“feel free to turn the key and walk right through the door”

(well, not quite yet, but soon.)

The house. I am totally enamored of it (i suppose that’s good, what with the buying and all).

It’s a cute little (well, not so little) GI Bill suburban house. I mean, it’s the inner city now, but it was suburbia when it was built in the 40s. White with black shutters. Trees and what were obviously once well-tended gardens. I intend for them to be so again.

The back yard is shady, similarly once-gardened (and once-ponded), and there is a back porch. At the moment, given recent springlike weather (…disregarding today’s icy rain), most of my daydreams have revolved around the porch. Well, that and sex in the kitchen. But, really, coming home, mixing a drink, and sitting on the back porch with a book, watching the dogs explore the new yard. It’s idyllic.

Inside, it’s kind of a time warp. Primarily due to wood paneling. Everything is wood-paneled. I hate wood paneling. But, see, at the moment it matches everything else in the house so well that it’s kind of cute. Or was i looking for “ridiculous”? Anyhow, it’s going to go, which is going to be fun in itself. It’s been owned by the same woman since it was built, but she had to move to a nursing home recently, hence the sale. Since it wasn’t being vacated by someone moving into a new house, they’ve left a ton of stuff (we agreed that they could leave whatever they like in hopes they’d leave some cool stuff). Indeed. For practicality, it’s good they’re leaving us the washer and dryer, because anything we don’t need to spend money on at the moment is a win. Also, the dryer is avocado green. I don’t think it’s energy star, but it’ll do. Even more exciting are the two record-player/radio cabinets. I’m giddy. There’s a fair bit of not-so cool furniture and stuff to be removed as well, but it’s so very worthwhile.

The son-in-law of the former owner is the real estate agent who is selling it. The other day he was there with us at an inspection. He told us stories about the history of the house the whole time; it was awesome. I love that sort of thing. He was also thoroughly amused – and pleased, i think – by my giddiness over things like the record player and sewing table (no machine, but it is lovely). And the kitchen wallpaper. I think i am going to lose that fight, though. It’s yellow plaid, with things like teapots and corn on it. Everyone else thinks it is hideous, but i really do love it. The kitchen also has built in fold-into-the-wall paper towel and saran wrap dispensers! It’s brilliant.

We’re moving in a week and a half. I ought to pack. And find a nice housewife dress for the house-warming party! It’s going to be themed to match the decor, of course. Jello molds, and i need to do some research on what else. Any ideas?

My mom had the perfect dress for the occasion: peach-plaid with white collar and short-sleeve cuffs. Never saw her wear it, though, which i suppose is why she doesn’t have it now. Too bad. I’m hoping for time to sew a replica of it, but i may just need to go shopping.

Lady Brett

"This Room's For Rent" - Sammi Smith