Winter wasn't just cold, there was also thick fog and snow. Mom's side of the property wasn't really any warmer than dad's side, yet he and grandpa spent most of their days in mom's living room playing domino's. Mom may not have thought her side was all that spectacular, yet dad was always going on about how nice our side was. If dad wasn't playing domino's, or painting on the walls, he was playing guitar. Things were going fairly well. Mid winter the science center asked the school to have students try to find butterflies that might not have left. Colm decided to give the challenge a shot. Everyone, including Colm, was surprised when he was able to find half a dozen butterflies. The downstairs was always cold, and mom moved all my toddler stuff, as well as Tara and Colm's toys, upstairs; but even with the heat rising it wasn't to much warmer, and mom was always cold. The lack of heat was so problematic that dad got sick. He ran a fever for a long time, both mom and grandpa worried for him. Tara overheard grandpa telling mom that if dad's fever didn't break he could die. Colm would sit and do his homework near dad. He told me that dad would frequently mumble about music as he tossed and turned. Eventually the fever broke, but not before everyone but me, had a milder version of it. Now when dad plays guitar his music has even more energy to it. Mom says it's as if dad's trying to convey his gratitude for surviving through the music. Dad even started to help with meal preparation. Tara and Colm overheard mom telling grandpa how she tried to keep up with housework, but it just wasn't in her nature to clean. She was trying, but it didn't come naturally to her and she knew the mess bothered him and dad. We often wonder, especially mom, if that conversation is what led to grandpa spending so much time in the cold at his work bench. Mom managed to find some wanted materials for the science center despite the several feet of snow on the ground. She asked Tara and Colm if there was anything they would like as belated birthday gifts. Tara asked for a globe, she liked looking at all the different places on the map and learning about their music and culture. Colm requested a computer. He said "Since we don't have a book store, I want to write stories for us to read to go with the pictures I paint." As the days crept by, Tara would ask mom about the stuff she had done as a child. Mom talked about going to the theater with her parents. Grandpa became so preoccupied with his workbench that we barely saw him for meals. Instead of asking him to help more mom and dad left him alone and took on all repairs on their own. Mom and dad would often thank each other for doing something, only to have the other brush it off as no big deal. "It was so weird, they were always trying to be extra nice to each other if any of us kids were in the room, but if they didn't think we were around ..." Tara started, "... if dad didn't realize we were nearby, he would constantly glare at mom, or tell her to get lost." Colm finished. Both mom and dad have expressed remorse on not checking on grandpa more. No one is sure what he was trying to create, and with no medical staff on the island his exact cause of death is still unsure. One of mom's contacts at the science center thinks he electrocuted himself. Dad shut down, sold grandpa's work bench, and closed his side of the station off from everyone. Mom, was beyond grief stricken, and because dad wouldn't even answer the door or his phone she was left to plan without him. Mom insisted on a wake. She had grandpa's remains on display, in a simple urn. Everyone was surprised when dad showed up. Tara and Colm both insist that dad hasn't been the same since grandpa passed. Colm thinks that grandpa's unexpected death did what nearly dying from fever hadn't done. Yet what that is no one will explain to me. Tara says, she's never seen mom cry as much as she did during the wake. That dad sought her out to try and comfort her was a big shock. "What shocked me more than dad pulling mom into his arms, was seeing dad cry on moms shoulder." Colm told me. After the wake dad hired a sitter for me, and everyone went to the graveyard, where grandpa was laid to rest beside Grandmother AnnMarie. Dad thanked mom for handling all the arrangements. He also apologized for being so hostile towards her over the last year. Tara and Colm both insist that that day was pivotal in mom and dad's relationship, it was the day that everything really changed. Dad was no longer openly hostile towards mom, and all of his interactions with her weren't forced politeness. A few days later snowflake day arrived. Even though everyone was still mourning grandpa's unexpected passing mom insisted on a party with a gift exchange. She invited Mr Peoples, several classmates of Tara and Colm, as well as a few folks from the science center. Opening gifts from grandpa with his handwriting on the tag was hard. Mom and dad gave each other funny looks when everything they opened from grandpa had mistletoe in it. Mom said she was humoring grandpa's memory when she hung a single sprig in the living room, the rest was sold to the science center. Colm bawled when he opened his gift from grandpa to find a bicycle. His tag read "Great adventures lead to great stories. Love Grandpa" Tara tried hard to keep a stiff upper lip, but she broke down and cried when she found a bike from grandpa too. The note on hers read "A little something to help you explore the world. Love Grandpa" They keep the tags taped to the bed frame by their pillows. Tara and Colm frequently would do their homework on dad's side. Tara explained that sometimes when dad was painting he would start telling them stories of grandpa. Tara said that the furniture on dad's side was just a little bit nicer. One day a stray cat showed up, and took a nap on grandpa's old bed. Colm was slightly surprised when not only did dad not shoo it away, but dad put out a bowl with some food and a post with rope attached for the cat to sharpen it's claws on. We didn't see that cat again, but dad still puts out cat food just in case. As the weather finally started showing the first hints of spring, mom scrounged up enough to get a proper table and chairs. She did her best to keep everything clean, but more than once she was overheard mumbling that she wished she could afford a maid. For the record, No! I did not plan the demise of Paul Stone, aka grandpa. Sadly while there are two perfectly good showers on the lot, both were occupied when he had his building mishap. Yes, I did grumble, mutter, and possibly let loose a few swear words when grim showed up; even more so when I didn't have the option to beg for his life. If anything, I'm very grumpy about it as I've had to scrap some plans I had on a back burner for possible story line. As the house stands per the end of winter.
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From what I've been told that first year wasn't all the best. Mom worked her small garden for as long as she could. She even found some new seeds to plant. This of course meant that I spent most of my time in the playpen, mom didn't want to risk me getting sick. Colm and Tara both think she might have been fighting some mild depression, because she sometimes went days without changing out of her pajamas. While, maybe they are right I think grandpa's note "Mainland still refuses to send ferry; even the science center is running low on supplies." might also explain why mom didn't change her clothes often. Mom wasn't the only one trying to fight off the blues. Dad started marking up and painting on the ground and walls with whatever he could get his hands on. Grandpa though took a somewhat more productive route. He started spending days scrounging through the dump near the abandoned warehouses. He even found some solid pieces of furniture, that had only needed minor repairs. Mom, dad, and grandpa made a deal where at least twice a week grandpa would stay home from the junkyard so mom could scavenge. I sometimes think that first year, they enjoyed being pseudo bachelors. While mom was stuck home with me, Tara, and Colm; dad and grandpa were free to come and go as they pleased. While dad had found and installed a bio security system, mom never once barred them from her side; and always made sure their was plenty of good food in the fridge for them and us to eat. Mom's scavenging turned out to be far more profitable than dad's dumpster diving sessions. Her primary goal was to find small animals and birds for the science center, so the scientists could determine if the meteor was having adverse affects, beyond the thick fog that usually swirled around most days. Mom would also collect any wild flowers, minerals, plant seeds, and stones as she could find. Gardening and gathering was so easy and natural for mom, that she began to express doubts about her desire to raise a large family. About once a month dad would get all paternal, and insist on taking care of us kids, provided mom left a precooked meal in the fridge. We've always wondered was dad rebelling against himself. He would tuck me in. He would even clean mom's space up. Tara and Colm once overheard dad tell mom that there was nothing sexier than a woman who knew how to make repairs. Tara confronted dad about 'possibly' leading mom on. Tara claims that she doesn't remember everything that dad said, but that the bottom line was to let the adults handle their business, and that dad still loved her even though she was being a 'nosy prat'. By the time the first full frost hit everything had gone though a lot of change. The solar shower was gone, both mom and dad had managed to get their hands on proper showers and installed them inside. Dad had gotten a temporary cover over grandpa's workbench, and was working on enclosing the back section of the platform so that we'd be out of the elements when working on the easels. Mom, was salvaging all of the bricks every time she added on to our side. "I love the look Paul, I've got over a dozen idea's sketched out, but none I love. For now my priority is enclosed from the elements with a little room to move around in." Tara and Colm always listened in on conversations. According to Tara it was the only way to find out what was going on, because "the adults didn't want to worry the kids". "The thing is sis, the not knowing left to much to our imaginations, and made everything far scarier than it needed to be." Colm confided in me once. Dad was going stir crazy, and took to exploring the catacombs. It never yielded anything other than dad needing a shower badly. Found this in grandpa's journal. "Sark went to the catacombs again. I'm not sure if he's trying to find a way to the mainland or get himself killed. He gave up on raising the ferry once he so the long gash down the side from running up against the docks." Tara and Colm overheard grandpa and dad having a shouting match one day. Even though mom keeps the windows partially open they didn't hear everything that was said. Both swear that they did hear one snippet clearly "... if you hate it here so much then spare us your antics and just leave, go live in the abandoned mine if you have to but go, I ...". Tara and Colm swear they never heard the rest, and the only note I've found in grandpa's journal is "Sark promised to stay out of the catacombs." Colm says that dad started helping them more with their schoolwork. Whatever went on that fall, Tara and Colm tended to take their meals away from the adults. Both have said "While the table was silent, or conversation polite, there was always an uncomfortable tension in the room. Especially if dad said anything about being tired of the monotony." Tara admitted that she took advantage in the change to get dad to play dominoes with them the way it had been before the divorce, before I'd been conceived. "It wasn't the same though, Siobhan, even though Colm and I took care for mom and dad to be opposite of each other. Mom always avoided direct eye contact with dad, and never discussed anything beyond the weather." Tara confided in me. "It was as if she was trying to not force her presence on him." As fall drew to a close, mom scored an ancient tv from the dumpster, along with a couch. She even found and fixed a toy oven for us kids to use. Just in time for spooky day dad managed to find a costume chest buried under an assortment of used suitcases at Mr. Peoples store. Tara said that dressing up was a fun way to relieve the boredom. Mom had found some toddler books for me. She frequently says that she wished she had worried less about fixing the plumbing, and sat to read with me. "Siobhan, everything but lost time is replaceable or fixable." I think I get what mom mean's when she tells me this. I love her more than anything, and it pains me to see her cry. She thinks she hides the crying well, but us kids can always tell. The last clear day before winter set in that year dad went and played his guitar at Mr. Peoples store. While grandpa helped mom move our beds upstairs. "It's not pretty Paul, but it gives us elbow room, and the children will stay warmer up here during the night since heat rises." The lot so far at the end of their first fall. There is no more furniture, besides the outside trash can in the neutral space. A second floor of sorts is up on Fern's side. I've got several possible end goal floor plans in mind, they however are contingent on factors. ;) My name is Siobhan, mom and dad always pronounced it pronounced Shi-wan, and I'm going to tell you about my families journey, such as I know it, such as it was told to me. I can see the confusion already, why A.D. it doesn't match the usual notations for after the meteor that everyone else uses. I used A.D. as short for After the Divorce. In a way you might say my parents divorce is what saved us all from the meteor. It all began with my Grandpa Paul Stone buying an abandoned railroad station. He and my dad Sark had gone to pick up some supplies and when they'd returned they found my mom, Fern, standing on the platform with me, Siobhan, and my older siblings Tara and Colm. That my dad was less than pleased to see my mom, was an understatement. Grandpa sometimes hinted that he was happy to see us turn up, but he kept his feelings under wrap, except for the odd note here and there in his workshop journal. Once my dad had stomped off, after telling my mom that she had to stay on the far platform, grandpa had assessed the supplies, then after a brief discussion with my mom. It was agreed that a second trip to the mainland would be necessary. It was the return from the second trip that both turned the world upside down, and saved our lives, along with the life of Mr. Peoples the owner of the consignment store. He used to be the ferry operator, but now the ferry rests below water just off the docks. Industrial island wasn't all that much to start with but it had been in the process of being revitalized when everything went to pot. A few folks had gathered at the stadium for some big community revitalization speech by a politician from the mainland. The big hole in the ground is where the stadium used to be. The few remains that could be found where laid to rest in the cemetery. Which is where Mom and Dad finally convinced Grandpa to put Grandma AnnMarie's ashes. The impact wave rocked our ferry causing most of the extra supplies to go overboard. That my crib and the bunk bed for my siblings didn't go overboard was a relief for all. No one said anything as they watched the ferry slip under the water, but they all knew that the islands renewal just took a huge step backwards. As they climbed the road up from the docks Mr. Peoples said that it would probably be a while before there was new ferry service; "water and weather's going to be to unpredictable for a while" is what Grandpa attributed to Mr. Peoples in his workshop journal. Mom and Grandpa where both happy to learn that even though there wasn't a teacher per say on the island, there were learning computers that still worked at the school. All of us island children would be able to remotely access lessons and homework, and keep up with our mainland peers that way. Dad didn't care much one way or the other, he was in a funk. He was more concerned that his path to rock and roll fame had just been cut short and once again he was stuck living with someone whom he didn't want to be around, let alone live with. Mom promised Grandpa that she would do her best to keep out of dad's way. She confided in Grandpa that she still loved dad, but understood that at best maybe they could be friends again someday. "Paul, it's never been that I don't love him. I do love him to the point of pain." Mom said "But he hates being tied down. His dislike of commitment is so strong that confinement for to long makes him physically ill. I can't do that to him again, now that I understand why he was so unhappy while we were married." "Would you marry him again if he asked?" Grandpa inquired. "I don't see him asking, but I'm willing to spend the rest of my life with him without marriage if he wants." Mom responded "However my priority has to be keeping it civil for the sake of our children. I still remember how much my parents used to fight before their divorce, and even after which is why I love my stepdad so much." Grandpa nodded and wandered off to work at his workbench. The old railway station wasn't much to look at when we first moved in. There wasn't even any roof over the room where Tara and Colm's bunk bed had been set up, or the bathroom. There was an abandoned fire pit. Grandpa suspected it had been built by some transients. Mom, ever the outdoors woman was quick to note signs of wild life. "Once we get really settled in and start moving a lot of stuff around, including salvaging what we can from the dead plant life, the wildlife will probably vanish." Mom told Grandpa. "In the meantime though the kids and I will catch what we can for the science center on the smaller isle across the bridge." Even if the mainland had been reluctant to restart a regular ferry service it was quickly discovered that more had survived than had been destroyed, which gave everyone hope for the future. Mom was very happy to find that someone had planted some vegetables near the far end of the main platform. She checked with Grandpa, and he gave her permission to harvest what she needed and wanted. "Paul I know you don't care if I work the garden on this side of the old track bed, but I think Sark might get touchy about it, so I'm also going to plant a garden on the far side." When mom saw that dad had taken an interest in teaching me how to walk she asked him if he minded watching me while she tried to catch some of the butterfly's flitting around. Mom took his grunt as a yes. Mom managed to catch a few, which she took to the science center. The scientists got so excited over one of mom's catches that they offered her a large sum of cash in exchange for her catches. She declined the money and instead bartered for an old fridge, some of the produce they had which was suppose to be ingredients for feeding the lab animals, and a few boards to cover the opening above Tara and Colm's bed. Mom didn't mind if us kids slept outside, but she did want to make sure that we stayed dry if it rained. While mom had been collecting insects, grandpa had gone dumpster diving. His luck had been more modest than mom's. Grandpa found a decent loveseat, and a few small items which he traded to Mr. Peoples for a worn counter. Dad wasn't happy that grandpa and mom agreed to share the counter until she could get one for our side. He however didn't complain to loudly, because mom was sharing the food she'd gotten with him and grandpa. At first mom was happy to see that larger animals had survived. That is until she realized that the first place they would probably forage for food was the garden. Grandpa was an inventor so she discussed with him ways they could make some fencing from the dead brambles, shrubs, and trees. Mom was firm that a good fence would be the only way to ensure that her garden survived so they could have food for future meals. As a general rule of thumb grandpa preferred to keep his inventions for us to play with. He however decided that he didn't need to keep as many as he had. Grandpa talked Mr. Peoples into putting the extra toys on display. Neither was sure if anyone would actually want them, but good sturdy toys never go out of fashion. Mom kept me inside whenever it rained, while Tara and Colm where at school. She kept me occupied with nursery rhymes and stories, which helped me learn how to talk. Dad braved the weather and tried playing for tips at the hatchery. Even though a few scientists were around no one was ready to part with what little coin they had. All summer dad tried playing for tips at different spots around the island. His playing improved, but that was all he gained from his guitar that first summer. Eventually he started doing as mom and grandpa had been doing all along, and started dumpster diving as well as collecting the odd bits of stone, flower, small animals or birds, and insects as could be found. Mom and grandpa insisted that school work had to take priority over hunting for collectibles. Neither Tara or Colm have ever hinted if they wished otherwise, after all weekends were always theirs to do as they wished once homework was done. I suppose mom could have been mean about things like the solar shower, and put them behind locked doors, but she kept telling grandpa that it was in everyone's best interest to have it in neutral space, ie outside where anyone could use it. By the time the end of summer and leisure day rolled around Dad had managed to get himself a proper bed, two art easels for us kids to use, and a xylophone for me to play with. Grandpa had scrounged some more furnishings, even a phone not that anyone called us that first summer. Grandpa, mom, and dad had made an agreement that as a group, they would keep a base of 200 available at all times for bills. I was fully trained in my primary skills of walking, talking, and knew how to use the potty by then. Mom had managed to find enough valuable gems to get a counter, stove, and dishwasher. She had also gotten a table and some chairs for our side, but put them in what was being called the neutral zone. Grandpa moved their table and chairs outside too. It was made clear by grandpa that whether dad joined us at the table or ate inside alone was up to him. Sometimes he joined us, but mostly he waited until we had eaten before he sat to eat. Mom had traded some of her produce for flour. For leisure day as a special treat she made pear pancakes. Pancakes was enough to even get dad to come join us for breakfast. Well mom, Tara, and Colm that is. I was probably in the playpen with a bottle. Dad even hung out and talked to mom about her garden, that day. For some reason, mom wanting to open a fruit stand once I entered school upset him, and he took the last of the salvaged wood and put up a fence. Mom had to reassure Tara that just because their dad had fenced off his and Grandpa's side didn't mean he didn't love her, Colm, or myself. After all she, mom, and grandpa had agreed to maintain a neutral space with the tables, and shower. "Mom, will you and dad ever get back together?" Tara had asked. "I don't know that answer, Tara, right now your dad and I aren't getting along very well. We've managed to work out a few small disagreements." Mom replied. "Is that why you and grandpa put the temporary roof over part of the neutral space, and why dad hasn't actually locked the gates like he said he would?" Tara inquired. "Yes, Tara love. Now you tell me what after school program did you decide on?" Mom asked, putting a stop to any further questions from Tara. "I signed up for study club, since music classes are just for teens. Colm signed up for art class." Tara answered, before wandering off to see if she could find anymore lizards near Mom's garden. With grandpa's help mom moved the second set of stairs from the far end of the platform to the end where the over pass used to be. "Thank you for helping get the stairs moved and anchored for safe use. As much as I'd love a greenhouse or some planters for inside, I have to make sure the kids have a proper shelter Paul." Tara listened in as her mom and grandpa talked before heading off for their day's chores. "I'm putting away most of what I've grown this year, so we can have fresh produce during winter. There has been some interest in the coffee beans I'm growing from the science center." Mom had paused and scuffed her worn sandal on the tarred surface. "Paul, do you ever worry what will happen if any of us get sick or seriously injured, what with no medical services out here?" "I hadn't given it to much thought, Fern." "It's why I haven't encouraged the kids to explore more, I worry about what we would do if they got hurt." Mom sounded so worried that Tara scrapped her plans to explore the beach below the science center. She's rebellious like dad, but somehow mom being scared made her cautious. "Paul, you have been a big help to me and the kids, and I can feel the chill of fall starting to creep in. If I'm able to get more materials will you help me add a second floor for sleeping quarters?" "Fern, you know I'm willing to help you as best I can." "I know Paul, but Sark is still so angry with me, and I don't want to take your time away from him or your projects anymore than necessary." "Ah, my sweet girl, Siobhan, tomorrow is the first day of fall, I hope you won't mind being indoors all day." Sort of where the house is at before the first day of fall. The only major difference is a space of 2x3 has been added to Ferns side so that her bed could be moved inside near the crib for the upcoming cold weather.
The toilet got moved to the bathroom by the kids room, and the second urinal got moved to Paul and Sark's side of the lot. Not much change on Paul and Sarks side outside of added furniture from dumpster diving and funds earned from collectibles. The roof over the middle, neutral space is temporary for the first winter, and will be gone with the spring. If your thinking the island looks familiar you wouldn't be wrong, as I do keep coming back to this small island world that Rflong created. After much reflection I decided that this would be the perfect place for the rest of the renovacy challenge families that SamelaRita created. This time though I'm not starting with a completely empty island world, like I have the last few times I played industrial island. Not counting the Stone family, aka old railroad renovacy, I've added or built up about 13 additional community lots. Those lots are: criminal warehouse, a junkyard, a thrift shop, a diner, a school, science center, graveyard, and 6 empty residential lots. I have a slight glitch in where some of the trees went when I placed the lot, short of opening the world with caw (which I'm just not ready to attempt) or restarting in a different world I'm ignoring the glitch so long as it doesn't impact game play.
There is one major change I'm making, I've set the sims lifespan on epic. If you haven't played on epic yet, just the baby's age span is 32 sim days not counting the additional life stages. To account for the 32 day cycle I adjusted the seasons to 8 day cycles. I used custard to clean some of the households I'd been iffy on and have the family order written down for who to play next after the Stones. The planned (at least for now) order is: Railway, Yeovil, Castle/McPhail, Warehouse, McPhail/Castle. I might also revisit the Orphanage & Newton-Brown household, along with play out the Hutchins & Mojica household I created. However to do all that I have to be careful with what community lots get added and where they get added due to the sizes of the household lots. This story focuses on a family I created for SamelaRita's renovacy challenges to go with an abandoned lot I had created years ago. Regina and Aurora Hutchin’s are twins with the rare red hair & lavender eye combination. They grew up in Riverview in a house owned and furnished by their Great Grandmother O’Dourke, who had been their Great Grandfather Hutchin’s second wife. Their senior year in high school their parents met a tragic death, leaving them alone with just each other, and a very small college fund. They, especially Regina, were grateful when they were permitted to stay on at the house after their parents died. Regina, the older twin by 5 minutes, only shared a love of food and cooking with her sister, and while her Cho Jimmy’s and Dapra clothes might have been second hand she strongly felt that the clothes made the sim. Aurora on the other hand loved re-purposed clothes and second hand finds because it was better for the environment. It was during their first term at university that Aurora met Lincoln Mojica during an art class. They both dreamed of living off the land and raising a large family, while working to save the environment through art made from recycled materials. Lincoln returned to the house with Aurora and Regina over summer break. A few weeks before they were due to return, Aurora broke the news that they’d had an ‘accident’ and were expecting a child together. They married quietly at the courthouse, Aurora taking his name. Their first child was a boy whom they named Viriato, who is something of a night owl. Next came the twins Uiara and Desmond, both of whom love horses. Then came Eugenio who is so smart that he learned to walk, talk, and potty early. Their infant daughter Tesni who gets cold easily was the youngest. Like their parents all the children appreciate nature one way or another. Regina rolled her eyes, and called her friend Vera Merchant who had asked her to travel with her. Regina deemed most jobs beneath her. Especially when she could go globe trotting for free as Vera Merchant’s companion. While Regina globe trotted Aurora stayed at the house, the central location was ideal for Lincoln to work with the art gallery and try to get his work shown. Regina didn’t mind mind that her sister had 5 kids in the 2 bedroom townhouse, what she did mind was the constant fuss that all meals be organic and locally sourced. The year the twins turned 34, turned out to be a rough year. Shortly after their birthday, the family solicitor showed up. Great Grandmother O’Dourke had passed away and left the house to their cousin Liam O’Dourke. Liam wanted to sell the house so he could start a software company. Neither twin had what the bank considered a reliable income, so they were unable to buy the house from their cousin. Unsure of where they were going to go Lincoln mentioned that he had recently inherited the deed to a property that had been in the family for generations. He cautioned that no – one had lived on it for at least eight generations so he had no clue what kind of shape it was in. He and Aurora went ahead of Regina and the kids to check it out, leaving their five children in Regina’s care. Aurora called to say that she and Lincoln where going to try to catch some fish to stock the pond with. Regina who was still feeling a little queasy after her late night party with old friends and flames, told them to take their time. She was in no rush to pack up their few belongings and leave their comfortable residence behind. She was woken from her nap by the doorbell ringing. On the steps stood a local officer and the solicitor, both looked extremely uncomfortable. In shock Regina stared at the burnt and crumbling ruins in front of her, as her eldest nephew tried to find a safe spot for the two cribs. Aurora gone, drowned in the river with her husband Lincoln. Now it was up to her, Regina, to raise 5 children on her own, with no source of income because everyone scoffed at her scant resume, they considered her much to old for entry level work. What had been worse was when she had puked on the kitchen manager during the interview at the Bistro. Her only hope of income was to either write cooking books besides the one she had published during her college years on cupcakes, or somehow earn income from a blog. As her stomach churned she wondered if pancakes would settle her down. That is if the place even had a usable stove. Hutchins and Mojica https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9194494 The family should be starting with 200 simolean's for funds. Lot is 30x40. The goals: Regina cannot be self employed or work off of the lot. She may write books or work on a blog if she has the time. She has a few legacy items (2 university books, and a sketch pad) to be passed down to her nephew's and nieces, along with a copy of the book she wrote in college. Everyone on the lot needs to be friends or better by the time the youngest simlet reaches young adult. Return the abandoned farm to a working farm using SamelaRita's Renovacy rules. The final house should use the existing house as part of it's final structure, and have at least one bedroom per every two simlets. Special rule: Viriato, who is eco - friendly, can weave one or a few sleeping bags from the brambles that have taken over the property, instead of building fences. That is if there are enough brambles. From SamelaRita's Forum Post. What’s a renovacy? And who might like it? It’s a renovation-legacy. The aim is to renovate the dilapidated living quarters your sims have found themselves in. Before the youngest child becomes an adult. The rules are simple. Set ages to default mode. If you have seasons, set each season to either 7 days, or 3 days if you want to play with short years. No money cheats. The family starts with no money at all. If they have any, take it off them! No adult can have a career or profession: nothing with a proper salary. They can make money fishing, collecting and selling things, gardening, playing for tips, sculpting, inventing and selling your products at the consignment store, dumpster diving…but no jobs (though there can be an exception for one part-time job if it’s essential to the story.) Children can sell baked goods or lemonade, if you buy the stand and a cooker. Teens can have a part-time job. Children have to be grade A students as soon as possible, and stay on the honour roll. You don’t want social services investigating your home life, and seeing the state of your home. Family relationships have to be good too, for the same reason – if they start off poor, then you have to improve them as a priority. The renovating rules. All flooring and walls have to be papered over – you can’t sell the floor or wall covering that’s already there. You can repaint things to make them look better, but you have to pay 25 simoleons for everything you paint – make a donation on the mailbox. This post is going to lean slightly more in a story direction, especially towards the end of it. This post also covers week 4 and 2 days of week 5. In terms of challenge goals I once again failed the relationship aspect, but completed the other goals. With the arrival of spring Kathy took the dragons out for one last flight before they were released to the wilds where they belonged. Afterwards everyone piled into a taxi for Pamela and Paul's graduation ceremony at city hall. Pamela took a moment to talk to Olivia about music and the job opportunities at the theater. Olivia wasn't sure how she felt about her sister working at the theater with her. While everyone else went home, Paul stuck around city hall. He had high hopes of getting married to Zoe Cromos whom he'd gone to prom with. They had dinner out, and then he invited her back to the house. When he asked her to marry him she told him no, and that she'd already married someone else. In a snit Paul left a note on the counter stating he was joining a zoological association focused on wildlife rehabilitation. Janina missed Paul right away. More specifically everyone missed all of the cleaning he used to do all of the time. John and Janina insisted that Kathy take Paul's old room, instead of staying in the basement. At first Kathy enjoyed having a nicer bed to sleep in, until she learned that Pamela didn't care who she woke up while practicing guitar for work. Life seemed to be going well, and then one morning Olivia found another note in the kitchen. "Finally got assigned to an international investigation team. It's safer for all if you don't know where I am. Love, Janina" No one was overly surprised, Olivia was glad that there was number on the back for leaving messages at. John continued to throw himself into his work. Pamela suspected that John had other reasons for spending so much extra time at work. Pamela's suspicion's proved true when they woke up one day to learn that John had invited Ned to spend the night. Later that day they had a party and invited Janina to attend. During the party Janina smiled and gave John a discrete smile and nod. Olivia was asked to slow dance by Tod Mithrillin, unfortunately she stepped on his toes. He suggested that maybe he would give her a second chance to win him over at prom in a few days time. Olivia was unsure how she felt about his suggestion. She'd already been to prom once and had been nominated prom queen. The next prom conflicted with her work schedule and she was up for a promotion. The next day John invited Ned back over. He had a question to ask. Pamela had an idea of what might be on John's mind, and provided soft romantic background music. John was over the moon and insisted on a going away party before he and Ned moved to their cottage near the community garden. The party ran much later than expected. Shortly after John & Ned left a straggling guest went into labor and had to be rushed to the hospital. Pamela moved out about the same time, no note, just a box addressed to the Mithrillen residence. Kathy, knowing that she would soon be without a reason to stay at the house because Olivia was about to become a young adult and graduate, submitted her short resume online. The only employer to contact her was the local school, she had the skills they looked for in their employees. Olivia had caved to curiosity and went to prom instead of work, only to be stood up by both of the boys who had expressed an interest in her. After hours on the phone with her older siblings, Olivia accepted that she had messed up. Determined not to let her mistake jeopardize her future in music Olivia told Kathy that she wasn't going to celebrate her birthday until after work, and that Kathy should get a good night's sleep before her first day at the new job. Olivia was tired when she left work, but very happy with her choice. She'd shown that she was a good musician and had earned the promotion she'd been promised. Standing outside the theater she celebrated her transition to young adult with a few of the other band members. Afterwards she completed the necessary paperwork to transfer to the regular career branch where she was made a band manager due to her hard work and leadership during her teen years. As she took a cab home she rebelliously wished it was a motorcycle. Climbing into bed she thought about what she'd do with her life now that she could no longer stay at her uncles property. Sliding under the sheets she decided that getting a motorcycle and touring the world while playing music for fun was the way to go. Olivia stared at the mail in shock. Instead of the regular bills and rent request there had been a fat envelope from her uncle. Inside was a letter from him and her parents, who had since passed away in a boating accident during their flight from the authorities. The letter from their parents was a self centered attempt of an apology, which reminded Olivia of Pamela's snobby attitude. Under all of the detailed documents showing how the fees, taxes, and investors had been payed off was the letter from their uncle. He'd been able to take temporary guardianship of the property because it had been considered of no value to those settling her parents debt's. Now that she was a young adult the property was hers as the youngest child. Under his letter was the deed to the property. Olivia took a moment to reflect on what it all meant, and how it could change her plans. After a brief call to Janina. Olivia printed a form, signed it and mailed it off. Feeling good about her choice. Kathy would be surprised, but she'd more than earned the house by staying with the kids and doing her best to raise them all even when Pamela was giving her attitude. Packing a knapsack Olivia grabbed her guitar and headed for Le Champs, with luck she'd earn enough in tips to buy a motorcycle. Touring would be hard but someday she was going to be a rock star. Everyone was moved out using edit town. There were no more surprise game mechanic cash deposits to the family funds. The final overview/walk though of the house. The staff bedroom in the basement is the only room that didn't get the full bedroom treatment. Some of the decor items were received during the two gift giving parties. I'm going to let the pictures (57) do the talking. As you saw at the end of the week 2 post, thanks to game mechanics the final outer shell of the house was completed. Finishing touches like interior floors & 1st floor layout need to be finalized along with doors, columns, and the rest of the windows. Along with some trim embellishments. The first addition to happen during the week was the half bath on the first floor, or more to the point the walls for it. Week 3, or the winter season if you will, was a very busy time period for the household. It was much more than work & school which kept everyone busy. There was Snowflake day, and per Janina's request a few friends were invited over to celebrate. In addition to the usual small gifts, there was a new toilet and sink for the half bath, and a guitar for Olivia. After their friends had gone home it was time for Janina and John to celebrate their transition to young adult. When they were done they refiled with their employers for the full time adult job openings. Thanks to her hard work as a teen patrol assistant Janina was immediately promoted to Patrol Officer. John wasn't as lucky, because he'd only been at the lab a few days. Friday the elder twins were asked if they wanted to wait a few days or graduate right away. They chose right away. After the ceremony John swung by the library for a few hours, and Janina jogged around town, after deciding the park was to crowded. Saturday brought another set of birthday transitions as Pamela and Paul reached maturity. Surprisingly Pamela expressed an interest in music and joined the theater, whereas shy Paul discussed getting married and moving out with his high school sweetheart. They'd declared their love at prom the night before. That evening as they celebrated Kathy's transition to mature adult, their uncles work crew showed up unannounced*, and added what were deemed essential finishing touches as the last of winters snow melted away, and the first warm breezes of spring drifted into the valley. Kathy had reached the conclusion that there was far more to life than just living in the lap of luxury, even spoiled Pamela had figured that out and had gotten herself a guitar for her birthday. (* Another game mechanic cash drop.) Janina took note of how many additional supplies were brought in for the houses appearance, and swore that she would learn her uncles source and find their parents. Outside ground changes: stone fence with Celtic design replaced the wooden fence on both sides, plus partially along the front of the property; trash can and mailbox were swapped for their Dragon Valley counterparts, columns were moo'd into place. Structure changes: Windows - 1st floor, basement, and some additional ones for the second floor; Entry doors were replaced, stairs to the first floor were updated along with their rails, a gate was moo'd into place for the porch as additional entry/exit point. Kitchen received one full wall blocking view from the front door, along with a rearrangement of counters. Their is also a dishwasher & trash compactor in the kitchen, along with a food processor to round out appliances. Over on the living room side some additional walling was added formally separating the office from the living room. The bathrooms received stone-tiled flooring, Kitchen and entry also received stone flooring, while the rest of the first and second floor received nice wood flooring. All interior & exterior walls received their final treatments. Remaining work for the renovation: lights, decoration, upgrade the kitchen, upgrade furnishings, finish furnishing the bedrooms. Get as many fixtures upgraded to self cleaning as possible. Unpack the chess set received on snowflake day. Get Pamela to be friends with family and Kathy. Approximately 7 sim days until Olivia's final transition from teen to young adult. This is why Paul is leaving home, he tried hitting on his nanny.
Sorry but no**, especially as he has a high friendship with heart score for one of his classmates who matured right about the same time he did. (** Sometimes it can make for an interesting story, but he had already made a love connection at prom.) |
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