Don't Waste That! I find a blank canvas to be very daunting. I was in grade school when California's Proposition 13 passed; it froze property taxes at 1976 levels for houses that remained in the owner's hands, or the hands of their heirs. That meant that school funding was suddenly stagnent and budgets tightened immediately. … Continue reading Settling In: Blank Page Syndrome
Ten Months already!
One phrase I've repeated often: Time is weird. On one hand, we have been back home for nearly a year. We are happy here, settling into new routines and reestablishing connections with family and friends. My commute of just over one hour (without traffic) is beautiful and not too long. On the other hand, it's … Continue reading Ten Months already!
New House Chronicles: Filling a Beautiful New Shell
When we closed escrow on our new house, the sales agent said, "You've built a beautiful home!" It took some restraint to not laugh in her face. WE didn't build anything. We were offered some design choices, but our new house in a new development looks nearly identical to the one behind us, and the … Continue reading New House Chronicles: Filling a Beautiful New Shell
New Home Chronicles: Settling In
The movers arrived on time and in good form three days before we were set to relinquish our newly sold house. We used the same company to move back to Sonoma County as we did to move to Mendocino County. Careful Moving and Storage gave us excellent service all around. There was a multi-day delay … Continue reading New Home Chronicles: Settling In
House Hunting Chronicles: Gratitude
We have many reasons to feel gratitude in general, but this week I am feeling thankful for an abundance of love and friendship. My aching back and I sit at my desk as I type this; there is a very affectionate cat licking my nose, face, shoulders and arms. She also attempts to cuddle on … Continue reading House Hunting Chronicles: Gratitude
House Hunting Chronicles: Oh, the pain!
The movers will be here in one week. Let me pause, here, while I try not to panic. I'm beginning to think that moving is akin to childbirth. I know, weird comparison, but think about it. I have strong recollections of what my body felt like while in (a very long) labor, but I can't … Continue reading House Hunting Chronicles: Oh, the pain!
House Hunting Chronicles: Choosing a New Home
Twice I have walked into a house and KNEW it was the one I wanted: the first house we bought and the house we currently live in. Each made us gape in amazement at the beauty of the design and layout. We walked around and kept uttering things like, "oh, fuck" as we saw the … Continue reading House Hunting Chronicles: Choosing a New Home
House Hunting Chronicles: Can she sing already?
Yes, we have found a buyer. Yes, we have found a home to buy. Yes, we are in contract for both. As our agent astutely points out, "It's not over until it records." In other words, all deals could fall apart until the counties of record have recorded both real estate sales. So the low-grade … Continue reading House Hunting Chronicles: Can she sing already?
House Hunting Chronicles: Dude! Where’s my stuff??
I've not actually seen the movie, Dude, Where's my car, but I do often feel as dumb-founded as the two boys appear in the trailer. We are nearly three months into the home selling experience. I can't remember if there have been 4 or 6 or 42 open houses. There have been more than a … Continue reading House Hunting Chronicles: Dude! Where’s my stuff??
House Hunting Chronicles: Did you know that booze has an expiration date?
When the hubby and I were first married, we went to visit some friends who had moved out of the Bay Area to a rural location. We had a great time getting caught up, touring some of the area, and of course, having a few drinks. I tried a Golden Cadillac for the first time. … Continue reading House Hunting Chronicles: Did you know that booze has an expiration date?
Visceral Musings 