Buh-bye

As the last truck pulled out of my driveway, I waved good-bye and privately prayed hoped that this would be the end of my home repairs for a while!! Being a homeowner certainly has its pluses...but, when things begin to go wrong...it can really get expensive and stressful.

My home was built around 1972. My 'wusband' and I were the second owners and fell in love with it at first sight.

While it was just a typical brick split level home (the popular style at that time), it had a certain charm that drew us both in.

Our previous home was quite a bit smaller...but, had some great features that really fit our lifestyle at the time. Not being able to afford much furniture during those lean years, the empty living room served as a wonderful playroom for my two energetic boys. We had a variety of toys in there for them to enjoy...including a little sliding board and a battery-powered car! Many games of catch were played there when the weather outside wasn't cooperating. We were quite proud of this first house of ours...and left there with some great memories.

Buying our second home was quite an adventure. We had the typical nervousness of a young couple obligating themselves to a higher monthly house payment. Can we do this? Are we crazy? I still remember having a couple of friends helping us move in. We just borrowed someone's truck and made a whole lot of trips back and forth! It was exciting and nerve-wracking all at the same time!

The previous owners of our new home loved gardening and the back yard was filled with a variety of shrubs, plants and flowers. I remember the gentleman telling us that he had worked the yard so that something would always be in bloom all year round. Lovely, really lovely.

Unfortunately, we were garden novices when we moved in....and, we slowly, and inadvertantly, killed off many of his beautiful treasures. Through the years, plants were replaced as we learned more about upkeep and care.

I remain in this same house 30+ years later and sometimes think; "If this house could only talk!...it would have a lot to say." Many changes have occurred through the years as my boys have grown and moved into homes of their own...my divorce...and, other life passages...as well as some wonderful celebrations and events held lovingly in this house of mine.....the annual Fourth of July parties, many bridal and baby showers, dinner clubs, friends over for game nights...birthday parties, etc. etc. etc.

Time has passed....the backyard has gotten a bit overgrown as of late, but, I still love to sit back there, sip a glass of wine, breathe deeply, marvel at its simple beauty, smile........and, remember. : )