We are finally in north Texas! We moved in last Friday and are now living with boxes. About all I can do is stack them as neatly as possible, because this week the inside of the house is being painted. The painters have asked us to leave boxes unpacked so they can pile everything in the middle of rooms while they paint.
A few of the things we love about our house: the kitchen with new appliances and new granite and tall, roomy cabinets, the high beamed ceiling in the family room, tall windows (albeit dirty!) throughout the house, covered patio, roomy garage, attic storage, and a big back yard for the grandkids!
It is a big change from south Texas, and I love the cooler weather and low humidity. When you walk out our front door and look to the south (left), there is an open pasture with cows, and I love the big open sky.
Now for the dark side: due to a late appraisal - and I'm trying to be as kind as possible here - and the ex-owners moving out very late and not finishing some promised repairs and clean-up, there were major hiccups regarding our move-in. Our moving expenses increased due to storage, and we had nowhere to go with four cats and a dog, so our agent kindly provided his in-laws rental house for two nights. The house was empty, but it was relaxing and peaceful, exactly what we needed in the midst of all the stress.
Living in a rental house for two days turned out to be a welcome respite from the craziness
The rental house is on 65 acres and very peaceful
Due to living 250 miles away prior to the move, we only saw the house once before we moved in, and of course we didn't notice the dirty condition of the walls and baseboards, the filthy blinds, and the toilets - yuck! So the first thing we did was find a contractor to repair and paint the walls and baseboards as we cleaned toilets and replaced the seats. We are removing the blinds and will install cellular shades. And our sweet daughter wants to bring her spin mop and clean the floors after the painting is done - lol!
Our daughter, son-in-law and two youngest grands, who live 55 miles away (much better than 250!), came over Saturday to help us. Our 4 year old granddaughter started pre-K last week and loves it. Our 17 month old grandson likes to jabber and play with trucks. It will be wonderful to get to watch them grow up as we did our other three, who are now 21, 19, and 17!
it's fun reading your experience and progress and what all you went through to get where you are and it looks like it's going to be beautiful. And those kids, so cute. What more could anyone want than a house close to grandkids and a big plus is the pasture with cows. it must be beautiful around there.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Sandy! It is a different kind of beautiful to me. The landscape varies wildly around north TX with rolling hills east of us and a few around us. I love being able to have open skies around us and see clouds!
DeleteI'm going to send a link to your blog to a dear friend of mine, who just moved too. I think the two of you could compare stories! I am so glad you are finally there, even though still in a bit of limbo. It's coming along and soon you'll have it cozy and all settled in.
ReplyDeleteAwesome that you got there safely and are on your way to getting everything in order. Sorry about the hiccups on the way! That photo of your grandkids is adorable!!! Yay for having the studio painted!
ReplyDeleteIsn’t stress lovely when things like you are experiencing are just so much fun! Makes you wonder how people can stand living in dirt! I lived in Ft Worth long time ago. I was born and raised in San Antonio. After I made the move I realized one thing - very few trees in that area and that winter wind blows, it is so much different than in San Antonio. I hardly wore a coat in SA but when I lived in FWT I wore a coat. It was cold. I know that you will make you new house a wonderful home, so nice to be close to those babies, and to be able to see open spaces. I hope that all the “pre-prepped” work goes very smoothly for you. I bought a home in the country in 1980 and ever since then (exception 92-96 in DC) I have been in the country. We have 5 acres and I cannot imagine going back to the city. Born a city girl, but country girl at heart! Looking forward to you getting settled in your new home and life and back to the blogging world! Enjoy the process - it makes memories. Hugs
ReplyDeleteFun to see more about where you've moved to and how it's all going, Linda! So sorry to hear about the issues with cleaning and all - that is yucky. A freshly painted sewing room and the chance to set it up exactly the way you want it sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteMoving is not fun...we are doing a small one sometime this year, when a 2 bedroom becomes available in our building. Even though it is simple...there is always something!
ReplyDeleteHi Linda, wow, you have been on a journey that's for sure. I'm very interested in homes...have house plans pinterest board, so I love seeing your photos. This house looks like it will be worth the trouble in the end. Being closer to daughter and family will be rewarding I know as that is what we did. Take care now and pace yourself with all the work.
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