The Cool House: In mourning

Monday, September 21, 2009

In mourning


As if my trip to Brussels wasn't frustrating enough I learnt on my return that my beloved handyman had sold his house, packed his bags and was moving South - retiring for the second time.
He wasn't our first "contractor", we tried several - each worse than the last - before we found The Handyman. He came via our neighbor (who was very reluctant to let us have his number, so sought after was he) when two of us had unsuccessfully tried to sister in a Dutchman. His work was remarkable, clean and perfect in every detail. Over the years he has been responsible for all the great renovations at The Cool House: the bathrooms, the powder room, the laundry and the repairs and maintenance: the gate, saving the siding and fixing the bridge. I had just emailed him a list of things (big and small) that needed his attention this fall when he called to give me his news. I cried. I'm happy for him but devastated at the same time. Where in this world will I find another person who can do such great work, who will cooperate with me to solve problems and design dilemmas, who is willing to go the extra step... and who likes the nosey animals?

4 comments:

Jean Martha said...

Oh that's rough. I'd cry too.

I can give you Raul's number. He travels to Long Island so long as there's enough work to qualify for a full day. He doesn't design, but he is meticulous, honest, a great handyman and speaks very good English.

NV said...

Crying for you and hoping that THAT day is far, far in the future for our Lawrence (though I know it can't be too far off.)

Anonymous said...

How far are you from Madison, NJ? I have a friend there that may be able to help you out with this dilemma.

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

I would totally cry. Frankly, that blows. A good handyman is worth his weight in cinderblocks.