Watching.

I really do love living in this place. Most of you know that if it were my choice I would have chosen a nice new/newer home with a good size backyard. Steve has always wanted land and found this place very appealing. I wasn’t so excited about it at first and needed some convincing. I didn’t want to deal with a fixer upper and found the property (1 1/2 acres) to be very overwhelming. Finally I agreed to take the plunge. Was their times that were really difficult as I struggled with having an ugly house and yard?? Yes!! Is it still difficult? At times, yes it is still difficult, but for the most part I have learned to appreciate what we have.

We have seen deer, raccoon, hawks, snails, snakes, a rabbit, bats, chipmunks, mice and shrews (sp?), and birds and squirrels are part of daily living. We live right in town but it feels like we are out in the country. The kids have so much room to play and love to be outside. I can do projects outside that I could never do in our townhome. The house is coming along, slowly, but it is moving in the right direction. There is so much potential and it will be beautiful when it is finished.

I have been amazed at peoples reaction when they have seen our home. They are so complementary. Where I see an overgrown yard, they see a wonderful place for the kids to play. Where I see an old porch and deck, they see a place to enjoy the view and our beautiful sunsets. Where I see an old house that needs so much work, they see an open floor plan for entertaining and the possibility to have the house just the way I want it. They have helped me see it. Now, for the most part, I have stopped apologizing for my home when people come to visit. I’m truly grateful for what we have and for the choices we have made. I’m far from perfect but I feel that I’m headed in the right direction. Photos like the one above help me to see why we chose what we chose and live where we live.