June 12
Thank goodness for Bifur and Bofur! They lived in a trailer with Bombur for a few years when they were younger, so they knew what to do to help us fix things up just right! The hole in the bedroom closet has been patched, the mold has been cleaned up, the refrigerator is working (turns out it can run on propane, as well as electricity!), the microwave has been replaced, and we've changed out the handle on the back door. We've decided, though, that we can go without fixing the fresh water tank for the time being, since any place we set up camp is going to have a water hook up, and we have plenty of bottled water for drinking.
When all that work was done, Bifur and Bofur gave the place a better going-over. They didn't find any other problems (no leaks or anything) - except that the sensor on the black water tank isn't working (it always reads full), so we can't tell exactly how much is in it. The black water tank is the sewage tank, so that news was a bit distressing - but at least we're able to visually check to see how much is in it (I didn't ask, but Bofur told Thorin how to do it).
I'm going to admit here and now that I am relying on Thorin and Bifur and Bofur's skill in those matters, since I am certainly not experienced in repairs or mechanical anything! Meanwhile, the smaller organizational details, Thorin has left up to me. And so now the place is cleaned, the food is stocked, there are fresh batteries in the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, the fire extinguishers are in place; and we have plenty of duct tape, paper plates, and plastic cups and tableware on hand!
Bombur and his wife and kids arrived yesterday so to begin house-sitting. Unfortunately-and against advice-he tried to come in to the trailer to give it a look, and he got stuck in the door (I guess he's put on a little weight since he lived in a camper!). It is a good thing that there are two doors, and that we fixed the back one, because everyone else was inside it at the time. A couple of us had to go out and around to pull on him, while the others pushed, and eventually he was gotten out (though he landed on Thorin!). I think he was a little disappointed that he couldn't give the trailer a good look, but we took pictures for (and of) him!
But he and his family are all settled in now - though Bofur and Bifur can't miss out on too much work, so they'll be heading back to Torrington tomorrow instead of staying on to help watch the house. They will be sleeping here tonight, and they'll leave after they help Thorin connect the trailer to the car in the morning (I say "car", but a Chevy Suburban is more like a truck, isn't it?).
Sleep, though! It's come harder and harder for me and Thorin the closer we get to leaving! Last night, after a long day of planning and finishing-details, we managed some private time in the shower (we might not get to take a shower together again for a few months, since the stall in the trailer is so small!). Later, in bed, we spoke about all the places we were going to go, and what we were going to do, and what fun it is going to be!
We are so lucky, really, to be able to do this! Frodo is going to make so many wonderful memories!