And now, this!

I am going to start with a very good report, before breaking down into (probably needless) whining. Just so you are warned!

With Daniel's hiking adventure cancelled, he got busy looking for a place to live in San Angelo. Since he was still here in NE Oklahoma, that was an online search. He'd found several, though most were not returning his calls or messages due to the New Year holiday. One in particular he really liked. They finally returned his message- an open house was to be held Saturday from noon-2 pm for potential renters to attend. He got this message on Thursday afternoon.
There had been major snow and ice- with some great accumulations- in the 580 miles between NE OK and San Angelo. It is normally about a nine and a half hour drive. This is the south. People cannot drive on snow and ice. Nevertheless, we scrambled to get Daniel ready to move on down to Texas. Tom was really fretting about the scramble- we had originally planned to leave on Saturday instead of Friday. The warm weather would have the roads clear. Daniel chafed at the delay- he really liked the place. He finally agreed that it would be better not to hurry down in bad weather to see a place.
Then, God began to open doors. Or perhaps I should say, we saw the doors begin to open as God had already set into place. Another small garage apartment was listed. It was $200 LESS per month, PLUS all the utility bills were included. (The place showing on Saturday did not include bills.) Dan contacted them, and they responded at once. Their application process was just a bit different. They asked Daniel for a brief paragraph or two about himself. What was his lifestyle, where did he see himself in five years?
It was an answered prayer- I had actually said, if anyone would get to know Daniel, ask him a few questions about himself, they would see he would be a great renter. All of the apartments we had looked at on a previous trip had only been interested in rental history. Dan has paid rent to us for about four years... but THAT doesn't count. There were either massive fees for first time renters, or you needed a co-signer.
The viewing of the apartment was set up for Monday. We learned from Benjamin, the address was actually in a nicer part of town. Tom and I went down with Daniel, as Tom's truck was better for pulling the UHaul trailer. We left his belongings stored at Becky's until Dan would be able to get a place of his own. Tom and I had a nice visit with the San Angelo area grandkids. We headed home bright and early Monday morning.
Becky went with Daniel to look at the apartment. Becky and the person showing the property recognized one another. Becky knew the lady from Tyrel's baseball team a couple of years back, and from Tyrel's Trail Life group. (Trail Life is an organization for Christian boys akin to what the Scouts used to be.) The lady also knew the Zesch family, which was among Daniel's references. Daniel liked the place, the lady liked Dan. She verified his credentials... and Dan now has his very first apartment of his own.
And now, for my whine.
Every year, there is a Mother's Retreat. I got to go once. Daniel asked if I would like to go this year. He was going to sponsor my fee. I was really excited to go.
Mr C asked how I planned to get there. I told him I would borrow Sam's car. Sam was good with that. So Mr C just flat said  I can't go. The trip costs too much in gas and sundries.
I don't have an income. (He did NOT point that out.) We are down a rent-paying son... so all the burden of support falls on Tom. This just isn't a good time for me to spend ANY money.
I will suck it up, and look forward to getting to have Camp Cowgranny, saving my pennies in the meantime!