They have been taking care of the Kihei Cottage while we are away for four years or more. They take better care of it than I do! We originally asked them to just check the mailbox (despite my change of address, something slips through), run the water and flush the toilets and just look around to be sure no one has slipped in and made a home there. For a tiny monthly stipend.
But they act like the home is theirs ... doing yard work, tweaking the irrigation system, replacing light bulbs, putting away the patio furniture when the hurricane was approaching and remaking all of the fence art so that it will last more than two years. When they know I have friends coming to stay, the turn on the a/c, air out the joint and be sure the keys are out and the guide to the house (and town) is front and center. After, they inspect to be sure it was left in better condition than before the guests. (There are at least one or two who will not have the privilege of borrowing based on their feedback!).
So now I'm thinking I may sell my home after my winter there. It is a luxury that would have been well worth it if I still had Mr. Ralph with me. Or Bob/Paula. But it has strings attached ... the worry of how to handle when things break down. Mr. Ralph (and Bob/Paula) have made sure most everything is self sufficient but there are still the unforeseen things. I will look for replacements who will do part of what has been done, but no one loves my home as much as they do.
What to do, what to do ...
That's too bad your friends are selling BUT that might make your decision to leave the island that much easier. Without them for back up, all kinds of things could happen.
ReplyDeleteYep. My thinking exactly. I have enough things here to worry about! Still ... it's like losing Mr. Ralph all over again ...
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine having a home on Maui, let alone, having to sell that home. I would not be one to give you advice, because, I just wouldn't know what to do in your situation.
ReplyDeleteIt was beyond any dream we have ever had! Mr. Ralph was the king of sales so he was quite convincing. I am SOOO glad he could enjoy three years of living the dream. And what a wonderful place to spend your last days. We were very lucky!
DeleteIt will be bittersweet, that's for sure. It sounds like it was perfect for a time, and now it's time to move on. Letting go is never easy, though, is it?
ReplyDeleteI know. I'm still at the 50/50 stage .... I may give someone else a chance at keeping an eye on things. My neighbors had a guy next door who was a property manager ... for the million $+ homes. He nickel and dimed them to death AND they came for their winter stay to discover the sprinkler system had been leaking into the master bedroom for months ... everything in bedroom, bathroom, closet and hall had to be replaced. Including drywall.
DeleteAnd he never even said he was sorry ....
I will have nightmares!