Inspiration Alley

Long Drive

After work yesterday, we drove up to Sorrento to the "new" house.  We didn't leave work until almost 7PM, and it was a long drive, so we didn't get in until close to 1AM.

Hubby was towing a car on the trailer, and I was following in the El Camino.  Once we passed the Palm Beaches, it started raining and didn't stop until we made it to the house.  So, I'm driving an unfamiliar car, after dark, in heavy rain, and add to that we were trying out a new route (because with the trailer taking the turnpike costs $25.oo each way).  I only freaked once (OK, maybe twice), but that's what happens when smoking isn't allowed in the old cars.

In any case ... we made it safely, and didn't even get lost.

The previous owners are the sweetest people.  
We opened the fridge and found OJ and muffins for the morning with a little note that said welcome home.  Not only that, they left set ups for the two of us - a couple of plates and cups, a set of towels, extra bed sheets, it was almost like walking into a hotel room. 

It's going to take some getting used to.  It still hasn't sunk in that the place is ours.

 

Just got the word ...

that the previous owners of the house are just about finished moving out.  We allowed them to stay until the 10th, so they're out early.  Next weekend will be the first time we're there and it'll actually feel like it is ours.

I found a better picture of the house, since the other one I posted was from much farther away.

I can't wait.  I want to be up there sitting on my porch enjoying the quietness of the area.  Won't be long now.

February already ?

February already ?  Where does the time go.

December and January were a whirlwind for me because we were buying a house, which if you haven't bought one recently, takes quite a bit of phone tag and follow up. 

We closed on January 11th, and can't wait to actually spend some time there.  We allowed the prior owners to stay for a bit until they got their relocation plans sorted out, so they have until Feb 10th.  We've been up a few times, but it still doesn't feel real, if you know what I mean.  With them living there, it feels like we're visiting someone elses home.

Here's the picture of the main house.  The walkway is really not that long, it just looks like it because realtors use those fish angle lenses when they take pictures.  Anyway, it's all brick and even has a real brick fireplace, something I've never really experienced before.  Yeah, I've been in places that had fireplaces, but in Miami, we've never had the need for one, not my current home, or the homes I grew up in, so it'll be a new experience. 

I'll post some more pictures as things unfold, and of course, I've already started an album.  I'm pretty sure I want to do some before and after looks.  I've been really good, and haven't started buying stuff (well not too much stuff anyway), but can't wait to get in there and start making it ours. 

Check this Out

OMG ... this is so me.  I can so see it in the garage right next to my husband's black tool chest.

I already have a large wooden tool chest with my stamping supplies in it, but I can see me using this one too - plus they have a whole collection of pink (or lime green, if you prefer) tools, tool bags, boxes and chests. and pink pegboard too.

I got a laugh when their website listed scrapbooking as one of the ideas for using their products.  Great marketing.  When I did a google search it looks like Sears is one of their distribution chains, although I haven't seen it in the retail stores.

This is making me want to do up my scrap space.

Donation Time

This weekend I'm pulling stuff together to donate to the Vietnam Veterans of America.  You know how you always say ... I'm going to donate that and then never make the time to get to the donation center, or they are closed when you have time to go ... well that's me anyway.  Well the VVA has it all together.  They send you a postcard in the mail and say "We'll be in your area on "insert date here" so call us and we'll make a stop.  You don't even have to be home, just leave it by your door clearly marked for the VVA.  How easy is that !  They leave a receipt and everything.

Have lots of clothes and "stuff" to donate - sort of a cleaning out before the holidays come.

Every year, I say I'm gong to follow along with the Holiday Houseworks Plan, but I always drop into the site way too late to ever get anything accomplished.  This year, I'm right on time, and I'm definately going to do it.  Come October I'll be ready for the Christmas Countdown plan which gets you organized for Christmas.  I think baby steps is what I need.

If I reach the desired outcome my brother will be very surprised when he comes to watch the cats in November.  So this is our secret, and if anyone out there wants to join along, just let me know and we can compare notes and horror stories.  You'll know if it's worked if I actually get Christmas cards out in the mail.

Roof Update

So the roof is finished - and it looks beautiful.  All in all the process wasn't too painful but I'm glad I won't have to deal with it for another 20+ years.  I've got to get out there and take a picture.  I might have mentioned it, but we got a concrete barrel s-tile in white.  Come to find out white is not a common color and it was a special order.  Everyone seems to like the clay color tiles these days.

Now ... the rest of the house looks shabby, so I'm getting quotes for painting.  I've just got to decide on a color.  I like yellow (a very pale yellow like the color of butter), my husband doesn't like yellow that much.  He wants it beige, which is what it has been for the last 20+ years - kindof an peachy beige and I just can't stand it anymore.  I'm working on him, and I'll either convince him of light yellow, or we'll pick something else I just don't want that peachy color - I've had enough.