Sitting in the office of the real-estate agent and lawyer I signed the papers selling my home. The only home I ever knew. My ex-husband sat smirking with his mistress hanging on his arm. My lawyer patted my hand he said, "Don't worry Maggie you have a big future ahead of you."
My ex signed the purchase agreement and my lawyer said, "Maggie has seven days to finish moving out once the check clears."
My ex mistress Amber looked up and said, "As long as she does not destroy my new house things will be okay."
My lawyer said, "The divorce decree stated she had to sell the house to him. She got all the money from the marriage plus the money she gets for the sale. Remember as part of the divorce she also gets everything inside the house. The items inside are only staying if she decides she does not want to sell or keep it."
Andrew looked over and said, "Maggie you won't be that stupid will you?"
Looking up I said, "I will sell anything I want in the house and then Amber can have my leftovers like she has you. Remember you bought the house but you cannot enter for another seven days after the money clears. By the time the money clears you can meet with Mr. Mathews to get the keys. I will be gone."
Andrew laughed and said, "Oh yes I forgot your going to write and freelance."
Laughing I said, "That's correct my Blog is growing and after reading about you and what you and Amber caused, my travels are being followed quite well. So yes I will be blogging, writing, traveling and freelancing all over the US, Canada and South America. Now if you will excuse me I have more work to do at the house so I can leave. Mr. Mathews can you please let me know when the check is cleared so we can get that into the bank."
Mr. Mathews stood up and said, "I will walk you to your car."
We walked out and as we got to the car he asked, "How much more do you need to sell?"
"I have a few more rooms to go but I have buyer coming by later tonight to look at the stuff I am not taking. I am guessing it will take 48 hours for the check to clear and then I have seven days," I said. "I have most of my stuff already in the RV that I am keeping. I think I have a few days worth of clothes in the house. I have a buyer for all the remaining things and I already have a satchel hidden in the RV with over 40k in cash from what I sold so far. I plan on doing a lot of boon docking and freelancing to earn money for what I need. I also have a lot of food coming from the house the next few days as I plan on leaving the house move in ready."
He chuckled and said, "I am glad Maggie you deserve it after what you lost. Now my wife said you best keep that blog going because she is going to be following you around the country, along with her entire book club."
Extending my hand I said, "Thank you Mr. Mathews. I will keep this rental till I can get to the bank and drop off my part of the check. Hopefully it will be completed soon."
I drove to the home I just sold back to my ex husband and continued on with seeing what I wanted to keep. Thankfully everything that was important to me was already in the van. I went into the bedroom packing the remaining clothes I had in the room and added them to the RV along with all my bathroom things. When I was on my way home I decided I would start sleeping in the RV as I continued to clean out the home and get rid of what I did not want. I posted on all the Facebook sale page a post stating," EVERYTHING MUST GO! I am moving in less than a week and everything in my home is going! For a private tour to go through everything and see what you want to buy DM me here to set up a time. I have a little over 7 days to sell it all."
I sent the message link to Mr. Mathews to sent it to his wife and her friends. He replied back, "That is great Maggie. I will forward that to my wife and a few other people and advised them to have them message you through the link. How soon will you be starting the sales?"
I replied back, "As soon as I get some take out for lunch."
Heading back to the rental car I had I went to pick up assorted food and while in drive through for Chick Fila I had a DM from Mrs. Mathews asking if her book club could come by at 2pm to look around and see if they found anything they wanted. I grabbed my notebook and told her I would block off an hour for her. She replied I might want to block off two as there is ten of them. I gave her the thumbs up sign and write her name on the list. After bringing home enough food to last the next few days I went into the RV and started to eat while I made a change pile. I made sure I had enough ones, fives and tens to make the right change. Then I went through the bag and counted what I had in cash from what I already sold. I had $40k plus and additional $18763 in cash from everything I pawned and sold so far. While speaking to people arranging times people could look through the house and come shop I cleaned up and organized the RV in case I decided to keep more in the home. I made sure the outside doors were locked and everything was open and ready to view.
As I waiting for Mrs. Mathews and her book club to arrive I went into the pantry. I started to sort the food in the pantry and jar the open items I was keeping. When I filled my picnic basket I took it to the RV and unloaded. I figured that I could go back and forth as I sort. I have a company willing to buy boxes of items when I got down to the last of it. I was on my next basket of pantry items when the doorbell rang. Lifting the basket and placing it on the counter I went to answer the door.
Opening the door I said, "Welcome ladies."
Mrs. Mathews stepped forward and said, "Maggie we have cash and are ready to shop! We just ask to keep us on point we arrived twenty minutes early to see if there is special instructions?"
Patting her hand I said, "Welcome ladies you have just over two hours to shop. Remember everything in the house is fair game except for the wicker picnic basket on the kitchen counter. As you shop I am deciding if i am still wanting to keep anything so what is in there are items that I will be keeping. If I disappear its only because I ran out to my RV to put things away. Nothing will be held for future purchase and its cash only. We will negotiate any and all prices on anything you find. We can work as a team to load items if they are larger. If you find a door with painters tap sealing it it means that room is empty. Also I will give you all 15 min count downs and we have to be finished by 210 as I have a group coming in at 230. You can schedule another shopping trip with me if you wish after you purchase but be aware spots are filling quickly."
I opened the door and all twelve ladies went in and started to shop. Calling out I said, "I will be in the kitchen pantry or bringing items to my RV if you find anything you want to buy."
I ran the basket out to the RV and emptied it into the RV pantry. When I went back to the pantry I had woman holding a pile of books and she said, "I know these are hardcovers but would you accept $10 for these books?"
Smiling I said, "Of course."
Bagging the books she handed me a 10 and said, "I am going to place these in my car and will be back to search more."
I didn't have much time to sort much more of the pantry as the ladies did a bunch of mini purchases. The biggest purchase of the day was one of the ladies who bought a lot of items from the nursey and we had to fit a bit into her SUV. With five minutes left the ladies scheduled a appointment on day 5. I took Mrs. Mathews number incase it sold out before hand. Since I had fifteen minutes emptied the picnic basket and decided to get more change and add more cash to my cash bag. I gasped as I counted what I made from the first sale. I added $5000 into my cash bag and that did not include the change I had. Leaving the RV I went into the house and went upstairs to the attic storage unit and pulled out six totes of assorted items. I realized that all these totes were full of my old crafting supplies. Smiling I ran up and grabbed more totes to go through as I know crafting items sell fast. It made my heart happy as I had just taken an old trunk and put it in the living room of the RV to fill with crafting supplies. I was able to get a bunch of the totes from the attic storage before the next group arrived at 230.
When I answered the door I said, "Welcome Mercy Hospitals Nurses! You have until 510 to shop as I have a new group arriving at 530. Remember everything in the house is fair game in the 43 rooms of the home except for the wicker picnic basket on the kitchen counter. As you shop I am deciding if i am still wanting to keep anything so what is in there are items that I will be keeping. If I disappear its only because I ran out to my RV to put things away. Nothing will be held for future purchase and its cash only. We will negotiate any and all prices on anything you find. We can work as a team to load items if they are larger. If you find a door with painters tap sealing it it means that room is empty. Also I will give you all 15 min count downs."
The gentleman who rang the doorbell said, "Maggie thank you for allowing us to have a fun afternoon together. Have people been buying all at once or when they have a handful?"
"People have been shopping as they go," I said. "So you can find me in the formal dining room when you are ready."
The first woman who came up to me had piles of baby clothes and she said, "I found these and girl I am thankful. Clothes are so expensive. Will you take twenty for the entire pile?"
I smiled and said, "Sure will."
I bagged up the clothes, and she went outside putting the clothes in her car. Many of the nurses did a lot of small purchases and one of the nurses came up to me and said, "I am so glad she got the clothes she has been so stressed. Would you take 75 for the crib and mattress. I want to buy it for the girl she is doing this solo."
Nodding I said, "Yes I will do you need help getting it out?"
"Nope we have it coming down the stairs now," She said. She went outside and said, "Becky girl we have a surprise for you. Don't worry I will drive it home."
When the young woman saw the crib she started crying. I brought out some twine to secure the crib and the ladies went back inside to shop. Another gentleman bought the toybox and book shelf for their co worker. A lot of baby items were purchased that day and I am glad my tragic loss was their gain. When I gave the fifteen minute warning everyone came down with their final purchases and were out the door by 5pm.
I grabbed the few craft supplies that I was able to sort and brought them to the RV. Sitting down for a moment I grabbed a chicken sandwich and heated it up to eat as I unpacked and counted my money. I was shocked as I separated the change and money to put in the safe. I added another 6825 to the safe. I will admit my ex and I were a bit of hoarders. Him more than I was. So the fact we are making money here does not shock me.
Grabbing my stuff I had a 530 appointment for a Grandma's group. They were scheduled till 7 because I had a friend who is a professional buyer coming by at 730 to go over the house to buy what she wants. A few minutes before 530 the door bell rang and I answered to see a group of smiling Grandmas. Smiling I said, "Welcome ladies. These are the rules. Remember everything in the house is fair game in the 43 rooms of the home except for the wicker picnic basket on the kitchen counter. As you shop I am deciding if i am still wanting to keep anything so what is in there are items that I will be keeping. If I disappear its only because I ran out to my RV to put things away. Nothing will be held for future purchase and its cash only. We will negotiate any and all prices on anything you find. We can work as a team to load items if they are larger. If you find a door with painters tap sealing it it means that room is empty. Also I will give you all 15 min count downs."
One of the ladies kept back and said, "Thank you sweetheart. I follow your blog and I am so sorry for everything you been through. I can't wait to see your adventures coming up and everyone you meet!"
She walked off and I went back to the pantry as the ladies were going through the crafting piles. The purchased things on and off while I went back and forth to the RV. When they left a few minutes before seven I went to the RV and unpacked my basket of food. Looking in my pantry I realized how unorganized that big kitchen pantry was. I did realize as I sat down we had a lot open and a lot that had to be thrown out. I counted my change and put another $2000 in the safe bag. After I finished I went inside and looked through the house.
Knowing how stressful this day has been I started to go room for room. I started to think about all the stuff still left and how I was not unhappy about getting rid of everything. I went into the pantry and continued to sort and pack my basket up. At 730 the door bell rang and when I answered the door my friend Dan was standing there with his wife Kay. I hugged them both and Dan said, "Hey Mags how did everything go?"
"Well the divorce is final," I said. "Amber is fighting for the scraps of my life with Andrew. They think that I am leaving everything here. Little did they know that is not happening. So you all can go room to room and any cabinet. I am working in the kitchen pantry right now. If you get a pile we can do pay as you go. As I finish rooms I will be putting painters tape on the cabinet and doors in each room. I know we have a standing appointment for the next five days. If we sell out before hand you will get first dibs. Remember starting tomorrow I am going to be making mystery boxes as well with a set price."
Dan nodded and said, "If you don't mind I am going to grab a crate and start snooping the items in the garage first."
I went into the pantry and finished cleaning it out. When It was empty I grabbed the vacuum and vacuumed it out. I tapped the door to the pantry and went to walk outside when Dan came in with a crate full of old tools. He said, "Will you take $500 for all these they are old tools and a few car parts?"
I said, "Sure."
He paid. I stuck the money in my pocket and went into the RV, putting things away. When I came back in Kay had the rocking chair and a pile of clothes from the nursery. She paid and Dan loaded them to the cargo van. He came in and asked, "Do you wanted to sell portable deep freezer or the big deep freezer. Looking at him I said, "I am not sure how much is in them."
Kay came in and said, "Not much in the portable one. That would be perfect in your RV. The big one does not have much in it either."
"Well then I will sell the deep freezer. I need to put the frozen stuff in the inside freezer so I can thaw the portable freezer if it needs it," I said. "Then I need to get it in the RV."
Dan said, "Well lets get everything inside first. Then we will get the garage door up and the portable one in your RV and the deep freezer in our van."
Looking in the portable deep freezer I realized I did not need to even thaw it. I plugged it in. Kay came up and asked, "Will Andrew be mad the appliances are gone?"
"He does not have any leg to stand on as the contract stated appliances did not come with the home," I said.
Kay said, "Then the washer and dryer are for sale?"
"Yes they are," I said.
"We will discuss that tonight and if they are still here tomorrow then we will decide," She said. "But for now we are going to shut the garage and go through the rest of the house."
"I am going to clean out the fridge," I said. "Let me know when your ready to buy more."
On and off while Dan and Kay bought things I worked on cleaning out the fridge. I finished the fridge and put a sign that the fridge, dishwasher and stove were also for sale. Around 9pm Dan and Kay came to me and bought more items. When they left I went through the house, making sure the doors or cabinets were open if they room had items and the lights got shut off. I locked up the house after checking the doors and went into the RV. I answered and set up a few more sale for the week. Since I had seven group or private sales tomorrow I went ahead and made change bundles So it was done. I figured in the morning I would grab more totes from attic storage and make a mystery box. Emptying the cash from my last sale I added 4300 to the cash bag. After that I took a shower and went to lay in bed. I updated the blog explaining what was going with the sale on and went to sleep.
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The following morning I woke up at six in the morning and made myself a cup of coffee and heated myself up a breakfast sandwich I got yesterday after court. After making everything I headed to the house with my picnic basket, box and food. I went upstairs and went into Andrews closet. When he left he left a full closet of clothes as he wanted to look younger for Amber. Going into the closet I took the box and grabbed all the same size of men's t-shirts and polos. I looked through to see if there was anything I wanted. After I grabbed a few t-shirts I wanted I sorted everything to the sizes and filled the first box. I labeled the box Men's T-shirts and Polo's mystery box size large. I sealed and priced the box for $25.00. Bringing the box downstairs I placed it on the kitchen counter and took another box upstairs. At 8am when I was on box number three my phone rang and it was Mr. Mathews.
"Hello Mr. Mathews how are you doing," I asked.
"Good Morning Maggie I wanted to let you know that the check posted and cleared," He said. "So the count down starts today."
"Okay no worries," I said. "Yesterdays sales were big and I have 7 groups coming in today. I just finished my third mystery box from Andrews closet. I am going to grab a few more boxes and work on my crafting and holiday crates which I pulled most down from the attic storage yesterday. The way things are going I will probably be finishing a lot of rooms in the next two days. I also have a buyer that comes every night to pick further through everything at 730pm every night. He asked if he can bring some of his big shoppers the next few nights. I told him as long as they know its cash only."
"Well I have already initiated the funds to your account," He said. "Your bank said it should take forty eight hours."
"Good," I said. "I can't wait to see the amount of money go up in my main checking account."
After I emptied my basket and refilled my coffee. Grabbing the change for the first sale group I went to the house and started to get ready. When the door opened I went to it and opened the door saying, "Good afternoon Members of the St Mary's Charity group."
The priest stepped up and said, "Maggie thank you for allowing us to come and look around. We understand that you need the money and we are looking for things to use in our fundraisers. So if you have any rules we would need to know."
"Welcome everyone," I said, "Remember everything in the house is fair game in the 42 rooms of the home except for the wicker picnic basket. As you shop I am deciding if i am still wanting to keep anything so what is in there are items that I will be keeping. If I disappear its only because I ran out to my RV to put things away. Nothing will be held for future purchase and its cash only. We will negotiate any and all prices on anything you find. We can work as a team to load items if they are larger. If you find a door with painters tap sealing it it means that room or cabinet is empty. Also I will give you all 15 min count downs. You need to be out by 11am as the next group arrives at 1130am."
I opened the door and the church members went in and started to search. One of the members asked about the mystery boxes and when I explained what they were. I also explained that I have to be out in seven days so I am now packing things to make easier on me. They all understood the concept and I said the number on the corner is the amount of items in the box.
The pastors wife said, "So this box for $25.00 has 18 men's extra large button down dress shirts?"
Smiling I said, "That is correct. I will always make sure the price is a great deal for what is in the boxes. Back in the day I worked retail and I know my prices."
She nodded and said, "That is a great deal then."
As she walked away I called out, "You have 1hr and 30 min left. I will be in the library when you want to check out."
I grabbed my box and my basket walking into the library. I went over to a bookcase that had nothing but old romance novels and started to sort through them creating mystery boxes. Carrying my basket and a pile of mystery boxes to the entry way where i decided to start placing the mystery boxes on the built in counter I called out another time warning. I let everyone know I would be in the entry way if they needed to find me. Moving everything but the boxes off the counter I grabbed the boxes with the men's clothes as well. Sitting in the entry way I had sold piles of items and the last people to leave were the pastor and his wife. They thanked me for my time and everyone was gone by 1030am. I brought the few books I decided to keep and went to the RV. Going in I placed some of the ones and fives into a bag for change and then added another 2100 to the cash bag.
Grabbing the new change pile for when a group of family members arrived I went back to the house and went to go to the attic storage and pulled all the totes back to the dining room. I cleaned the attic storage room and taped the door. Going into the pool house bathroom I started to clean it out. I was almost finished when my fifteen minute alarm went off. I took the mystery boxes to the entry way and I took the basket to the RV to empty. When I left the RV a group was waiting by the door.
"Hello Williams family how are you today?" I said.
The father stepped forward and said, "Maggie thank you for fitting us in. What rules do you have before we shop."
I said, "Remember everything in the house is fair game in the 41 rooms of the home except for the wicker picnic basket and the box it is sitting on. Also Mystery boxes cannot be opened as they are priced to sell. As you shop I am deciding if i am still wanting to keep anything so what is in there are items that I will be keeping. If I disappear its only because I ran out to my RV to put things away. Nothing will be held for future purchase and its cash only. We will negotiate any and all prices on anything you find. We can work as a team to load items if they are larger. If you find a door with painters tap sealing it it means that room or cabinet is empty. Also I will give you all 15 min count downs. You have until 1240 to shop and purchase as I have another group arriving at 1."
Opening the door everyone went to different rooms in the house and started to shop. I went to the kitchen and started to sort the kitchen linens as people started to bring items to me to purchase. When I gave the final warning people lined up to pay as some left. I went to the RV to switch everything out and went back into the house again. A moment later there was another knock at the door. I opened the door for a couple and asked, "Mr and Mrs. Geraldy?"
The woman smiled and said, "Thank you for fitting us in. Do you have any rules before we shop?"
I said, "Remember everything in the house is fair game in the 41 rooms of the home except for the wicker picnic basket and the box it is sitting on. Also Mystery boxes cannot be opened as they are priced to sell. As you shop I am deciding if i am still wanting to keep anything so what is in there are items that I will be keeping. If I disappear its only because I ran out to my RV to put things away. Nothing will be held for future purchase and its cash only. We will negotiate any and all prices on anything you find. We can work as a team to load items if they are larger. If you find a door with painters tap sealing it it means that room or cabinet is empty. Also I will give you a 15 min count downs. You have until 210 to finish and pay as I have another group at 230pm and I need to reset."
I moved aside and they started to look around. The husband came out and said, "I am going to get a laundry basket my wife found your library and wants to get a bunch."
Chuckling to himself he went out the door and pulled a rolling laundry basket back with him. I heard him say get whatever you wish my love I will leave the basket with you. He started to look through all the rooms and came back purchasing various pieces. When the laundry basket was full she came out and they purchased what she had and thanked me for my time adding a appointment later that week if I had more left. I added two more mystery boxes to the pile and switched things out for the next group.
Grabbing a sandwich from the fridge I went back to the house and grabbing a box I started to sort in the dining room. When I heard I knock I answered and saw a woman from the original book group that came and said, "Mrs. Berry its a pleasure to see you again. You know the rules already I see you have a laundry basket to shop with this time."
"Oh yes my dear I do," She said. "I am going to fill her full and I have four more of her friend in the van. How long do I have to shop?"
"Mrs. Berry you have until 340 to shop so you take your time," I said. "You know the rules already so I will be finishing the area I am sorting in the dining room making a mystery box and since its just you I will be going to the pool house through those doors to work in there for a while. Just call for me when your ready."
"Oh I see your mystery boxes so remind me before I leave to check if there is anything there I want, "You have sold a bit I see. How many rooms are left?"
"Fourty one and my 7 day timer started today," I said.
"You will get it all done my dear," She said. "Also can you help me load and furniture pieced if I find any. My son was supposed to join me but he is late."
"Of course take your time and let me know," I said.
She went off to shop and I finished filling a mystery box from the dining room. I was going to head out to the pool house when she stopped me and said, "Can we price this mess and those two lounge chairs. I want them."
We settled on a price when there was a knock at the door. I opened it and Mrs. Berry said, "Caleb why are you here instead of your Dad?"
"Sorry Grams Dad had an issue at work and he said you wanted a truck for some furniture you wanted to buy," He said. "So I offered to come here and help load things so you can shop freely."
I pointed to the lounge chairs and the rolling basket and said, "That's what she wanted for now but she still has till 340 to finish shopping. So enjoy and I am going to work in the pool house bathroom."
"Wait you have a pool house I never even went out there last time," She said. She followed me out and saw the wicker furniture and said, "A thousand for the chairs and couch?"
I nodded and she handed me the money. Looking at Calab I asked, "Do you need help?"
"Nah," He said. "My friend Max drove over with me so I will get him to help. Grams do you want any more furniture out here?"
"Yes Maggie I want the tables and shelves as well," She said. "Another thousand for that?"
"That sounds good," I said. "Let me grab a few totes to put everything in."
Calab went outside and came back with his friend. Mrs. Berry handed me money and said, "Boys help Maggie clear off the items but do not break anything as she has more to sell. I am going to search the rest of the house."
As we were clearing the decor and items off the furniture Max asked, "Maggie do you have any bed sets you would sell at a discount?"
"What is your price range?" I asked.
Looking into his wallet he said, "I have about $700."
"I have a bed for $300 which is almost new you can get that the headboard and frame," I said. "You can even have the sheets, pillows and blanket from the bed. I have not gotten through the dressers or tables sorted yet. I can show you so you guys can keep loading while I finish clearing the items."
I showed him the bed from the master bedroom and he asked, "Why are you selling the bed so cheap? That mattress sells used for a few thousand. Everything must go because i sold the house and will be moved out in a little over six days."
Max handed me $300 and said, "Thank god I brought my own truck with me. Come on Caleb, lets get everything loaded before your Grams runs out of time."
I went downstairs leaving Mrs. Berry to snoop the closet and dressers. I cleared all the furniture and everything was loaded when Mrs. Berry came back and said, "Well my dear I will be back with the book club before things sell out I hope. I want what's in this basket and two of the book mystery boxes."
After she paid for everything she hugged me and said, "Well dear if you sell out before I see you again I will be reading your Blog."
I followed them out and went into the RV to switch out money and empty my basket. I grabbed a new water bottle and went back to the house. I notice I had another thirty minutes so I finished the bathroom in the pool house. I sealed the mystery box from that bathroom, marked the item count and sealed it shut placing the price on the side. Cleaning up the room I shut the door and sealed it with painters tape.
When there was a knock at the door I opened it and said, "Mr. Martez?"
"Yes I am," He said. "So I am here till get some good deals."
"Well there are a few rules," I said. "Remember everything in the house is fair game in the 40 rooms of the home except for the wicker picnic basket and the box it is sitting on. Also Mystery boxes cannot be opened as they are priced to sell. As you shop I am deciding if i am still wanting to keep anything so what is in there are items that I will be keeping. If I disappear its only because I ran out to my RV to put things away. Nothing will be held for future purchase and its cash only. We will negotiate any and all prices on anything you find. We can work as a team to load items if they are larger. If you find a door with painters tap sealing it it means that room or cabinet is empty. Also I will give you all 15 min count downs. You have until 510 to be finished looking and paying as my next buyers come in at 530 and I need time to reset."
He gave me a look and said, "Mystery boxes?"
"Yes I have six days to move," I said. "I will give reasonable deals but I will not allow nickel and diming."
"Oh no dear I do not shop these sales unless I get things for pennies on the dollar," He said.
"Well then lets not waste each others time," I said. "I am making money to live on for travels and to create content. I will not tolerate disrespect."
He looked at me and said, "Bitch."
"Leave now and do not come back," I said as I went to shut the door.
He slapped his hand on the door and said, "I will ruin your sales for the week."
"You can try," I said. "Everyone else was amazing with the rules now leave as I can go through rooms and continue to pack my mystery boxes."
I heard him peel out and I went into the pool house and opened the closet where we had pool stuff stored. I made sure my timers were ready for the next guests and cleaned out the closet. I had to take a few trips to the RV to bring some items when my basket was filled. I added a couple of mystery boxes to the entry way. When my alarm went off for the next group to come and visit I had finished the pool house closet and taped it off.
At 520 there was a knock at the door. I opened the door and said, "Mikelia Family?"
An older man stepped up and said, "Maggie we spoke on the phone I am a friend of Mr. Mathews. What should we know before we start to shop."
Smiling I said, "Welcome Everyone. Remember everything in the house is fair game in the 39 rooms of the home except for the wicker picnic basket and the box it is sitting on. Also Mystery boxes cannot be opened as they are priced to sell. As you shop I am deciding if i am still wanting to keep anything so what is in there are items that I will be keeping. If I disappear its only because I ran out to my RV to put things away. Nothing will be held for future purchase and its cash only. We will negotiate any and all prices on anything you find. We can work as a team to load items if they are larger. If you find a door with painters tap sealing it it means that room or cabinet is empty. Also I will give you all 15 min count downs. You have until 710 tonight to shop and pay as I have my next sale at 730 and I have to reset."
Mr. Mikelia slapped his hands together and said, "Wonderful we will do you proud my dear. Where will you be?"
"I will be right in the dining room going through my totes from my attic storage," I said. "All the doors and cabinets are open. Please feel free to go through drawers and cabinets and baskets you find. Just leave the mystery boxes sealed."
They all went in and people started to go to different rooms. Grabbing a box from the stack I had on the kitchen counter I opened a tote of crafting supplies. I kept a count of how many items, sealed and priced the box adding it to the entry way. Mr. Mikelia found me and asked, "Would you take $1000 for the formal couch and love seat together?"
"Yes," I said. "Do you have a way to bring it home?"
He laughed and said, "Of course."
He paid and then him and two of the other men carried it out to an awaiting trailer. The family kept shopping and when I gave the last fifteen minute warning Mr. Mikelia had everyone come to pay and leave. Once they left I went to my RV and unpacked my basket. I changed out the change and put the money in the bag. After I put it back in the safe I headed back to the house and Dan pulled up with Kay. Dan opened the Van and Kay came over and asked, "Did you have an issue with someone today?"
"Oh you mean Mr. Martez?" I asked. "He is a self centered dick."
"Oh he came into the store and had nothing nice to say about you," She said. "Do not worry though because Dan put him in his pompous place. He said something about Mystery Boxes?"
Chuckling I said, "Yes as you are going room to room I am going through rooms and making mystery boxes. Each box has the amount of items in the box, the type of box it is and the price. I have six days left to go and although I have sold a lot of items I still have 39 rooms to get done and this is a solution so Andrew does not have anything left here to fawn over."
She nodded and said, "Well show me those boxes. Are they selling?"
"Oh yeah," I said. "So where are they people you are bringing?"
Dan walked up and said, "They should be here in the next thirty minutes. The washer and dryer is still here isn't it?"
"Sure is," I said.
"Here is two grand as I know the price on them," He said. "Kay is upgrading the laundry room at the store. My friend Matt is one of my guests tonight an he will help me load everything when he gets here. Kay baby which room are you going to start in?"
Grabbing a rolling crate she said, "I am going to check out the gaming room first. Maggie where are you going to be?"
"Pool house," I said. "I sold most of the furniture and want to pack the remaining decor as a mystery box and hopefully someone wants to buy the lamps and patio furniture."
"Well a friend of mine is going to be looking at all the furniture you have left and offer you for some pieces." Dan said. "I will tell you that they are willing to spend so things will be picked over tonight."
"Well they have till 9," I said. "When you all leave I am going to eat and sleep for a while. My first sale is not until eleven tomorrow."
As we went to go in Dan introduced me to his friends who were also sellers and I explained I will be in the pool house. I went in and made a mystery box with all the pool house decor. I brought the box into the entry way and one of Dans friends said, "I want to buy all the patio items. Will you take 2000 for the furniture and grill?"
"Sure," I said as he handed me cash.
Going back into the pool house I grabbed the lamps and put them into the entry way next to the mystery boxes. Cleaning the pool house out removed the tape off the doors and I swept the pool area once the items were taken off. I locked up the doors and closed the blinds to the pool. When we bought the house the pool and the pool house was one of the selling points for us. Going into the greenhouse I quickly decided that the overgrown plants were not worth going through. I did grab some of the five gallon buckets and added them to the outdoor storage bins. After taking my gardening basket from the shelf I added a few of the tools and kept them as well. All my seeds and additional gardening tools went into a mystery box. One of the ladies came out and asked, "Will you miss the greenhouse?"
"Yeah," I said. "Especially since I know that this room will never be used."
"Well I garden," She said. "You have a lot of pots out here. I am buying them all. Would you take 100 for all the containers?"
I nodded and she handed me the money, "Take your time let me know when your done getting them out."
After I left the greenhouse I made quite a few more sales and by the time she finished getting all the pots it was 9pm. Everyone finished their final purchases and I waved goodbye. Dan came over and said, "We want to buy all your mystery boxes you have so far. Priced as marked right?"
"Yes they are," I said. Once Dan paid for the mystery boxes and Kays four baskets of items they loaded them up and I called out, "See you all tomorrow."
I went into the RV with the picnic basket and put the money away. I made change for the sales I had tomorrow. With only four sales groups tomorrow I knew I would be up early and packing more mystery boxes. I checked my freelance account and noticed I had more sales and views. Then I checked the main checking account and I discovered that the money from the sale of the house cleared. Feeling better about everything I grabbed food from the fridge and heated it up. Eating at the table I blogged for a while and headed for a shower. When I climbed into the bed I fell asleep fast.
I woke up to a rain storm. I got dressed and made some coffee sitting in the living room realizing this was going to be my life from now on. No schedule or bowing down to a husband that did not appreciate me. I grabbed my sweater and a garbage bag to put over my basket. Grabbing the first thing of change I went into the house and locked the door behind me. Opening all the doors to all the rooms remaining and checking to make sure all the drawers and cabinets were open. I grabbed a few boxes and headed up to the master bedroom to my closet.
As I sorted everything in the closet and only found a few other pieces of clothing I was keeping. I was able to finish stuffing the mystery box with a few things that were left in my old dresser. I looked at all my shoes left and decided to keep a few more pairs along with a few boots. Then I filled two more mystery boxes with my shoes. Once I vacuumed the closet I closed and taped the door. I went into Andrews closet and finished clearing it out and creating more mystery boxes as well. I cleaned out and taped the door. I went into the master bathroom. I had got about half the room cleared out when I heard the doorbell ring. I grabbed the mystery boxes I had made and brought them down with me.
The doorbell rang again and when I opened it stood a woman. Looking at her I said, "Hi can I help you?"
"Hello I was told this was the house that had items for sale," She said.
"Yes it is but I am sorry it is by appointment only," I said. "I can make you an appointment but I will let you know that there may not be anything left by then."
"Oh," She said. "Amber told me I could just come by."
I snorted and said, "Amber sent you?"
"Yeah," She said.
"I'm sorry but the appointments need to be made ahead of time," I said.
"Your not a friend of Amber and Andrews?" She asked.
"No," I said. "I am Andrews ex wife. The one he cheated on to be with Amber."
"I am so sorry," She said. "She probably sent me here clueless because we are not best friends. I think after this I am done with her. She always said my business is a joke. Listen I am sorry to bother you. I have a crafting business and I make things with kitchen items and old books plus craft things."
I looked at my watch and it was only 9:15. Looking at her I felt she was being honest and said, "Listen you seem legit. They love to make fools of people. I was making mystery boxes for people to buy. If I had people here I would say no but you are welcome to check the kitchen, library and the tote bins of craft supplies. It is a cash only sale."
She looked up and said, "Thank you I am Kaylene."
Stepping back I said, "Hi Kaylene. You can look for about an hour. Do you have any baskets or boxes you can put the things in."
"Yes," She said. "I have laundry baskets."
"Ok go get them," I said. "But please leave your phone in the car."
"I get it," She said. "Please understand I will not tell her anything and she is going to get a earful for putting me in this position.
She went to her car and brought back a laundry basket. We went to the kitchen and I pointed to the open cabinets saying, "Go for it."
She smiled and said, "Oh you pretty things come to Mama you are going to be Art."
Laughing I went to another cabinet and started to make a mystery box. I said, "What kind of art do you make?"
We talked about her home business as she filled her first basket. After she paid for the first basket she said, "I cannot believe she wanted to move into the house you lived with your ex. I will be right back."
For the next hour we talked about my writing, blog and her business and we exchanged business cards. When her hour alarm went off she scheduled a appointment for later that week incase there was anything left. After she left I took the items I had decided to keep and did a trip back to the RV. I went to the library and made a few mystery boxes of books. When the alarm went off I moved things to the entry way. I decided that I could knock out the dining room as it was right next to the entry way. When I heard the knock at the door I opened it and said, "Welcome friends of animals social group."
A bubbly woman stepped up and said, "Maggie we are here to buy what we can. What are your rules."
Smiling I said, "Remember everything in the house is fair game in the 36 rooms of the home except for the wicker picnic basket and the box it is sitting on. Also Mystery boxes cannot be opened as they are priced to sell. As you shop I am deciding if i am still wanting to keep anything so what is in there are items that I will be keeping. If I disappear its only because I ran out to my RV to put things away. Nothing will be held for future purchase and its cash only. We will negotiate any and all prices on anything you find. We can work as a team to load items if they are larger. If you find a door with painters tap sealing it it means that room or cabinet is empty. Also I will give you all 15 min count downs. You have until 140pm to finish your purchases and pay. I have another group coming at 2pm."
She smiled and asked, "If we find furniture we like if there is are belongings in it can we place it on the floor and bring the furniture down to the entry way to pay for?"
"Yes you may," I said. "I did place extra laundry baskets in the rooms to do that in case anyone wanted to buy any furniture. I will be here in the dining room working on mystery boxes and making sure there is nothing left I may want. If you find it first you get first dibs."
I saw a lot of rolling carts and laundry baskets. I pointed people to the rooms they may want to shop in and started to go through the china cabinet in the dining room. It was fun listening to people chat while they went through things. There was not much sorting at points and I had a gentleman ask, "May I buy your dining room table?"
After we set a price he started moving the totes away and he starting taking the chairs out the door. He came in and asked, "Do you have a ziploc bag I can put the screws in?"
I handed him one from my basket and he took apart the table. He came back and bought all of the fake potted plants that were throughout the house. After he loaded them he went to the garage with a wooden crate. I had various people come back with lamps and tables and baskets of things. By the time I gave the final 15 min warning there was only the gentleman left and he asked for an appointment at the end incase there was anything left. He paid for another basket of items from the garage and left. I took my basket to unpack and went to get more change.
When I came back I noticed the drawers under the stairs were becoming empty. Drinking my water I waited for the next group of buyers as I continued on in the dining room. When the knock came at the door I opened it and said, "Welcome everyone who is Molly?"
A young woman came and said, "Thats me. What are the rules Maggie?"
I gave the speech again saying, "Remember everything in the house is fair game in the 36 rooms of the home except for the wicker picnic basket and the box it is sitting on. Also Mystery boxes cannot be opened as they are priced to sell. As you shop I am deciding if i am still wanting to keep anything so what is in there are items that I will be keeping. If I disappear its only because I ran out to my RV to put things away. Nothing will be held for future purchase and its cash only. We will negotiate any and all prices on anything you find. We can work as a team to load items if they are larger. If you find a door with painters tap sealing it it means that room or cabinet is empty. Also I will give you all 15 min count downs. You have until 340 to shop and pay as my next group arrives at 4 and I need to reset everything."
This group also had crates and baskets on wheels. It was a busy hour while they shopped and paid and by the time they left I didn't even need to give a time warning. I left my basket on the pile of totes and went to the RV to switch out change. When I got back I went through the house and made sure everything was open for the next group of guests. I was fortunate it was another hospital group and when the knocking at the door happened I opened and said, "Medical staff from St Mercy welcome. The rules are everything in the house is fair game in the 36 rooms of the home except for the wicker picnic basket and the box it is sitting on. Also Mystery boxes cannot be opened as they are priced to sell. As you shop I am deciding if i am still wanting to keep anything so what is in there are items that I will be keeping. If I disappear its only because I ran out to my RV to put things away. Nothing will be held for future purchase and its cash only. We will negotiate any and all prices on anything you find. We can work as a team to load items if they are larger. If you find a door with painters tap sealing it it means that room or cabinet is empty. Also I will give you all 15 min count downs. You have until 710 to finish shopping and to pay as I have another group at 730 and have to reset everything before they arrive."
Everyone cheered and went into the house to shop. While I was in the entry way a women came up with a cart full of baby items. She smiled and said, "I know I cleared the closet and the dresser. I would love to buy all if this plus the bookshelf. But I did find this on the floor next to the bookshelf and I thought you would want this back."
She handed me a photo frame with a sonogram picture in it. Closing my eyes I said, "Thank you so much."
She put her hand on mine and said, "I know you lost your little angel because I read your blog. I wish I could say that I do not know the pain you feel. But I do. All I can say is the pain does not always go away but you learn how to deal with it. My baby is a rainbow baby and I hope you experience this one day."
She hugged me and handed me a tissue. I said, "Thank you. Let me help you bring down the shelf."
"There is no need," a gentleman said bringing own the shelf. "I did try to get the items from the bathroom but Mrs. Martha chased me from your nursery bathroom and said if I didn't let her buy it for us she was going to beat me. But I think she is getting things for herself as well as she was sorting into two baskets. Maggie I hope after we leave you find it easier to shut down these rooms. Also I am patiently waiting for the next book in The Town Series."
Smiling I said, "Thank you. Amy is an amazing character and I am hoping her character continues to evolve."
For the rest of the time people came up and purchased items and talked about the books I was writing. I made many promises to get back to writing after I left the house and got set up in my first spot. When i gave the last fifteen minute warning I heard groans and everyone came up with their purchases. With a lot of hugs and kind words I waved off the staff as they left. I went to the RV and added money to the safe and grabbed a new change pile. I emptied the basket placing the picture frame on a small shelf in my room. I took my basket and a small snack and went into the house.
While I waited for Dan and Kay to arrive I went to the nursey and looked through what was left. The closet was empty so i secured it shut. Going into the bathroom I finished cleaning out the bathroom and took the mystery box down to the entry way. Returning to the nursery the only item left was the rocking chair. I sat in the chair and closed my eyes. I woke up when I felt a hand on my arm. Opening my eyes I found Kay kneeling next to me.
"Hey," She said. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah," I said. "No. I don't know."
"We knocked and when you didn't answer I came in to find you," She said. "I am buying the rocker when you get up. Our guests will be here soon do you want me to give them the rules."
"No," I said. "I'll handle it. But thank you. I know this room would be the hardest but it had to be done."
She hugged me and said, "Andrew better hope I never find him in a dark alley for what he did to you."
I laughed and said, "Kay you barely hit 5 foot 2. But I have no doubt the damage you can do."
Standing up Dan came in and took the rocker. I had known him for close to twenty years and he knows how much this has killed me. We headed downstairs after I taped the door. When Dan paid he said, "Everyone is starting to arrive. I am going to hit up that attic lounge first thing. I forgot you had all the bar stuff set up like a speakeasy. What room will you be in tonight?"
"I am actually going to start in the entry way," I said. "As its just some furniture and knickknacks I am going to mystery box the knickknacks from there I am going to decide after that."
He nodded and said, "I told him there is a lot of furniture left in the guestrooms and maids quarters. Do not be surprised if you sell a lot of furniture tonight my friend Ben is setting up his daughters new house and he may be trying to buy more than me tonight."
We went downstairs and went outside. I said, "Welcome everyone. Remember everything in the house is fair game in the 32 rooms of the home except for the wicker picnic basket and the box it is sitting on. Also Mystery boxes cannot be opened as they are priced to sell. As you shop I am deciding if i am still wanting to keep anything so what is in there are items that I will be keeping. If I disappear its only because I ran out to my RV to put things away. Nothing will be held for future purchase and its cash only. We will negotiate any and all prices on anything you find. We can work as a team to load items if they are larger. If you find a door with painters tap sealing it it means that room or cabinet is empty. Also I will give you all 15 min count downs. You have until 930 tonight to purchase and buy because I am exhausted."
Everyone laughed as I opened the door and they headed inside. After about fifteen minutes a man came up and said, "Maggie? I am Ben Dans friend. I cleared the breakfast table, side board and small shelf unit from the room. I am buying it from you. Is 500 good for that?"
Nodding I took the money and continued on with the mystery box. He came back a while later and said, "I'm back again the second guest room I am buying the bed, two side table and dressers. My wife is emptying everything while my soon to be son in law is bringing everything down. Would you take 700 for that whole set?"
"Its a deal," I said.
Dan came down with the table from the attic lounge and his employees had the chairs. I laughed as he handed me cash and said, "I am taking all the tables and chairs and the side board. Kay emptied it already. Some items we crated for us and the rest she placed in a laundry basket."
A older woman came in with a rolling cart full of books and she paid and we negotiated for all the chairs and tables in the reading area upstairs. She said, "Books are for me and I am not done yet. But I placed all the stuff on the tables up there in a basket. Ben is my cousin and those would go so good in the house he is setting up as a wedding gift."
A elderly gentleman came up and said, "Would you accept a grand for that office desk? Its beautiful."
Nodding I said, "Take good care of her she was the desk I wrote many of my books at."
I went into the kitchen and kept cleaning out the cabinets and drawers making mystery boxes. My alarm went off for the halfway point and I called it out. A voice in the house said, "You heard the lady move your behinds for what you want."
Dan came up and asked, "I know your tired but would you be willing to extend the time a bit? Everyone is finding what they want and are willing to spend."
Looking at my list I said, "Yes I took tomorrow morning as a day to sleep in and then make boxes till noon. I am running to get a sandwich I have in the RV and unpack the basket. I will be back in 10 minutes."
Going into the RV I unpacked more items and grabbed a sandwich. Going back into the house I went into the kitchen and opened the fridge to clean it out. Ben came in and asked, "Is the fridge for sale?"
"It sure is," I said. "I am cleaning out the food now. Its brand new and I paid a lot for it. But since you are buying for your daughter I will take $1000."
He handed me the cash and said, "Deal. My wife will be in here in a minute to look through the cabinets. I know why your selling and I hope you nothing but happiness but thank you for this."
Between going back in forth I filled the RV with the food that was left in the refrigerator. When I came back from emptying the garbage Bens wife had three crates of kitchen items and said, "She had a bridal shower but people did not get a lot for the new house. She thinks we are buying her things for the apartment my son in law has. She is being surprised next week. But for now you have amazing items would you take $400 for all these small kitchen items?"
I said, "Anything for the cause."
Ben came in and said, "Thank god we came with a moving truck. Baby I would say check out the maid quarters there is a second bed set with dresser that I like better than the other guest room. Tell me which one you like better."
I took my basket and a new box to the drawers under the stairs. Dan came buy with boxes from the lounge and handed me money. He asked, "Damn Maggie those mystery boxes are insane. My staff said those are deals and a half."
Laughing I said, "Just getting it sold my friend."
Bens wife came back and said, "I want the furniture in both the second guest room and the maids room. They have a three bedroom house and I noticed that the other guest room is a day bed that converts. Ben said 2200 for both sets and we emptied everything from the furniture."
I put my hand out and they paid. Bens cousin came back with more books and paid. They finished packing their furniture and said, "We will be back tomorrow night to see what you have left with Dan and Kay."
At eleven that night Dan and Kay bought everything in the entry way and when they left I went room to room and realized I was almost done with the bigger items. I made sure everything was ready for the next day and locked the house. Going to the RV I made change set ups Adding the remaining cash to the RV bag making sure the safe was secured.
Grabbing a sandwich for the second time that night I sat at the table and ate as I updated the blog. I did post that there may not be much left for later in the week. After I locked my door I took a shower and went to bed.
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When I woke up the next day I said, "Five days left."
I got up and ready for the day putting on a load of laundry. I grabbed a breakfast sandwich and a water bottle heading into the main house. My phone chirped when I walked in and I saw a message that said, "Did you really get rid of everything in my house?"
Laughing I replied, "I got rid of most of the items in my house per the divorce decree. The house will be empty when you take possession. Now please leave me alone we have nothing to say to each other. If things go well you may be able to move in sooner than five days."
I went up to the reading area and started to make boxes and then I dragged the floor lamp and mystery boxes to the entry way. By the time the one hour before guest arrive I had finished the maids bathroom, closet and bedroom. I also pulled everything out of the entry way closet and made mystery boxes for all the coats I decided not to keep. I went to the master bedroom office nook and cleaned it out as it was almost empty. Pulling the chair and lamps downstairs I finished that small area as there was a knock at the door.
Going downstairs I opened the door and said, "Welcome Ministry church members."
The pastor came up and said, "Maggie we are here to snoop and shop. What are the rules?"
Chuckling I said, "Remember everything in the house is fair game in the 26 rooms of the home except for the wicker picnic basket and the box it is sitting on. Also Mystery boxes cannot be opened as they are priced to sell. As you shop I am deciding if i am still wanting to keep anything so what is in there are items that I will be keeping. If I disappear its only because I ran out to my RV to put things away. Nothing will be held for future purchase and its cash only. We will negotiate any and all prices on anything you find. We can work as a team to load items if they are larger. If you find a door with painters tap sealing it it means that room or cabinet is empty. Also I will give you all 15 min count downs. You have until 240 to shop and pay as I have another group arriving at 3 and I need to reset the house."
The pastor said, "Perfect. Remember church members this lovely lady will direct you but follow the rules and abide by the closed room tape. You all have baskets and more in your car to switch out."
I opened the door and they entered the house. As they were going in a woman asked, "Do you happen to have seasonal decorations?"
"Yes I do if you go into the formal dining room there is an open closet," I said. "All the totes are labeled for which holiday they are for."
She gave a little cheer and headed to the dining room. A gentleman came up with a laundry basket a while later and said, "I will be living your garage until we have to leave."
He kept filling baskets and finding me to buy. The woman who wanted seasonal decorations kept bringing me all the totes buying for every season. With the last tote she said, "Well sweet girl I think I cleared out your seasonal decor. Thank you I had stored everything in my shed and unfortunately there was a forest fire which spared our house but my shed burned like a roman candle. These will be stored in my garage. How much longer do we have?"
Smiling I said, "Thirty minutes I should make an announcement."
"No need," She said. She called out, "Hey all we have thirty minutes."
People started to bring their purchases to pay and leave. The pastor was the last person to leave and he said, "We love your work and your blog. I personally hope your next journey brings you the happiness you greatly deserve."
When they left I ran to the RV and grabbed a wrap from the fridge. Heading back into the house I went to the dining room I went to the closet and grabbed a box to pack up all the linens except two small circle table clothes that were my grams and packed them up for my table in the RV. I taped off the closet and there was a a couple on the porch.
"Mr and Mrs Gratally?" I said.
The older man smiled and shook my hand. His wife said, "Hello Maggie we were supposed to have a group with is but they said that they saw your post and they bowed out."
"Well I am glad you came," I said. "The rules are remember everything in the house is fair game in the 25 rooms of the home except for the wicker picnic basket and the box it is sitting on. Also Mystery boxes cannot be opened as they are priced to sell. As you shop I am deciding if i am still wanting to keep anything so what is in there are items that I will be keeping. If I disappear its only because I ran out to my RV to put things away. Nothing will be held for future purchase and its cash only. We will negotiate any and all prices on anything you find. We can work as a team to load items if they are larger. If you find a door with painters tap sealing it it means that room or cabinet is empty. Also I will give you all 15 min count downs at the end. You have until 440 to shop as I have a new group at 5 and I have to reset the house."
"Wonderful," He said. "Where will you be when we want to purchase and put items in our van."
"I will be in guest room two," I said. "I am going to take down that closet and room"
They went to the garage as I went up to the second guest room. It did not take long to finish the closet and the room. I brought the mystery boxes down stairs and found a pile of baskets waiting for me. Grabbing a new box I went to the draws under the stairs and finished another box when they came out with more items.
Mrs Gratally said, "We understand packing so we figured we would meet up before to long."
We negotiated a price and I said, "Well while you shop some more I am going to the first guest room and work on that."
It did not take long to finish off the first guest room or closet. Creating a few more boxes I headed downstairs and there were more boxes waiting for me. As we negotiated the price and they gave their farewells. I locked up behind us and headed to the RV. Switching out the change I grabbed a new drink and went back into the house. Going up to the attic lounge I discovered Dan and Kay bought almost everything in the lounge. Since I had about twenty minutes left I was able to finish packing up the attic lounge and went downstairs with the boxes.
There was a knock at the door and when I answered there was a young man and he said, "Hi I am Marshall from the Masters group that was supposed to be here at 5. I am so sorry our group has to cancel as we were given a surprise assignment. I live around the corner so I told the group I would come by and let you know."
"Thank you for letting me know," I said. "I hope your group gets that assignment done soon. I will let my 730 know as I believe part of the group may want to come early."
I sent a text to Dan and he replied, "Do not be surprised if Ben and his wife come by sooner then."
Heading back up to the master bedroom linen closet I started to pack it up. After about twenty minutes I heard the doorbell ring. Grabbing the two boxes I had packed I brought them downstairs and opened the door.
Ben was standing at the door and said, "My wife and son in law will be here shortly. How many more rooms left?"
"There are twenty rooms left and I am almost finished with the small linen closet in the master bedroom," I said. "I will be happy when this is over."
"Well I am going to start in the garage and work my way through the house," He said.
Going back upstairs I finished everything in the master bedroom area. As I sorted what I was doing Ben would bring me crates and pay. By the time his wife and soon to be son in law arrived I had finished everything upstairs. I was able to run back and forth to my RV putting things I was keeping. By the time Dan and Kay arrived I had finished the laundry room and the cabinet under the stairs.
Dan asked, "How many more rooms?"
Smiling I said, "Thirteen."
He chuckled and said, "Well hopefully we can help you get that down to almost nothing tonight."
"Well when you are all looking and getting things together I am going to the library," I said. "All I have left in there is some decor and books. Do you have a lot of people coming tonight?"
"We have four other couples," He said. "I will let them in."
"Good," I said. "I may be able to leave much sooner than I thought."
As I packed away the library I found a few things I wanted to keep and did a few more sales. I finished the kitchen closet and ran some of the items to the RV such as the broom vac and cleaning supplies. Finishing that closet I taped it off. Kay came and found me and said, "I just cleared your linen closet between me and Bens wife except for a few blankets. Did you want any of the ones there or we are buying them as well?"
"Nope I grabbed all the blankets I wanted when I brought the RV home," I said.
They paid and bought everything to their trucks. I went to the breakfast nook and finished packing it up as Kay brought a pile from the game room. Dan came in a bit later and asked, "Do you want the shelves in the garage?"
"No," I said. "Once the garage is empty then they are for sale as well."
Dan chuckled and said, "Well I just packed up the last of the garage so let me pay for that and we can get it loaded. I also have the game room getting packed up now so we will be buying all that as well. We will bring you boxes."
By the time everyone had arrived and was shopping I thought we would be done that night. After a another hour Kay found me and said, "What time was your first sale tomorrow?"
"Noon why?" I said.
"We are staying late and everything will be gone between us and our friends tonight," She said.
"Seriously," I said.
"Yes so go upstairs now and do a final walk through," She said.
When all but Dan, Kay, Dans staff, Ben and his wife were left it was just before nine at night, They packed up all the remaining items. Ben paid for the last of their items and Dan paid for the remaining items and after one last walkthrough downstairs the house was completely sold out and being driven away. Kay stood next to me in the entry way and asked, "It doesn't seem real does it?
"No," I said. "A year ago I would have never imagined that I would be leaving this house and traveling the country."
I shut and locked the door for the last time. Hugging them I said, "Thank you for everything."
They left and I climbed into the RV. Sitting at the table I texted all of the remaining sales that were planned and canceled the remaining sales. I received replies from everyone thanking me and wishing me luck. I sat in the RV and ate my last dinner at my old property. Taking a shower I went to bed thinking that it will be a very big change that I was ready for. When I got up in the morning I had to return the rental car. After I returned the rental car I have to take a cab back to the house and get the RV. Then I had to drive the RV to the cracker barrel next door to Mr. Mathews office. Then I had to hand him the keys go back to the RV and decide where I am going to drive to. After I do that I am going to go food shopping and head to the the first place I will be going.
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Falling asleep I woke up to my phone ringing.
"Hello," I mumbled as I answered.
"Maggie its Mr. Mathews," He said. "Did I wake you?"
"Yes," I said. "What time is it?"
"A little after nine in the morning," He said. "My wife told me your done at the house. Is it all gone?"
"It sure is," I said. "The money is tucked away and I will be heading to your office after I return the rental car."
"Okay," He said. "So when you bring the keys to me then your RV will be off the property right?"
"That's right," I said. "I am going to park in the cracker barrel parking lot next door to your office. Then I am going to get food there taking it back to the RV to eat to decide which location I am going to tonight. Then to the food store to get some easy food and finish my food shopping. Then I will be on the road after that."
"Okay," He said. "I will see you a bit later today then."
After I hung up I took a second shower and decided that before I headed to Mr. Mathews office I would empty all my tanks and fill my water tank. Going into the safe I took out $500 for the expenses. I hid the bag into the back of the safe and locked the safe. Pulling the false front in front of the safe I locked up the RV and went to take the rental car back. They drove me back to my house and I gave the house one last look as I backed out of the driveway and started the next adventure of my life.
When I got to Mr. Mathews office I walked in and handed him the keys saying, "Thank you for everything you did during the proceedings.
He smiled and said, "Its my pleasure. Now please do the one thing that will make them jealous and live a life you deserve."
Walking over to cracker barrel I ordered a take out order and shopped around the store. When my food was ready I went back to the RV and looked over where I was going. Since it was just before eleven in the morning I looked over the options I had and decided to go to a RV park near Saint Augustine. I booked a two week stay at the park and went into the local Publix and took the six hour drive to St. Augustine.
When I arrived the couple who owned the RV park were excited to meet me as the wife was a fan of my books and blog. When I paid she gave me a good neighbor discount and asked if I enjoyed the park please write a review on my website. I agreed and set myself up at my spot overlooking the water. I decided that I would do a post about the RV park and the views. Sitting in a chair under the awning of my RV I watched the water planning how I would spend my days. I decided everyday would be check the blog, create a new post for it. Then I would freelance for a few hours working like I normally do. Then I would work on my books the newest one and working on more stories. I believed this would be the best way to make sure my accounts stayed healthy and I could continue to live my new life.
My phone rang and l knew that this was going to happen. I picked up the phone and said, "Good evening Andrew did you her from my lawyer he has the keys."
"You shut everything off and did not leave us anything," He said.
"I sure did," I said. "Everything was in my name so before I left the house for good this morning I called and had everything shut off paying the bills off as there would be no way for me to receive a bill. My PO Box I have will not be able to be checked often. Once I explained the circumstances everything was handled immediately. My mail has been going to the PO Box for over a year now so I have no reason to come home."
"But you even sold the appliances," He said.
"That is correct," I said. "You were told take what you wanted when you moved out and anything left was mine. Plus I paid for the appliances with my work and most of the things in that house. I guess your going to have to fess up to Amber that I made a lot of money that bought the house, put everything in the house, and ran the house except for the two hundred you gave me which paid for the cable tv, gas and water. That didn't even cover those bills. Did you tell her your car payment and insurance on that sports car you drive is a good chunk of your pay?"
"So we have to start with just the things from her apartment?" He said.
"That is correct you are responsible now for your mortgage and everything that goes with the house," I said. "Be prepared its only March 3 and the summer electric bill can be up to $400.00."
"After everything Maggie your going to end it like this?" He asked.
"Seriously," I said. "Your going to say that to me when you caused me the biggest loss in my life."
"You need to get over that Maggie," He said.
"Sure get over the fact I found you and Amber in the guest room having sex," I said. "Then when I went to leave she grabbed my arm causing me to fall down the stairs six months pregnant. That was our child Andrew do you not feel anything for its death."
"Maggie," He said. "I didn't want it you did. Regardless if we had a kid or not I was leaving you."
"You left me and the baby at the bottom of the stairs to die Andrew," I said. "Thank god my phone did not fall out of my pocket. I still can't believe you lied and said I was fine when the police caught up to you after the amount of blood I lost. You both got dressed and left me there to die."
"To bad you didn't though," He said. "I would be making a mint on royalty from your books now wouldn't I."
"Karma will visit you," I said. "But you enjoy the house Andrew. I am currently enjoying the water and travels. If there is nothing else I wish you the best of luck lose my number."
Hanging up the phone I blocked his number. Going inside the RV I made myself a salad for dinner and sat down to start writing. This life looked so much better now and I cannot wait to live it to the fullest.
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Maggie- Main Checking- 2,985,786 Blog/Freelance/book Account- 19,869 Cash- $249,421
check the blog create a new post freelance editing my newest books working on more stories
Mr. Mathews
Dan and Kay- friends
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