A show of support.

This morning when I got home from a surprise night of "work" (aka, I went to the house of the family I nanny for and spent the night so that their older daughter, who is 17, wouldn't be alone in the house since the rest are in Florida for Mother's Day) at around 7:15 my mom informed me that her aunt Chic (not her real name, but that's what her nickname was growing up) who is a character in the best sense of the word, was really happy about the news that I'm trying to buy a house.
She's a big advocate of being independent and taking care of yourself. She's in her 80's, I think. Lives in California, has done so much genealogy work for my mom's side of the family, and the reason we started visiting Nebraska family reunions so many years ago. Her husband--a really wonderful man--died several years ago but she has a "gentleman friend". She's been coy about the details, but it's so much fun to tease her when we get to see her. He wants to marry her! But she said no.
Anyway!
She wanted to see the house and so I sent her an email with the house listing. I snuck into my mom's email and found Aunt Chic's reply and it really warmed my heart.

WOW! I LIKE THE HOUSE.

The 903 Square Feet allows you room to move around. Gary and Paula have been living in a house that size in San Francisco for 29 years and they have a dog and parrots, plus they store her harp and all of the other instruments.

Don and I have undertaken to remodel a house that was very much like this one. We painted, killed weeds, dug up the earth and planted flowers, etc. etc. It was fun and we were challenged by it. After we were finished, I was told that it was the best looking house on the street.

The termite problem is perplexing and needs to be taken care of. You might dicker with the seller about fixing the problem or sharing the cost of repair. Termites do not stop eating the wood.

I have printed a picture of the house and will take it to Senior Lunch to show my gentleman friend.

Just think of the nice colors that are now being used to paint the interior walls.

The fact that you have air conditioning, and other nice features, makes the house very comfortable. I like the laundry inside the house, too. Three bedrooms will be very nice. I have one bedroom that I call The Junk Room where I place the extras that don't fit in other parts of the house. I also have one room that is my office and holds all of my equipment. I vinal flooring installed when it was built because my office chairs glide easily around.

I am so exited about this house that I feel as though I should catch the next plane for Gary, Indiana.

Aunt Chic

::big grin::
I absolutely love the line about the Senior Lunch. She's too much! I love her.

For once no negativity...just encouragement with caution.

I signed an addendum today asking for $2,000 in a credit due to the finding of the termites and subsequent cost of repair.
I really hope it's accepted.
And goodness could the bank take any longer? Nerve wracking.

I toured IKEA tonight and had so many ideas. But I found the perfect inspiration in the latest issue of Martha Stewart Living for the living room. It's perfect, everything about it spoke to me. And I've been able to find similar furniture/designs easily and they're affordable. I also found a lovely bed frame at IKEA for $134!! I love IKEA. And I've always wanted a bed frame with a headboard and footboard...is that what's it called? It's been so long I don't know! There was also a ridiculously comfortable couch. It fit all of my criteria--deep cushions so it hits the bend of my knee, the back is high enough, the arms were at the right height, and it was just plain comfortable. I wish I checked what it was called or the price...eh. Who cares.

I can't stop thinking about the end product. I can't stop fantasizing about how it'll look after all the sweat and tears and money and time...
And it all seems worth it.
I am the worst with buyer's remorse. If I walk through a store too long without leaving I'll put back everything I've wanted to buy because I talk myself out of it.