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"Life doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful."
- Unknown

"That which does not kill you, makes you stronger."
- Handed down through the ages.

"Life's tough. It's even tougher when you're stupid."
- John Wayne



Saturday

I'm very proud of myself this morning!  I was soooo tired when the alarms rang, and so I headed right back towards the warm, cozy bed after getting up to turn them off.  Then, though, my foggy brain registered that the "just 5 more minutes" I was craving would soon turn into 93, and I'd be very late for work.  So, I was GOOD and, instead of crawling into them, flipped the covers up to the pillows and stayed up . . . although a bit groggier than usual!  I've been able to keep my promise of No More Late Days and have been feeling pretty darned responsible.  'Bout time, eh?!  ('Course, I *did* break the time clock at work on Monday - I figured everyone would cheer that move! . . . too bad it got fixed on Wednesday!!)

I found out on Thursday that the house on 10 acres is a definite no-go.  And, apparently has been for a long while . . . but the guy never bothered to return my many voicemails to tell me that!  Argh.  BUT, I'm going to look at the other place tomorrow, and I'm really excited about that!

I stopped and snooped around the place (outside) a couple of nights ago.  The exterior of the house is in rough shape - lots of water stains and peeling paint.  Apparently, the owner is having the care-taker paint the trim before the next tenant moves in, but *I* certainly wouldn't bother doing that if the whole thing wasn't getting a paint job.  Me thinks she doesn't know how poor the condition is of the siding.  I told her I'd snap some pictures tomorrow, though, to send her.

The grass hasn't been cut all summer, and so things are very overgrown, but the front yard (which is the yard on the far side of the house, away from the highway) is very lovely and quaint with an old homestead feel to it.  Perfect for me, should it work out!  And, there are lots of old hollyhocks growing alongside the west and south sides of the house - another relic from the days of yore for which I am a total sucker.

The huge downside (aside from any negatives I might find inside the house) is the rent.  Through the rumor mill (and how dependable?), I'd heard that the rent was insanely low when the last renters moved out.  But, once in contact with the owner, she quoted me a figure over DOUBLE that . . . which moved it into the insanely high range (PLUS utilities) for the size and condition (at least outside) of the place.  Still, I have this gut feeling that, now that she's getting to know me through telephone calls and e-mails, she'll realize what a good renter I'd be and "work with me" on the rent.  At least, that's what I'm hoping!!!!  And, even though she initially told me there were 3 or 4 other parties interested in renting, it really seems like *I'm* the only one she's dealing with so far . . . and the only one allowed to see the interior (tomorrow).  That tells me that she's already leaning my way.

I can't tell you how excited I'd be if this worked out!  I'd begin paying rent in September so I could start the move.  On the other hand, I can't tell you the angst (such a good word, that!) I'll be feeling if it isn't feasible, financially!  But, I'm ready to "put the word out" locally and let the world know I have to move.  Anyway, I'll know more tomorrow - after I've been inside the place.  Then, the negotiating can begin.

I snapped this picture of what I think is a juvenile Sandhill Crane at Mama & Papa Pea's pond the other day.  (Someday, I'll have that good camera with a telephoto lens!)  The missing characteristic that makes me doubt my identification is the lack of red on its crown.  Anyone??


And, with that, I'm off.  Have a great Saturday!  I'm SO glad it's my "Friday"!


6 comments:

  1. don't know about the long-legged birdie, but it's sure pretty. Glad things are moving along with your move.

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  2. Sounds promising! If the house has been empty you know it will need work which will be good leverage for cheaper rent. Identifying those will tell her what a great renter you will be. Hearing it has a homestead feel is such a bonus! Good luck!

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  3. Praying that the housing issue is worked out for you soon. I know it's no fun to be in limbo.

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  4. Hope it all works out for the best! I'll be waiting to see what you say. That homestead look is awesome, very soothing and relaxing to go home to.
    ~~Lori

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  5. I'm late checking in so look forward to reading the next post which is probably already up detailing the inside of the place!

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  6. Hi, Chicken Mama. Hope everything works out for you!!!! I think you'll find the bird is a heron. I believe a great blue heron is the likely species in your part of the world.

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