When it rains it pours.....

Well, it's been a rough month. I was in the hospital earlier this month with a bad infection that was potentially life threatening. Monday night, Katie and I were celebrating having been together for 5 years and luckily, the new puppy, Alpha peed in her crate. We went downstairs at 1AM to put the sheets from her crate in the washing machine and saw water all over the floor.

Long story short...

The sewer pipe from our house (that goes from our house to the sewer at the street) broke in half about 20ft from the house. Sewer water/waste water was coming into the house from the downstairs/finished basement toilet and shower. It would have been 10X worse if Alpha hadn't peed in her crate - for the first time - and we hand't gone down to the basement to do laundry. We shut off the water and stopped using the toilets, etc.

Of course, this isn't a rosy story. Apparently homeowners insurance doesn't cover the pipe break and needless to say that was A LOT OF MONEY and had to be fixed immediately.

The good news is our homeowners insurance does cover cleaning up (which has been largely done) and repairing the finished basement, after our deductible.

So it could have been worse.

Yesterday we had to move all the reptiles upstairs in small containers so that we could move the tanks (all of 13 of them and bases, etc.) and have the floor around them and under them cleaned and have anti-microbial liquid sprayed on the floor and walls. While wet - about 45 minutes, the spray can be harmful to animals. However, once dry it is supposed to be 100% safe (it's a natural product and I discussed at length with the cleaning crew who has experience with animals, including reptiles). I let it dry for four hours and then cleaned every tank top to bottom (even though the spray is isolated on the floor and not airborne) and everyone went home last night. No one seems worse for the wear.

It gets better though. The person who owned our house prior finished the basement and for some reason he used asbestos glue to put in the paneling. So now the basement has to be abated before we can begin putting it back together.

When the abatement happens. The reptiles will go back upstairs for a day or two and their tanks will be shut off and wrapped in plastic to keep everything out. There is nowhere to put the tanks elsewhere in the house and that would be beyond difficult. The areas that are being abated (walls) will be sealed off as well, but I want to be extra careful and seal the tanks as well.

We are looking for the silver lining here and have an opportunity to reconfigure the basement and reptile area. We may move the tanks, and everything else in the basement, around and make better use of the space. My sister is an interior designer and Katie loves redecorating so that aspect should work out okay.

I am still recovering from the hospital stay and dealing with my other health issues, so yesterday was exhausting, to say the least. However, we did what we had to do and everyone is safe and sound.

I'll keep everyone posted. However, it's been tough of late. Good thing the reptiles are tough and flexible. Probably more than me and Katie are anyway, this has been a rough month.

Sending prayers for a speedy recovery. And hope everything works out. Can’t wait to see your new snake room.

I am trying to be as positive as possible because I feel this post more than I should.


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Originally Posted by Kam

Sending prayers for a speedy recovery. And hope everything works out. Can’t wait to see your new snake room.

I am trying to be as positive as possible because I feel this post more than I should.


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Thank you, as always, Kam.

You hang in as well, brother.

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Originally Posted by dakski

Thank you, as always, Kam.

You hang in as well, brother.

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I’m trying. I am getting some mobility again. But I need you to get better. You have been through entirely too much.


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After all this, I sure hope you have plenty of "clear weather" heading your way- now & for a long time. :( Has Katie recovered now, or at least gotten a handle on her mystery health issue?

So sorry you have had to go thru so much all at once. :O May your life become WAY more "boring" from now on...(& more budget-friendly too). Wow...just wow. :please:

Hey Dave...you don't get to have ALL the drama, you know. Leave a little for the rest of us, huh? ;) Oh, & Happy Anniversary! :D

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Originally Posted by Kam

... I am getting some mobility again...

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Some hugs for you too, Kam- Are you two in some kind of contest to fall apart or something? ;) And you already had some home challenges...

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Some hugs for you too, Kam- Are you two in some kind of contest to fall apart or something? ;)

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[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

I have an old injury that progressively gets worst. Now the crazy thing is I have always known of the injury but I pushed through it. That’s until could t push anymore and I was bed ridden for a couple of days.

Two dehydrated herniated discs that pinches a nerve in my lunar (L4 & L5).

I’m now getting injections in my back to ease the pain until they tell me to replace them. But thanks for hugs and making me chuckle. I needed that.


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But hey guys, look at the bright side, it could have been worse! -at least neither of you live in that building in Florida. I still can't wrap my head around that nightmare...

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Originally Posted by Kam

[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

I have an old injury that progressively gets worst. Now the crazy thing is I have always known of the injury but I pushed through it. That’s until could t push anymore and I was bed ridden for a couple of days.

Two dehydrated herniated discs that pinches a nerve in my lunar (L4 & L5).

I’m now getting injections in my back to ease the pain until they tell me to replace them. But thanks for hugs and making me chuckle. I needed that.


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Hang in there, Kam. You're not the only one whose warranty has expired. ;) It sucks having such "issues", but that's where we all are. Life just does that & there's always something else to deal with. I think the best we can do is focus on the good things* we have in our lives to get thru the difficult stuff. (*Your friends & family & pets & all the other things you enjoy...)

Oh my goodness. Sorry you are dealing with that. I've been through a similar nightmare and I can't imagine having to deal with that while still recovering from being sick. Glad you are staying positive! *hugs*

Oh Mr dave.
That's all you needed on top of both of yours health issues.
Really glad your getting things sorted in your house. I'm just glad your insurance covers some of the the repairs/clean up
At least

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Ugh, your post reminds me that I have forgotten to do the semi-annual sewer line preventive maintenance (copper sulfate so tree roots don't infiltrate and block it) for way too long. I am so sorry this happened, but at least it sounds like you're turning lemons into lemonade with the remodel.

I wish there were far fewer hard times in our lives and we could always be happy, healthy, whole, and well. Way to keep your Spirits up guys. This too shall pass. I’m praying for you Dave, Kam, and all. 🙏🏾❤️

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Originally Posted by bcr229

Ugh, your post reminds me that I have forgotten to do the semi-annual sewer line preventive maintenance (copper sulfate so tree roots don't infiltrate and block it) for way too long. I am so sorry this happened, but at least it sounds like you're turning lemons into lemonade with the remodel.

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I just had a tree crew come take a look at some of ours to make sure no roots were getting close to anything.

Dave I hate that you guys are having such a rough year. Seems like it's one thing after another. That positivity goes a long way though, and I love the silver lining that you get to play around with your reptile room. Can't wait to see some photos when you get set back up!

Sad to hear that you are still being thrown more than your fair share of curveballs, Dave. I hope you and Katie start feeling better and come across some better luck soon! After dealing with a bad heater and a roof leak at my last place, I feel you on the "herp keeping with home woes" front. My inbox is always open if you need to chat/vent.

Kam, I hope you start feeling better soon too!

First, thank you to everyone for your support and kind words. It means a lot to me. My biggest worry with the fixing/remodeling/reflooring of the basement is, of course, the reptiles' well being.

Secondly, the contractor who is going to re-floor and re-wall the basement wants everything out of and into a pod. Couches, chairs, tables, TV's, speakers, etc. I had to explain a few times that's not an option for them and that we can move the tanks around, but there is nowhere else to put them and that the reptiles cannot go days out of them without potential consequences.

Katie had to calm me down and then talked to the contractor ad nauseam until it finally clicked, I think. We may have to do the flooring in 2 steps and it might be a little more of a nuisance of all involved, but tough. These are my babies.

Thank you again and I'll keep everyone posted.

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Originally Posted by dakski

Secondly, the contractor who is going to re-floor and re-wall the basement wants everything out of and into a pod. Couches, chairs, tables, TV's, speakers, etc. I had to explain a few times that's not an option for them and that we can move the tanks around, but there is nowhere else to put them and that the reptiles cannot go days out of them without potential consequences.

Katie had to calm me down and then talked to the contractor ad nauseam until it finally clicked, I think. We may have to do the flooring in 2 steps and it might be a little more of a nuisance of all involved, but tough. These are my babies.

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Contractors are slammed right now and little jobs like yours are fit in around big whole-house jobs. Unfortunately for you that may mean they want to spend a few hours a day over several days or even weeks on your floor, and there will be days where they don't bother to show up, if you are having something like ceramic tile installed instead of sheet vinyl.

Sorry to hear you're having such a hassle with repairs- it doesn't help that when contractors have plentiful jobs to pick from, they tend to be "picky". Frustrating for sure!

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Originally Posted by bcr229

Contractors are slammed right now and little jobs like yours are fit in around big whole-house jobs. Unfortunately for you that may mean they want to spend a few hours a day over several days or even weeks on your floor, and there will be days where they don't bother to show up, if you are having something like ceramic tile installed instead of sheet vinyl.

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Really good point bcr229.

We are packing up the entire basement (furniture, TV, speakers, etc.) except for the reptile tanks. They can work around them. I am not jeopardizing my animals health' and risking any of the above.

We finally have a date for the asbestos abatement - 8-5-21. They will move out all the furniture etc. on 8-3-21.

I fed all the snakes tonight and do not plan to feed again until everything is settled and hopefully the basement is finished. Once the abatement is done, the contractor can come in and take care of everything else pretty quickly - supposedly.

I am hoping all that is done within 2 weeks, with 3 weeks being the (hopefully) worst case scenario.

The day of the abatement, the reptiles will all be moved upstairs in storage containers and at room temp (which is about 75F this time of year). I want everyone empty for that and when we have to do that again for the walls and floors in that area with the contractor. Then once settled, I will give them a few days and return to a normal feeding schedule. Things have been crazy of late and everyone has been eating about 3 weeks the past two feedings. The boas, Shayna the BP, and Yafe the CP, are all fine with that, but I worry a little about the corns (Solana and Figment). They seem no worse for the wear and both are exceptionally healthy and Solana a good weight and Figment still slightly overweight. It's also not long-term so a couple months of 3 weeks versus 2 weeks shouldn't be an issue, but you know me.

It's been difficult to do much with the reptiles as there is nothing down there except them and everything is a mess down there. I usually go down in the during the day to check on them and often spend time with them and then again in the evening when Katie and I spend time down there. Since we haven't been doing the latter since late June, I've been neglectful of hanging with the reptiles as much. Everyone has clean tanks and is healthy, but when I do not spend time with them and bond, it seems like work with little reward as I am mostly just cleaning and removing animals when I do, but not handling much.

I am looking forward to having that space back and getting back on track with bonding with them again. To be clear, I am sure they don't miss it much, but it makes it worth my while and balances for me.

Anyway, I'll keep everyone up to date.

Fingers crossed all goes to plan dave[emoji1696][emoji1696][emoji1696][emoji1696]

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Glad to hear things are coming together for y’all brother. Praying for an optimal outcome. 🙏🏾✌🏾❤️

Hang in there- I hope the time goes fast until the dust literally settles.

Mostly good news.

The basement is gutted and all asbestos is gone. We had to slide tanks on bases a little here and a little there, but the tanks are fine and so are the reptiles.

The contractor comes tomorrow to figure out what it will take and what materials we want, etc. to redo the basement. That includes, floors, walls, ceiling, etc.

90% of the furniture is in storage and most importantly, the reptiles seemed to do fine throughout the ordeal. At least no one seems unhappy and it's now two days later.

It, of course, took 2 days, not 1 day, to remove all the asbestos, but everyone stayed in Katie's office in their holding containers at 75F. No one seemed worse for the wear, but all where happy to be back home.

They will have to deal with the same thing when the contractor comes in, but we will have a better idea of timing and how many days, etc. once we speak to them tomorrow.

Very relieved everyone is good so far.

I'll keep everyone posted.

What an unfortunate ordeal! Glad it's going okay so far- I hope the rest goes well too.

That's great they managing to get your house sorted Mr dave[emoji106][emoji106]

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I have good news and better news.

The project manager for our basement repairs came over Monday. We are picking materials out next week and then 3-5 weeks to complete the work. That's the good news.

The better news is the project manager has a kingsnake and a bearded dragon and grew up with a Boa. He wanted to meet some of the crew (loved Solana, Yafe, Jeff and Frank, and held them). He 100% gets how important the reptiles are to me and respects them as living creatures. He's going to set up the schedule so there will two days of work that they reptiles will be moved upstairs for, followed by 5 days of back in the tanks for them. Then 2 days upstairs, and 5 days back in tanks, etc. until the job is complete. I told him okay if it takes longer, not okay if the reptiles have to suffer.

He's on board with that plan and when there will be dust in the air and/or they are putting up ceiling or flooring in the reptile area, the reptiles will be out. Otherwise, he will work around them and cover their area (not their tanks).

I couldn't be happier with his approach and his willingness to work with us.

Looking forward to a new basement and happy reptiles.

Don't you just love it when you meet someone & find out they love reptiles too? That's a real "win" for completing all this renovation with him understanding & allowing for your needs & especially the needs of your pets through all this. This has really been a LONG ordeal!

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Don't you just love it when you meet someone & find out they love reptiles too? That's a real "win" for completing all this renovation with him understanding & allowing for your needs & especially the needs of your pets through all this. This has really been a LONG ordeal!

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Thank you Boger! Yeah, it has been a long ordeal, with more to go! However, so relieved the Project Manager (PM) is a reptile guy! Couldn't ask for more really.

I get a kick out of doing "meet & greets" with my snakes- but thanks to the pandemic, there was no Wildlife Expo here this summer, & my snakes are getting lazy...;)

Demo started today. I have 11 reptiles chilling in my office with me as I write this.

Two days of demo and then they can be back in their tanks for 5. Then two days next week of work, then back in their tanks for 5, etc. until it's done.

I haven't fed the snakes in a few weeks so that their is no digestion issues while they are doing the work. The lizards ate, but not for a few days. I am going to feed them sparingly the next 2-3 weeks until the work is done and not near days when they will have only 70F heat in my office.

The snakes will end up going about 6 weeks without eating, but I think they will all be okay and it's better than the stress of trying to feed and risk them not digesting fully.

Everyone is in good shape health and weight wise, so I am not too worried.

At least the contractors have started!

Also, the reptile area is going to be awesome when it's done. We had to replace the ceiling and flooring so they are getting new lights controlled by their own switch! Nice LED lighting with a dimmer. I am excited.

That's great news! I know you hate having the shell out for the repairs, but if there's a silver lining you get to make a few changes down there. Excited to see the finished product.

I read "demo" as "demonstration"...(my thought bubble: what's he demonstrating??? :confusd: ) :rofl:

But obviously you meant "demolition". Someday all this will be done, & much better than before....:gj: for hanging in there, & for your :snake: being such good sports too! :D

That's quite a huge "surprise" makeover you got stuck with doing.

The past two days they ripped out the entire bathroom except for the shower and demolished the reptile area. They also re-framed the reptile area and insulated it really well.

Because insulation went up today, we wrapped the tanks in plastic wrap and I haven't brought the reptiles back yet. I am letting anything that might be in the air settle and they will go back down late tonight.

This should also give me a chance to re-wire the mess that has been the wiring for the tanks - power cords, light cords, etc. If not today, then definitely next week when they come out. We added outlets on both sides of the tanks (instead of one) and no longer have to run wiring through the ceiling or on the floor. YAY!

Everyone seems fine, and relatively sedentary, as they are not at proper temps. Any issues, I will advise, but this isn't their first rodeo at this point and they are all tough.

I also wanted to note that we are only doing a few upgrades - better lighting, better flooring (waterproof vinyl vs. carpet!), etc. Thankfully insurance covers a lot of it and it's not a big outlay for us. We are upgrading the space and it should be really nice when done, but not breaking the bank either. My sister is an interior designed and she is working with the contractors and picking materials etc. to be within budget but also match/create the aesthetic we are looking for.

Thank you for the support everyone and I cannot wait to show you all when it's done. In the meantime, I'll update on moving everyone around.

In some ways -if you don't count the massive inconvenience ;) it's for the best that this happened so you can make improvements (like the wiring & insulation) & "someday" it WILL be done. :)

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

In some ways -if you don't count the massive inconvenience ;) it's for the best that this happened so you can make improvements (like the wiring & insulation) & "someday" it WILL be done. :)

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This has been my only silver lining... we really lucked out with the project manager too. The initial assessor did NOT understand the concerns to their safety during construction...



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Originally Posted by SunshineWalker

This has been my only silver lining... we really lucked out with the project manager too. The initial assessor did NOT understand the concerns to their safety during construction...



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I'm not surprised. What are the odds of project assessors & contractors understanding the needs of captive herps. Just finding those willing to work in the same house is sometimes as good as you can expect. :rofl: Though sometimes it can turn into a teaching opportunity. I had a lot of fun a few years back when I had some work done by guys who were sure they didn't like snakes. They looked at them differently after meeting some of mine. :D

Everyone is back in their tanks.

There were some huffs and puffs and Ezzy (leachie) tried to eat my hand (she failed) but all seem well.

Temps were where they should be PRIOR to putting the reptiles back.

Katie/SunshineWalker is a trooper and helped bring everyone down, check temps, and even put most of the reptiles back. I am glad to have a wonderful partner to help with all this. I couldn't see doing it on my own.

Of course there are other reasons I love her, but tonight I was extra appreciative.

EDIT: Cannot wait to do this again next week, and the week after, etc.

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Originally Posted by dakski

...Cannot wait to do this again next week, and the week after, etc.

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I'll just bet. :rofl:

Everyone moved back into my office today. All 11 reptiles. They are going to be here until Friday - so 3 1/2 days. However, a lot of work is getting done and this will be the longest duration out of their tanks for the entire project (so I am told).

I have a space heater and it's 75F.

I'll keep everyone posted, but it's a little nerve wracking. 3 1/2 days feels like a long time.

and.........everyone is back in their cages until Tuesday.

A lot getting done downstairs in terms of rebuilding the space.

Everyone was fine but Ezzy and Ferry (Rhacos) felt a little dry (their skin). I should have sprayed them because they are fine at 75F anyway. I'll do that next time.

Everyone is happy to be back in their tanks.

Well......we are on hold because a minor dispute with the contractor I hope to work out ASAP. Regardless, they will not be back until after the holiday at the earliest to work.

This leaves me with a conundrum.

I haven't fed the snakes in 6 weeks. Given that it might be another 3-4 weeks before the work is done, and I have at least 8 days until the contractors come back, should I feed? If so, who?

Behira is in shed and a 2.4kg Boa (BI), I imagine she is fine.

However, I am most worried about the corn snakes. Should at I least feed them? Should I feed everyone? Should I hold off and they will all be fine? Thoughts? I don't want to feed and not let them fully digest, but I think they all would with proper temps in 8 days, right?

Here are the snakes (beside Behira - in shed):

Figment: 585G 8 year old male corn snake.

Solana: 370G 3.5 year old female corn snake.

Jeff: 625G 2.75 year old male boa (BI).

Feliz: 1kg 4 year old male dwarf red tail (BC).

Yafe: 1kg 4 year old male IJ/Darwin Carpet Python.

Shayna: 1.8kg 9 year old BP.

Any thoughts are welcomed and appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Yes, I'd feed. But feed on the light side for those eating larger prey- just to make sure all is digested well. The corns, for sure! They digest pretty fast- assuming they're eating mice. It's rats that are harder to digest, especially larger ones. So for snakes eating a medium, I'd feed a small, for example. Assuming you have options on hand, of course. With good temps. I think they'll all digest just fine, actually. Sorry to hear about your contractor dispute- ugh! Hang in there.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Yes, I'd feed. But feed on the light side for those eating larger prey- just to make sure all is digested well. The corns, for sure! They digest pretty fast- assuming they're eating mice. It's rats that are harder to digest, especially larger ones. So for snakes eating a medium, I'd feed a small, for example. Assuming you have options on hand, of course. With good temps. I think they'll all digest just fine, actually. Sorry to hear about your contractor dispute- ugh! Hang in there.

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Thanks Bogertophis! Already started defrosting food!

Adult mice for the corns, which should digest quickly.

Yafe (CP) is getting a medium rat, but that's normal for him and not too big a meal, believe it or not. Only about 13% of his body weight and he can take 15-20% if he wanted. Small rat would be way too small for him now.

Feliz and Jeff are getting small rats, as usual, as is Shayna, which is also normal.

Hopefully Behira sheds and I can feed her tomorrow, but again, less worried about her.

Thank you again Boger!

EDIT: I think we will be able to work out the dispute quickly, but I don't want the poor snakes hanging in the balance. Want happy and healthy critters!
I think everyone will be okay.

6/6 - everyone happily ate.

Looks like Behira started shedding right when I went to offer food to everyone else. Not 100% sure because she was in her cool hide, but it looked like a lot of moving around. I'll feed her tomorrow if indeed she did shed today.

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Originally Posted by dakski

6/6 - everyone happily ate.

Looks like Behira started shedding right when I went to offer food to everyone else. Not 100% sure because she was in her cool hide, but it looked like a lot of moving around. I'll feed her tomorrow if indeed she did shed today.

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:gj: Ya did good. ;) When it comes right down to it, most snakes are pretty easy to please.

Good news!

The contractors are back to work on Wednesday and plan to work through Christmas week (not on Christmas on imagine).

I cannot wait. I know the reptiles will be happy to have all this behind them! So will me and Katie!

Wednesday everyone comes back up to my office for a bit.

I cannot wait to show you all the finished basement and reptile area!

Happy Holidays!

So you think they'll be done by Christmas then? I hope so! :gj: Hang in there- you've had quite the ordeal.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

So you think they'll be done by Christmas then? I hope so! :gj: Hang in there- you've had quite the ordeal.

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LOL!

NO!

I am praying for new years though. At least we are moving again! My sister, who is an interior designer and designed the new basement is in town tomorrow (from California) through mid January at my parent's house. I want it done before she leaves so she can decorate. That was the plan all along. If we are lucky, she can spend a night down there as well. It's our guest room, TV Room, reptile area, and "man cave." I keep my cigar and whiskey collection down there too, hence the "man cave," which is really a large closet. However, i will take it and the reptiles take priority. They get to live in the main room down there.

Well, I had good thoughts for you anyway...:cool: