Friday, June 9, 2023

The Reading Woman and Paintings and my House Needs a New Roof


A quote on reading: "When I only begin to read, I forget I'm on this world. It lifts me on wings with high thoughts." Anzia Yezierska. "Wings" from "Hungry Hearts" 1920.

 

These illustrations are from the address book I bought, "The Reading Woman", published by Pomegranate.The book has about 40 paintings in it. My favorite school of painting is PreRaphaelite and all those whose art has a resonance with that style, like the first painting above by Frederic, Lord Leighton "The Maid with the Golden Hair". The second painting is "Summertime: Portrait of the Artist's Wife" by Edward Killingworth and the third is "In the Library, St. James Square" attributed to Thomas Pole.

New Roof Needed

In the first week of May I learned that the roof on my house needs replacing. No leaks but just aging. The ocean side especially is worn. The roof is original with the house so about 65 years old, that is a long life for a roof.  The new roof will have composition shingles and a 50 year warranty. Making decisions for this project is hard for me being a senior and a widow, I miss my husband a lot, he handled projects like this. I will not shock you by telling you how much it will cost in this part of California but a hint is that I could buy a new car for that price. I got bids from 3 companies and selected one. They are booked up until mid-August, just letting you know what I have been doing, so I am on their project list for August.

20 comments:

Sam said...

Wow...65 years on a roof is unheard of down here. It's either wind damage from hurricanes and tropical storms or hail storms. One or the other seems to cause extensive damage to my roof on average about every 10-15 years. I keep replacing it with a so-called 50-year roof only never able to reach 20 years with them. We had a bad hail storm hit the neighborhood three weeks ago, and my almost-14-year-old roof is going to have to be replaced.

Like you, I could get a pretty nice car for the same money. The only thing we have going for us is that there are so many good roofers in the area that the waiting list is only a matter of days, not months. Kind of a mixed blessing...

Betsy said...

Wow! That's a LOT of money for a roof. I have always been grateful that Dennis has handled things like that. I admire you for doing what you have to. God will lead you to the right decisions.
Blessings and hugs,
Betsy

Margaret D said...

Oh dear there is always something when you won a house.
Expensive but has to be done...roll on August for you.

magiceye said...

Beautiful illustrations! Best wishes for the new roof!

Ann said...

That is a long time for a roof. Mine had to be replaced several years back and it wasn't even 30 years old. I know what you mean about decisions like this. Now that my husband is gone and all those decisions are on me I really struggle with what to do sometimes.

Pamela M. Steiner said...

I love the paintings of the women reading. The one in the garden is my favorite. Regarding your roof...is that a regular shingled roof? I can't imagine one lasting 65 years! We put a metal roof over our shingled roof, and we love it. It should last many years...at least the rest of our lifetime, barring unforeseen severe storms or a tree falling on it (please God, not that I pray!). I hope everything goes well for the installation of your new roof. I know you will be relieved to have it done, but I am sorry for how much it will cost you. That hurts! Meanwhile, stay safe and dry!

Debra She Who Seeks said...

The new roof will add a lot of value to your home!

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Blessings after such a shock.
Trying to find a ballpark figure for my area, estimate websites hold the info hostage unless you provide name and email.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

A new roof is a good investment and you'll be so glad to have it done. Enjoy your weekend...hope the weather's nice!

Wanda said...

I truly love the paintings,and I truly love reading. So true that a book can take flight and carry you with it to new and exciting places.

Yikes, about the cost of a roof repair or new roof!! My dearest and I have never owned a home, since in the day, pastor's were provided a home "parsonage" as part of the financial package. It has its drawbacks, as when we retired we had no equity in a home. But the good side, we didn't have homeowner taxes or maintenance repairs. The church took care of that.
Fast Forward...only have Social Security and some savings, we were eligible for Senior Low Income Tax credit apartments. That how we ended up at Villa Ramona. We have been here 9 years and thank God everyday for taking care of us.

I can't imagine handling all that as a senior and widow. You are wonderful, my hero!

Granny Marigold said...

After trying in vain to patch our leaking roof last year we had to break down and get it redone. I also was horrified at the quotes we got. On the other hand your roof has lasted 65m years which is amazing!!

Tete said...

65 years is a long life for any roof. We had ours replaced about 7 years ago. It was getting close to needing replaced when a hail storm done it in completely. Lucky for us the insurance covered it all. We are both retired and I am in constant sticker shock on how expensive everything is now. Best of luck with the company you picked and on your new roof.

Tabor said...

My roof is now 16 years old and warrented for 20, but our builder said 30 is more realistic. You are the third blogger I have read this morning that is replacing a roof. Should have bought stock in shingles.

Marie Smith said...

That’s a good warranty but quite costly! Good luck with it.

DawnTreader said...

Those illustrations look very peaceful... Wish you good luck with the roof, hope the job will get done as scheduled and problem-free. I've not got much experience as a house-owner, but there was a period of about six years between when my dad's health seriously deteriorated and until we (my brother and I) sold that house a few years after he died...

Carla from The River said...

I am sending you a hug. That is so stressful. Keep us updated.
Carla

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Terra - what a fun book to find ... especially with those interesting paintings on show - for you to ponder upon.

I do hope the roof can be sorted - and you don't have any hassles ... it's never easy organising a big project - but people are usually helpful in the circumstances. Good luck - cheers Hilary

acorn hollow said...

wow that is a long time for a roof. I know here in NH it is a very expensive thing to have your roof done.
I love the women reading that is something I have vowed to do more of. I have let it go much to long
Cathy

Marilyn Miller said...

Good luck with the new roof. I had to do that about 3 years ago and yes it is the cost of a new car, which I fear I will need one of these days too. Thanks for visiting my blog.

dori said...

The decision for a new roof is big!! I can understand you very good, that you feel lonely without good advises from your beloved husband. Good luck and blessngs to you and for your decision! I also have to repair the roof of the place, whee my sheep live.. The Lod is our best roof...