It all started when I noticed a strange smell

I was relieved that my downstairs neighbours did not blame me for their apartment dripping with water last week.

On a related note, most of my writing activities lately have been polite emails to my landlord, and instructional signs to ensure the comfort of my feline roommates.

My front door sign for the landlord and contractors

It started a couple of weeks ago when I noticed an odor lingering in the master bedroom’s powder room.

After repeated visits from the workmen to locate the smell and apply unrelated fixes, it became stressful knowing strangers were in my home while I was away. Also, when I would arrive home after work, I had to go on a search for the cats. They also do not like loud noises and strangers in the home.

In wanting to make sure my darlings had the run of the apartment, I placed postit notes on bedroom doors and the inside passage between sections. I even posted a sign on the front door for the workers to see on the way out.

Another sign for the contractors, on the way out

Finally, the smell went away after the workers replaced the flange / gasket thingie under the toilet. In the process though, and I assume after they turned the water off then on again, one of the water pipes burst.

My neighbours soon experienced water gushing into their powder room and along the ceiling in their common areas. They called the landlord. Yikes!

The coordinator sent me an email that there was a “leaking issue” and could I please not use the powder room over the weekend. Sure…

When I arrived home after a Saturday outing, I noticed holes cut in my powder room wall. I assumed they needed to do that to locate the leaky pipe.

The workers had used my good broom to sweep up debris. I itched to make another sign but decided it was best just to hide it and leave the “old broom” accessible for their next visit.

The repair work in my apartment is done, the holes are patched and painted over. I think I’ll wait until the long weekend to clean up and relocate my toiletries. I am lucky in that I have the main bathroom to perform my ablutions. It’s a minor inconvenience considering what my neighbours have experienced!

Thanks for dropping by. If you have time, take a gander at the page for my 2011 novel. If not, here’s a picture of a cat.

Mr. Snuggles asking for Second Breakfast

T