This is a short post, and while I had originally planned on going about 6 weeks until the twins Hank & Vincent became young adults, that's just not going to happen for technical reasons. As the new week started out the twins Hank & Vincent hunted down Patience, which wasn't hard to do. Their birthday fell on snowflake day. They both wanted chocolate frosting on their cake, and while they wanted a cake party they wanted a just family celebration. Patience smiled, gave them each a hug and asked if they minded if guests were invited over later in the day for a gift exchange, the boys grinned and said they'd love to see friends after their big transition. Given how squeaky Hank's voice sounded as he got excited, Patience think she understood the family only request. A young sim's voice could be tricky right before the teen transition. Euan stared at the canvas, he was finally being offered some decent money for his work. It still wasn't more than what he earned working at the graveyard, but it was almost even. Perhaps some day soon he would be able to quit and focus on family and art. Patience held her breath as she tuned the controls, she had finally learned how to cut stones into the ever popular heart shaped cuts. As always she left a donation with the museum. Before heading home, as the taxi carried her the few short blocks she put in a quick order to the local contractor. As seems to be the case frequently word got around to the wrong sort about the work done. Thanks to good alarms and the station just a few blocks away, the burglar never made it inside, and was immediately arrested. After a rude awakening and rough start to the day, Patience and Euan agreed that the twins could blow out their candles and have cake for breakfast. Hank and Vincent didn't even mind that the officer stayed to help celebrate. Both twins declared they wanted to go on grand adventures and explore the world. As the family tried to settle in for their breakfast several things happened at once, which left Patience and Euan reeling with happiness and questions on what was next. First Patience's phone went off, it was the contractor someone had established a trust for home renovations and she'd been named the primary recipient (ltp reward inheritance). Would she like someone to come over and finish her renovation plans. Naturally she said yes, after a quick scan of the document she'd been inboxed. Just as Patience was wrapping up her conversation when Euan's phone rang. It was a conservator for Sunset Valley's inter city museum program, they'd heard how good Euan and Patience where with finding relics and rare stones, would the couple like to work for the museum as traveling archeologists? Euan asked if he could give them an answer in a day or two, and was told they'd like an answer by Thursday. Euan & Patience have both achieved their ltw's to be surrounded by family. For the most part everyone is on friends or better terms with everyone else in the house. Because of the age transition all of the teens are having to re-earn their A's that they had transitioned out of child hood with. The house, while not decked to the nines has been fully renovated. Each teen got to have their room refurnished with items to match their favorite color. Euan requested that the upstairs walls be left white to better showcase colors in furnishings and any eventual art work that might get hung. There's one picture I forgot to snap, and that's of the white picket fence going almost all the way around the yard, it's open (on purpose) for a small section at the front, the other three sides have a divet with a double door gate to match the fence.
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Microsoft updating windows 10 and adding some features that hubby & I most likely will never use, because we are not a company doing business, nor are we office workers who have to write regular reports, is adding to the challenge of keeping the save going. I'm hoping to keep the save going until Hank & Vincent reach their young adult transition. If I can't I'll be rebooting the household on a different world. Week 3 was a relatively steady week. Euan stayed home with twins Hank & Vincent, while the older children went to the fishing hole, and Patience got to go collecting. Patience new it would be awhile before they could replace the bathroom fixtures, so she worked to improve them. Euan was doing well at work, and continued work on painting in his spare time. His paintings have finally started to earn a small amount of income that covers the cost of the supplies and allows him to save for the house. The triplets frequently work together after school on their assignments. Which helps boost their friendship & social. Euan will sometimes hit the dumpsters after work before heading home, in the hopes of finding something good. Diane likes the frisbee Euan found. Before long it's Hank and Vincent's turn to transition. Patience is glad they had enough for cakes and loaner tables. She talks to Fern about her, Fern's, newest pregnancy. Late that evening Patience and Euan, who reached adult stage that evening, talked about how they wanted more children, but their budget was tight to start with. They agreed that if their finances allowed later they would consider another child. Post age up house changes. A few roof adjustments to cover the new rooms. Another small 3x4 bedroom, a small 2x3 room which will become a second full bath. The old staircase was demolished and a new double wide staircase was installed with room enough for a half bath under it. The first floor is now primarily an open floor plan. With winter coming, they invest in a small indoor garden bed which will hold 5 plants. Euan finally gets to plant the seeds he's been saving. With all of the kids at school Patience finds herself channeling her nurturing trait in a new direction. After school tries his hand at bug collecting. At school they had learned about different careers, he decided he wants to be a zoologist. Even though there's not much snow on the ground, winter still means that collectibles are getting harder to find. Euan continues to focus on painting, while the children do homework. Liza was at a friends house. Patience divides her time between making repairs, upgrading appliances, tending the garden, and finding what few collectibles as can be found. Liza, Diane, and Basil's transition day rolls around at the end of the week, and both parents apologize for not being able to get cakes this time. They wanted to get the upstairs finished along with the final touch for the downstairs, in terms of space layout. The kids take it in stride, and admit that they are happy having a quite family celebration for a change. Basil rolled the vegetarian trait which fits with his goal of caring for animals. Liza had a 'B' in school, which while good doesn't allow for trait selection, she ended up with the Diva trait, which seems very fitting. Diane rolled the ambitious trait which fits her nicely. Saturday after a chat with their folks they teens head out to get part time jobs. They will get to use their earnings on their rooms, or contribute to the house if they want. All three want to learn how to drive so their first joint purchase might be a bucket^^ car. Once home from signing up for part time employment, the teens, at their parents insistence, take the university entrance exams for the fields they're interested in. Euan and Patience make it clear that university isn't required, and there might not be money for uni, but they should know what their options are. Liza is the only triplet who is already eligible to skip a few courses. Liza knows she wants to go into entertainment, but not which area. Diane wants to go into sports, and is really excited about the new stadium and fitness center. Basil is unsure if he wants to become a scientist or open a pet shop. ^^ Bucket car's are vehicles that generally don't run and have to be reassembled. As Patience quietly celebrates her transition to full adulthood, she happily reflects on what they've completed for the house so far. Houses interior layout is done, with one possible half wall I'm considering for downstairs. The old master bedroom got shrunk, and is now Hank's bedroom. Euan & Patience now have a master suite above the old nursery. Both the second full bath and half bath have fixtures, even if the master bath doesn't yet. They used fancy fencing to create a simple indoor garden zone. From here it's about polishing up the house, and getting furniture. For exterior the goals are fencing off the whole yard to cut down on wild animal traffic, light decorative garden, take care of the porches and finish the exterior foundation wall. The family will work on relationships, one of the best ways will be morning mealtime as a family. Back ground story progression: The Stones, older (Fern & Sark), are now up to 7 or 8 children altogether, as Fern popped out at least one more baby during week 3. Felisha moved in with her older brother at the Danilova house. Siobhen became a YA and moved out. Tara married a coworker, and he took her last name. Before I update on all of what occurred with the McPhails for week two a bit of update from Story Progression's background events. Fern & Sark Stone have had yet another child. Colm & Natalya got married keeping Natalya's last name (I have it on coin flip for last names); they are expecting their first child. Tara Stone is married to her musician's career. Siobhen is dating as is Paul Jr. I don't remember if it's Paul Jr or Siobhen, but one of them is dating Mr Peoples (npc cashier from the consignment shop) oldest child. I will admit that having sp pop up notices about families I've previously played is a fun experience that I'm enjoying this go round. Week two, outside of some pc maintenance issues on my real life end, was much smoother for the McPhails over all. Patience even managed to earn a whole 18 simoleans from her blog on renovating on a shoestring. Lol, I don't think she's going to get rich off her blog, but she does seem to benefit from it. The tired parents rarely saw clothes that weren't pj's; on themselves or their young children. The bulk of their waking hours was divided between 5 tiny simlets who needed constant care and training. While both parents would have loved to have some of the fancy toddler toys and learning aids they knew it was more important to make sure the home was in good repair. Before they knew it it was time for Hank & Vincent to have birthdays. (Correction on Vincent's traits, artistic and clumsy not good.) Going to a park for the party was out of the question so once again they invited their friends to their home. Euan congratulated Natalya on her and Colm's recent wedding celebration. Fern announced that she was expecting another boy. Siobhen doesn't seem to think that babies crying makes for a good audience. Euan and Patience double down on teaching their children the most basic of skills. Which goes much faster now that they don't have to stop to tend babies. (I rotate the if dolls between the children, so that none have the doll they were gifted. This keeps the doll from aging up with the child, but the children still get the benefits of playing with the doll in terms of fun & social boosts.) Even though both parents have the super nanny reward for some reason the children respond better to Patience, so Euan goes collecting. Patience is also firm on wanting at least the kitchen fixed up before the next birthday celebration. Patience picks out bright colors, and even though everything is fairly inexpensive it looks really nice. Patience also points out that tablecloths are a good way hide cheap laminated tables. While it was a bit of a splurge they got new appliances too. They aren't done with the kitchen by any means but it's a big improvement. There is also a second alarm by the kitchen entry since they've added stairs to the side porch. They rented tables for the party. Poor Patience didn't get a chance to get a bath in before the first guest arrived. As before, first born, Liza goes first. Liza pretty excited to be graduating to a big girl bed. Diane was next, she's glad to move to a bigger bed too. She's just not as enthusiastic as her sister. Basil transitions last. To make my life easier I didn't randomize the triplets 3rd trait, instead I gave each child the friendly trait. The beds are as cheap as they come but for now they'll do. Even though she's not allowed to use it yet, Diane is thrilled to see a weight bench in her room. Patience and Euan both feel better about the new floors upstairs. Liza decided to check out her dad's easel while her parents focus on teaching the twins their big kid skills. Because it's the weekend and the triplets don't have school they are given a peak at the island map that their parents have, and given permission to go collecting. Each child takes a different part of the island. Because they are young and nowhere near as experienced as their parents their finds are modest at best. Afterwards they spend the rest of their afternoon fishing. Even though all they catch are minnows it's enough to add to what their parents have saved up. All of the children do their best to ignore Natalya and Colm, who keep flirting and kissing each other. Expectant Natalya even dip kissed Colm. Back at the house Euan had to leave for work. Patience finishes teaching the boys the last of the toddler skills she is able to teach them. Before climbing exhaustedly into their beds the McPhails happily congratulate themselves on the latest phase of their renovation. Here ends their second week.
If you haven't guessed their renovation is leaning towards modern, but not mid-century, eclectic on a budget. Due to either pc issues or game mechanic issues, it's taken a bit to get week 1 played out. This also means there is minimal to no story line for the McPhails. This post also includes a few days of week 2. At this point game settings have been adjusted again to normal 90 sim day lifespan, 7 days per season, moon is still set to single non rotating phase. I went nuclear on all caches including the world caches, and had to resetsim * for the whole world once too. This will also have to be the last renovation with this save file. :( For those familiar with the McPhails, you already know how the house starts out. For those not so familiar, the house had been a squatters paradise before the McPails acquired it, and they have their work cut out for them. The first two things they did with their property, was to move the stove and counter for better access; and to clean up the yard and put up a simple fence along the edge of the property to try to keep anyone from wandering in off of the foot path. Next they hit the dumpsters hoping for some good finds. Afterwards they each went to check out a community lot and get to meet some of their neighbors. Although Euan was more into the art easel than meeting people. They had several deja-vu moments on their first day. With the baby on the way Patience, couldn't dumpster dive anymore. She could however host a gift giving party for snowflake day, and then attend a party at the Stones house that they's been invited to. While neither McPhail is all that athletic they decided to keep the athletic bench they found in the city dumpsters. Before Long it was time for the baby to arrive. Patience realizes that perhaps she should have gone in for an ultra sound. Being first born has it's advantages and Liza (artistic, virtuoso) gets the only crib her parents had bought. While Diane (athletic, heavy sleeper), and Basil (brave, good) have to sleep on the floor temporarily. Euan had a really good day out scavenging and managed to find several flowers worth 600 a piece, amongst his other finds. Once he gets home they give the main room a quick, yet cheap, makeover and buy two more cribs. They also shift their bed down the stairs so they don't spend as much time getting to the colicky newborns. Don't ask where they got the energy from but Patience realizes they might have had an oops, but she's really hoping it's food poisoning from a dish a guest brought to the Stones party. Poor Patience she really didn't get a chance to get any sleep, between fussy baby's and strange lights at night. Even though it's the triplets having their birthday, Patience gets Euan an art easel with some of their money from scavenging. They had received the painting as a gift from Fern Stone, and since she's a frequent guest of theirs they decided it was best to hang it. Liza, Diane, and Basil each have a cake. Although it is quickly decided that for Basil's turn it's best to shift the inexpensive cabinet to the main room. Later, after everyone has left Patience try's to sooth her aching muscles with a bath. Except it would seem she mistook why she was sore. After a few hours of labor she and Euan stare at their newest addition and give silent thanks that they didn't have triplets again. Instead they only welcomed twin boys Hank (athletic, good) and Vincent (artistic, good) into the family. Euan is a gem of a husband, he stays home with the kids while Patience gets a brief break from the house to go collecting. She spent the day checking out the area around the mine that Fern Stone and Natalya Danilova had told her about. Afterwards, she drops by the museum to use the gem cutter. The McPhail's have made their donations to the gallery. They've also added a decent sized room on to the house, along with purchasing two new cribs. Patience and Euan are both happy that they had excelled in their respective children's education classes (super nanny ltr). They have a strong grasp of most of the basics and potty training goes very well.
Euan receives a promotion at work, and they make sure the front door has an alarm near it. While collecting across the bridge and near the old mine are very profitable. Patience prefers to stay home as much as possible. They have a little under a week before they need to redo rooms for the triplets. However the triplets also need to learn the rest of their basics, and being a skilled teacher doesn't mean anything if she doesn't spend time teaching the tot's their skills. I can't hang with the epic lifespan, way to long. For those who can, hats off in respect. With the McPhails who are moving on to Industrial Island at game week 22 day 1, 6 am (aka early Sunday) I'm adjusting the season length, moon phase, and age length. As you can see with the new settings below from birth to young adult is 132 sim day's; hopefully I can handle that. (Click on the pictures for larger view, if wanted.) After switching over to the McPhails house, I did a quick run through of the lot checked for spawners and any other potential issues.
I haven't decided whose voice their renovation will have, I might have them share the dialog. They are getting the joy of starting in winter. Although with the new season setting of 3 day's per season, it won't be winter for long. Colm came over late, and apologized for freaking out on Natalya the day before. "I've got good news my mom and baby Felishia are home from the mainland. Mom has asked after you and said that you can come over after school if you'd like." Natalya gladly stopped by to see Fern. Fern gave her a hug and suggested they talk outside, as Felishia was napping. After a brief chat about a lack of entertainment in the hospital, Natalya hugged Fern goodbye and headed to work happy to see her friend was back in good health. Natalya learned the hard way that the new city council had established noise ordinance rules. She apologized to her neighbors, and promised to restrict her mining to daytime in the future. Natalya felt as if she might never come down off of cloud nine. The dance had been a smashing success. Once again she was crowned queen, but that was peanuts compared to Colm pulling her off to the side and asking her to go steady. After she said yes he kissed her, and not on the cheek. They'd spent the rest of the dance slow dancing under the watchful eyes of the chaperones. Natalya had suggested that Colm could come live with her, and he whispered that he didn't think his parents would go for it. Natalya was happy to have Fern help her with her homework again. Sark was at home with the younger children so Fern could have some time away from the house. Fern loved her new gem cutter. She'd found it on sale in the paper. Now she could cut gems whenever she wanted without having to worry about curfew. Sixteen and her last court date had given her the news she wanted. Natalya was now a fully emancipated minor. To celebrate she invited over the Stones and a few other close friends. She still had two years before she would be old enough to vote, but she could live with that. After the party Natalya had a long talk with Sark and Fern, while Colm decided to try out his spooky day costume. Natalya sighed to herself as she hugged everyone good bye. Fern and Sark were more than happy to have her as a future daughter in law, but both were adamant about not rushing into anything and finishing their education before living together. "Natayla, we love you and no matter what you'll always be like a daughter to us, but ..." Natalya cringed inwardly when she heard Fern say but "Sark and I jumped into our marriage, and at first it failed because we hadn't understood what we wanted yet from life. It wasn't until after we ended up here on the island that we reconnected and grew as friends, but it wasn't easy. Sark and I love both of you very much and we don't want to see the two of you go through what we went through in our younger years." "But ..." Natalya started to say. Fern cut her off, taking Natalya's hands in hers. "But neither you or Colm are interested in college, and your both already best friends. Trust me, you can handle waiting two years, you'll see it will fly by in no time at all." Fern hugged Natalya goodbye. Colm gave Natalya a "I told you so" look and shrug behind his parents back. He had, when she had first asked at the dance, but to her it had still been worth asking, even though her idea had been rejected. Natalya starred at the diagrams in the book, but her thoughts were elsewhere. The last of the furniture was getting delivered this week, she'd ordered enough to set up each bedroom, and a new canopied four poster bed for herself. She also reflected on the sold sign that had gone on the abandoned house next door. Winter had settled in, and Natalya now had a perfect map of the island and no longer struggled to find collectables in the snow. She donated a days worth of finds to the museum as she had promised Fern she would. Natalya couldn't decide if she was scared or interested in learning how to build a tractor beam of her own. The one thing she was sure of, this wasn't what she'd had in mind for her Saturday night. Grateful that even aliens had rules about teens, Natalya said goodbye to the one who'd dropped her off. Staring at the sky she knew she had precious few hours to get some sleep in before the new week started and everything would change. Exhausted Natalya reflected on all the changes that were going to happen over the next year 'n a half. Siobhan was entering high school as a freshman on Monday, which meant that Tara would probably graduate soon. Colm was leaving his volunteer position at the graveyard because the council had finally hired someone to do the job. According to Colm the guy was named Euan McPhail. Natalya wondered if this Euan McPhail was the same person who had bought the crumbling house next door to her home. Closing her eyes, Natalya drifted off to sleep and dreamt of time machines and robots. Here Ends the Danilova Renovation House finally. Besides the gem cutter, there were no additional changes to the basement or first floor. The only change to the attic was rotating the bed that had belonged to Natalya's Great Grandmother. Second floor changes: Mad, angry, frustrated, happy, and excited. Emotions are so danged confusing. For two years now I've shown that I can manage on my own. That I can keep a budget, grades up, and a job. Yet the family court judge decided I still wasn't allowed to be fully emancipated. What does he want me to do, turn water into wine and raise the dead?! It's not all bad though. I mean yes he blocked my desire to save up my money and build a gym, but he did give me permission to become a co-owner of the grocery store where I work. He said it would help me learn the skills needed for running a business. He stressed that while my desired goal of opening a gym was a good one, that I needed to focus on my home first. He also cut down how frequently I needed to report in, so now I only have to check in once or twice a year. What did I do? What was I thinking yesterday! I'd been so hot and tired after the all afternoon work out that instead of just a quick wash I'd chopped off my hair. Is this what the judge was thinking about when he said that sometimes we as teens sometimes do things rashly without thinking through the consequences. At least my hair isn't to bad, and it will grow out. My poor tutor, she's always hungry, she's pretty tired too these days. She's got one boy, he played in the children's room, and another on the way. Maybe I should stop coming, I mean I don't really need her help with my school work, but the socialization is nice. With work done, and homework done I can finally start practicing what I've been reading. I could have sooner, I just wanted to read more before applying what I'd been reading. I made a couple of small toys and sold them online. Decidedly not a good way to earn income unless you were willing to mass produce. I'm not interested in mass producing. The fall air is just right, cool and crisp, but not so cold that I need my winter wear yet. I had an excellent day scavenging, despite the fact that finds become scarce with the cold weather. I don't understand why rocks become harder to find with the colder weather. My geology teacher suggested that during fall and winter there is less rain to expose the buried minerals. She then gave me an assignment on erosion while the rest of the class did an easier assignment. I called Colm and asked him if he wanted to hang out. He said yes really fast which tells me he wanted out of the house. I had to stifle a giggle when I saw Colm. It seems Paul Jr is going through a phase, and to keep him from screaming constantly the whole family has been dressing up as book characters. A guy sniggered as he walked past us into the diner Colm said he'd like to change before we grabbed a bite to eat. Smiling I told him I'd meet him inside. After lunch we met up with his mom, who wasn't looking well, and Tara for a movie. The colder weather has arrived full force. I have the heat on but it stills takes me a little bit to adjust to the temperature change. It's so cold but I really want to find as much scrap to work with as possible. My hair finally touches my collar again, but the air is still cold on my neck. Yes I earn enough money from work to buy scrap, but I don't consider it a profitable option. Especially when some of the toys barely sell for anything. I found some plans for a miner, as well as plans for a bot of some kind. I want to make those but I need to improve my skills first. I could read more, but it feels like reading isn't going to help anymore. I made over the main bathroom. I used more of the same converted light fixtures as in my bedroom, and with some hard work on the plumbing added a tub with a shower. The couple from the historical society sniffed, and said it would "do". Sorry! But I like a shower once in a while. I'm trying to keep things historically accurate so the house will stay on the register, and therefore protected from redevelopment in the future. I just refuse to go full dark gothic like one of the committee wants everyone to do. The fact that great grandmother and great grandfather had used a light blend, that didn't include any gothic elements has been my saving grace. Mostly they used regency and victorian. Snowflake day is tomorrow. I've treated myself to a bucket car. I haven't decided if I'm keeping the car or selling it once it's restored. I think some of that will depend on if the family court judge approves my drivers license application. I took the basic drivers ed at school, but I don't have an adult to help me with the road skill practice. Snowflake day was a hit, everyone who had came had a great time and I've learned that Melissa doesn't really get me even though we're good friends. I also learned why Fern, Mrs. Stone, hasn't been looking very well. She and Sark, Mr. Stone, are trying for another baby. They have four kids already, yet they still want more. Spring has finally returned, but you wouldn't know it by the light dusting of snow everywhere. I found another fancy egg during the egg hunt, but it was just like the one I already had, so I sold it. I suppose I could have donated it to the museum, after all I earn almost two thousand a week between my wages and my portion of the profits. I have a greater appreciation for what goes into running a business. I could have gotten away with slacking off at work, yet instead I found myself working twice as hard to make sure that "my" store was a nice place for customers to shop. My hard work earned me two promotions, and now in addition to my regular duties I get the bonus of picking the music for my shifts. The only complaints I hear are about the burglaries that have been increasing around the island. Well I was sleeping, and now I'm not. The alarm system is really loud. After listening to customers talk about their homes being burgled I had reset the sensitivity level on my alarms. I was happy to see the officer taking the would be thief off in cuffs. I thought I was tired. Paul Jr has outgrown the costume phase, but now Fern is expecting a baby girl and this time her pregnancy isn't going very well so Tara and Colm spend almost all of their free time watching Paul Jr. Again! Yet another break in attempt. What keeps drawing the burglars, is it the fancy floral boxes. It's not just me upset, it's everyone on the island. We've been trying to get a police station, but as an unincorporated community mainland says we have to settle for the patrols they send over. Everyone's talking about whether we should incorporate. I messaged my case worker, with a request to be given voting rights even though I'm not 18. It's a long shot, since emancipation doesn't usually doesn't extend to voting rights. I try to talk to Tara and Colm at school, but they're stressed out. Their mom went into labor early and the clinic doctors are thinking of sending her and baby Felisha to a main land hosptal that specializes in pregnancy complications. Their mom's early labor was triggered by something called preeclampsia, and there wasn't enough amniotic fluid around baby Felisha. Listening to Colm, I realize that I don't know what he wants in his future partner. Does he want a small family or big? Then again what do I want? I grew up as an only, so sometimes I think a large number of kids would be nice, but I don't want to be tied to be "so-n-so's" parent, that's just not who I am. In the girls locker room I found Tara hiding in a stall crying. She showed me her phone. Dad - Paul's at the People's house. Mom and Felisha are being air lifted to River View Memorial Hospital. I'll call tonight. "That's good isn't it?" I asked Tara. "No" Tara shook her head, and between gulping sobs explained "They only airlift if the patient might die." I don't know why my throat suddenly felt tight, but it did. I hugged Tara close, her tears soaking through my blouse. Eventually a teacher showed up, they had already been informed on the situation. Tara and Colm were being excused for the rest of the week. I tried to focus on my school work, but it's hard when your best friends are struggling through a crisis. Summer, I'm feeling pensive, yet I should be happy. While I wasn't allowed to vote those that were voted to incorporate. So now not only do we have a police station, we also have a fire department, a city hall, and reserves station. All of the new city buildings have wind and solar installations so they aren't dependent on the grid. There's a semi fun skill course on the back side of the joint police and military block that they use to assess potential recruits. City hall was planned out nicely. The fire department building is okay, I'm mixed on the barn like structure. Someplace like Riverview it probably works great, to me it stands out like a sore thumb, but maybe I think that because it's right across from my house. As to why I'm pensive, I don't see much of my friends anymore. With their dad going back and forth between here and the mainland, they have switched to an independent study program that lets them study from home while they take care of their younger siblings. Leisure day, and I have a tiny pool to show off. I wanted bigger, but the construction firm was adamant that I couldn't have bigger and inside. So small it is, just big enough for short laps. It still makes a nice hang out space. Only Fern Stone doesn't show up for the party. She's still in hospital with Felisha. The worst is passed, but there's questions of when if ever they'll be coming back to the island. Tara is 17 1/2, which is almost an adult. Sark helped her move into a new house to test out living on her own. She sometimes talks about asking Dusty to move in. Sark makes funny grimaces when she brings it up. I wasn't surprised when Sark bee lined for the piano. While we eat berry pie Colm mentions there's another school dance coming up. Which gives me an idea. I ask him if he wants to see my work area in the basement where I made the miner and keep my notes on the car restoration. Oh that did not go well! I'm mortified. I managed to salvage the situation, but Oh! After I showed Colm my notes on the car, I decided to be bold and asked him to the dance. Colm said it would be nice to go as a couple, and well I guess I misunderstood him because he rejected my attempt at a first kiss. He accepted my apology and offered one of his own as he hugged me. He's still really tense because of all the stuff at home with his mom and his baby sister. He gives me another quick hug before changing to leave. My party and the houses makeover are the talk of the town, and thankfully Melissa didn't witness the rejected kiss or I'd be the talk of the town. With the exception of furnishings, which includes light fixtures; and the grounds I've finished the primary renovations of the house. I wanted to remove the door that partitions off the nursery and nanny's room, but the historical society was very firm regarding that change being a no-no, since in Victorian times children weren't fully incorporated into the family at a young age like they are now. They gave me some literature on the topic, admittedly I only scanned it, but now I understand a little better why I was kept in the back nursery instead of being allowed in the room opposite great grandmother when I was little.
For me everything feels on track and awesome. My 16th birthday is a week away, and then I'll be two years from my 18th birthday. In some ways I'm not in a rush to see what the future brings, but at the same time I'm excited for the future and to be completely free of the added legal oversight that has me in emancipation limbo. I don't always remember to water the plants, let alone weed them. If I'm honest with myself I'd much rather be in the basement experimenting with great grandfathers work bench. Which is why I'm reading so many diy books at the library. I've already come to the conclusion that gardening is a nice hobby for those who like it, but it's really not something I'm into. It's hot out this summer. Mrs. Peoples told me their ac broke down which is why she brought their daughter out so late. I stuck around for the homework help. Honest I'm not a risk taker, but it was hot and I was very careful to stay close to shore. Summer holiday would have been better if there was a lifeguard around. The ocean water felt deliciously cool after spending half my morning scavenging. I know several different types of gem cuts, but the market is always paying top dollar for the heart cut gems. Who am I to argue with the market, if people would rather pay five or six thousand for a heart cut stone rather than a marquis or plumbob cut for a lesser amount. I cut my donation gems into the less valuable cuts, just to remind people that there are other styles available. The big summer excitement was the arrival and building of a movie theater. The owners also lease out the stage space to bands, very exciting. They also made some of the concession items available for folks walking by. In this heat a cherry snow cone is very tempting. The theater's arrival got me thinking about how it might be a good idea to own or invest in a business myself for a more stable income besides what I earn from my part time job and scavenging. The downside of renovating my home is the tax assessor upped my bills. Tara is always fun to do homework with. She's got a serious rebellious streak, so sometimes we end up laughing until we cry at made up answers to the questions on our work. I think of her and Colm as my best friends but haven't worked up the nerve to ask her to be my bff. Colm and Lydell however both overcame their nervousness and have asked me to junior prom. Getting Friday off for the dance won't be a problem, but how do I pick who to go with. They are both good friends and I don't want to hurt either of them. I'm eccentric, not evil. After school I hung out by the fishing pond. I just couldn't think. I was sorely tempted to ditch work and prom to go gem hunting. Then I spotted Mrs. Stone. I asked her if we could fish together. No I'm not into fishing, despite knowing how. Then I was so nervous that she'd see through me that I fished to far for conversation. Finally though I just talked to her. She gave me some great advice about being myself and just letting life happen. So I texted both Colm and Lydell and told them that as their friend I would meet them there. So glad I had talked with Mrs. Stone, granted I'm sure she has some interest in how the night will play out, after all Colm is her son. After a quick dash home I showed up to prom in an outfit that decidedly didn't leave any wrong ideas. Holy cow! I got crowned queen. That's not the only thing that happened. Lydell and I had a falling out almost as soon as I walked in the door. He asked if this was what I was wearing, and acted as if I should change into some mini dress. I made it very clear that I was there to dance and have fun with friends, not sneak off and make out or more under the bleachers. Colm was waiting for me by the punch bowl, his first words "You look nice, the red tie compliments your hair." I thought we were just having fun and goofing around, then the dj put on a slow song and instead of letting me dart off the dance floor like I wanted Colm pulled me closer and whispered in my ear. "I meant it earlier you really do look great, tonight" then he kissed me on my cheek before whispering "Natalya if you ever decide you'd like a boyfriend I'd really like to be that guy." Holy Cow! I'm over the moon. Colm the loner, Colm the author, Colm my best friends brother is in love with me! I might have snuggled a little closer, but I'm just a sophomore and not ready to commit to anyone but my own survival and Colm indicated that he understands that and respects my choice to not date just yet. It's a good thing that there was no school or work for me on Saturday. My head was so far in the clouds that I almost missed both a pink diamond and a moonstone while out gathering. That night I hid behind the learning annex of the museum to do homework. Mrs. Stone found me struggling with a couple of history questions and helped me. She didn't bring up prom or Colm, for which I was grateful, but I finally relaxed and called her Fern. Her lips twitched into a tiny smile and her eyes twinkled. As we finished my homework we struck a bargain, when I was finished renovating my home, I would donate a variety of cuts of some of the more expensive gems. In exchange Fern would help me restore the windows without replacing them, by stripping them down and repainting them. We both shivered as the cooler fall air heralded the coming change of seasons. It was very late when I finally crawled into bed, but I'd accomplished a lot of work that weekend with Fern's help. I moved great grand mothers bed and rug to the attic. Installed a set of proper stairs, some lights, and paneled the walls with simple wood panels. I'd refinished the fencing on the roof over the arboretum, which I was starting to think would be a good spot for a swimming pool. Got the upper level outer wall fully restored, and the gutters cleaned up. I'd also restored the upstairs wall panels and flooring, but there's a lot yet to be done with the lights and decor. I'd reached a compromise with the contractors. The heat and ac unit was installed outside near the back stairs to the kitchen, and the electrical panels were installed in the basement. This way I could access the fuse panel and circuit breakers easily during a bad snow storm, and repair technicians could easily service the hvac unit the rest of the year without tracking dirt or mud through the house. The last thing I'd done was move my bed to great grandmothers old room, it was now my room.
I could have moved in an at any time, but I wasn't ready. It's been a little over a year since great grandmother passed away, and slowly my thinking has shifted from the house being hers to it being my house. I got the floor redone as well as the walls. Fern helped me restore both the fireplace and dresser. Bought myself a new desk and chair, but cleaned up the old table that great grand mother and I used to dine at. I still need to replace the curtains, Fern recommended considering lace. She also recommended that I upgrade all of the fireplaces to fire proof. I was happy when I found some old kerosene lamps that had been converted to electric in the restore catalog. I'm not sure what next year will bring, if I'll still be here or not, I hope so. I meet with the social worker and judge from family court tomorrow, which is exactly four hours from now. Hopefully the fact that I'm on the honor roll and half way done restoring my home will be marks in my favor. I wonder if coffee is as good as everyone claims it is? My week did not start out well. I didn't understand why the alarm didn't go off, but I'm glad that I heard the stairs squeak and thought to call the cops. I was worried for the officer's safety when the burglar attacked him. She's spry for an older woman. Happily for me the officer was able to recover the incense burner and my stove. He also advised me to contact the security company and have alarms installed at each entrance, not just the one by the back door. Today I splurged on a cotton candy before work. My boss could tell I was on a sugar rush, but it didn't really help my work performance. Happily it didn't hurt it either. People keep stopping me to ask about the house. Some people try to offer me money for it, others want to know it's history. Eventually I'm going to have to figure out better responses other than "Idk" or "go look it up". I don't mean to be rude, but to have random strangers popping up out of the blue is a little discomforting. Happily I'm able to use "I need to be at work" a lot. Even if sometimes that 'work' is actually at home working on the house. I still spend a lot of time at the library. Although now it's to learn new recipes, and to read how to books for house repairs and renovations. Between Lydell and Colm, I get the feeling I'm going to have a full dance card at the next school dance. I've already cleared with my boss to have the night off when it rolls around. I did it! It wasn't easy, but I did it! I can't believe how much nicer the kitchen looks now. Being able to whitewash the fireplace helped with the final look of the room, as did adding a center island. I was glad that great grandmother hadn't had any of the ceilings done in tinplate. After a bit of research I learned that I could do the same wall style on the back hall as well as the small room that leads to the basement. I moved my bed and the nightstand to the dining room. I kept the special egg I'd found at the spring egg hunt. I suppose I could have sold it, but when I look at it I think of the stories great grandmother would tell me of the old country, Russia. Summer is warm, some days are hot enough that I shelter at the library for a while before going out to scavenge. I often see the Stones around, outside of Mr. Peoples and his wife the Stones are the only other family that really stay on the island full time. With summer come the flowers lot's of flowers. Some of them are worth more than the others, I pick them all just the same because even 5 simoleans helps build the funds needed for renovating the house. I stop and hang with Mr. and Mrs. Peoples to stare at a lost parakeet. It's very cute and we agree that it must be someone's pet. The Peoples are a little more understanding of my formality, his father grew up in Poland, and Mrs. Peoples grew up in Belarus near the Polish border. What a haul. I added a few more gems to the collection at the museum. I have enough simoleans from the pink diamond and two moonstones I found to easily get three or four gem cutters of my own, but I like using the one at the museum, and don't mind having to donate one in exchange. To celebrate my finds, and as a thank you, I take Mrs. Stone out to dinner. I'm grateful that I don't have school or homework until next week. After dinner I decide to try out dumpster diving, after all the Stones earn a fair bit of income from cleaning up and reselling their finds. Gross! I am so never doing that again! Okay, so yes I found a couple of pieces of furniture that once cleaned up brought me a small profit, but nowhere near as nice as what I bring in from scavenging. It's late and I'm exhausted. After my success late Friday after work with my gem finds I spent the weekend working on the house. There's only one thing I left to the professionals, and that was the central heat and air, along with the junction box for the electricity. We're still negotiating placement. The installers want to put it outside, but I think it would be better in the basement. I hope we reach a consensus before falls colder weather.
In the meantime, I'm very pleased with how everything came out. I was even able to finally get all the weeds pulled, the dead trees removed. I'll need to rent scaffolding to get the upper levels cleaned up. I had help turning two of the dead trees into lamps for the odd little room that leads to the basement. I think it might have been cold storage for produce in the days before refrigerators. I think eventually I'm going to finish the basement with some simple paneling and refinish the floor boards. For now though having a shower handy for cleaning up after experimenting with the chemistry station or building stuff will be good enough. I'll be glad when the cold of winter is gone. Getting up in a cold room because I haven't figured out how to properly bank the old stove or fireplace yet is not fun. Cooking morning meals is also proving challenging, some days I just grab cereal or toast. Marta made everything seem so effortless when she was here. Despite the cold I love the freedom the bike gives me. If you haven't guessed my favorite color is red. I'm almost never home any more. If I'm not at school or work I'm at the library. I'm finally starting to understand the school work we're given. With access to the library's computer I've been able to do research of my own. Which has helped me learn the difference between the incomplete facts, the fictions, and what's available through known research. On the advice of both the school counselor and Mrs. Stone I moved great grandmother's grave marker to the cemetery. I miss her so much, despite the late hour I sit and talk to her as I finish the days homework. With the extra day free I spent part of my morning clearing weeds from the front yard. I also installed new porch rails. I might have to replace them again or paint them but for now their fine. I'm super excited, Tara, her friend Dusty, Colm, and Mrs. Stone are coming over to help me celebrate snowflake day so I won't be completely alone. Wow, I can't believe how lucky I am. Mrs. Stone smiles, she explained that both Tara and Colm had mentioned my interest in chest, and Mr. Stone had just finished getting a chess table cleaned up for selling. Dusty gave Tara a music book she'd been wanting. I gave Mrs. Stone some paper and paints for the family, which I felt was woefully inadequate compared to what they had gifted me. Eventually everyone left and I was alone again, so after checking on the stove to make sure it wouldn't go out, I left to go foraging. We had some excitement at school when a deer bolted in and then out of the building, momentarily confused. I decided to test the pe teachers suggestion that jogging would help me reduce my stress. I politely declined Colm's offer of a ride. Despite the cold I didn't think riding in a car with him was going to reduce my stress. He's so cute, and he's not dating anyone. He even asked me to the winter formal, but I have work so had to decline. I stared at my mail in shock. I had a signed permission slip for international travel from the family court judge. I had more than enough money saved up to cover both my bills at home and the travel expenses. I couldn't believe my luck, I was getting to go the Le Champs trip. I just had to clear the time off from work. I couldn't believe how much warmer it is here. Le Champs is further south than industrial island so it's practically spring like here. It didn't take me long to meet locals and learn about the culture. The one thing that stood out for me was even here I was getting sideways looks for my appearance. I love great grandmother, but maybe it's time to do some shopping. With a few discrete inquiries I learn where the locals go. Putting away the rest of my new clothes I feel a thrill of excitement. I wonder what great grandmother would have thought of my new look. I started to get my hair cut but in the end I went with a trim and some bangs, that work nicely pulled up into a pony tail. I discovered that I was just as good at finding collectibles here as I was at home. Le Champs doesn't have the same laws as back home. So I got to try a little bit of nectar at the nectary. It was okay, but I don't get the big hype. Who knows maybe I'll understand better when I'm an adult. My roommates liked the pancakes that I learned how to make at the culinary classes. My last day of the trip I bought an incense for great grandmother. It's seems silly because she's gone, but I think she would have enjoyed it. I also bought myself some cook books. I really want to learn how to make crepes, but it's going to be a while before I'm a skilled enough cook to try to make them. At home, I shiver from the cold. It had been so nice and warm in Le Champs. I dash upstairs and put the incense holder on great grandmother's dresser and then dash back down to the tepid warmth of the kitchen. I double check that I have my trip report in order and review the weeks assignments. We have another trip to the science center this week. As I get ready for bed I wonder what Colm will think of my new look. Sigh, Tara looks like she's having lots of fun playing guitar. Sometimes I wish I could play hooky from work. I shouldn't complain, after all I just got back from an awesome trip to Le Champs. I don't tell Colm that I don't believe him when he says he's having trouble with his school work. I'm having a hard time focusing. He told me I look nice. He waited until after I got off of work to do homework at the library. He usually finishes his work in class. I'm trying to focus but I wonder if he can hear how fast my heart is beating. We're just good friends, but I think if he asks me to another dance I'll say yes. Spring is finally here. Which means I'm having an easier time finding collectables. Most of the time I'm only finding one or two gems, so I don't bother cutting them. I'm tempted to get a gem cutter for home, but I really do need to focus on fixing up the house. Especially if I want central heat for next winter. Although I did splurge on a tablet, primarily I use it for supplemental lessons. I've improved my writing and my language arts teacher gives me extra credit points if I let her review my journal entries. Sometimes I find a fair number of gems, and it's worth my time to cut them. I now know how to cut heart and pear shaped gems too. Today I'm donating a heart cut blue topaz. It's worth 80, but the heart shaped blood diamond I sold to a private collector was worth over 1,200; and that didn't include the other gems I'd found and cut. As I get ready for bed I appreciate how nice the kitchen is starting to look. I think this summer I'll move my new bed to the dining room which is just down the hall. It's also closer to the half bath I added to the odd corner of the living room.
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