April 2, 2004

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  Friday Five
  1. How many houses/apartments have you lived in throughout your life?
  Many many many many. Early life mostly in one on the farm (for about 12 years). During college, the dorm one year and then about 6. The wandering years from 21 till 26 – dozens. The raising children years – about a dozen. The past 10 years – one. Not planning to move again ever unless my family ups and moves to far away.
  2. Which was your favorite and why?
  I haven’t actually lived in houses that much – mostly apartments and duplexes and flats. The three I liked best were the farmhouse where I grew up, a little whitewashed cottage with no plumbing or electricity on Formentera where I lived for 6 months in my 20′s, and the one where I live now.
  3. Do you find moving house more exciting or stressful? Why?
  The moving itself is very stressful. Being in a new house is exciting.
  4. What’s more important, location or price?
  Price. Within what I can afford, location comes next, as well as ambience.
  5. What features does your dream house have (pool, spa bath, big yard, etc.)?
  I wrote this when I was 50: I would like to be living within 15 minutes of where I work, so I have to spend as little of my day commuting as possible. It will be a small house or duplex, with its own small private yard and/or garden and some kind of a view. It will have two bedrooms so that even if I live alone I can have a guest when I feel like it. Portland is fine. I have no desire to move anywhere else anymore. I don’t want to own a home – at my income level, it’s more expensive than it’s worth. My little house will have all white walls inside, many plants, beautiful framed pictures, a superb sound system, oriental rugs, natural wood contrasts, and lots of light.Well, much has changed in the 15 years since then. I did buy a house and I feel it was a good investment – $80,000 in 1994 is now worth about $150,000. Refinanced to a 15-year mortgage last year. My commute isn’t bad though I won’t miss it now that I’m going to part-time. I get to drive it at non-rush-hour traffic times. It is tiny, but it has 2 bedrooms and a sweet yard in back which I’m trying to make as private as possible. No view – sigh. Been thinking about painting a few of the walls other colors than white lately. Not so good with plants, could probably use more. Did the framed pictures thing – lots of art by my family. Still don’t have the superb sound system but I don’t listen to music that much when I’m alone. Makes me lonely for some reason. No oriental rugs yet. Maybe this summer’s garage sales… Could use more actual wood. Plenty enough light for me. I like cozy.
  Deep Thought: I knew Mrs. Stewart, our neighbor, was afraid of black cats, so one day I dressed up in a black cat costume and went over and mowed her lawn. Then I left. I think that cured her.
  Today I am grateful for: Home equity

  • 10:37 am
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