An unexpected problem... I would need to be home every time Carmen comes.

Today, Carmen and the other cleaner were supposed to come at 3PM. My T appt was scheduled at 4:30. I thought that would give me enough time to greet Carmen, give the instructions, etc. and be on time to see the T.

Carmen texted that they would be late, at 3:45. But they did not arrive at 3:45. Finally at 4:10 I left for the T (my first day driving and it is a short drive in my town), texting Carmen that the door was left unlocked and they would just need to be careful due to the cats.

I was halfway on my way to the T when Carmen called. THEY WERE UNABLE TO ENTER THE APARTMENT BECAUSE OF THE CATS!!!

So I made a U-turn, came back to the apartment, said hello, shished Adele and Tommy who positioned themselves just behind the door ready to escape, and let Carmen and the other cleaner in.

Then I drove to the T being late for the session for the first time.

On my way back from the T I looked forward to a sparkling kitchen. Indeed, it was sparkling. It cost me $95 for the kitchen but it was incredibly dirty and on a regular basis it would not require so much time to clean thoroughly.

On Saturday they will come to clean the two bathrooms.

Carmen is a very energetic, organized, slim and trim lady, my age. I do not know the name of the woman who speaks Spanish only. Will ask next time. Carmen has lived here for twenty years, like me.

So the problem is that they would not be able to handle the cats. I would need to be present. So I will ask Carmen about making Saturdays a regular date, and hope she agrees.

Another problem is that my garbage disposal does not work, and Carmen wants a working garbage disposal (which is understandable). The unwritten agreement with the landlord, who charges me below-the-market rent, is that I take care of such things myself. I do know an excellent handyman, Bob, but I recommended him to ex several months ago and he hired him. Bob charges $30 an hour only, and would be able to go to Home Depot by himself, buy the garbage disposal and install it. Plus do some other odds and ends I need in the apartment.

Bob is a sweetest guy. He is single, but has raised two foster children, a girl and a boy, into adulthood. He has enough integrity for ten people. And skill. He is just very slow, per ex, but produces an excellent work product. It is OK to be slow, I think. I do not know how to find another handyman who is as good as Bob, at $30 an hour.

So I am thinking of calling him. Why would I care that he has worked for ex as well and might still be working for him? Why does it matter?

Agreed?

Carmen and her coworker did a splendid job. I would never be able to do such a good job.

I am now back at work. With driving, everything is close by and I can handle work-home-therapist-home-work in one day.

That is my update.