Raw sewage and the path to enlightenment

I have not had much to report lately in my slow--but progressive--plodding path to escape.

Today, we had been sidetracked by divergent plans when we noticed water creeping across the cement floor of our basement dwelling. Then it came more and more swiftly, pooling around piles of shoes, scattered mail, seeping in to unsorted boxes. We pulled out buckets and freshly laundered towels, oil-stained blankets and braided rugs to soak up the brown water and keep it from reaching things far more precious like antiques and books.

We had been slowly sorting and packing, taking our time, but after this incident we have found renewed interest in getting in to a smaller, less expensive apartment as quickly as possible. Two giant trash can dumps later, we have reduced considerably and, though we have not finished, we have visible progress.

One day soon we will be light enough to carry.