Hurricane Ida did very minor damage to our home, blowing a turbine fan off the roof to create a small hole in the roof which we quickly fixed before the new rains came. And assuming we’d be back in a day or two, we had foolishly not cleaned out the fridge so it was a stinking disaster, but thanks to my daughter’s help it is clean and almost sweet smelling once again. In other words, I have nothing to complain about, especially compared to the suffering of others from this hurricane and from all the other covid and climate disasters the world is facing.
However, I inadvertently planted a red herring in my last post by mentioning the leak in my ceiling the day we left and then never telling what I found when we came home: A large chunk of my kitchen ceiling waiting for us on the kitchen floor.
Ralph had turned off the washing machine (but not the water heater as he thought, a mistake that didn’t matter in the end). The problem was that he didn’t notice that the hose that takes the water to the drain had come loose and disconnected from the drain. When my contractor Enrique–who has finished my renovation but now considers me his customer for life and actually contacted me during evacuation to see how we were– came by to assess hurricane damage, he not only took care of my roof but in five minutes reattached the hose securely. I spent the next day deep cleaning the kitchen, a strangely gratifying chore, and we’ll fix the ceiling once we know its all dried out. Of course, pre-Alzheimer’s Ralph would have figured out the problem before it got so bad, but I have to stop relying on that Ralph and start relying even more on myself (and, thank God, Enrique ).
Alice in Memoryland 
Thanks for the update. I agree with your final assessment–“I have to stop relying on that Ralph and start relying even more on myself…” Thank God you do have someone who you can call on for physical help. That is a blessing. Take care!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was waiting with bated breath to learn the end of the washing machine leak story! I’m sorry it happened but glad that Enrique will be able to fix it. I am learning to navigate the contractor world myself and know what a shock it is when your spouse used to be the handyman. My husband did everything – installing a new furnace and AC, all electrical and plumbing needs – until he didn’t. He also left many projects almost done over the years, which disguised his growing disability. This has been the second most difficult practical adjustment to our lives (the first was winding down his business). I think we have finally reached a point where my husband won’t chase them off and tell them not to do the work. Now, if only we weren’t waiting in line with so many other people – everyone is working on their houses right now! That must be even more the case near you after the hurricane. I’m glad your home came through so well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your situation definitely mirrors mine. Closing the business and handling the mechanic of contractor type work that Ralph always handled himself have been definite challenges, both practical and emotional. While I like the sense of self-reliance I have gained, the adjustment to how to include him without really including him is exhausting. And Ralph is not quite past chasing off workers. I have an electrician I really need to call and hope Ralph doesn’t remember their last encounter (the electrician took Ralph’s behavior in stride).. Thanks so much for sharing….
LikeLike