February 23, 2026 Closing Time

It's really happening! I've already shared Randy is officially retiring and closing the shop. I had no idea that the anticipation surrounding this was one of the factors affecting my sleep and resulting recurring anxiety. The realization that we are in the last week of February shook me loose this morning.

It would appear that the worry surrounding insurance was a bigger issue than I was aware. 

Taking the bull by the horns this morning has ended all concern.  I need to digress just a blink.

Last year, our shop policy increased over $1000/year. Considering the slow down in what Randy agreed to do or not do, it was prohibitive. The prospect of keeping it past its expiration date this year was not even a consideration. There is something so final in asking our agent to not renew it.  Now, he's been taking excellent care of us, and this was no different. He graciously offered his congratulations and assured us of a refund for the balance we won't use. 

Reinsuring the building with our homeowners policy scared me. That emotion was totally in vain. Again, the company carrying us has given us remarkable service. Our policy was amended with but a couple of calls, and the fear of an astronomical rate increase was erased.

Randy has been diligently clearing things out in the building, but in spite of his hard work, it doesn't look all that different, by his own admission. This summer, it will get the ruthless cleaning and simplifying that only I can provide, We have a big anniversary coming up and I'm convinced that if we can get through the clearing without divorce or murder, we can withstand anything.

With a heavy sigh of relief, I can now say that those squirrels once holding a rave have been replaced by all my ducks in a row. ☘

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