The Re-education of Mel and Dave
Saturday we spent looking at other homes, but really our heart just wasn't in it. Nothing we found could compare to the property I blogged for you on Friday.
Sunday we drove out there again. The owners were gone so we had the place to ourselves. Except for the ducks and two of the three roosters in residence. We walked all around and took a ton of photos. The fowl followed. We inspected the forest and tramped all around the pond and gardens. We sat on the stairs and basked in the morning sunlight and tried to imagine living there. The ducks waited. The roosters gurgled. The locusts buzzed. A few cars whizzed by at the road. The fish lazily rose to the surface of the pond, nabbed a fly and resubmerged.
We have made our decision. Today we are going back to The Palmer House and meeting with our realtor to make an offer. This will be the beginning of a new adventure for us. A very different lifestyle comes with this house. I am believing it is a gift, an answered prayer and major challenge all at the same time.
I have had the opportunity of living many different places, in different states and climates, but Dave has always lived in Illinois, either in the city or suburbs. This new place is really the country. He keeps humming the theme to the old tv show Green Acres.
I googled the nearest major grocery store. 19 miles. Hmm. There is a medical clinic in town, and I guess the local gas stations all have milk and bread and beer. Yup, I will have to make some adjustments. Slowing down and de-stressing will be the first.
I took lots of pictures but left my usb cable at home, preventing me from elucidatin' and 'splaining til we get back to Cary.
Saturday we spent looking at other homes, but really our heart just wasn't in it. Nothing we found could compare to the property I blogged for you on Friday.
Sunday we drove out there again. The owners were gone so we had the place to ourselves. Except for the ducks and two of the three roosters in residence. We walked all around and took a ton of photos. The fowl followed. We inspected the forest and tramped all around the pond and gardens. We sat on the stairs and basked in the morning sunlight and tried to imagine living there. The ducks waited. The roosters gurgled. The locusts buzzed. A few cars whizzed by at the road. The fish lazily rose to the surface of the pond, nabbed a fly and resubmerged.
We have made our decision. Today we are going back to The Palmer House and meeting with our realtor to make an offer. This will be the beginning of a new adventure for us. A very different lifestyle comes with this house. I am believing it is a gift, an answered prayer and major challenge all at the same time.
I have had the opportunity of living many different places, in different states and climates, but Dave has always lived in Illinois, either in the city or suburbs. This new place is really the country. He keeps humming the theme to the old tv show Green Acres.
I googled the nearest major grocery store. 19 miles. Hmm. There is a medical clinic in town, and I guess the local gas stations all have milk and bread and beer. Yup, I will have to make some adjustments. Slowing down and de-stressing will be the first.
I took lots of pictures but left my usb cable at home, preventing me from elucidatin' and 'splaining til we get back to Cary.
Mel,
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! It looks like a great house and a beautiful area. Any chance you could take half of that brand new garage and make it into your studio? A little drywall, a window AC unit...just thinking here...
Sharon
I think alot of us would LOVE to see you destress Mel.
ReplyDeleteIf this feels good then by all means, DO IT NOW.
Can't wait to hear the good news.
You know Ms Mel, whilst this property is fabulous, the house really doesn't say much at all and looks like it would make a nice 'weekend' escape or vacation lodge. I am curious, why are the owners still building when the house is up for sale?
ReplyDeleteDear Anon,
ReplyDeleteThe owners aren't still building, that picture of the work in progress is from earlier this year.
The interior of the house has yet to be given the Mel treatment. It is much more modest (and RUSTIC!!!) than our current house, but then really wanted to downsize. At least get down to one kitchen.
Just you wait.
Mel
recalling my six month's quest for a house just in the same school district we has been renting in - the time comes when you recognize that almost perfect is the best you are going to find. A sweet moment.
ReplyDeleteYippee, how exciting!! I'm sure you will adjust just fine - one word - plan your grocery shopping trips & make lists. Can't wait to see the inside w/ Mrs Mel touch.
ReplyDeleteDear Mel,
ReplyDeleteI live in Chattanooga and hope that this property is nearby. I'm looking forward to having an opportunity to meet you and hope that you get involved in the Chattanooga arts community--maybe teach a class locally??? :-)
Are you ready to share with us where this wonderful home is located?
Peggy
I believer that houses seem to have a spirit. It sounds like this one is talking to you. Best of luck.
ReplyDeleteMary Ann
Yippee!!! Can't wait to be the first "guest".
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping your offer is accepted! Great price, low taxes and, at least to me, plenty of room for the two of you. Get a second fridge or a freezer and then stock up when at the big grocery store... you'll be in the groove in no time atall!
ReplyDeleteOh, YAY! When you find that perfect home, you just KNOW it.
ReplyDeleteFear not, living 19 miles from the grocery store. People do it all the time (I do). You just have to be a good planner. And you will sing joyous praises about how glad you are to be living there as you drive the country roads to the market.
It it's "Green Acres" I guess you'll have to become a blonde.
ReplyDeleteI hope it all works out for you.
It sounds perfect.
Your older sister
I am thrilled for you both.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
At the risk of sound like a nay sayer - and usually I'm not, please think carefully on this house. It sounds like it would be a lot of work and what looks idyllic is probably partly an illusion.
ReplyDeleteAlso, does it have a hot tub? A pool? Somewhere to swim? That was something that the two of you wanted.
Ask the owners how much work this place actually takes, cause it's something I think you don't want to sign up for.
Hope this is taken with the intention it's given, as part of a thought process.
cheers, Denise
When I first saw your photos I thought that I could very easily see myself strolling around the pond and relaxing on the verandah. As for the grocery shop being 19 miles away, you soon learn to write a shopping list so as not to forget anything. If it's not on my list, it doesn't make it home.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy!
You know home when you see it. This place looks serene and beautiful and just enough maintenance to keep you both moving. Hope it all comes together for you!
ReplyDeleteWe have 8 acres in the country, although about 6 in forest just sits there (it should have some attention, but doesn't). Country acreage takes a lot of work, even if it isn't all manicured..
ReplyDelete