In previous
posts, I believe I’ve mentioned that I’ve lived in this house for almost 51
years. We raised our two sons here. We hosted innumerable Thanksgivings,
Christmases, Christmas Eves, Easters, July 4th, Memorial and Labor
Day potlucks, and, of course, birthday parties for the boys and each other and
extended family.
John and I married in 1966 and
initially lived in an apartment. The friends who introduced us, told us about a
house in Ballard that was for rent. We took a look and rented this little
two-bedroom home with a separate garage on 32nd Northwest. I always
said we lived on the wrong side of the white line because across the street
were the estates that looked out over Golden Gardens. The one across from us
even had peacocks and initially, their calls were mystifying.
Our rent was a whole $92 per month and
included some utilities. Still, it was $92 a month that wasn’t gaining us any
equity. I kept pestering John about buying a house and he kept resisting.
Finally, he told me to go look and gave me a list of what this house had to
have:
1. Under $20,000,
2. All one floor,
3. Nice neighborhood,
and I don’t
remember what else. So, the real estate agent took me out and about and every
now and then there would be one for John to see. He didn’t like any of them and
whenever the agent stopped at a split level, John refused to get out of the car…one
level, he said.
I think the agent was losing patience
with us, because one day he mentioned he had exactly what we were looking for,
but it was a little more money. He brought us to this house. It was empty and
he explained the man who’d bought it had to return to California because of allergies. So, he was making two house
payments. And, the neighborhood was perfect. Not a single bike or toy or messy
yard to be seen anywhere. The joke was on us though because once we moved in,
we counted 68 kids in the four cul-de-sacs. At least their parents made them keep
things tidy.
We
offered some cash and to assume the loan on this house. It was accepted and suddenly, in less than a
month, we were homeowners. The first year was difficult because we went from $92
per month rent to $211 per month mortgage plus all the utilities. Previously,
if we were both too tired to cook, we’d eat out, plus we had an entertainment
budet. Now, no matter how tired, we cooked and ate in. We had to watch our pennies
quite closely. We made it though, obviously since I’m still here.
Now, it’s just me, and I’ve had some
people ask if I was going to sell the house anytime soon. At the moment, I have
no intention of putting it on the market. I know all the neighbors and they
know me. If I’m in need, I can call on one of them. And, the memories…well, the
memories abound. Every single room can bring up some thought or memory of a
time gone by. Some make me sad, but most make me smile in remembrance.
I love working in the garden and
making things grow and bloom. I love watching the birds and chicken out the
windows. I love the way neighbors will stop when I’m mucking about out front.
Right now, I don’t really see how I could possibly give up living here.
Times will change though, I know that.
Eventually, my garden will become too much for me. Eventually the upkeep
will cost me too much in the way of ability, energy and or money. I seriously hope that
doesn’t happen for many years to come, but you never know what tomorrow will
bring. Meanwhile, I’ll enjoy my memories and everything else that makes me feel
good and positive about remaining here.
What about those of you in my
position? Do you look forward to downsizing to something easier to care for?
Will you regret saying goodby the home you’ve had for so long? Or, have you
already moved on? How did that work out? I’d love to know.