Any time that we would talk about life “after SOWERs”, our kids would ask – “But what is Dad going to do?” Let’s face it – SOWERs is a perfect fit for Gary. He gets to work on a variety of projects, and even if that month’s assignment isn’t his most favorite type of project, he never complains – “You can do anything for three weeks!” he’d say. And it was a perfect fit for me too! I got to meet new people, see different areas of the country, watch God working in so many different ways, and as an added bonus – I had a very small house to keep clean! We always had at least a week off each month, a free place to park, and work that was (mostly) geared to our aging bones! Win-Win-Win.
But we knew it wasn’t forever. And the kids were concerned. I think they knew I’d be able to fill my days with computer work, sewing, and reading (and napping?), but Dad’s happy place is building, fixing, and helping (and maybe a bit of napping too?). Well, I’m happy to report that our Little Lindale House has been a pretty perfect fit for both of us! On the one hand, it’s in great shape! It’s keeping me busy just trying to figure out where things are going to go inside (I think I’ve finally got the peanut butter in its forever home), and Gary is busy with some improvements on the outside!
His first project was the shed!
This was pretty much how we found my side –
and despite finding termites and all of the fun stuff that went along with that –
I’m happy to report my “Studio” is mostly outfitted and ready to go!
I haven’t moved all my sewing from Lizzie to its new spot yet – but I’m sure I’ll be tackling those UFO’s (UnFinished Objects) soon! No excuses now!
When Gary needed a break from the sewing room project, he’d work on his side – The Workshop! It also was pretty full when we moved in –
but pictures taken today show that he’s been busy channeling his organizational alter-ego!
(Now that I’m looking at His side – I’m kinda embarrassed about the general disarray on my side! All in good time, I suppose!)
Of course, that just scratches the surface of the “What’s Dad going to do?” answer. But this is long enough, so I’ll save that for Part II!
Stay warm my friends – it’s crazy cold here in Texas, so I know many of you are in a deep freeze! Thanks for stopping by!
Tag Archives: BLCRC
Movin’ on in!
And here we are! We arrived yesterday, parked Lizzie next to our cover (so Gary could have easier access to the shed for the renovation work he has planned),
and began the job of movin’ in!!
First things first – a stop at the local library to get our library card, a visit to the local internet provider to get that piece of the puzzle started, and of course – a trip to Lowes to get those reno supplies!
While Gary was busy out in the shed (aka Sewing Studio!), I was busy trying to figure out kitchen cupboards. Where things should go – what things do we need? We’ve lived such a (lovely) minimalistic life for the last 20 years, I’m a little overwhelmed with the amount of dishes and glassware that came with the house.
So many dishes…
So many glasses!
The Wi-Fi set-up took a little longer than expected, but finally, we’re good to go with that! I think I’ve weeded out what dishes and glasses I’ll be keeping, though I still haven’t figured out the best cupboard for them.
But progress out in the shed is moving right along!
Pretty soon I’ll be picking out paint colors and flooring!
I using the “Bring-it-in-when-you-need-it” method for moving in, so it will be a slow and steady process in the weeks ahead. But I have clean sheets on the bed in Lizzie, so the guest room is ready for company! Come away! (And maybe you can help me figure out this house organization stuff!)
Thanks for stopping by! Welcome to this baby step into staying still!
Random Thoughts on Homeownership
We’re 19 days into homeownership and here are some thoughts – in no particular order!
1. What a great neighborhood!
Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful. We’ve learned that if you want to take a serious walk, you either need to do it uber-early in the day or leave the neighborhood. Otherwise, there will be people to greet and conversations to be had and you will never get your walk in in your allotted time. It’s not just a great neighborhood but a sweet community too! We’ve already enjoyed game nights and a fried chicken/potluck meal in our community building!
2. Moving into a fully furnished house is amazing. And such a blessing! Not only is there furniture, but there are sheets and towels, shampoo and soap, laundry supplies, and every imaginable kitchen gadget. Last night Gary was looking for a new bar of soap – and found two unopened bars in one of the bathroom drawers. Oh, and a vacuum cleaner, steam floor cleaner, and even a ceiling fan cleaner. No excuses for a messy house for me!
3. Almost every day we make a new discovery – like yesterday when we realized that our front storm door has a screen component that you just roll down. It was like a miracle!
4. The house came with ROSES!!
5. We were a little overwhelmed with the shed.
Although it had been originally used as a sewing room/laundry room on one side with a wood shop on the other, the folks we purchased it from used it primarily for storage. And while Ed had already cleaned out a lot of ‘stuff’, there was still a lot left!
But with the help of friends,
and then another layer of sorting through bins, it now looks quite manageable.
We’ll be replacing the floor since there are some soft spots and repairing/painting the walls, but I’m getting excited about the new Sewing Studio that is soon to be! (Well, it won’t be until after we return in the fall, but I’m pretty sure it’s first on the ‘to-do’ list!)
6. Gary’s side is looking up too!
7. There are a couple of downsides to this homeownership, though like the addition of Homeowner’s Insurance. Thankfully that bill won’t hit the same time as the RV/Truck insurance that comes due in September. And then there is that Electric Bill. Our very modest HOA covers water, sewer, and trash, but we are still responsible for our electricity. We haven’t had to pay an electric bill for a very long time! There will also be taxes of course, but that won’t show up for several months. But show up it will. We’ll figure out the internet and TV once we’re back in the fall with Lizzie. Right now we’re making do with a tiny outdoor antenna (six channels!) and our phone and hotspot wifi.
8. Homes come with gutters. And gutters need to be cleaned.
You know Gary’s brain is already working on more effective gutter guards!
9. Still thankful for Google Photos which continues to help us identify unknowns…
 |
 |
10. For the first time in almost twenty years I can say that kids and grands are coming to MY HOUSE! So excited to welcome our Waco family to our little house in Lindale tomorrow!
It’s been an exciting and blessed nineteen days as we acclimate ourselves to living in something that doesn’t rock when you walk. Of course, we leave on Monday to head back to Lizzie for a summer in the Northeast! Now we have to learn about getting the house ready to be empty for six months! And so the adventure continues!
Thanks for stopping by and sharing in our adventure!