Well, I haven't actually purchased it yet. But we've got a contract and the inspections/appraisal's start tomorrow. It's a neat little place (2700 square feet, actually). Built in 1963. It's kind of an "L" shape one story with nice landscaping. Fireplace. Very cool cabinets.
And...
An original Kit Cat Klock (plug in variety, not that cheapo battery operated stuff they make today.)
Anyway, it's going to take about a month to finalize everything but at least I have this one thing close to settled in my life.
I really like College Station. Great college town. Easy to live in. Everything here seems to take less time than it would in Orlando/Kissimmee area (accept maybe closing on a house...arrrrrgggggghhh).
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Yay Bob!! I've missed seeing you around here a lot!! Congrats on the house though. That's awesome!!!
Isn't College Station where Texas A&M is??
Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :
Whoa, a kitty-cat clock!! O.O That's awesome! It came with the house!?!
And also, good to see you, Bob!
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Great to have you back!
I am glad you had something new to listen to on your journey.
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Bob needs a 10 gallon hat. Did Posable_Man make the trip?
Posted by Kayla (Member # 2403) on :
Excellent! Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
God thinks that Texas needs a big ol' dose of Bob right about now.
God would've named the state of Texas "Bobland" instead, but that would've given the plot away too soon.
God knows where he wants to hang out on his next vacation. (Better add on a really big porch, Bob. )
Posted by Erik Slaine (Member # 5583) on :
Oh, NOOOO!
:picks up red telephone, covers reciever:
Just a minute...
Dang muzak!---Oh! Yeah, stop Operation "Raze the Beefmongers"--NOW!
:puts down reciever, takes swig off of small flask concealed near the telephone:
Ah! It's okay now Bob. I've called off the airstrike on Texas. I hope you can make a difference down there!
Posted by Feyd Baron (Member # 1407) on :
That would have been a pretty big freaking air strike to reach the cattle and College station at the same time.
Well, welcome to the state Bob. Even if will be inhabiting Aggieland.
Feyd Baron, DoC
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
Posable_Man didn't make this trip, but he'll be along soon. I'm going to try to find a 10-gallon hat for him too. Oh, and one boot.
Texas is the only US state that used to be a Republic. I think there are lots of people here who think it still should be.
College Station is indeed the home of the Aggies. School started this week and the students' arrival increased the town's population by about 1/3 (to 150,000).
My house is actually in Bryan, which is the town just North of campus on TX Rte 6 (aka Texas Avenue - Business). My house is actually very near the campus. About a 1/2 mile I would guess. I'm a block or so from the start of what is mostly student off-campus housing. Lots of little wooden bungaloes that aren't well maintained and rent for a reasonable enough amount that groups of students willingly move into them to avoid living in the dorms.
My house is in a voluntary deed restricted area. That means that no more than 2 unrelated people can occupy a house. That results in NO student rentals. Some faculty or married students with bucks may rent there, but mostly it's owner occupied.
Most of the owners are elderly, but that's changing as those folks move to smaller properties with less upkeep. The deed restrictions are still in force, though, so it'll probably stay pretty much as is.
The thing I like is that I'm moving into a "named" house. This is "The Treadwell House." It will always be the Treadwell House. If I and my descendents live there for 100's of years, the house will still be known to locals as the Treadwell house. That's just the way we do things 'round here.
The neat thing is that the Treadwells -- Remember them? It's their house -- did a lot of built-ins in the place. I've got closets with built in shelves, cabinets and drawers. I've got built in speakers in the den. There's even a built in gun rack. I'm thinking of putting a giant Super-Soaker in there for grins. There are also built in flower trays in most of the windows, and they turned the front porch into a greenhouse. So cool!
The property has lots of trees and some good landscaping. Even a fountain, although I couldn't figure out how to turn on the fountain. Maybe I'll have to stand next to it and spit.
Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :
Wow, that sounds like a great house!
Posted by Ralphie (Member # 1565) on :
Right on.
Does this mean we're finally going to get some Bob love around here again?
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
Is Bob going to go to the thanksgiving gathering?
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
Texas sucks.
Posted by Pat (Member # 879) on :
Good job Bob! Go Aggies!
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
Icarus,
You've got a friend in Texas.
(think of this as a longhorn)
or maybe this:
And re: Thanksgiving...that's still the plan. I'm actually going to be in the Midwest on business on Nov 18th & 19th. I may just go ahead and stay for a few extra days rather than make the trip 2x. Anyone have a place I can crash for 4 days? (20th - 24th?)
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
There's a futon in Madison for you, should it be of use.
Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :
If it's ok to ask, can you briefly recap why you're moving for those that missed it?
Posted by T. Analog Kid (Member # 381) on :
Welcome to Tejas, Bob...
I'll be sure and wave next time I'm down in Aggieland...
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
Storm's mad he missed his chance to get to know you before you moved . . . of course, that's his own fault for never taking part in any of the CFC gatherings . . .
Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :
It's hard on everyone being the perpetual grit boy. Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
::scratches head::
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
I have guest rooms, and you're welcome here. I'm a bit further north than the Thanksgiving gathering, though. Five hours from Kansas City.
Posted by The Silverblue Sun (Member # 1630) on :
Enjoy the Dixie Chicken.
Posted by Feyd Baron (Member # 1407) on :
Heh, those people who think that Texas should still be it's own country... There are indeed plenty of those. Both inside and outside the state.
I've been to Aggieland once. Had Battaries thrown at me. No real desire to go back. (Not just A&M, Missouri and Colorado Universities were the same way). Pesky college students. Can't say I've spent too much time around Bryan, only sent many many boxes there when I worked at UPS. Lots of trees is my impression. Particularly compared to here.
Feyd Baron, DoC
Posted by BelladonnaOrchid (Member # 188) on :
Yay! Bob and I are going to be neighbors!
Okay, so maybe OKC is a ways from Texas, but still!
Posted by Beren One Hand (Member # 3403) on :
quote: Maybe I'll have to stand next to it and spit.
... doesn't have to be spit ya know. Posted by littlemissattitude (Member # 4514) on :
quote:There's even a built in gun rack. I'm thinking of putting a giant Super-Soaker in there for grins.
Posted by Primal Curve (Member # 3587) on :
<dizzy>
Wow, Bob, I used to live in College Station. I was born in Bartlesville, OK and my parents moved to the Bryan/College Station area when I was 1ish. We lived there until I was almost 7. I have some good memories of that place, but they're all kind of blurred (as childhood memories often are.) I don't know my way around the town, but if you ever run into a church called Parkway Baptist, it should be next to a park. That park is right across the street from my old house. I used to play there all the time.
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
quote:It's a neat little place (2700 square feet, actually).
You know it's Texas if they consider that little. I think my house would be considered a tool shed there. I'm glad you found a place Bob. College Station sounds very much like Gainesville (college town, population, etc.) and I would move back in a sec if I could get a decent job there.
Storm, you'll now have to come with Joe and I to jai-alai so I won't be the only one there who doesn't know what's going on. I usually depend on Bob for that.
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
I was looking for a Jai Alai fronton here. There should be one somewhere!
Z, I've worked a lot in Gainesville. I really like it there and it has a lot of similarities to College Station.
I know right where Parkway Baptist is. I've got friends who attend there (or used to).
Re: offers of futons/rooms, etc. I really appreciate it. I'll have to figure out the logistics of driving around in November to see what's what.
I need to go back to the picnic thread to figure out where were going too. I've forgotten. Michigan, right???
<--- me being more scatter-brained than usual.
Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :
Wow. Sorry I asked.
I hope everything goes well in Tehas, Bob. Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
Storm,
It's going to be great, actually.
Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :
Well,then I'm happy for you. Sorry if I made an unwarranted assumption, but though your post on the divorce wasn't all 'man, life is over', I didn't get that you were happy about it, either.
I'm glad you're doing something that's going to make you happy. Texas is a great place, you're a great guy, and I'm very pleased that things are turning up. It's nice to have adventures in foreign lands. Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Bob! This is great! When do you move in?
Your house sounds lovely. Texas is a better place, now. Posted by Hobbes (Member # 433) on :
Big, Bad, Bob Hug:
Hobbes Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
May I point out as a native Californian that We were also a Republic, if for a shorter time. Another one of Texas' superiority myths bites the dust...
And then there's always Hawaii that has a history that can ground TX into the dust. Oh wait, there isn't any annoying TX dust in Hawaii...
Also I'm a Sooner, so I naturally can't root for any Aggies.
AJ
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
Storm,
no need to apologize or worry. I didn't want the divorce by any means. I would've been happy to leave things just as they were. I was even used to the idea of being married to someone who didn't think she "loved me." It didn't matter because I knew she did love me.
But, you know, if you love someone and they aren't happy, it hurts. And if you become the cause or at least the focal point of that hurt, then it is best to just give in to their decision to split up. The alternative is to try to force a cure (real or imagined).
There's plenty to be sad and bitter about. But really, my life is darned good. I'm blessed in so many ways and Aura and I will be friends for a long long time, even if we can't be roommates any more.
It happens.
We don't have children or a lot of possessions to worry over. So, it's just a situation to be dealt with and move along.
We split up once before so this is also less of a shock to the system than it was the first time around.
And I'm really enjoying Texas. I never thought I would, really. It's a very pleasant surprise.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
I don't know why; we keep telling people how wonderful it is. Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Bob, there would be a lot less hate and resentment and anger in the world if everyone else thought like you. Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
Yeah, but the divorce rate would be higher too. I refuse to give in to hate, though. And that's my ultimate reason for agreeing to the divorce -- because if I forced the issue, we would end up fighting and hating each other. And what good purpose would that serve?
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
Kat,
Texans kid around a lot, though. So sometimes it hard to figure out when they are just kidding or when they are dead serious.
NOTE TO ALL: Texans NEVER kid about Texas.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
I didn't really mean the divorce part, but rather the part that when you realize you're the reason a person you love is unhappy, you do something about it.
Unfortunately, in your case that included divorce, in many other cases it might not. My point is - you recognized it, and you cared, and you hold no major grudges or resentment. That's what is so great about your handling of this situation.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
That HawaiiWithTheMoreHistory and the CaliforniaAlsoARepublic thing doesn't really affect Texas pride at all - you jest at scars that never felt a wound. Those states are simply wacky to actually count.
The AlaskaIsBigger thing does hurt occasionally. *wince*
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
Thanks Belle
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
The OKLAHOMAHASBEATENALLYOURFOOTBALLTEAMSTHISYEAR occasionally stings too I'm sure. Especially when we kick TX's butt and you guys have to fly the Oklhoma state flag over your capital for a week... oh the shame.
(Note: I realize A&M beat us last year much to our chagrin, but we beat every other TX team)
I guess Bob will now be able to tell us qualitatively whether football is bigger in Florida or Texas.
AJ
[ September 04, 2003, 11:43 AM: Message edited by: BannaOj ]
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
Neither.
Florida.
Duh.
Posted by Kayla (Member # 2403) on :
Bob, I'm about 30-45 minutes from anywhere you need to be in Kansas City, I'm pretty sure. Just in case and all. I'd be a sucky tour guide, as we all know I don't know anything about the town I live in, much less one half an hour away, and you know, I'm a bit nuts and there is my husband and son that you would have to deal with, but I do occasionally cook, so there is that. Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
quote:you guys have to fly the Oklhoma state flag over your capital for a week
Really? That's hilarious! What a great custom - if you're gonna care, you might as well care in style. I didn't go to college in Texas, so I think I missed out on the accompanying insanity.
College football might be close, but I don't think anything can compare to high school football here.
(Woah! There is another Texas Bob!)
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
I'd say congratz, but its Texas.
Would Sympathies be better?
Sorry, Texas and I don't get along. The only time my luggage was lost by an airline--Texas. Most car trouble--traveling through Texas. Most boring trip I took with my parents--traveling through Texas. Most annoying pro-football fans--Texas Cowboys. Most annoying relatives (distant)-- moved to Texas and became most annoying pro-football fans.
I shouldn't complain, any state that convinces a large segment of their politicians to flee to another state must be doing something right.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
I believe there is also a side bet between the governors on who provides the steaks at their Governor's barbque as well.
The house sounds great! When are you moving in?
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
Ophelia...earliest would be the week of September 22nd. That's assuming everything goes smoothly and the appraisal comes in on time.
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
PS is Lavalamp jealous of Kit Kat Clock yet, or do they have something going on.
Lavalamp seemed the type to be looking for a little.....swinging tail.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Bob, in a house that old, make sure the plumbing is thoroughly inspected, including all the water lines located under the crawl space (if there is one.)
Will you be on a sewer system? A lot of old systems were clay pipes, which begin to break down and then tree roots grow through the pipe. Eventually the roots clog up the pipe and your sewer backs up.
This is not an uncommon thing in older houses - we probably see 4 or 5 cases of roots in pipes a week. Of course, I don't know Texas that well, I guess you may not even have the same problems, but I would check out the plumbing and ask if the sewer lines have ever been replaced and how recently.
A replacement sewer is very expensive, we've never done one for less than $2000, and some have been over $10,000.
Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
How long can a discussion of obnoxious and/or annoying pro football fans go on without someone mentioning either Oakland or Pittsburgh? . . . Uh, not that much longer, I guess.
Posted by Hobbes (Member # 433) on :
Bob, you made the fatal mistake of not moving to Colorado or Indiana. Jeez, what were you thinking? : Bob
Hobbes Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
Belle,
Thanks! As it happens, I have the primary inspection taking place today. There are additional ones I've asked for (chimney & electrical). But the structural, plumbing, roof and HVAC are supposed to happen today.
I'll make sure to ask about sewer pipes.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
It's something people don't think about, I mean most folks will think of having the plumbing checked so that every fixture works, but who asks about sewer pipes?
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
Seems like a waste.
Posted by Theca (Member # 1629) on :
I grew up in Nacogdoches, Tx. That's about 3 hours from Bryan, I think.
Where in the Midwest is your business trip in November, Bob?
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
quote: Those states are simply wacky to actually count.
Hey! *thwap!*
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Oh no... there's nothing more embarassing than a quoted grammatical error that you don't notice until its quoted.
Don't shoot the messenger.
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
quote:Seems like a waste.
[ September 04, 2003, 02:23 PM: Message edited by: Dan_raven ]
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
The inspections are done. I don't have the reports yet, but there's not much that was at all worrying. Some odd things that the previous owner did with extension cords are now classified as miracles by the local church. Miracles that no-one was hurt. E.g. using speaker wire connectors with 120V AC fixtures. LOL!
But that's easily undone.
No termites. Negligible settling for a slab house that's 40 years old.
The reports will sound dire because they have to cover their butts, but both inspectors said there wasn't anything that had to be fixed right NOW that would cost more than a few bucks.
The HVAC unit will need replacing, but I expected that. We may be able to get the prior owners to pay for it or at least share partial costs based on what the inspection says.
Posted by ginette (Member # 852) on :
See? I told you, Bob-and-Texas sounds good.
He, isn't there anybody going to ask for an invitation to his housewarming party? I would love to come. How is Texas in wintertime?
Anyway, invitation or not, I give you a globe to put on your desk as a present. I mean, all wise things come in three. You already have The Light (Lavalamp), The Image of God (Posable Man), so I just thought this was missing.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
I sent Bob an e-mail to the address in his profile, but haven't gotten an answer. Bob - will that e-mail address work?
Posted by Duragon C. Mikado (Member # 2815) on :
Congratulations Bob, your state tax dollars will now go to help fund the most vaunted justice system in the US, and some of the greatest optional pollution standards there are.
In all honesty I can't imagine why anyone would want to move TO Texas. Cheap real-estate and property tax?
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
Texas is turning out to be much better than I expected. I'm going to really like it here.
Regarding the justice system here, I'm beginning to form an opinion that the reason Texans use the death penalty so readily is that they really believe in the social contract. Individual responsibility and freedom is a big deal here. And if you deliberately violate that social contract, you are knowingly setting yourself outside the community. And then you are dead to them.
Crime is not just something to be accommodated at a particular level. Every crime is an attack on the idea that Texans are able to manage their own affairs with mutual respect and without government interference.
So, you become a criminal, you should leave or face the consequences.
This is not some namby-pamby Northern state with lip-service ideas about the nobility of all men. This is a place where adults in the community are expected to know how to behave and by God they better play by the rules everyone knows.
Sort of like having a giant homeowners' association and a state full of nosey neighbors.
Posted by Morbo (Member # 5309) on :
Good news about the house, Bob. Your bank will probably want it anyway, but be sure you have a least a 50 year title search done, with title insurance. Also get a survey if it hasn't been surveyed in oh, 5 years. Many banks are blowing off surveys nowadays and riding on title insurance, but it doesn't protect you completely. I surveyed for 4 years and saw plenty of survey errors, some that cost land owners good money to patch up.
quote:Texans kid around a lot, though. So sometimes it hard to figure out when they are just kidding or when they are dead serious. NOTE TO ALL: Texans NEVER kid about Texas.
You got that right. Never make Texas jokes without a clear line of retreat.
My step-father and step-brothers are Texans, and they are masters at dead-pan humor. I wish I could keep a straight face like them. With your sense of humor, I'm sure you'll fit right in after adjusting.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Excellent. The assimilation is nearing completion.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Makes sense why W is so fanatic about loyalty, doesn't it? There are people who can be trusted, and there are people who can't, and you keep around you the people who can be trusted. Very simple.
No hard feelings, but no vipers stay in camp. It means that you know in whom you may trust. Hard on mistakes, but restitution is possible. What isn't possible is pride in infractions.
Posted by Ophelia (Member # 653) on :
I think Bob should come down to one of the Rice football games this season. Not because of the games, but because I think he would really enjoy our half-time shows. The MOB has a very hatrackian sense of humor. Of course, being in the shows, I'm rather biased.
Actually, all the Dallas-area folks should come to the Rice/SMU game November 15. As our big trip of the season, it should be our best script (although it will have the least impressive props).
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
The MOB soujnds great!!!
Count me in!
Posted by Ela (Member # 1365) on :
Good luck in Texas, Bob. Your house sounds like it will be nice. Be sure to post some pictures once you get settled.
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Cool]](cool.gif)
![[Grumble]](graemlins/grumble.gif)
![[Evil]](graemlins/evil.gif)
(think of this as a longhorn)![[Taunt]](graemlins/taunt.gif)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[Confused]](confused.gif)
![[Dont Know]](graemlins/dontknow.gif)
![[The Wave]](graemlins/thewave.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[ROFL]](graemlins/rofl.gif)
![[Group Hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)
![[Hail]](graemlins/hail.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)