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A New Home Base

July - December 2023
This is the beginning of a new phase of my life. I am about to have a new home in the mist of many other significant life events. Read more
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  • TravelerA New Home Base

    A New Home

    July 19, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    On Sunday I went to an open house in Renton and I really liked it. I immediately texted Brenna to let her know and we got together on Monday to look at a few other places on my list and then look at the place I liked. I wanted to get her opinion and see what she thought. I liked it even more the second time around and none of the other places on my list were even remotely worth considering. So....
    Yesterday we made an offer. They had one other offer but mine was better and I was more flexible so....they accepted my offer last night and today I docu-signed the contract and wired the 'earnest money'. I can't believe I found a place that met all my requirements and that I managed to get my offer in before they accepted another. It has been a crazy time to be a buyer!

    I'm happy that I don't have to shop around anymore.

    August is going to be an extremely busy crazy month. I'm sure there will be plenty of red tape and hoops to jump through. Closing is planned for 8/11. AND....I will be flying to Florida on Aug 2nd for my Dad's 100th birthday, spending a few days, David is coming too. And sometime in August, Artemis may be coming home so there is lots of stuff to do to get the house ready for a new baby; Josh & Heather's house. And Odin will be going to various camps and Josh has a business trip, and Karen is going back to Texas.

    It will be a very chaotic month or two for sure.

    but I am very excited to have a new home and space of my own.

    Description on Redfin of my new home:
    Remodeled, Move-in Ready ONE-story townhome-like condo situated against a backdrop of evergreens, in the heart of Renton! Renovated Plank Flooring throughout. New Kitchen, new stainless steel refrigerator, and new SS range. Fresh paint. Vaulted ceilings large living room, open layout. Front patio area at entry creates a welcoming space all your own. Washer & Dryer Full Set in the Unit. HOA dues include Water, Sewer, & Garbage! Amenities include clubhouse, swimming pool, fitness center & sport court. Just minutes from Shopping, LA Fitness, Groceries, Bus lines, and more. Easy access to Maple Valley Hwy & I-405! No upper floor, no lower floor. No special assessment. No rental cap. Low HOA Due.    Read more

  • TravelerA New Home Base
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    Day 23

    Overwelmed & Exhausted

    August 11, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    It's been awhile since I sat still and checked in with myself. I closed on my condo on Aug 9th and immediately started doubting my decision. It's going to take some work to get the place in shape. It is an older building and although it has new appliances some other things need fixing up. I met a neighbor who seemed nice enough but acted like he was shocked that anyone bought the place. Not what I needed to hear.

    I've made 2 trips over to bring some.of my stuff. I don't want to rush out to furnish it but there's an awful lot of stuff I'll need. Borrowing what I can from Josh & Heather.

    On a happier note, Artemis is doing great. She's over 5 lbs and taking part of her feedings from a bottle and has started breastfeeding. I finally got to hold her this week.

    And we are making progress setting up an actual nursery. It's possible she'll make it home within the next 2 weeks!    Read more

  • TravelerA New Home Base
    Day 34

    Progress

    August 22, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F

    Artemis is home! She came home on Tuesday and reached 6 lbs on Wed. Odin seems to be quite taken with her.

    It has been a rough summer for all of us. There's been no camping, not much going to parks for swimming etc. At least Heather is not spending her days at the hospital now.

    Bev was here for a week. She helped me at the condo and brought me a colorful quilt for my bed....which I didn't actually have. But we went shopping and I did buy a mattress and then purchased a bed frame. It took over 3 hours to put together the frame, but I did it. Bobby helped me pick up the mattress today. So now I have a bed!!!!

    After stressing over planning and timing, I have a tentative plan; Josh's mom, Karen arrives on Monday. I'm going to stay in Seattle at my condo while she is here. I can get somethings done and set up and do some shopping. My new handyman can help get some stuff done and hopefully I will start feeling better about the condo.

    I think by mid- September or early August things will have settled down enough for me to take a road trip back to Austin.    Read more

  • TravelerA New Home Base
    Day 45

    Home Sweet Home

    September 2, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 79 °F

    I may not feel I made the best decision but it is beginning to feel like a home. I have spent the last couple of weeks working on my condo. Bev was here for a little over a week. We only slept in the condo one night but she was agreat help. We ran around shopping and setting stuff up. I know she was a bit shocked but she tried to keep a positive attitude.

    Joshua's mom, Karen arrived on Monday Sept 28 and I have been staying at my condo. It has been great to get a break from full time grandma-ing and everything else. I've done more shopping this week than I have in ages.

    Rafael and his friend Mike came on Saturday. It took them a couple of hours to remove and replace the security screen door. It looks so much better. And feels so much better! They also installed the closet organizer, hung a new shelf in the bathroom and replaced the garbage disposal. The rest can wait.

    Today I painted a closet which may seem silly but it was a hidious beige color and dirty. I painted 2 of the shelves which were salvageable and need to get 2 more.

    I also started cleaning out the van so I can start preparing for a roadtrip. And I am managing to do my PT exercises too!    Read more

  • TravelerA New Home Base
    Day 158

    Creating my Nest

    December 24, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 39 °F

    I worked nonstop since Tuesday morning unpacking boxes, moving stuff, sorting stuff.......
    I haven't even done my exercises. I'm at the point where I need help to decide where to hang pictures and shelves. I'm also tired and ready to take a break.

    Tomorrow is Xmas. I'm going to get together with Lily. I'm glad I won't be home alone or with Barry. (He is visiting Heather & Josh.)

    I did set up some decorations. Even though I'm not Christian and feel like Xmas actually has a negative impact on kids, I still like the decorations in the middle of the cold dark winter.

    Yesterday I wandered around IKEA for several hours. I only spent $150, so not too bad. But trying to figure out what I want to put in the kitchen for storage.is making me crazy.

    Today I actually did some cooking. Made a batch of cranberry sauce. Had to run out to Safeway in the middle of it to get some cornstarch and made a few other substitutions but it came out pretty good.

    So I guess I am officially settling in.    Read more

  • TravelerA New Home Base
    Day 162

    A Fun Couple of Days

    December 28, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F

    Jan was on her way back to Victoria and stopped here for 2 nights. When she arrived on Wednesday, we went out to run some errands and have lunch. First stopped at the RV store in Kent to pick up the blow-out valve so Josh can help me winterize. Now if I can just.find where I put it.

    Then we went to Walmart as I had to get my Rx. And since I was there I asked about a COVID booster and RSV vaccine and ended up getting them.

    Then we checked out glasses at their optical center. Jan was very helpful and I now have my new glasses ordered.

    The rest of the day and all Thurs morning we spent organizing and rearranging. I like the changes to the living room. A few minor changes and it looks more roomy.

    Then Lily came over. So happy that the sun came out so we could go for a nice long hike. And WHAT TIMING! As we passed the senior center we could see people dancing. We went in to get the latest brochure and to check out the dancing. Turns out they do ballroom dancing every Thursday afternoon to live music. Jan and Lily had fun dancing. I was not up to it due to an extreme headache from the vaccines

    Then.....on the way back to the car, we saw some women feeding finches. They had black sunflower seeds and the birds would land on their hands very very briefly. It was pretty difficult to get a good photo with my phone but I did manage to get a couple.

    Then we went to Blossom Vegetarian Vietnamese Restaurant in downtown Renton. The food was awesome.

    What a wonderful 2 days!!!!    Read more

  • TravelerA New Home Base
    Day 171

    Victoria Canada

    January 6 in Canada ⋅ 🌙 41 °F

    Made it to Victoria. It was not a pleasant journey. The sea was Very Rough! Multiple people were sick, not just me. I'm told that is unusual but I'm not sure I want to try it again.

    Interestingly enough, as I went through Customs, the agent asked me how I was planning on getting back in 4 days...... And then he explained that today was the last day for the ferry for at least a month!!! So I would have to find another way to get back. While I waited for Jan to pick me up, I booked a flight for Tues. At least I don't have to go on the ferry again!

    After lunch, Jan, Doug and I went to the museum. The ancient Cambodian exhibit was really interesting. It reminded me so much of Tikal and Guatemala.

    And tonight I get to go Contra dancing. I hope my shoes still fit after over 3 years !!!!!!!!    Read more

  • TravelerA New Home Base
    Day 173

    A Weekend of Dancing

    January 8 in Canada ⋅ 🌧 39 °F

    Saturday night there was Contra dancing in a nice size hall with live music and a guest caller. I did pretty well considering I have only danced once since the pandemic started in 2020. I had no problem keeping up but towards the end of the night my shoulder was aching a bit.

    Then Sunday afternoon there was a caller's workshop in a small private hall. It was actually a pretty good workshop and I met some fun people. After the dance we went to Joanne's house for a poke bowl potluck dinner and some weird card games after. Joanne is an artist and had some interesting and fun decorations and paintings.

    Today we went to Fern's house for an afternoon Irish Set Dancing session. And tea & snacks afterwards.

    I really have enjoyed meeting people. Everyone has been so friendly and authentic. And several of them have recently relocated and have gone through the adjusting to new places; finding new friends etc challenges. So they were especially encouraging and supportive.

    Also....this morning Jan, Doug and I went to look at a couple of houses. They are planning on buying a house together.    Read more

  • TravelerA New Home Base
    Day 174

    Bye for Now Victoria

    January 9 in Canada ⋅ 🌬 45 °F

    I'm heading back to Seattle today. But first....we went to the BC Legislature Building this morning for a tour. It's a beautiful 125 year old building. I didn't realize that Canada was not fully independent from England until the 1980's. And they still have a monarchy.

    We got to eat at the restaurant in the building. I had Scotch Eggs which I'd never heard of. The restaurant was lovely.

    It is VERY COLD & WINDY outside. I'll come back in the summer to check out the outdoor activities.

    I'm sitting in an almost empty airport. I guess no one wants to come here in winter! I'm not looking forward to Seattle winter either!    Read more

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