally from anywhere I'm at only needing to travel to McAllen in certain instances.This makes me happy.
We spent the entire day on Saturday rearranging the house to make it more inviting for showings. The shows are increasing. We had one on Friday and another on Saturday. Our bedroom and an office for Jimi is located in the basement. We converted the storage area in to a walk in closet and it looks pretty nice. The main level now has a dining room, living room, the kitchen and the bathroom. We didn't make any changes upstairs. It still has my art studio, my office, and the spare bedroom. The changes are different, but we will get used to them and are certain the showings will be better received.
Sunday was a lazy day. We kind of putzed around the house, took a long walk around the neighborhood, and then Jimi went to work at 4pm.
I finally heard from Jennifer yesterday. I am sad to report she is coming home. Thank you to everyone who prayed for her. I will give a further update on her status in the near future.
That's all for now. Love and Prayers.
Love everybody,
Lorie & Jimi
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