Middle aged musings from farm & hearth
I didn’t know this woman and yet she has unknowingly reminded me of the most important lesson. Truly.. Live For Today… there is no guarantee of tomorrow. Hold dear what is important and let go of all the petty things. Let go.
http://holdingcourtblog.blogspot.com/
I have no appropriate words, just tremendous sorrow for the loss her family has suffered.
Live for today.
When we bought This Old House, we had to go before the Historical Preservation Committee in our town. They were a newly formed and wet-behind-the-ears group and we were their first case. FUN! One of their concerns was that the old house would still have the same “face” when she was rebuilt. A prominent committee member actually requested that we don’t change a thing. The building inspector was quick to reply that the house would not pass inspection or meet today’s codes with everything exactly as it was, and therefore some changes were necessary. In the end we kept as much of the historical integrity of the house as possible, with a few additions.
This photo shows the house before it was taken down, sitting 40 feet closer to the road. The foundation was moved back 40 feet when the frame was put back together. The photo also shows the old barn and outbuildings.
Anyone who’s been through a difficult time (I think that covers just about all of us) – whether the cause is illness, tragedy or just plain overwhelming life events – knows the value of an ordinary day. Normal.
Since the decision was made to jump into the resurrection of This Old House, our life has been on a treadmill with the packing up and preparing the old place for resale, the work of rebuilding the new homestead, and all the other life shifting that goes with the territory. It’s been wonderful and overwhelming at the same time and it all came on the heels of two tragic events in our life.
We spectator moms sat in the shade talking Twilight. This is Janice… she shares my love for the Twilight books and movies… yes I know, you’re rolling your eyes, aren’t you. If you haven’t tried it, don’t knock it.
Tell me what an ideal normal day is for you, I’de like to know.
The inside of the house is not ready for her close-up yet, we’ve only got about 2,832 boxes left to chuck in the dumpster unpack so I’ll start with an outside before and after.
Unrelated (well not really) …If ever you need a strong reminder that you have indeed reached middle age, may I suggest you pack up your house and move. Every muscle in my body is talking to me tonight as I sit to type this post and I won’t tell you what they’re saying. That whole “less is more” concept I blabbed about earlier? Yeah.. it’s a really really good idea and I’m gonna try my damndest to stick to it from here on out. Remind me of this if ever I start to veer off course..
These were taken a year ago, just as the dismantle process began. Amazing what was accomplished in a year… a HUGE testament to the abilities of the men who came together to take down the house and raise her up again.
We were given two wingback chairs from the late 1800’s by the previous owner of This Old House. They were in need of new fabric and I found a nice toile print. The color is a faded coral with a brown and beige pattern. I loved them immediately when they came home to roost… and then my son said:
“Why are the dogs chasing dinosaurs on the chairs?”
Huh?
“See? … aren’t those Raptors?” …..
*Sigh. *
You know… I see it… I really do.
Ben made himself right at home in his new digs (my office)… and then he decided to DIG in my office. So.. apparently at 14 months old he is not yet trustworthy when left alone to his own devices. The Pen came back up from the basement and takes up most of my… office.
(see hole in new pine floors in front of pen).
The place is still a mess, and we’re still going back and forth cleaning up the old homestead. I do love it here already though…and thanks for all your comments and encouragement . You make the ride that much more enjoyable.
No he didn’t… but we did, finally!!!
Sitting out on the back porch this morning on our folding chairs (no porch furniture yet) with coffee in hand, gazing out over the fields, dogs wandering their yard, birds chirping and the heat still at bay, it’s a beautiful thing.
Still trips to be made from old house to new old house, still many many boxes to unpack, pictures to hang, curtains to iron and hang (hate that job) and just general “stuff” to organize… but hey, look at how neat and organized my pots and refrigerator are. How long they stay that way is another thing altogether..
..are we almost there? How much longer? …. I have to go to the bathroom!
Moving into This Old House is starting to feel like one of those road trips, know what I mean? We’re still living in two houses, hopefully sleeping in the other by Tuesday.
Mike and crew had an awesome time putting together our new Paula Deen bed. MUCH assembly was required, but I do like it very much.
If you EVER…here on this blog…. read the words “OMGwe-just-found-the-coolest-old-place-for-sale-that-needs-alotta-work-but-the-bones-are-beautiful-and-the-property-is-awesome-We’re-just-gonna-inquire-and wouldn’t-it-be-a-neat- project? You know… anything even remotely like that?… Just shoot me.
While we still had another coat of tung oil to put on the floors, we were getting antsy to do SOMETHING… so after the middle coat had dried we began hanging things on walls…
Remember the “stuff” I got at that little antique red cottage? … This is the finished product..very easy to make. My son said… “Mom, aren’t you gonna paint all the chipped up stuff? ” I told him that’s exactly the way I like it. My one mistake was using too much glue to make sure the half teacup wouldn’t fall off the chalkboard painted background. Now I have to find some chalk to go in the teacup.
She was twelve years old. By rottweiler standards that’s a long life. We were wondering how she’d take the move to This Old House. Last night we had to make the decision to end her struggle with a tumor in her spleen which kept rupturing and rendering her weaker with each episode. Our vet explained her deteriorating condition and gave us time with her. She passed peacefully in my arms ….but how I hate those moments. How I hate having to make those choices.
