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motorsportbarbie13 · 17 days ago

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Aftermath - Chapter 3

When Lando leaves you heartbroken after you get tired of trying to make nothing into something for far too long, Max steps in to help you pick up the pieces.

warnings: this chapter contains language and descriptions that illustrate abuse (mental and emotional). lando is abusive, full stop but like many survivors of abuse, it takes reader a bit to claw herself out of this. as a survivor of abuse myself, I am doing my best to give this story line the most respect and care that i can. please don't engage with my work if you find any of the topics triggering.i'd also like to point out that this is a character i am writing, i in no way am insinuating or implying the real lando is like this in any way. pairing: max verstappen x leclercsister!reader word count: 4.9k

(Extra special shout out to @nitaekook for beta reading and holding my hand through this fic 😂❤️)

Aftermath - MV33 - Chapter 1 Aftermath - Chapter 2 Master List

“Where do you want these plates to go, my dear?” Jade asks from across the kitchen.

You glance up at her from your spot on the brand new couch that was just delivered to the new apartment that morning. You’re sitting cross legged unpacking a box of the few things that you had brought over from the old apartment. In the kitchen, your best friend Jade (who is also Arthur’s girlfriend of about a year thanks to your meddling) stands holding up one of the new plates that you bought with her yesterday.

“Wherever there’s room.” You say with a shrug, not really caring where the plates go because everything feels weird.

The apartment is pristine with its gorgeous hardwood flooring that Charles had refinished before you moved in, floor to ceiling windows that face out towards the water, and that new house smell that is totally unfamiliar and a little unnerving. You should be happy, shouldn’t you? Finally being free of the stifling apartment that you had shared with Lando should fill you with so much optimism and a sense of relief, shouldn’t it? But that’s not the case. Not even close. You’re scared and nervous and just the thought of deciding where those plates should go seems like the heaviest question you've ever been asked.

Simply picking out the plates yesterday with Jade had been an ordeal and you had needed to take several moments to yourself while shopping. You liked your old plates that you had bought with Lando the week you moved in with him but at the same time, the thought of taking those to your new apartment was more painful than leaving them behind.

Jade must notice your anxiety because as soon as she finishes putting the plates and bowls in whatever cabinet that suits her fancy, she comes over to sit next to you on the couch. When she wraps her arm around your shoulders you melt into her in a desperate attempt to stop a fresh flood of tears from falling. It seems as if all you’ve done since leaving the old apartment was cry and if you’re not crying, you’re barely fighting off an incoming panic attack and jumping with every ding of your phone.

“What’s going on, my love?” Her voice is gentle, like she’s talking to an injured animal that she doesn’t want to spook. It makes you feel pathetic, helpless, and angry for how much Lando has damaged you when he should have been loving you.

You’ve known Jade for years now and she’s always been one of your closest friends. It was Jade that had been the first of your friend group to pull you aside almost a year ago to ask you if you were truly happy with Lando. She had seen the light dim in your eyes as your relationship with him progressed and watching you lose your spark had scared her. When you had told her the morning after your art show last month that you had finally decided to leave Lando, it had been so hard for her to tamp down her excitement that you had finally worked up the courage to leave him.

“I should be happy, right?” You ask, voice cracking a bit with the heavy weight of what closing the door on the apartment for the very last time had done to you that morning. “I mean, I know I’ve been miserable for…” You scoff, “a really long time so shouldn’t I feel something other than heartbreakingly sad?”

Jade tips her head so it rests on your shoulder, a humming sound playing at the back of her throat. “You’ve been with him for a long time, of course you’re going to be heartbroken. Youu’re doing the right thing though, I promise you. He couldn’t even stop playing that stupid video game long enough to support you last month!”

You nod, memory flickering back to the fight in the hallway in front of Max. You hadn’t heard much from him in the weeks since that night aside from a few texts here and there and you had expected that. He probably was mortified at how you had behaved, embarrassed for you that you had allowed yourself to be treated that way in front him.

You wouldn’t have blamed him if he thought you were a weak little girl who deserved the treatment Lando doled out to you. It was the only way you could rationalize his silence. Seeing how far you’d fallen, how much you’d changed, had obviously had an effect on Max and he had decided he’d seen enough. It didn’t surprise you and you didn’t blame him. Jade was one of your only remaining friends and losing yet another person you trusted and valued in your life was just another thing Lando had taken from you.

“I’m just so glad you finally are taking your power back, love. I know it feels all wrong right now but when you go from the chaos that you’ve been living in for so long, I’m sure the calm of this apartment feels wrong. You’ll get used to it. It might take some time but you’ll get used to it.”

Your head swivels around to look your best friend and you search her face for any sign of her lying to you. You desperately want to believe she’s right, that you’re making the right choice. You know you are, deep down in your soul, but you’ve been with Lando for so long and have spent so many nights listening to him rant and rave about how he’s the only one who could ever deal with your dramatics that you wonder if Jade is wrong and Lando is the one who’s been right all along. You don’t voice the doubts though, knowing that those kinds of things are something that you should probably keep to yourself. So instead of voicing all of the fears that are bouncing around in your chest, making it feel heavy and tight with the pressure of doing something that absolutely terrifies you, you just nod and lean further into Jade’s shoulder.

“I know.” You whisper, staring out over the open living room that is littered with small boxes and suitcases.

With the help of your brothers and Jade, you had started moving your things out slowly while Lando had been otherwise distracted. Just a small box of clothes and trinkets here and there, over the last month while Charles had the apartment renovated and cleaned. When it was finally ready last week, you had begun looking for furniture and making final plans.

The timing had worked out perfectly, with the apartment finally being finished perfectly aligning with a weeklong trip Lando had planned to go to Woking to spend time in the sim at the MTC. He rarely bothered you during these working trips, hell he barely bothered you during any of this trips, but his work trips were different, so you knew you’d have a solid week to get everything that mattered to you out of the apartment before he would be any wiser.

“He’s going to be so mad when he comes home and my things are gone.” You murmur, staring down at your phone which hadn’t received so much as a text message from him in almost 48 hours.

You hadn’t bothered telling Lando you were leaving, that you were done with him. You shied away form confrontation on even the best of days so telling the man that you’d spent the last three years building a life together that you were leaving him was terrifying. When you had started moving small boxes out while Lando was still in town, you had half expected him to notice but that had never been a problem. He hadn’t even noticed you leaving on several occasions with boxes of your books or suitcases of clothes.

A larger part of you had another reason for not telling him, though. You knew that if you told him before you were fully moved out he’d try to get you to stay. He’d try to convince you that things would get better, that this time would be different. All the things that he’s said before when you spent the night crying over his neglect. And you knew you’d fall for it. You knew you’d go running back to him if you didn’t get out before he found out. Lando was persistent and an expert manipulator, you knew that and you still fell for it over and over again so this time you were trying to give yourself the chance to put yourself first and not fall back into his trap.

“He’s going to learn his lesson when he comes home and finds that you’re finally moving on.” Jade says, tone firm but still gentle. She knows what it’s like to be in a relationship like you have with Lando and when you had called her that morning last month to tell her you were finally leaving him, she had decided she was going to make sure she’d do everything in her power to keep you from going back to him. Getting you unpacked and settled in your new apartment was a huge step forward, one Jade hadn’t been sure you would end up following through with.

You nod, hoping she’s right but you have a feeling deep in your gut that when Lando gets back into town tomorrow morning he’s not going to see it that way. He’s going to be angry and he’s going to try to get you to come back home to him.

Looking around your new apartment though, you feel something settle in your bones that you haven’t felt in a very long time. It’s a feeling of attachment to this place. Like if you’re careful and thoughtful, this little apartment tucked away in one of the most exclusive buildings in Monaco could be the best opportunity you have for getting your life back on track. You could heal here, you can feel that in the way the sunlight spills through the windows in the living room, in the way your anxiety allows you to breathe when you stand in the kitchen surrounded by things that you bought yourself, and in in the way you feel when you settle yourself on your brand new bed that will have never shared an intimate moment between you and Lando. Those memories have all been left behind and this new apartment seems like the perfect place for a new beginning.

As Jade comforts you on your couch, your brother is across town arriving at the Monaco Sports Club where he has a game of padel scheduled with Max that afternoon. He had offered to cancel on him this morning when you spoke to him on the phone, saying that your first full day in the apartment was more important than any padel game, but you had insisted that he keep his game. You had wanted a bit of space to breathe from your brothers, who you knew meant very well and you were very grateful for but sometimes, the three men got to be a little suffocating. So, against his better judgement, Charles had skipped coming over that afternoon in favor of hanging out with Max.

Max hasn’t stopped thinking about that night last month when he witnessed Lando being needlessly cruel to you. He had every intention of calling Charles that night, had every intention of telling him how the British driver was actually treating you but something had stopped him. He had needed a little more time to process everything that he saw. Max knew that Lando could be an asshole but he never could have guessed that he would have treated you the way he did that night he brought you back to the apartment. It had shaken him and it had taken him a bit to figure out exactly how to approach it with Charles because he knew if Charles really knew how Lando had been treating you, Lando might not make it to the next race alive. Because while everyone knew the relationship was toxic and Lando wasn’t a good boyfriend, no one really realized just how bad it had gotten until Max saw behind the curtain that night of the art show.

When Max had invited Charles to play padel today, he had finally decided to tell him what had gone down that night. It had taken so long because Max kept waffling between ‘this is none of my business’ and ‘she’s everything’ but when he spotted Charles walking through the padel courts towards him, Max was surprised at how happy Charles looked.

“You look happy.” Max observes before giving his friend a hug.

“Oh, it is a very good day, mon ami.” Charles is practically glowing as he smiles over at his long time friend.

Max lifts a brow, it’s been a while since he’s seen Charles look this optimistic and he wonders if it has something to do with you.

As if Charles reads his mind, he continues, “We finally got the apartment finished and as of this morning, she’s fully left that piece of garbage.” A smug smile plays at the corner of the Ferrari driver’s mouth.

The relief that washes over Max is surprising. He hadn’t realized how truly worried he was for your well being until that moment. The guilt that sets in though has his chest aching. How could he have gone so long without saying something to someone about what he had seen that night? Max carefully weighs his decision that he had been so set on just moments before. If you’ve already left Lando and are settling into your apartment, does Charles really need to know what happened that night? It would only cause more drama and Max knew that more drama and anxiety was the last thing you needed.

In a split second decision that he knows could come back to haunt him, Max decides to keep quiet for now.

“That is the best thing I’ve heard all day.” With a genuine grin, Max bounces the padel ball against the floor.

Charles beams back at him and Max can almost see the stress that his friend has been carrying around recently melting away from his features. He had known that your brother was worried about you, had known your entire circle, or what was left of it, was worried but now that this was really happening, Max could practically feel the relief rolling off of Charles in waves.

“You’re telling me.” Charles mutters before walking to the other side of the court to get the game started.

Max hadn’t meant to end up in your old neighborhood, truly he hadn’t. He had been on a run the morning after playing padel for a few hours with Charles when he passed the bakery that was a few blocks from your old apartment. He hadn’t meant to come this far but the pressures of the season were starting to get to him as they usually did around this time of year and he had needed extra time to clear his head. The fact that he couldn’t seem to get you off his mind either plagued him the entire run too. The way you had felt pressed against his side as he walked you home that night last month, the way your cheeks flamed with humiliation as Lando had laid into you in front of him when he walked you to your door, everything about you seemed to be invading his thoughts and it worried him.

It worried him because he couldn’t let you get under his skin like this. He knew it was a dangerous game he was playing, knowing what you’ve been through and allowing himself to wander down that road. He was just happy you were safe now and hopefully you would start to get that spark back that he knew you still had in you. Everything else would have to wait.

So when he passed the bakery you had pointed out as your favorite the night he had walked you home, he couldn’t help but follow his feet inside. The smells of freshly baked bread and sweet pastries washed over his senses as the bell above the wooden door jingled, announcing his arrival. He knew exactly what he was looking for before the woman behind the counter even asked and before he was able to second guess his decision, Max was walking out of the bakery moments later with half a dozen of what he knew were your favorite almond croissants.

A housewarming gift, he told himself. Because what other way should Max welcome his newest neighbor to the building where he had lived for the last two years? He knew these were your favorites and if he had to guess, wandering back into your old neighborhood just for some carbs was probably at the bottom of your ‘to do’ list right now, even if they were heavenly pieces of baked bread and sweet almond filling.

While Max made his way back across town, laden down with a large pink bakery box, you were just getting out of bed and starting your day. Anxiety, a feeling that seemed to be your constant companion lately, sits heavy on your shoulders as you move around the new apartment. The quiet hush that blankets the small space is different than the stifling silence you're used to in your apartment with Lando. It was unnerving to say the least but if you allowed yourself to pause for even just a moment, you could almost feel your soul breathing a sigh of relief.

That wash of contentment is short lived though when a knock at your front door sends your heart rate spiking through the roof. You know that Lando was going to be home today but didn't know what time. It didn’t even cross your mind that there was no way it was him outside your door because he simply didn’t know where you had moved to but just the thought of someone who you weren’t expecting waiting for you and the possibility that it could be your now ex-boyfriend had you spiraling.

Reaching for your phone, you pull up the security system app that Charles had insisted you get installed, despite the fact that this was a very well secured building with its own doorman downstairs 24/7. The person standing outside your door has confusion knitting your brow together.

Pancake ingredients forgotten, you pad towards the door shuffling through various emotions: relief that it isn’t Lando waiting for you on the other side, apprehension about seeing the person that was patiently waiting in the hallway for you, and a bit of relief that you hadn’t lost this person like you thought you might have.

“Max, what a pleasant surprise.” You murmur when you swing the door open.

In front of you, the Dutch driver is dressed for a workout in athletic shorts and a t-shirt, his blond hair covered in a backwards baseball cap. You’re surprised at the shimmer of pleasure that works its way up your spine when he smiles at you but quickly squash the feeling, remembering the pity on his face as Lando had yelled at you that night he walked you home.

“I was on a run this morning and remembered you saying this bakery was your favorite. I thought I’d bring you some almond croissants as a sort of ‘welcome to the building’ present.”

Warmth spreads through your belly at the gesture and you hold the door open to welcome Max into the apartment. “Welcome to the building?” You ask, confused.

Max grins back at you, rubbing at the back of his neck as he follows you to the kitchen. “I live up in the penthouse. I moved in about two years ago.”

Surprise flickers across your face. When you started dating Lando, your friendship with Max had grown distant so it shouldn’t shock you that you didn’t even know where your friend lived. “Oh, I didn’t realize.” You whisper, guilt settling like a stone in your stomach.

Max watches you bustle around the kitchen, decidedly avoiding eye contact with him. For a few moments he just observes you, trying to decide if he should leave or push. Charles had mentioned yesterday that you were nervous about living alone and Max wanted to make sure that you were okay. He knew he should probably leave you alone to continue to settle it, with it being only your second day in the apartment alone, but there was something keeping him rooted to the spot where he stood in the middle of the kitchen.

“Are the almond ones still your favorite?” He asks, shattering the silence that had settled over the room. He knows you’re easily spooked now and Max desperately wants you to be comfortable about him. Maybe if he distracts you from whatever storm is brewing in your head, you’ll open up a bit.

His patience is rewarded with the first unguarded smile he’s seen from you in a long time. “I can’t believe you remembered.” You laugh, reaching for one of the croissants in the open box.

“You used to put these things away like nobody’s business when we were younger.”

The blush that creeps across your cheeks has Max gripping the edge of the counter. The two of you fall into a comfortable conversation of safe topics, mostly about your new apartment and how Max’s cats are doing. You like this, the way you feel around him but you can almost feel your body bracing for the other shoe to fall. You keep waiting to have something stupid slip out of your mouth, causing Max to berate or make fun of you.

Much to your surprise it never happens though and you spend the next hour talking through memories of when Charles and Max were fighting it out on the karting tracks when you were younger. Max remembered you well from those days, how you would beg to tag along with him and Charles and the older boys.

The sun sits high in the sky when your phone start buzzing loudly on the counter. At first you ignore it, too lost in the conversation you and Max are having, the way he is so attentive to everything you have to say and how he asks you questions like he’s genuinely interested in what you have to say. You don’t want the attention he’s giving you to end but when your phone starts buzzing for the fifth time in a row, you get up off the couch to retrieve it. It was probably just Charles checking on you, you hand’t heard from him all day after all.

Your heart sinks and your stomach churns when you see the caller ID though. “Fuck.” The whisper that tumbles off of your lips is broken and harsh, causing Max’s head to snap towards where you’re leaning over the counter, forearms braced on either side of your phone.

“Everything okay?” Max gets up off the couch to join you in the kitchen, concerned over the way you’ve suddenly gone white as a sheet as you stare down at your phone like it’s about to reach up and strangle you right there in the middle of the room.

In the couple of hours that you had spent catching up with Max, you had completely forgot that Lando was due to get home soon. “I guess Lando has discovered I’m gone.” The way your voice shakes has Max’s heart squeezing.

“He doesn’t know you moved out?”

“Well he does now.” You quip, nervous chuckle falling from your lips. The text messages came in first, it looked like. Nearly a dozen of them and as you scroll through the messages, your face heats. Of course this is going to happen with Max here. Why is he always a witness to your humiliation?

Where are you? Why is the closet half empty, where are all your clothes? Baby, why is your treadmill gone? And your Peloton? Where the FUCK are you??? ANSWER ME NOW WHERE ARE YOU??? DID YOU LEAVE ME THERE IS NO FUCKING WAY YOU’RE DOING THIS TO ME RIGHT NOW ANSWER YOUR FUCKING PHONE NOW COWARD

Shortly after the messages stop, the calls start. You stare down at the phone as Max watches as call after call comes through.

“You don’t have to answer him.” Max murmurs, coming to stand right next to you. You have to resist the urge to lean into his warmth, to collapse against the quiet strength that rolls off of him in waves.

“It’s only going to get worse if I don’t.”

“Does he know where you are?”

You shake your head, tears threatening to spill over. Why was this all happening right now? You knew you were safe, that he had no idea where you had moved to but just the thought of being in the same city as him when he was this angry is enough to have the panic threatening to strangle the breath straight out of your lungs.

“Then you’re safe. He wouldn’t ever do anything to put his career in danger, Dovie.”

You have to laugh at the statement because it’s so true. Lando would never do anything to put his career on the line. He’d do whatever it took to keep you in line under his thumb, no matter how mean he had to be to control you but when it came to his career? His first love? He’d never do anything to put his seat in question and you knew that. You had always come second to racing and what Max said was the total truth.

Max watches you shrink into yourself as the calls continue to come in, one after another, and he knows he has to do something. He glances at the time and instantly gets an idea. “I was supposed to go to dinner with Danny in an hour. What if you leave the phone here for the night and come to dinner with me?” He pauses, seeing the panic flicker across your face. “With us. Come to dinner with us.” He corrects quickly. “I’ll call Charles and see if he’s free too? It’s been a while since we’ve all had dinner together.”

Your eyes drop down to the phone, now quiet for the moment, and weigh your options. You know you’re not ready to talk to Lando but the fact that you’re ignoring him makes you feel like a coward. You’re going to have to speak to him sometime but maybe it was okay if you put if off for a few more days. Dinner out with Max, Daniel, and your brother sounds so appealing but you still hesitate.

“Come on, Dovie. You can’t spend the whole night starting at the phone. He’s going to keep calling and it’s not good for you to be alone right now.”

The pain that slices through your heart at the gentle coaxing Max’s tone takes on is almost unbearable. Why is he always the one to see you laid so bare, so vulnerable?

“How did I let this happen, Max?” Your voice breaks, soft and uncertain as you turn into Max’s waiting frame. Without hesitation, Max’s arms circle around you and he pulls you deeper into his chest. Something settles in him then, almost like he’s relieved you’ve allowed him in. The way you shake while he holds you has his chest aching and he’d really like to give the McLaren driver a piece of his fucking mind right about then, but he knows that’s going to have to wait for now. You’re much more important.

“You were in love, schatje and that’s okay. You trusted him and he broke that trust. It’s not a reflection of you, sweet girl, its a reflection of him. You have nothing to be embarrassed about.”

You sob quietly into his chest, soaking his t-shirt through with your tears as the dam finally breaks. Humiliation threatens to drag you under but you allow Max’s words to resonate through you. They soften the sharp edges of your heartache and regret, knowing that someone like Max, who you respect and have known for nearly your entire life, doesn’t think this entire thing is your fault. You sink into his warmth, clutching at the fabric of his shirt, allowing his steady breath to ground you.

Max just stands there, a quiet pillar of strength that he can feel you desperately need right now. Hr murmurs quiet reassurances to you as you cry against him, slowly rocking you back and forth. “Come on,” Max coos, lips brushing against the top of your head. “Go take a shower and then lets go to dinner. I’ll call Charles and see if he’s free. You haven’t seen Danny in ages, right? It’ll be good to get out.”

Dragging in a deep breath, you hold the air in your lungs until they pinch. “Okay.”

With one last look at your phone, you turn away and walk down the hallway, leaving Max starting at your phone which has finally gone quiet. For several moments, Max just stands at the counter in the kitchen, unable to move. Relief floods his veins when he hears the shower start though and he knows that you’re finally making a small step towards getting out from under Lando’s control.

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hometoursandotherstuff · 1 month ago

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Thanks to rabidracoons for sending this big, beautiful, 1907 Tudor in Red Wing, MN. The 5bd, 4ba, 7,564 sq ft home is a bargain at $575k.

All the beautiful wood, including wainscoting, railings, doors and paneling is intact.

Look at this adorable little powder room under the stairs.

Magnificent fireplace. I hate when they refinish a floor around the area rug, though.

The wainscoting in the dining room is stunning, and that light fixture is original. Looks like they left the piano, too. Wow.

This cabinet with the lamps on either side. Did they really need to put on those ugly white handles, though?

From the dining room, step down into the lovely sun room. What a great conservatory this would make.

Then, also from the dining room, enter the pantry. This looks like it's been redone.

The kitchen is huge, definitely remodeled, but I wish they would've matched the wood to the rest of the home. Nice feature- a stainless steel work surface with a stool, right next to the stove.

And, the wheels on the stool allow you to roll around the work triangle. Very cool. I love that.

Lovely eat-in kitchen area with display shelving.

Beautiful room. There are so many original light fixtures.

The stairs get lovely natural light.

This looks like the primary bedroom. It has quite a large fireplace. Nice, big and bright.

Very nicely redone vintage bath.

The bedrooms look very large and they have ensuites.

Very nice. I can't tell if the soap holder and accessories are vintage or reproduction, but they're perfect.

This room has a nice big closet.

Cute smaller room.

Now, this is a vintage bath. It could be decorated so pretty.

But, there's more, above the garage.

It needs work, but it could be a huge apt. up here.

Nice yard. The lot measures .30 acre.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1025-W-4th-St-Red-Wing-MN-55066/74842279_zpid/

#tudor homes #english tudors #old house dreams #houses #house tours #home tour #homes under $600k #submissions

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smokinholsters · 2 months ago

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The Lucky Horseshoes - A Heartland Season 16 AU - Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Amy turned hearing someone coming up and smiled as Finn hit the top step.

“Hey you, I was just bragging about our date.”

He smiled seeing her so happy and before anything put his hands on her waist and pulled her closer for a kiss. “Sorry about this morning.”

“I can’t be upset about your helping a horse.”

“Caleb and Cass should be here soon I guess, Caleb left the rodeo grounds with me and went straight to pick up Cass.”

“She texted that she’s on the way. Guest bedroom and bathroom are all taped. Grandpa and my dad will start on the kitchen next I think.”

“Hi Finn !!”

He turned and smiled putting his arms out for her “Hey Lyndy, are you helping?” He asked lifting her up and perching her on his arm.

“I was helping Katie, we did the whole bottom by the floor and up the sides of the doors and windows until Katie couldn’t reach anymore.”

“That’s awesome, how about I help you two get the rest done after lunch?”

“Are you allowed to climb on the ladder?”

Finn smiled “I absolutely am but you need to help with tape and Katie needs to hold the ladder.”

“I can help.”

“Excellent, hungry?”

Both he and Amy smiled when she nodded.

“Well then young lady, best get your hands washed. There’s soap and a towel in the bathroom.”

“Ok Momma.” She said as Finn lowered her to the ground and found Katie waiting with her hand out. “Come on Lyndy bug, let’s get washed.”

Amy smiled “thank you Katie, we’ll eat downstairs at the table.”

“I took tomorrow off.”

“You didn’t have to do that Finn.”

“I’m not a fan of painting at night, I’ll get the kitchen done for the cabinets and the two bathrooms for the plumber. Paint tomorrow and touch up Tuesday morning, it’s not a problem and I have a 4-hour class Tuesday afternoon so I have to be here anyway. We can get the rest painted next weekend.”

“Thank you.” Amy said leaning in to kiss him.

“Food !!” Caleb called up from the foot of the stairs.

“Stay down there Caleb, we’ll eat in the big dining room.”

They settled around the table downstairs. It was old, oval, oak and huge. They had it restored which was basically lightly sanded and refinished.

“So Finn, what was your big emergency?” Tim called out from down the table.

It was Caleb who answered “Hell Driver threw a shoe and drove one of the nails up into foot. Pretty nasty.”

“Pretty nasty for sure.” Finn repeated “I called Scott to get him numb and double check the wound and then we dressed it. I think he’ll be fine but he won’t be bucking for a few weeks at least.”

“I’m glad you were able to help him.” Amy added leaning over to kiss his cheek.

Tim watched the both of them and before he was able to say anything Jack spoke first. “I’m glad too, that’s the kind of thing they put broncs down for, still might if he won’t buck.”

“We’ll take him before that happens, Caleb keep an ear out please and tell the owner.”

“I’ll let him and Scott know Amy. I’ll be checking him through the next couple of weeks when I’m at the rodeo grounds.” Finn added.

“So what are we doing for the rest of the day? Should Jack and I start painting what’s taped?”

“I think we should get it all taped Dad, Finn’s gonna paint the kitchen and master bath tomorrow and Tuesday for the plumber and the cabinets and we can finish painting the rest next weekend. Most of the furniture we ordered is coming the following week and then we’ll move whatever’s coming from Heartland once that’s done.”

“So about a month or so before moving?”

“Sounds about right Lou.”

“And then we can have a party !!”

Amy smiled at Lyndy “should we have a party sweetheart?”

“With hot dogs and cupcakes !!”

“Good afternoon everybody.”

“Hi Renata !!”

“Hello Lyndy my sweet, are you having a good day?”

Lyndy nodded “we’re moving in about a month.” She said next repeating what she had just heard.

“I can’t wait.”

“We’re going to have a party with hot dogs and cupcakes.”

“Sounds lovely.”

“Do you need me for something Renata?”

The older woman smiled “I do not and being Sunday the kids have voted pizza for dinner. How’s it going upstairs?”

“Taping today, painting starting tomorrow.”

“Can’t say I don’t look forward to your two smiles brightening my days.”

“We both can’t wait to be here Renata, plans for today?” Amy answered flashing her smile.

“It’s a nice day, I guess I’ll spend some time in the garden, then room inspection, kids are cleaning today and since I don’t have to make dinner maybe some reading and a nap or join the kids on a ride later, unless you need something?”

“We’re great, you enjoy your day.”

“She always seems so nice, I’m glad she’s here with you.”

“So am I Lou, she’s great and so far loves it here.”

“Does she come with a story, I mean I can’t believe there are that many ranch moms around.”

“An interesting, somewhat sad story but perfect for us. She spent 25 years as a high school guidance counselor in Red Deer, no kids of her own. Her husband was a mason, you know, steps, fireplaces like that and they both retired when she did. They had bought a small parcel of land outside town and built a small house to retire to and do some traveling and the like. Anyway, he unfortunately passed the second year. After a while being alone didn’t really appeal to her and she thought that maybe doing some volunteer work with CPS would be good for her and started doing some foster care work where she met Clint at one point and he asked if she’d be interested in doing this and she jumped at it.”

“It does sound perfect for this place.” Jessica added “I mean, high school guidance counselor seems a perfect fit.”

Amy nodded “she’s great with the kids , she has a knack for listening and getting them to open up. The kids love her, really a great mom figure to have around.”

“I love Renata.” Lyndy said before adding “done Momma.”

“Carry your plate to the sink then and get washed up.”

“C’mon Lyndy, I’ll go up with you and we can plan out getting your room finished.”

“Ok Finn” she answered reaching for his hand “c’mon Katie, we need you to help.”

Katie smiled and cleared her place “You go ahead with Finn sweetie and I’ll be right behind you.”

“Let me know if she gets to be too much Katie, Finn indulges her.”

“Don’t worry Amy, I’ll be a taskmaster.” She answered with a smile as she turned onto the staircase and headed up.

Lou and Amy were the last and each took a job to straighten up and wipe down the kitchen and dining room table.

“So Finn and Lyndy seem to be getting along.”

Amy smiled as she was loading the dishwasher “Yeah, they’re cute together, he’s pretty patient.”

“And you two?”

“He’s pretty patient with me too.”

“Ty?”

“We’ve talked about him and he hears Lyndy’s questions when I remember a story to her about something we’re doing that reminded me of hm.”

“Probably not that hard on a ranch.”

“No, everything reminds me of him.”

“And Finn?”

“He understands, like I said, patient.”

Lou laughed “You know, come to think of it, farriers are a pretty calm bunch.”

“Either that or get the business end of a horse's hoof in your face.”

“Back to you two, have you uhm?”

“Lou?”

“Well, it was worth a shot.”

Amy smiled at her sister “Not yet but it’s come up, off-handedly.”

“Off-handedly?”

“You know, sometimes as joke or with a play on words, a smirk. Patience Lou, patience, he gets it, we’re good.”

“If it works for you guys who am I too argue.”

“Besides, we don’t have a place.”

Lou smiled “You’re building a place Amy.”

Amy smiled again and gave her sister a loving bump against her arm. “I think it’s crossed both our minds Lou.”

“Then I guess we should get back to it then.” Lou answered bumping her back.

With the groups split up to their individual tasks after about an hour Amy excused herself to check on the others and stopped to lean against the door in Lyndy’s room and smiled at her on Finn’s shoulders taping up the side of one of her windows while Katie fed her strips of blue tape.

“Ladder broken?” She asked.

Finn turned with a smile “More fun this way.”

“So I see.”

“I’m doing a good job.”

“You sure are baby girl, not tiring Finn out are you?”

“Finn’s really strong mom.”

“I’m fine Amy, nothing to worry about, the windows are the last of it.”

“Katie, we good?”

“Just perfect Amy.”

“Then I’ll move on and check on the others, looks like we’re coming to an end.”

By now and with the taping winding down, Lou left to check on Maggies and Lisa and Jessica left to start dinner at Heartland, the remaining crew finished up and met again in the kitchen to inspect their work.

“Looks like we’re done.” Tim said from his spot sitting on a 5-gallon bucket of paint.

“I’m ready for a shower and dinner.” Jack added from his spot leaning against a wall.

“Coming to dinner Finn?”

“I don’t think so Jack, maybe I’ll stop by later. I’m going to give this place a nice sweep and maybe a quick mop before I go, head home, wash up, check on Grandpa and grab a bite. I’ll start painting early.”

“Oh, I could stay and help you finish.” Amy said a little surprised at Finn’s comment.

“There’s really not a lot to do and you should get Lyndy home and squared away, I’ll be fine.”

“You sure?”

“I’m definitely sure Amy and as I said I might pop over later depending on how things go at home and how tired I am.”

“Ok then, call either way?”

“I’ll call for sure.”

Amy loaded Lyndy into the truck while the others headed out to Heartland. Finn had come down to see them off and waited. She smiled at him when she shut the back door and walked over to where he was leaning against the truck.

“Sick of me already?”

He smiled as his hands moved to her waist and he pulled her close against him. “Not sick of you at all Amy Fleming.” He said before kissing her lightly.

“Thanks for this all.”

“Hey, it’s really nothing and I had a great time with Lyndy and Katie.”

“How’s the back?”

“She weighs like nothing Amy and I’m a pretty strong guy.”

Amy smiled moving her hands up to his biceps, “Yeah, I guess.”

“Say goodnight Amy.”

She frowned “What happened to later?”

“Let’s see how I feel after my shower.”

“Fair enough but call.”

“I promise to call ether way now give me a kiss please and get that girl home before she falls asleep.”

Amy leaned forward and kissed him gently and then laid her head on his chest for a second as his hands moved up to hug her before letting her go. “Go shoo.”

“I’m going, I’m going.” She said walking around to the driver’s side as he walked up the steps to the porch.

He could see Lyndy waving as the truck started and waved back to the both of them as Amy’s hand reached over the top and waved at him.

#heartland #heartland-fanfiction #finn cotter #fanfic #amber marshall

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mysun-eyedgirl · 8 months ago

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I have been working on this story for quite a while now. Faith Scott is a character I have been building and changing over the years. I hope you enjoy this. Special thanks to @rookieloveskashi for giving me the courage to finally post something.

Summary:

Faith Scott, a talented network engineer grappling with personal loss, discovers a mystical portal in her new home that transports her to the world of Naruto. There, with her White German Shepherd companion Panzer, she meets and saves Kakashi Hatake, forming a powerful bond as she trains to become a shinobi. Faith faces formidable adversaries. Her journey is marked by intense battles, personal growth, and unwavering determination to protect both her newfound home and her loved ones, all while navigating complex relationships and the overarching threats posed by powerful enemies.

Click to read on Ao3

Chapter 1

I just finished picking up the keys for my new house as the closing date finally arrived. I had signed and it was bittersweet. What should have been a joyous occasion will be etched into my brain as a somber one as I came directly from my father’s funeral, right before that was my eldest and only sister’s funeral and her one-year-old son, my nephew. My father’s car was struck by a drunk driver driving down the wrong way on the highway and they were passengers, and they were killed on impact. I have been told life goes on, which it does, I guess.

As I pulled into my new driveway in my red sedan, the movers behind me. I climbed up the three steps on the faded wood steps to the four-bedroom two-story single-family home with white aluminum siding paint needs redone of course. I opened the screen door and it fell off the top hinges and I look at it lay off-kilter, ‘Can anything just go right?’ I think to myself. I unlock the heavy wooden green door with paint chipping in various places and open it so the movers can bring my things in.

“Ma’am!” One of the movers calls out to me.

“Yes?” I sigh.

“We wanted to let you know in transport, that some of your things have been lost.” He winces no doubt used to being yelled at. “He continues, it looks like it is some clothing items, kitchen boxes, living room boxes. We were unable to locate so we have written you a check.” He hands me the check. I took it from him and walked away.

I guess the answer is no, nothing will go right. The universe wants me to suffer for some misdeed in my past life or something.

“Just put everything in the house please.” I say and go on about the walkthrough. The house is in the middle of nowhere Ohio, middle of nowhere was my preference, Ohio, not so much, I moved closer to my sister to help her with my nephew. She worked on a military base, and we were going to be living together, her husband left her for someone a little, younger and bigger chested. She wasn’t bothered by that. She loved her son so much nothing else mattered. I work from home as a Network Engineer, it doesn’t matter where I am as long as the internet connection is viable.

The wood floors are original oak, just need refinished and sealed. The paneling must go. The kitchen needs redone, the cabinets aren’t even salvageable, they are the original 1950s style. I want to go more modern. As I continued to walk from room to room with my thoughts, I found myself in the basement. I heard the movers yell they were finished, and they left. I looked around, I had a modern washer and dryer left in the dusty basement. There are no cracks in the foundation, it doesn’t smell moist or musty one of the reasons I bought the place it is in great shape, one owner just needs updated. I go back upstairs to go into my car and bring my tools out of my car, my dad always told me when moving keep the important things in your car, so they don’t get lost wonderful advice Dad.

I moved everything from the car into the house, my tools, desktop, monitors, laptop, video game consoles, books and huge first aid kit. I felt a vibration from my pocket and pulled out my phone to answer.

“Hello?” I answered.

“Panzer is all done from his groom. He was a very good boy. Did you want to come get him or would you be needing him dropped off there is an extra fee for that?” The groomer asked.

“Oh! I would love if you could bring him to me.” I replied.

“That is out of our normal service range we will have to charge mileage if that’s ok?” The groomer clarified.

“I will pay whatever.” I stated exhausted with today’s events.

“Ok great. We’ll be there in thirty to forty-five minutes.” I ended the call.

What a lifesaver. ‘I feel like such a horrible mom. Where are his bowls?’ I thought to myself.

I headed to the car to look. “They must have fallen under seat.” I mumbled. Reaching under the seat I found what I was looking for.

“AH HA!” I exclaimed excitedly that something is finally going a bit right.

I brought it in and set up his dishes. The food is in one of the kitchen boxes. If it is not there, I will just order takeout and we will eat together, no big deal.

I decided to take my tools and first aid kit to the basement and get started. I want to keep my mind busy, and off everything. It takes me two trips to get everything down the flight of stairs and set up. The horrible fluorescent lights turned on and my large toolbox opened and organized everything I need out. I get my wireless speaker paired to my phone with my loudest emo music playing and I head back upstairs as I know Panzer is about to be dropped off.

I met the groomer at the front door with the tip and I thank him and said our goodbyes. I close the door and take off the harness and toss it haphazardly to the side. Panzer is so excited but weary as this is a new place.

“Hi baby boy. Did you miss Mama?” I lean down to give him kisses on his big white nose. I have had German Shepherds my whole life, but he has been the biggest and it always seems as if he knows what I need before I even do. I’d be lost without him. “Let’s go downstairs Big Man, this is our new home we need to fix it up. We are going to be here a while.” He followed you without question as you went to work downstairs.

The music continued as I picked up the crowbar and went where I left off on the far wall to start prying off the hideously dated paneling. It was easy to do, the glue they used to attach it was barely holding and only two nails per piece. It didn’t take long. I felt like I had a rhythm going and was on the last piece of this wall. Excited to have started something and getting close to completing a segment had me reeling.

The piece I finished prying hit the ground and Panzer started flipping out. I immediately turned to look at him and he wasn’t looking at me. His nose was in the air, and he was sniffing, his hackles were in the air, and he was growling.

“Panzer, what’s wrong?!” I asked worried. I have never seen this behavior in him. His eyes shot at me and he suddenly moved between me and the wall. This confused me more.

‘I have never seen him like this.’ I thought perplexed. It was just a concrete wall.

I continued to stare at the wall and that’s when the air shifted. As if someone opened a door. Wind blowing through the basement. I looked around confused, the windows are glass blocks, this house was built in the 1950s, the windows don’t open yet there is wind in the basement. I felt my heart beating faster as clearly something is amiss and Panzer sensed it well before you.

The concrete wall swirled and looked blurry and translucent at the same time almost like an old TV set when the signal is not clear, but I can sort of make out a picture but not quite. Just as soon as the wind started it suddenly stopped and the walls picture cleared up. It’s a forest, and there is a small clearing with six trees, three on the left and three on the right. In the center of the trees is a man, he is very close to where I am, and I can make him out. I am not sure if he can see me.

Once, I see the man I realize I have finally fucking snapped. I see him bleeding, he is pale, he has his trademark silver spiked hair like in the show and books. He’s in his jōnin blues and his green vest is almost tattered. His leg is injured, and he’s got a huge gash in his torso. This is all I can make out as Panzer starts to growl. I look up and there is incoming. Six ANBU and they are not of the Hidden Leaf Village. I felt my legs running towards him and that’s when he could see me. He threw what looked to be his last kunai at me and I dodged it. Holy shit he must be dying.

“Kakashi, we have to go, or you will die here.” He looked startled, he doesn’t know who I am, and I don’t blame him. “Six ANBU closing in.” He looks and I can see him calculating. “Shit we don’t have time for this. Panzer!” Panzer jumped through the gate and growled at Kakashi and herded him towards the gate. He stumbled and fell, and I grabbed him by his vest and pulled him through as soon as we were all through the gate closed.

I looked right where my head was, and a kunai stopped right in the concrete at head level. I looked down at Kakashi and he passed out. Shit. Even if this is a hallucination, there still is a chance that this could be real so I will do what I would do in that instance. I need to help him.

I grabbed my first aid kit, gloved up and got to work. There is so much blood fresh, dried and dirt. I can’t salvage the vest. I ripped it off the shirt must go as well. I had to cut through it to get to the wound. I grabbed a roll of paper towels that were within reach and applied pressure to get the wound to stop bleeding. I leaned on it with my knee and while that was working to stop the bleeding, I started cleaning the wound on his leg. My bet is some kind of poison. I don’t know what it is.

“Panzer, stand here. Stay.” Panzer took my place applying pressure. I ran upstairs to my kitchen boxes, I unpacked and frantically looked for the vinegar. I found it in the third box, I remember seeing it. Glad this one didn’t get lost.

I ran back downstair and took over. I poured the vinegar on the open leg wound. No movement. It wasn’t as deep as it could have been but deep enough. I placed some butterfly bandages on it and patched it up. I removed the paper towels and there wasn’t too much blood, the gash is about an inch deep, nothing in there and my guess again some kind of poison got the best of him. I did the same thing, cleaned the wound with vinegar, hoping it would neutralize the poison. I can’t take him to a hospital, shit he’s survived worse. Plus, I know he lives…. unless… Ok none of that. I grabbed the surgical staple gun, removed it from the sterile package and placed four staples in him. Thank God he didn’t move or wake up. That would have been terrifying. Now the I.V. for fluids, I placed an I.V. quickly in his right arm and hung the saline turned the manual drip all the way up. My sister used to always joke that I was prepared for anything. Too bad I was never prepared to lose her.

I turned the music off now that the adrenaline had worn off. I went upstairs and got a pillow and a blanket to try and make him comfortable and to stare at him. I can’t believe this is happening. I needed to keep myself grounded and understand this was real and not a hallucination plus I didn’t want him to take off in this world and panic.

I placed a cool wet cloth on his forehead to help with his slight fever, it wasn’t much my guess it had to do with his body fighting off the poison. Several hours had passed and not much change. He got some color back in his face. Panzer refused to leave my side, so I fed him down here and I have seen him hold his bowels for 48 hours he is fine with this.

I gloved up and started to redress his abdomen wound. It looks clean, not bleeding through, and he seems to be healing at a decent pace; I wonder if that has to do with chakra, I thought. I noticed Panzer stand up abruptly and come next to me quickly. He made a little growl, Kakashi must be coming to. I hurried and dressed the wound to put some distance between us.

Faith Scott 22 and Panzer 3

Created using AI.

#kakashi hatake #kakashi sensei #kakashi x oc #explict #pwp #oc pov #protective kakashi

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zumpietoo · 2 years ago

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I’m glad everything is ok! Hey I’ll take a project update if you want to share the latest you’re up to

Oh sure! Well currently more slowly moving in:

First up is cleaning reorganizing the dressing room (to be completed tomorrow)

Yesterday I flipped my closet to summer and purged a bunch

I’ve also painted a bunch of outdoor stuff (including turning an olllddd armoire into a little tool shed)

After the dressing room is deep cleaning my bedroom

Then cleaning a bunch of smaller mattresses

Sewing pillow covers

Washing all outdoor pillows

Yard clean up (I did a bit of planting already)

Repainting basement trim and stairs

Finally fully finishing it (hanging a ton of space dividing curtains/art/arranging/other painting cleaning)

Refinishing/surfacing my kitchen cabinets and counters

Removing/stripping/resurfacing all the interior door strike plates

Changing all the interior hinges (to more vintage looking ones)

Refinishing the lr/dr floors

I was actually creating a calendar to stay on track—-I think I’ll be done mid-July/early august.

But we’ll seee

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ere-the-sun-rises · 11 months ago

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On the toolkit thing, here's some more pointers:

Dollar stores have tools, usually of decent quality too

Get an all-in-one screwdriver if you can find one

Get robertson head screws (square hole) in 1 1/2" and 2" - robertson screws are easier to install and remove than flat or philips (star/cross) heads and the screwdriver itself doesn't strip as quickly

Electrical tape - not only for cords, but for plumbing and other non-permanent/non-damaging items

Polyfilla and a putty knife can fill almost any hole in drywall and don't require any sanding to make even if you're careful

Caulking fills gaps really well, and bathroom caulking is also water and mold resistant

Spray foam is a cheap and effective insulator for gaps in the walls (just be careful bc that shit is hard to get off)

An adjustable wrench and adjustable pliers (specifically vice-grip curved jaw locking pliers) can solve nearly any issue

Toothpicks and wood glue effectively fill too-loose holes in cabinets. Pack toothpicks dipped in wood glue tightly into a hole, let it set for 24 hours, then come back and cut the excess away with a chisel or boxcutter. You will now be able to re-screw your cabinet door on.

Wood glue can fix most wooden furniture, but may need to be clamped/strapped in position (the tighter the pressure, the closer it will bind)

Pipe cement can stop leaks in outflow pipes (so long as it's allowed to cure)

Other unrelated tips:

NEVER fuck with your electricity. ALWAYS pay for that to be fixed professionally. Same with gas lines.

Plumbing can be fucked with, but don't try to replace whole sections of pipe without knowing what you're doing.

Rugs are superior to carpet. A lot of them (especially mats and runners designed for bathrooms) can be run through a washing machine. They are also easier to replace.

Windex and vim can clean basically everything in your house

Replace your furnace filters regularly (at least once a month if you have animals)

If your windows are drafty/cold in winter, there are plastic sheet kits in hardware stores to seal them up.

Linoleum is a (relatively) cheap and easy-to-usr flooring material that can cover hideous tile or splintering wood.

Cheap glassware is superior to plastic. It doesn't deform or stain and is microwave safe (sometimes even oven safe).

Make sure you know what runs on what electrical breaker

If more than one thing is powered by the breakers that control your furnace or electric stove, get that fixed IMMEDIATELY

Use soft white or yellow coloured light bulbs in rooms you just hang out in (like living rooms/bedrooms) and clear/bright white for utility rooms (bathroom/laundry/furnace rooms/kitchen). It reduces strain on your eyes.

Humans need greenery for our mental health. Put a little plant in each room.

If you're strapped for cash or time, don't buy anything in white. Opt for coloured clothes/sheets/furniture/paint bc it's way easier to maintain and hides dirt better

Mattresses need to be off the floor so they don't grow mold and can regulate your temperature better

Invest in good pillows you can machine wash.

Frozen and canned vegetables are just as good as fresh ones

Cooking roasts from frozen keeps the moisture in better than letting it thaw

You can do a lot with garlic plus and margarine

Real wooden furniture - even second-hand - is always superior to particle board furniture. It lasts much longer, is easier to repair and can be refinished if necessary.

Thick-bottomed stainless steel pots will last you a lifetime - if you have the money for a set, they're well worth it.

Dollar stores have glasses, utensils and poreclain dishware. If you're in a pinch, they're good and sturdy.

If you have a yard, invest in a mitre saw (for tree branches), an iron/steel spade, a metal rake and a metal snow shovel (if necessary) - all with wooden shafts. Plastic gets brittle through the cold. Also, a good bucket never goes awry.

Shop vacs can vacuum up water and medium-sized debris if the filter is removed.

For sandpaper, the lower the number, the more aggressive the grit is. Higher numbers produce finer sands.

things i wish i had known when i escaped my family household and couldn't ask my parents for help

invest in a good mattress early on. there are many other ends you can save on - sleep is not one of them. this is key to how much energy you'll have throughout the day

you don't need a bedframe but you do need a slatted bed base (even if it's just pallets)

opening a bank account is easy

there's youtube tutorials for everything. how to install your washing machine, how to use tools, fixing stuff around the place. channels like dad, how do i? are a godsend

change energy provider as soon as your old deal runs out. you'll get better offers elsewhere and avoid price gouging

assemble a basic first aid kid at home: painkillers, probiotics, alcohol wipes, bandages, tweezers, antihistamine tablets - anything you might need in a pinch

and an emergency toolkit: flashlight, extra batteries, a utility knife, an adjustable wrench, multi-tool, duct tape

set your fridge to the lowest temperature it can go. the energy consumption is minimal in difference and it'll give you +4/7 days on most foods

off-brand products are almost always the same in quality and taste, if not better, for half the price

coupons will save you a lot of money in the long run

there's no reason to be shy around employees at the bank/laundromat/store; most people will be happy to help

vegetarian diets are generally cheap if you make food from scratch

breakfast is as important as they say

keep track of your budget in a notebook or excel file - e.g. rent, phone and internet bills, food, leisure so you'll have an overlook on your spending over the months

don't gamble

piracy is okay

stealing from big stores and chains is also ethically okay

keep medical bills and pharmacy receipts for tax returns

also, file your tax returns early

take up a hobby that isn't in front of a screen. pottery, music, going for a run every now and then, stuff that'll keep you busy and sane

and most importantly... you're allowed to get the stuff you want. treat yourself to the occasional mundane thing. a good scented candle. a bath bomb. that body lotion that makes you feel like royalty. the good coffee beans.

you're free and you deserve to be happy.

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daidi-dragan-glas · 20 days ago

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Gmornin sunshines, yes, I'm still around. Haven't been online much lately, little busy for it and by the time the day is done, I'm out like a light.

The cancer is holding pretty much steady, had to put chemo on hold for about 4 weeks around Christmas time to get my electrolytes straightened back out and get my skin healed up and set a plan to keep either from getting so out of hand. This chemo is being fairly effective, and combined with the radiation treatments I got on the fast growing met in my liver, I may just be able to stick around awhile 😉 those Mets are still shrinking although there's others in my lungs that are growing. Some there are shrinking too and others are static. So... Seems to be kind of a push.

So, between work(that I'm absolutely loving btw because it's got me jumping through hoops and learning like a madman), chemo and other infusions for things like magnesium and other electrolytes, and stripping nearly black kitchen cabinet doors and drawers and refinishing with clear glossy lacquer, I'm damn tired at the end of the day.

I hope allayall are doing even better than you have any right to be, and enjoying life to the best you can.

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twincitiesrefinishing · 2 years ago

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#cabinet painting services #cabinet refinishing #renovation services #best bath fixtures #best paint for door trim #kitchen renovation services #best kitchen cabinet refinishing

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chrissycogan · 9 months ago

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Welcome to Cabinet Refacing Pros, your top destination for kitchen transformations. As the top Cabinet contractors in Escondido CA, we specialize in breathing new life into your kitchen with our expert cabinet refacing services near you. With a focus on quality craftsmanship and personalized service, we offer a range of solutions to meet your needs, including cabinet refacing, installation, painting, and refinishing. Our experienced team is dedicated to delivering exceptional results that exceed your expectations. Say goodbye to outdated cabinets and hello to a fresh, modern look that enhances the beauty and functionality of your space. Trust Cabinet Refacing Pros to transform your kitchen into the perfect gathering place for family and friends. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover the endless possibilities for your kitchen makeover.

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profile-234 · 10 hours ago

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Why Homeowners in Hillsboro, OR Are Choosing Cabinet Modification Over Full Replacements

If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your kitchen or bathroom cabinets, you might be wondering whether to go for a complete replacement or opt for cabinet modification. In Hillsboro, OR, more and more homeowners are choosing cabinet modification over full replacements—and for good reasons!

Let’s explore why cabinet modification is becoming the preferred choice and why Top Refinish LLC is the best company to trust with your cabinet transformation.

1. Cost-Effective Solution

One of the biggest reasons homeowners in Hillsboro are opting for cabinet modification is cost savings. A full cabinet replacement can be extremely expensive, especially if you have custom cabinets or high-end materials.

With cabinet modification, you reuse the existing cabinet framework while making changes to doors, drawers, finishes, and even layouts. This approach drastically reduces material and labor costs, allowing you to achieve a brand-new look without breaking the bank.

2. Less Disruption to Your Home

A full cabinet replacement can turn your home into a construction zone for weeks, making your kitchen or bathroom unusable for a long period.

On the other hand, cabinet modification is a much quicker and less invasive process. Top Refinish LLC specializes in making efficient modifications, minimizing downtime, and allowing you to enjoy your refreshed space sooner rather than later.

3. Customization Without the High Price Tag

Cabinet modification isn’t just about saving money—it’s also about getting the look and functionality you want.

With services like: ✅ Adding pull-out shelves for better storage ✅ Refinishing cabinets for a modern look ✅ Installing glass doors for a stylish touch ✅ Adjusting cabinet sizes to fit new appliances

You can achieve a custom design without the high price of a brand-new installation.

4. Eco-Friendly Choice

Sustainability is a growing concern for many homeowners in Hillsboro. Instead of tearing out perfectly good cabinets and sending them to the landfill, modifying them is a much greener option.

By reusing existing materials, cabinet modification significantly reduces waste and lowers the demand for new wood, making it an eco-conscious choice for those who care about the environment.

5. Perfect for Historic and Custom Homes

Many homes in Hillsboro feature unique, custom-made cabinetry that would be difficult (and expensive) to replace with mass-produced options. Cabinet modification allows you to preserve the charm and craftsmanship of your existing cabinets while giving them a fresh, updated look.

If you have a historic home, this option is especially beneficial because it helps maintain the home’s original aesthetic while still modernizing its functionality.

6. Boosts Home Value

A well-executed cabinet modification project can significantly enhance your home’s value. Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the most important areas when it comes to resale, and potential buyers will appreciate a modern, updated look—without needing to do the work themselves.

By working with Top Refinish LLC, you can be sure your cabinets will look professionally upgraded, helping to increase your home's appeal and potential selling price.

Top Refinish LLC – Your Trusted Cabinet Modification Experts in Hillsboro, OR

When it comes to cabinet modification, experience and attention to detail matter. Top Refinish LLC has built a reputation in Hillsboro for high-quality craftsmanship, affordable pricing, and outstanding customer service.

With expert refinishing, layout modifications, and innovative storage solutions, they can transform your existing cabinets into something beautiful and functional—without the hassle of a full replacement.

So, if you’re ready to give your cabinets a new lease on life, contact Top Refinish LLC today and see how they can help you create the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams—without the full replacement price tag!

Final Thoughts

Cabinet modification is a smart, affordable, and sustainable choice for homeowners in Hillsboro, OR. Instead of dealing with the high costs and long timelines of full cabinet replacement, modifying your existing cabinets can give you a refreshed, custom look in a fraction of the time and cost.

If you’re ready to update your cabinets, Top Refinish LLC is here to help! Reach out today and take the first step toward transforming your space.

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hometoursandotherstuff · 8 months ago

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One of my favorites hasn't sold. The 1937 Art Deco masterpiece in Medfield, MA has been for sale since 2022 and has gone from $3.175M to $2.495 and this time it's been on the market 91 days. The 7bd, 6ba home also comes with the gray house in the inset.

Large entrance hall.

Modernist Art Deco fireplace. The owners blue statues are very impressive. I wonder what they're worth.

The star of the home is the staircase. It's like a piece of art itself with it's intricate lines and curved glass block walls.

The dining room and the beautiful floor is the room you see thru the window, walking to the front door. It looks like it has doors that can be closed either for privacy, or to make a smaller room.

The lovely sitting room. Note the tall wooden indoor shutters on the windows.

The floors are original and have been beautifully refinished. In this room, a long wrap-around cabinet unit is a built-in.

Around the wall is a continuation of this room with a fireplace, then more shelving.

The round window has a wonderful blue floor and room for seating.

The large kitchen is a blank slate and features professional appliances.

The primary bedroom is a nice bright room.

Right across the hall there's a bath.

Lovely remodeled bath with the original tub and two slightly different sinks.

There are so many details to this staircase. Aren't these glowing lights lovely at night?

How the rounded window sitting areas look at night.

This is so beautiful, it's a dining area, but also a conservatory off the kitchen.

There are rooftop terraces.

There are 8.79 acres of land that include this ranch home.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/70-Main-St-Medfield-MA-02052/57457038_zpid/

#art deco homes #old house dreams #houses #house tours #home tour

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260dogwood · 3 days ago

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Here’s a DIY Materials & Project Checklist that breaks down the key items you can source and tasks you can tackle to optimize costs for the 260 Dogwood Drive renovation:

1. Materials to Source from Habitat for Humanity ReStores (or Similar)

Focus on salvaged, lightly used, or discounted items to save on major costs.

• Kitchen:

• Cabinets and shelving units

• Countertops (pre-cut or custom options)

• Sink and faucets

• Appliances: stove, refrigerator, dishwasher (if needed)

• Lighting fixtures and wiring supplies (if available)

• Bathroom:

• Vanity, sink, and mirrors

• Toilet and bathtub/shower units

• Faucets and plumbing parts

• Flooring:

• Vinyl, laminate, or tile flooring (look for leftover lots or surplus stock)

• Doors and Windows:

• Used or discounted exterior/interior doors

• Window frames and screens

• General Construction:

• Drywall and insulation

• Wall paneling and trims

• Paint and primer (sometimes available in surplus)

• Roofing materials (if they have extras)

2. Tasks You Can DIY

By doing as much of the work as possible, you’ll reduce labor costs dramatically.

• Demolition:

• Tear down old cabinets, walls, and flooring yourself. Be cautious around electrical and plumbing lines.

• Painting:

• Interior walls, ceilings, and cabinets (even salvaged cabinets can be refinished for a fresh look).

• Kitchen and Bathroom Installation:

• Install pre-made or used cabinets, countertops, and vanities.

• Basic plumbing hookups (installing sinks, faucets, and toilets).

• Flooring Installation:

• Lay down vinyl or laminate flooring. This is beginner-friendly and cost-effective.

• Deck and Porch Repairs:

• Rebuild or reinforce framing and decking with salvaged wood.

• Siding Repairs:

• Replace or repair wood siding with salvaged materials, if available.

• Minor Electrical Work:

• Install outlets, light fixtures, and switches (after confirming safety and local codes).

3. Project Milestones and Suggested Materials per Quarter

Quarter Project Key Materials to Source DIY Focus

Q1 Roof repairs, siding fixes, porch safety Roofing materials (if available), exterior siding panels, basic wood for porch framing Roof patching, porch reinforcement

Q2 Electrical, plumbing, HVAC setup/prep Wiring materials, outlets, basic plumbing supplies, ductless HVAC (if possible) Basic wiring and plumbing connections

Q3 Bathroom installation and interior framing Bathroom fixtures, drywall, insulation, salvaged wood panels Install vanity, drywall framing

Q4 Kitchen installation (part 1) Pre-made or used cabinets, countertops, sink, appliances Cabinet assembly, countertop setup

Q1 (Year 2) Kitchen completion (part 2) Flooring, backsplash materials, any missing appliances Backsplash install, flooring setup

Q2 (Year 2) Flooring, finishing touches, and porch Vinyl/laminate flooring, paint, doors, and porch deck boards Final paintwork, porch rebuild

4. Tips for Efficient DIY Work

• Batch Tasks: Focus on one section of the property at a time (e.g., kitchen first, then bathroom) to stay organized and efficient.

• Tool Rentals: Rent specialized tools like tile cutters or saws as needed instead of purchasing them.

• YouTube Tutorials: Lean on online guides for specific projects—plumbing and cabinet installation tutorials can be especially helpful.

• Friends/Family Help: If possible, gather help for bigger tasks like demo work or drywall installation.

Here’s a quarterly budget breakdown to help you allocate the $5k per quarter effectively while working through the DIY renovation tasks. I’ve listed the approximate costs per task based on sourcing materials from Habitat for Humanity and doing the labor yourself.

Quarter 1: Roof Repairs, Siding Fixes, and Porch Safety

Budget: $5,000

Task Cost Estimate Notes

Roof patching or partial replacement $2,000 - $3,000 Habitat for Humanity may have discounted shingles or metal sheets.

Basic siding fixes or partial replacement $500 - $1,000 Focus on repairing the most damaged areas first.

Porch reinforcement or temporary repair $500 - $800 Salvaged wood for framing and deck boards from Habitat stores.

Miscellaneous tools or materials $200 For nails, screws, or small items needed along the way.

Quarter 2: Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC Prep

Budget: $5,000

Task Cost Estimate Notes

Basic electrical updates $800 - $1,200 Replace old wiring, install outlets, and upgrade light fixtures.

Plumbing prep (bathroom & kitchen) $1,500 - $2,000 Run pipes and install rough-ins for sinks, toilets, and showers.

HVAC setup (basic system or ductless mini-split) $2,000 - $3,000 Consider used or affordable new systems from local suppliers.

Miscellaneous tools or materials $200 Small items like pipe fittings, electrical boxes, etc.

Quarter 3: Bathroom Installation and Interior Framing

Budget: $5,000

Task Cost Estimate Notes

Framing and wall paneling $1,000 - $1,500 Salvaged wood, drywall, or paneling from Habitat stores.

Bathroom fixtures (toilet, sink, tub/shower) $2,000 - $2,500 Look for deals on vanities, toilets, and tubs.

Minor insulation and waterproofing $500 - $800 Insulate bathroom walls for moisture control.

Miscellaneous tools or materials $200 For adhesives, screws, or brackets.

Quarter 4: Kitchen Installation (Part 1)

Budget: $5,000

Task Cost Estimate Notes

Pre-made or salvaged cabinets $2,000 - $3,000 Habitat often has affordable or gently used cabinets.

Countertops (used or basic) $1,000 - $1,500 Look for pre-cut options or affordable custom alternatives.

Sink and plumbing hookups $500 - $800 Install and connect the sink and faucet.

Miscellaneous tools or materials $200 Seals, caulking, or any minor plumbing accessories.

Quarter 1 (Year 2): Kitchen Completion (Part 2)

Budget: $5,000

Task Cost Estimate Notes

Appliances (used or new) $2,000 - $3,000 Search Habitat, local classifieds, or discounts for major appliances.

Backsplash and finishes $500 - $800 DIY-friendly tile or peel-and-stick options.

Final plumbing and electrical $1,000 - $1,200 Connect appliances and ensure outlets are properly installed.

Miscellaneous tools or materials $200 Caulk, wiring, or other small tasks.

Quarter 2 (Year 2): Flooring, Finishing Touches, and Porch

Budget: $5,000

Task Cost Estimate Notes

Vinyl or laminate flooring $2,000 - $3,000 Salvaged or bulk buys can save costs.

Painting and trim work $500 - $800 Habitat stores often have discounted paints.

Porch replacement $1,500 - $2,000 Rebuild or replace with salvaged deck boards or treated lumber.

Miscellaneous tools or materials $200 Sandpaper, paintbrushes, or finishing nails.

Total Estimate for Full Renovation: ~$30,000 - $40,000

By spreading the work across 6 quarters and sourcing materials affordably, you’ll stay on track with $5k per quarter. Let me know if you’d like adjustments for specific tasks or assistance estimating further!

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