Just another day I guess

It's hard to figure out how I feel about today.
We sold mom's house today after it being on the market for about a month.
It's a bit of a relief to have that part of the story coming to an end. I just wish that these things weren't so adversarial though.
You see, we had our realtor evaluate the house and recommend a value to ask for.
I remember what my mom and stepfather paid for it and was a little stunned by how much less we were putting on it.
I decided that was the way it is. The markets have been improving but are still working their way back up after the latest nasty recession.
What I was not happy about was that a few weeks later our agent threw it at us that we needed to reduce the price.
What?? Why?? I asked.
But, I'm out here in New Brunswick and the agent and my step-sisters are in Ontario, closer to the action and getting a better feel of the market mood.
So we reduced the price.
We were having quite a few showings but no offers.
I was still convinced that our price was more than fair.
Then a couple of days ago we were presented with an offer that stunned me.
It was an insult really. If mom and Tom were alive they would throw it back at them and tell them to screw off!
At least that's what I was thinking.
Two of my step-sisters, my brother in law and the agent were pretty convinced that we could not do better than this.
One of the problems was that the word was out that the house has no-one living in it and it is part of an "estate sale".
So the vultures circled and lowballed us. We didn't stand a chance and accepted their offer.
Don't get me wrong. I'm glad that we have gotten this over with and can finally get the estate settled.
It's all part of the closure, isn't it?
Now I have to figure out when and how to get back there to get my grandfather's desk and other items to be brought back to New Brunswick.
I guess another road trip is in our future.

Tonight at open Council it was confirmed that I am Chair of the Water and Wastewater Committee again.
I actually knew this a couple of weeks ago after meeting and talking with the Mayor.
He felt that I am ready to resume my duties as Chair again.
We told the other Councillors in the closed meeting the other day.
Today it was there for the public to know. Right in the agenda it had my name as Chair.
For all one of the members of the public in attendance.
Actually she was there from the radio station.
Before I was elected onto Council I was usually the lone member of the public in attendance apart from the media.
My first meeting back as chair is next week.
I'm actually looking forward to it. We have 2 new committee members joining us.
One is Bill O'Donnell who used to chair the Committee before the last election when he was not re-elected.
I have always liked and admired Bill a lot. He was one of the hardest working Councillors I ever knew.
It was a shame that he was not re-elected but there were two of us seeking positions that were not incumbents.
One Councillor did not seek re-election but someone else had to go if myself and Gisele were to get in.
Unfortunately Bill was the one.
During campaigning I continually spoke of my support for Bill.
I believe the Mayor had spoken to Bill in the past about coming back to the committee as a public member. I know that I mentioned it to him a time or two.
I'm glad he's joining us.

Lastly, today I received an emailed invitation for Friday morning's press conference. I had already told them that I will be there but replied in the affirmative regardless.
It was pointed out to me that I am to be there 1/2 hour earlier to get an advanced briefing of the details of the plan.
Not bad. This should be very interesting.

Okay, I'll say goodnight now.
Stay well,
Tim
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