The want for a seaside cottage has always been mine. The driving force for driving for hours on end year after year in search of the perfect someplace was always me. He was a good sport and we came close to a purchase several times, but it never felt -just right. I carried a bit of guilt that we were doing the searching for yet another of my dreams. Because we aren’t the Rockefellers, a second home is a stretch, and one admittedly he pays for the most, being the major breadwinner, bringer home of the bacon, payer of the big bills, etc. etc. We have dogs and horses and chickens and rabbits because of me, and it’s me who wants the sea. I am a seahorse in another life, suits me, don’t ya think?
But since we acquired this needy little cottage, guess what I have discovered, much to my delight. Despite the fact that his work load now has an added burden, he is finding real joy, finding real peace.. in this little slice of seaside retreat. There’s a lilt in his voice and a twinkle in his eye when he talks of what we are working on there. This is job site number FIVE he is currently working on, all five juggling at the same time. Up at 4 am getting the days paperwork and schedule in order. At night it’s back at the desk making calls for the next day’s work orders. He’s a bonafide workaholic, truth. But…. when he goes down to the cottage to check on the days progress… the sunshine on his face and the salt air and the rhythmic sound of the water lapping the seawall soothe him. He allows himself to sit, to rest, to turn his face to the sun and breathe deep. Even as he’s talking on the phone to a crew member at another site, there is a calmness in his voice. It’s as if the rhythm of the sea is taken up in his heart and soul.. and it heals him as it has always healed me.
Side door deck and steps replaced….
Waterfront deck steps in, all supports under cottage replaced and spray painted black so they won’t show through the lattice… notice how much more level the lines of the house are now. I’m amazed.
The garage was full of “stuff”, some of it very old. Most was discarded or given away, but a few finds I will keep and frame to hang inside, a homage to the yesterdays here.
The exterior of the cottage is currently a battleship grey with darker grey trim. The interior of the garage indicates it used to be a pale aqua green in color. The removal of the spare key that apparently wasn’t moved to paint the garage during the aqua application reveals an original white paint.
Scissors and a pencil sharpener – the treasures I will frame. The sharpener appears to be a 1940’s model, so it’s probably been with the cottage since it’s early years, constructed in 1935.
The back porch (street side) has a new floor and soon the porch itself will be rebuilt. The cinder block you see on the right is an old chimney. The fireplace was removed years ago. This will be removed when we re-side.
A big old oak tree stands tall next to the cottage and had some worrisome branches that hung low over the roof and power line. We had it checked out by a tree expert to make sure it was sturdy in it’s roots and not about to topple over. I was pleased to learn it was healthy except for a crack beginning to form. Dead branches were removed and a support wire installed to insure its stability.
The current acorn situation over the garage roof…
I’m proud of and thankful for this man of mine. Oh, do we butt heads at times, anyone who knows us will attest to it. But I’m saying it here and will remind him tonight as he sits at the desk planning the days ahead.. that I love and appreciate him dearly for the many ways he shows his family that he loves us, truly, deeply. and yes MADLY at times because we’re being real here. I am just so happy that he’s as in love with this little place as I am. Perhaps it will coax him when the time is right to at the very least, semi-retire and revel in the little things the sea brings.
We found this little guy hiding under the house.
