Your "blue tarp of shame" comment struck a cord with me. I have always admired those that, in the face of adversity and misfortune, can make a joke. I admire your outlook on life and wish you the best with the repairs.
On the lighter side of things, the morning walk with the cats was interesting. After chasing turkeys from the yard, our young male decided it would be great to roll around freshly deposited turkey pooh. Laying on his back with all four paws sticking straight up in the air, he had a goofy look on his face that seemed to say, "who's a good kitty"