New England's Narrow Road

Fall… and Christmas… Already?

Why are we always pushing things. Can’t we just enjoy what is in the here and now? I am just beginning to enjoy summer and it’s almost August. I worked for 5 hours in my yard yesterday to get some clean up done and some flowers planted. I suppose most people have done this in Spring and now they are off vacationing or doing fun things during their summer Saturdays, but I am behind.

Then I got a notice that I had sold 100 beach Christmas photo cards! Wow- some people do plan ahead. In the online shopping and selling world, it is really too late to begin making Fall items to sell. The items will take some time to get “out there” for people to find, but I opened a new Zazzle “Fall Colors” wedding store anyway. Most of my fall wedding stuff is hidden in my main store so I thought I’d get it all together, along with new things, to make it easier to find.

I love the Fall season and cherish every moment of it. Now that I have moved I won’t get to see the color around the lake, but look forward to seeing what this new area has for color. It’s an opportunity for new photos. But, today I will enjoy the summer day, and not think ahead.

A Camp Style Bathroom

green and yellow bathroom — Camp style bath

Now that I have moved, I have to get used to new things all over again. Or should I say, “old things” that are new to me? I love that I have windows in both my bathrooms, even though the one downstairs only opens a few inches, due to the fact that I am not strong enough to shove it open more. Almost all the windows in the house are old and balk at being opened. A bathroom without windows is pretty dumb. It’s the one room that gets steamy and needs fresh air the most, so why is it that houses are built without considering that? I lived for 3 years in a rental with a tiny bathroom and no window, so having windows now is like heaven to me!
The upstairs bathroom (in my picture) reminds me of being at camp. Why on earth anyone would paint their bathroom bright yellow and dark green is beyond me. Even the stall size shower reminds me of going camping and taking showers in the hideous camping bathrooms – except that I love my shower. It’s small, but the water gushes out and it feels so good. Then I put up my window fan and pull in the fresh air and give thanks that I am standing in my own house – camp bathroom and all.

The Last Big Move

Cutest house on the island — Image by kendura99 via Flickr

Although my motto is “never say never”, I am hoping that this was my last big move. I found a house I could afford on my meager resources and lo and behold, I was approved for it! The process was a long one – 3 months altogether (I think a house can be built in that time frame)- but it was worth the trouble because now I am once again a homeowner! It feels so good. (NOTE: The house pictured IS NOT MINE.)

After being without the internet for about 2 weeks, it will feel good to be able to get back to my everyday blogging and Zazzle work, but first I must change my address with the many places who need the update, and I need to organize my office workspace. Right now I am working off of a card table that jiggles with each word I type. I am surrounded by unpacked boxes and a rolled up rug waiting to find a spot on the floor. My bills are scattered over a desktop that I can barely see and fans are running to keep me cool. Who has energy to do anything in this heat?

The heatwave began here in the northeast on the day I had the movers coming and I’ve been sweating ever since. I am thankful for the shady trees in my yard, but even they couldn’t help cool us off yesterday when the temps were outrageous. I do have one more move to make – emptying out the storage unit – but there is not a lot in there. I’m hoping for cool days the end of next week.

So far:

the fridge was out of commission for 10 days
there was a mix up with the Comcast cable/phone/internet company which made me wait an extra 5 days for service
My Zazzle paycheck was 4 days late (due to address change)
The woodstove came with me and is stored in the garage- long story (Anyone need one?)
My nice washer and dryer wouldn’t fit through the shed door by the basement so I can’t use them.
The locksmith cancelled at the last minute so I hope that I don’t lock myself out before he gets here next week.

Aside from all that, I need a new car and I have a list of fixes to make to the new house that must be done before winter.
But, it’s all good — I am a homeowner!!

Packing and Selling and Downsizing – Again

In 2005 I did a big move from Florida to New Hampshire. That was not fun. In 2007 I moved out of my nice house into a rental in Hopkinton. (Long, unhappy story) It was the beginning of my life as a renter again after 25 years of owning my own home. In 2008 I moved to a 3-story condo in Bennington – well almost. Almost all my things were moved into it, but then it flooded, from the top floor down, when a bathroom sprung a leak. It was unlivable and this was one week before I was to live there.

The property manager who was renting the place to me found me another temporary place (a small camp-type house with a composting toilet) where we lived for one month, but realizing that the water damage would take a long time to fix, I decided not to wait and ultimately found the duplex to rent where I have lived for the past three years.
Now I am moving into a home of my own and this move is a very happy one for me, but there is so much to take care of and lots more downsizing to do. My wood stove that sits in the basement here won’t fit in the small fireplace of my new place so I have to sell it.

I put up flyers in town, but truthfully I don’t think anyone wants to even think about winter and wood stoves at this time of year, so I have my doubts about selling it.

** The guy from the Heat is On stove shop was suppose to take my stove and put it up for consignment. He came by my house but didn’t have the right vehicle to take the stove. He and his friend left to get a van – and NEVER RETURNED. They didn’t even call to tell me they had decided not to take it – nothing! So he has lost a customer. And I love to support the “little guy” and small business, but I will not be buying my next stove from him.

I have to go pack.