This is the one month anniversary of my new love — my house! This love comes as a surprise to me because I’ve never been particularly interested in things, and a house is definitely a thing. A big thing!
At a time (and age) when people are downsizing, here I am — upsizing. Not only have I accumulated a house, I’ve accumulated furniture, stocks of cleaning supplies, extra dishes. And flowers!
This daffodil isn’t mine exactly. Although it’s on my property, I didn’t plant it or do anything to help it grow, so it belongs to the sun and the earth and to itself more than to me. But still, it’s mine to enjoy.
Work on the porch has come to a standstill. The gas pipe going into the house needs to be moved otherwise it will become embedded in concrete. Meantime, the contractor will be here sometime this afternoon to see if they can straighten the garage. One corner lists to the right, so the door doesn’t work, and there is a huge crack in the floor they will try to repair. All that damage was done because of overwatering the flowers that are planted along the edge of the garage, so I’ll have to eventually relocate the flowers if I want to water them. Poor daffodil. I hope it survives the move; who knows, maybe it will thrive as much as I am with my own move!
I went to a dinner play last night put on by the youth group of a nearby church, and it was very good, both the actors and the food. A new friend invited me, and I saw a couple of people I’d already met, so that was nice.
I moved here for the house — it was by far the best house I saw in my extremely low price range, and it seemed to call to me — but the town is turning out to be a great place for me, too. People are friendly and welcoming, the streets uncrowded, and everything I need (especially the library!) is within walking distance. I still go to a bigger town once a week to shop — it’s an excuse to drive more than anything else because otherwise my poor car would sit there unused.
It’s amazing to think I’ve been here a month already. It’s even more amazing to think of all I’ve done in that month.
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Pat Bertram is the author of Grief: The Inside Story – A Guide to Surviving the Loss of a Loved One. “Grief: The Inside Story is perfect and that is not hyperbole! It is exactly what folk who are grieving need to read.” –Leesa Healy, RN, GDAS GDAT, Emotional/Mental Health Therapist & Educator.
Bertram's Blog 
April 8, 2019 at 9:32 am
It’s amazing how quickly time flies!!! I’m glad you are so happy with your house & it’s location.
April 8, 2019 at 9:44 am
I really am. When all the repairs are done on the house, it will be a real gem.
April 8, 2019 at 1:43 pm
Wow! So wonderful how things are falling into place with this move. My life is in a bit of an upheaval and it feels like things will never settle down. I’m really enjoying your tales of settling in.
April 8, 2019 at 1:57 pm
Thank you! It’s always nice to know someone enjoys my posts. And even though much of the house stuff is in upheaval (the remodeling is on hold until the gas company can move the pipe and upgrade the meter), it feels as if I’ve come home. It helps to have a great neighbor, almost as if I’m a kid playing house.
April 8, 2019 at 4:01 pm
Mazel tov!
April 8, 2019 at 5:23 pm
I am so glad things are going well in your new town!
April 8, 2019 at 8:12 pm
It’s truly been a blessing. I’m hoping one day you will be able to visit.
April 9, 2019 at 7:19 am
Maybe the daffodil is the house’s love for you. I planted things years ago that refused to grow, then suddenly started appearing years later. I think they were waiting to find out if I’d stick around.
April 9, 2019 at 5:31 pm
I think you’re right on both accounts. It’s so lovely seeing flowers.
April 9, 2019 at 9:30 am
Congratulations on the house…and the library’s close proximity!!!
April 9, 2019 at 5:32 pm
Thank you! The closeness of the library is a real boon!
April 9, 2019 at 1:25 pm
It is so nice when you find a house that you like and wonderful neighbors. Then, it becomes a real home. And, a nice warm and friendly town too!
You seem so happy now.
I wish that I could be doing what you are doing.
Your daffodil is beautiful. It should survive. They are bulbs and will regrow.
April 9, 2019 at 5:32 pm
It seems to be a good place for me. I feel . . . welcome.