… I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference. – Robert Frost

Keys to paradise!

One year ago I bought a house. There were many houses within my price range. Some nestled safely on dry land, that had neighbors within arms reach. Alas, they were not for me.

I took the less traveled road, quite literally, that brought me to a small, aging house with a crumbling retaining wall, moss on the roof, and a magnificent river outside the door (and potentially in the basement). I took the road that brought me to a place of peace and tranquility.

“It’s ours!”

Oh sure, there have been intense undercurrents of turmoil, like bursting pipes and a failed E1 pump. But, as Nietzsche said, “that which does not kill us makes us stronger,” and all stressful situations provide ample opportunities for the consumption of ice cream (I think Ben and Jerry added that last part).

My new home on my first night.

After the closing, my first stop was Lowe’s, then Mickey D’s for a taco salad and finally my apartment to get Sparky. The first order of business, after sitting on the retaining wall for lunch, of course, was the creation of a hummingbird garden. While Sparky ran around the property, announcing that he was in residence, I got to work.

Sparky, April 26, 2000 to January 20, 2015

Newly created hummingbird garden.

I tend to be a reflective person. Past experiences, both happy and sad, offer me opportunities to learn and grow. This morning I marked this anniversary by re-examining the emotions I felt upon leaving the closing. Fear, exhileration, worry, contentment. It was like being on a Six Flags rollar coaster without a safety harness. But here I am, a year later.

It dosen’t get much better than this!

My first thought this morning was, only 29 years to go and this puppy is mine!!! Then I realized I’ll probably be dead before year 29! Next thought–I need to remortar the retaining wall and house foundation. The soffet vents still need to be opened. Oh right, the oil tank has to be anchored to the basement floor. Hmmmmm, where am I going to get the rocks I need to finish edging the gardens? I wonder how much two yards of loam costs? Should I hire an electrician to fix the old wall sockets or do it myself? The deck stairs need replacing. Arrrrrgh!!! Okay, okay. Phew! Deep breaths.

Yup, I’m a homeowner. And it’s very, very good.

Blessed be :}

Sunrise, on my anniversary.