THE GREAT FLOOD OF ’18, PART 2

Is there mold here?

Early Thursday, we began to talk to Insurance Adjuster Tim out of Denver, who gave us the go-ahead to contact a mitigation company. We called the first on the list, a franchise. Mike had commitments both Thursday and Friday, so I heard him say into his phone, “I can’t possibly go today or tomorrow,” and then I heard myself saying, “I could go,” and an appointment was arranged for noon. And then a field adjuster out of Boise (Greg) called and said he could be there by 2:00. And so, I was off to handle the first evaluations by myself.

Daffoldils bloom; lilacs just leafing out

Two young “clean-up” men arrived during the noon hour, and together we surveyed the damage. (They were workers; the company boss stayed in town.)

They said they would get started and that I could leave. No, I wouldn’t be leaving, I said, so I puttered around the yard and pulled rhubarb, which is growing beautifully – one of my successes.

“Oh no, there’s mold here,” I heard one of them exclaim, and they went into panic mode. They said they couldn’t continue until the job was certified safe by a “hygienic specialist.” No one in Lewiston could help me, they said. I could probably find someone in Spokane. I was undaunted because – well – I just didn’t think they were the right people for the job in the first place.

House from the pond

Before the workers left, Field Adjuster Greg pulled in, and the situation of “possible” mold was explained to him. I could see he was unphased. “Call Tim the Adjuster,” said Greg. “He’s a good guy; he’ll advise you on next steps.” Greg spent half an hour assessing the damage and taking pictures.

“Whoever textured these walls did a beautiful job,” said Greg, and I proudly explained that Mike and I learned to texture and did the whole house ourselves. “Well, this time you’ll hire it done,” he said.

"Volunteer" daffodils bloom in the grove

He also commented that I could have whatever I want -- that I'm not obligated to match what was there before. For example, I don't need to replace the hardwood floors with hardwood. Hmmm.

Then he, too, was gone. So, I took my rhubarb, drove back to town, and baked our favorite rhubarb cake. Over supper that night, I said to Mike, “I’ll tell you exactly how I feel about this house project.” He looked startled with a touch of concern. “I’m excited!” KW