It all started on Friday when I spotted a hot tub on Freecycle.org. This is a community organization dedicated to recycling items people no longer need to people who would like to have them, with the stipulation that all items are free. My husband has always wanted a hot tub. I, on the other hand, feel like I am sitting in a pot of soup, but that’s me… Anyway, I replied to the offer and got the word back that I was second on the list (thanks, Julianne!) Lo and behold, we later received a followup email saying the #1 person had been a no show so it was ours! Due to computer lag time and life, we didn’t hear until last night that the hot tub was out on the curb but that the normal garbage pickup wasn’t until Tuesday, so we could come today to get it.
Freecycle, anyone?
I was awakened by my husband pounding up the stairs at 9:20 informing me it was time to go and get the hot tub. I had been up till 3 working on a magnet order and was still in major sleep mode. Wait, isn’t it Monday? He’s supposed to be at work! And also, I can hear torrential rain outside… need diet Coke…
By the time I put in my contacts, got dressed and stumbled out to the car, he had hitched up the trailer and was in his rain gear, ready for action. Said he had driven by the house on his way to work this morning and saw it sitting there. Upon arrival at the office, something told him he’d better come home and get it before someone else took it. Meanwhile he is driving like a maniac to get there. I am thinking to myself, “Seriously, this man needs a vacation. He has lost his mind. Like if we get there any faster it’s going to matter… blah blah blah….”
We pull up to the house as the garbage truck was chewing up the hot tub cover. I jumped out of the car and yelled, “WAIT!!! That’s supposed to be for us!” The workers turned to stare at us in disbelief. I noticed a zip lock bag sticking out from the compactor jaws and remembered that the manual was supposed to be under the cover. With complete disregard for my personal safety, I leaned into the truck and emerged victorious with the stinky manual bag. One of the garbage guys grimaced in disgust. I rinsed my hand in a nearby puddle and threw it in the back of the SUV. Meanwhile, my husband sprang into action, whipping out assorted bungee cords and straps. Another garbage truck pulled up behind us. Apparently the first truck had called for reinforcements because the three of them needed help in maneuvering it up and into the truck. How my husband thought the two of us could possibly have loaded it is unknown. The seven of them put their heads together and came up with a plan. Next thing I knew they were hoisting it up on to the trailer. We thanked our new friends for their help and adjourned to our respective vehicles. The adrenalin was running high… we high fived and headed for home. As we passed one of the trucks again, we waved. Hayward said, “What would you think if we invited those guys over for a soak once we get it hooked up?” Perfect. See why I love this guy?
Mom,
At least guests won’t have to touch that manual! Good find – what’s the operational timeline? I got my address I’ll email it to you. Love, Chris
Hi Bean,
This is a great idea.
Hope everything goes well for your son.
I was wondering how you guys got there in the morning when you said you would pick it up after work. I though maybe he worked nights – good intuition! Helpful hint for when you place it in it’s new spot after restoration. We used PVC pipes to slide it across the yard. We had about 6 of them. Put three under the hot tub and push. Then just rotate the tubes until it’s where it needs to go. My husband and I moved it this way all by ourselves – like it was on wheels, easy as you please. I can’t wait to hear once it’s up and running. I’ll tell the garbage guys to head on over.
Very funny story, Eileen! Have you decided where to put it?
Ahhhh, let the soaking begin!
Another good thing about your penchant for late night hours is you two can soak in peace and quiet with just the stars for company!!
Enjoy your new find… you obviously worked for it!
Hugs and Kisses,
P.A.
GREAT story, Eileen. I could picture every bit of it. So, were you able to recover the hot tub cover? Can’t wait to come visit so I can have a soak in your tub. Hayward is such a wise man…and you must love him very much, rising at such an early hour 😉