Thursday, March 5, 2009

Let's Play House



I put a gun to my own head Wednesday, and went to look at those houses I showed you the other day. It was the last thing I wanted to do, but I feel so pressured to find a place to live and start moving things over, that I just had to get that done. Each home I selected to see was done with my dog's physical problems in mind. They had to have fenced yards and easy entries. Stilt dog did not do stairs. It was hard going through those homes and thinking, he'd have liked this yard, or he would have hated me having a bedroom that was an entire flight of stairs away from him.

I think I found a place, but it wasn't one of the ones I showed you the other day. It's a 3 bedroom ranch in a wonderful town, and the house is walking distance from a busy and charming downtown area. It's one of those cities where dogs are welcome in every store, and store owners keep fresh water and dog cookies ready all of the time. My big boy would have loved that.


The indoor and outdoor spaces were wonderful. It has a remodeled kitchen, huge family room, cozy living room, a vintage bath and a remodeled one too. Both the living and family rooms have a working fireplace. Although empty, it felt bright and peaceful. There is a room near the side entry that's like a separate living space and will be perfect for my oldest daughter. It's large and roomy enough that she doesn't have to feel closed in if she shuts the door for privacy. She's expressed a desire to move back home because of the economy, and since she's one of my favorite people on the planet, I'm excited about this. I haven't lived with her in 9 years and want her to feel both welcome, and still autonomous.


The yard was huge, and though short on charm during the winter, I bet it's pretty during the summer. At the end of a long drive, there's a basketball net which should please my husband and son. All in all, I'm feeling the love of this place. It's not Charming, but the setting seems idyllic. Today, I'll try to get back in there with eyes that are slightly less swollen.


Even though my dog won't be joining us, I picked the home that would have suited him perfectly. Isn't that ironic?

20 comments:

laurie said...

it looks very homey.

Jane said...

Hope the second viewing is just as good. Will be lovely to have your daughter around too

Winifred said...

I really like that house, lovely and light with beautiful floors. It hasn't got the charm factor because it hasn't any homely stuff in it.

That'll be lovely having your daughter back. You really miss them. Not the washing mind!

Good idea taking the pictures to remind you what it's like.

Unknown said...

For the simple fact that you are thinking of your dog while you're looking means he'll be with you there in some sense.

The best advice we ever got--and didn't take--get another dog. Don't wait. We grieved so over Max and every morning felt newly painful because he wasn't there on the floor next to the bed. We finally got our "new" boxer, a rescue dog, and he didn't feel like an interloper or a replacement as we feared. Next time I would not wait so long, although I realize how callous this sounds. In our family the pain of Max's death was not going to ease as long as that empty spot was there. Again, many hugs to you coming straight up I-75N:>)

Brenda said...

So many things about this one sounds right. The neighborhood, the inside and outside looks. Bet this is the one for all of you. I know you are all going to be very busy. That is great about Sarah moving back in with you. Our son just moved in with us also.

Betty F said...

I love this house! I love that front window and REALLY love your kitchen! I'm glad your daughter is thinking about moving back.
I agree with Distracted... About another Dog... I found Paul, years ago just devastated after I took our dog in to the clinic. Rex restored his smile. Barney and Hondo can never replace Rex but they've brought our smiles (and Shane's) back. My heart is really with you. I hope you choose that house too. It looks so homey even if it is the winter.

Rudee said...

Argh! We're making an offer this weekend. My husband and son liked it too, so I'm hopeful we get the place. The neighborhood is wonderful.

The Crusty Crone said...

It sure looks good from here. Hope you get a good deal!!

sandy said...

ahh darn, don't have time right now to catch up but i'll be back tonight...

flydragon said...

Great looking home. I love hardwood floors and fireplaces!! Hope you succeed in getting your offer accepted this weekend!

laurie said...

good luck! "the neighborhood is wonderful" are great words to read. they will be lucky to have you. and the charm in the house will come from YOU.

i picture it with lovely baskets of yarn in every room.

Anonymous said...

this house has a nice feel to it and i hope you will be happy in it. you will never forget your wonderful dog, and i hope his spirit will be there

Rose said...

It looks nice and bright. And if it looks good to you now, it must be pretty good!

So sorry about Duke.

Renie Burghardt said...

What a great looking place, Rudee. Sounds like an ideal neighborhood, too. Good luck with the offer.

Renie

Anonymous said...

Nice house...are silver back monkeys allowed?

Rudee said...

No Silverbacks in the house Anon. I hear they all hang out at the bar at the end of the block. Is that close enough?

Laurie-every room and then some, will be filled with yarn. I'm very excited about this.

debra said...

Fingers crossed. I love the light.
xox

Gail said...

It is a great thought to honor your dog with the choice. It is beautiful but you must love it too.

the rotten correspondent said...

It looks lovely. What town is it in, if you don't mind me asking?

Rudee said...

Oh RC, we lost out on this one. It's in downtown Birmingham.