Dear Zed 11/17/23

If you have a question for Zed, please email dearzed@shamblingbraineaters.com.

I think I've been ghosted:

Dear Zed,

I recently purchased a new home. During the purchase process the home was thoroughly inspected. From the basement to the roof. Electrical, plumbing, you name it. Everything came back as being in immaculate shape. There were no encumbrances or flaws listed in any of the paperwork. But I am beginning to think the prior owner failed to disclose a fairly major issue. 

The place is haunted, I think. 

Things have been "weird" since we moved in. Clocks change to 3:15 at random. The furniture has rearranged itself in the middle of the night without any sound. I'm a light sleeper, so I would definitely hear one of the kids out of bed moving the couch.... And don't get me started on the inordinate number of flies. We keep a very clean house. Trash goes out once a day even if the bag isn't full. 

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Anxious in Amityville

Anxious:

First and foremost, resist the urge to get any clergy involved. If your new home truly is haunted, this will only escalate the situation. 

This probably isn't the answer you are wanting to hear but cohabitation is probably the easiest. It sounds like whatever is going on could potentially be the spirit of an interior decorator. Or perhaps a feng shui practitioner. Consider taking their advice. You are only fighting the inevitable at this point. Might as well relax and make the best of the situation.

Not really sure what to tell you about the flies. Maybe call a pest control specialist??

Holiday Conundrum:

Dear Zed,

I'm hosting the family's Thanksgiving dinner this year. But my brother has upended things. He wants to bring his girlfriend. We'll call her Stacy. She's a nice person. The whole family seems enraptured with her. Well, almost everyone. Uncle Steve always seems uncomfortable around her. But he is ultra-evangelical and seems uncomfortable around a lot of people. Overall she is a net positive for my brother. He was very depressed before he met her. He had some health problems that were wearing him down. But since meeting her, he's back to his old self. Full of vim and vigor. It feels good to have the "old" Tony back. 

Traditionally, we eat about noon. Then we spend the afternoon either napping or reading quietly. Dinner is leftovers, followed by an evening of board/card games. 

Stacy says she can't be here until after sunset. From past experience, she won't be dinning with us. She says she has dietary restrictions and doesn't want to impose on us. The thing is, I'm willing to accommodate the restrictions. I don't mind it at all. But she won't tell us exactly what she can or can't consume. I have no problem respecting her privacy. I just wish she would open up a little so I can make her feel more welcome. 

Since she won't be eating with us, would it be rude to just plan the day as normal and assume she will only be here for the evening of games? Also, no matter how many times we tell her to just come on in when she gets here, she insists on knocking on the door. She won't come in until one of us opens the door and invites her in. 

Hopeful host

Hopeful:

If I were in your shoes, I would just go ahead as is the normal tradition. Don't get me wrong. I think it is great that you are willing to accommodate the needs of Stacy. Based on the details given, and past experience, you can't provide for her dietary restrictions. While it isn't my place to spill the proverbial tea... it sounds like Tony has found the roots of a long term relationship. Accept Stacy for what and who she is. Respect her privacy and just go with the flow. 

That's it for this edition. Until we meet again, stay groovy.