I'm closing in on the date to list the house.... (I still have allowed a little wiggle room) I want the house on the market in September. I want the pictures of the outside to be taken with the flowers at their very best and the yard groomed to perfection. I have been working on final touch ups although the Realtors may have additional ideas to present my house at its best. It is always interesting to me that the quirks we love may in fact hold other buyers at bay, and we certainly don't want that!
So the search begins for the right realtor. I am clueless in knowing what questions to ask to determine who can best present my house. As you know, I often learn from my mistakes and this is a major decision that protects my mayor investment. So here I am asking my dear readers and friends to share questions they have found helpful (or ones they wished they had asked) in determining who can best represent my home and investment. Feel free to share with any of your friends and bloggers as I can use all the help I can get!! I want to learn from your experience! Give me you best!
I have reached a time in my life where I take time to enjoy the view. I love sitting on the porch and gazing out to the setting sun and basking in all that the day has brought my way. I started my journey in My vintage trailer, Lolita with a back door to enjoy the view of each day. Now, my journey continues in a Class B Roadtrek. Life and Dreams Change as life dictates, Come along and enjoy..... My Back Porch View.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Manito Park
A while back I decided to see many of the local sights that I often neglect as they are always available. Isn't it funny how it often takes a visitor to our area to point out the local sights that we have never seen or take time for? So this summer I have been determined to see many of my favorite sights and also the sights that I keep putting off until another day.
This day I am making a tour of local parks. So here are my finds for today.
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| A rose garden, full of beautiful specimens |
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| today's favorite rose |
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| A perennial garden |
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| A globe thistle |
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| A Quail willing to pose if I just leave her babies alone |
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| A fountain dedicated to a relative cousin - a woman before her time |
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| Japanese Gardens |
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| Serene setting |
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| Beautiful waterfall |
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| Glazier Arboretum |
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| Cacti garden |
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| a moment to reflect |
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| A trip to a duck pond |
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| Auntie and I at Duncan Gardens |
Lunch at the Park Bench
The very best part is all of these wonderful sights and experiences are at one Park, Manito Park in Spokane, Washington, a wonderful day for anyone.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Wallowa Mountains Escape, Part 2
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| Breakfast at the top of the world |
After breakfast it was time for the hiking. There are 2 1/2 miles of trails to gain another 150 feet of elevation. You go up and down the 150 feet rise in elevation many times as you hike around the crown of the mountain.
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| From the mountain top, the 5 mile long Lake Wallowa seems but a puddle. |
Auntie hiked some of the trails....
and was as anxious as was I to see what lay
beyond the next crest. I hope that
I am able to explore life's vistas
at 85 years young.
In the forested part of the mountain there were many uprooted dead trees. The root systems were lateral with no roots running deep thus allowing the trees to be uprooted by the wind. They lay with roots upright like driftwood sprawled on a ocean beach.
Even mid-August flowers were found the the top of the mountain.
Butterflies fluttered from flower to flower basking in the summer sun.
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| Time for a rest with Chippie |
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| View from the Tram |
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| Horse Pack Camp |
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| A friendly reminder at horse Camp |
A smokey Forest Fire from Central Washington provided a spectacular Sunset to end our journey.
till next time.....
Friday, August 17, 2012
Escape to the Wallowa Mountains, Part 1
Life can is stressful and it is a time for a much needed escape. Its not exactly like traveling when full timing since timetables dictate the agenda. But it was a needed reprieve from the stresses of living with a child with challenging behaviors and getting a house ready for sale.
The Wallowa Mountains in North Eastern Oregon are a mere 213 miles from Spokane where I have lived most of my life, yet a place that I have never been. It is a place rich with Native American and pioneer history waiting to be explored.
So my Auntie and I set out for a four day adventure. The first half of our journey winds easily through the farmland of the Washington Palouse. Is is a wonderful scenic drive through rolling hills ripe for harvest.
The road down the grade into Lewiston, Idaho and beyond was my first trip pulling my little Lolita up and down (and around hairturns) on mountain grades. My Ford Explorer and Lolita handled the journey superbly.
This was repeated over and over again. Sometimes I just plain scared myself! I scared Auntie too! We rolled along sometimes at 20 miles per hour. So the 213 miles took us six hours. MapQuest you really ought to check that out. Once again you lead me a stray!
As a firm believer in stopping at historical markers we did find some along the way. Can you imagine leading a band of Native Peoples or a wagon train of pioneers through this rugged country? It is thought that Chief Joseph was born in a cave during the winter below this spot.
After the up, up, up, and down, down, down, many times we see our first view of the Wallowa Mountains. It is mid August and snow and glaciers are still visible on the mountain peaks.
So of course, finding a place to park Lolita became a bit of a problem. Finally we pulled in to a little motel/RV park ran by a character of a man. Auntie and I met a couple who took us to find the owner who found us a spot and even parked Lolita. We had a grand time laughing and drinking coffee.
Views of Wallowa Lake
Lots of tame dear.
Momma wasn't happy though with the stare down.
Stayed tuned for more Wallowa Mountains travels....... tomorrow.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
So my Auntie and I set out for a four day adventure. The first half of our journey winds easily through the farmland of the Washington Palouse. Is is a wonderful scenic drive through rolling hills ripe for harvest.
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| Amber Waves of Grain |
The road down the grade into Lewiston, Idaho and beyond was my first trip pulling my little Lolita up and down (and around hairturns) on mountain grades. My Ford Explorer and Lolita handled the journey superbly.
 |
| Up, Up, Up, Down Down Down, with no shoulders or guard rails! |
This was repeated over and over again. Sometimes I just plain scared myself! I scared Auntie too! We rolled along sometimes at 20 miles per hour. So the 213 miles took us six hours. MapQuest you really ought to check that out. Once again you lead me a stray!
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| Joseph Canyon |
After the up, up, up, and down, down, down, many times we see our first view of the Wallowa Mountains. It is mid August and snow and glaciers are still visible on the mountain peaks.
I have made it my mission to learn life lessons by doing them wrong first. Then, I am sure to remember the lesson from the 'mistake' when I finally get it right. When heading out on this impulsive trek, I neglected to check what might be going on in Joseph, Oregon. Well that turned out to be a wonderful learning opportunity. We were joined in Joseph, Oregon by 20,000 other visitors to the Annual Bronze Blues and Brews Concert. Lesson Learned....
So of course, finding a place to park Lolita became a bit of a problem. Finally we pulled in to a little motel/RV park ran by a character of a man. Auntie and I met a couple who took us to find the owner who found us a spot and even parked Lolita. We had a grand time laughing and drinking coffee.
Views of Wallowa Lake
Lots of tame dear.
Momma wasn't happy though with the stare down.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Oh, the Trailers I have Seen
Yet another confession. As I age I like trailers that are shall we say, vintage. I am also particularly drawn to these quirky little homes. I have seen many campers that seen to match their owners personalities to a tee. They are certainly memorable and will bring you a smile every time you look think of them. As I remember all the sweet littler campers I have seen, my Lolita seems pretty tame.
Shall I get my creative juices flowing?
Maybe you would like something quirky...
I found this cutie pie for sale....
Oh I would love a harem of these cutie pies!
This one belongs to a Northwest Sister on the Fly
This one comes with fresh eggs....
Another Northwest Sister......
Cute as a itty bitty egg!
Maybe you would want a business on the go...
Do you have a gypsy spirit?
This belongs to my friend, Sharon
This is a back door sweetie too!
Do you love your fur friend?
Remember if you want to trick out your trailer, drive carefully.
These trailers get a lot of attention driving down the road.
Shall I get my creative juices flowing?
Maybe you would like something quirky...
I found this cutie pie for sale....
Oh I would love a harem of these cutie pies!
How about this cute little firecracker?
This one belongs to a Northwest Sister on the Fly
This one comes with fresh eggs....
Another Northwest Sister......
Cute as a itty bitty egg!
Maybe you would want a business on the go...
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| What will you have breakfast or dessert? |
Do you have a gypsy spirit?
This belongs to my friend, Sharon
This is a back door sweetie too!
Do you love your fur friend?
These trailers get a lot of attention driving down the road.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
I admit it..... I'm in a major FUNK!
I've been working on getting my house and yard and life in order. But I will admit it, it is a half hearted effort. I am in a major funk!!
This year with so much rain the yard has become a jungle and it alone is a full time job. The garden has gone to pot. And there is the house..... and the animals..... and the decisions.
Calgon take me away!
It is not that I am regretting my decision to down size and full time. I am excited to move to the next phase of my life. But realistically, I find myself beginning to grieve the loss of my present life. I have been a mom and foster parent for all of my adult life. Here I am, in my sixties and I am wanting to do some exploring, visiting, and just plain wanting to redefine myself for this latter part of my life. Even if I weren't going to move to full time traveling, I would need to downsize from where I live now. The work, the house, the property, the animals.... it is just too much for me to keep up with.
Is it selfish of me to want it all???? The reality is I can't afford it all.
I have to make a choice.
So I've decided to full-time for a while and see where that leads me. I may find I need to have a home base, only time will tell. There are lots of ways folks have made life work for them once they are open to the idea of change. And I have 2 daughters and my Auntie here in Spokane, which has for the most of my life been home. I also have a daughter and her family in Connecticut. I also have so many places to see and experience that it is hard to know where I will hang my hat.
I have read many blogs that talked of the relief as you let go of things and move towards the future. Did everyone skip over the hard parts? Or were they to hard to write about? Or did you just think no one would want to know the nitty gritty details? And then there are all the decisions! Geezs... these are the times I would love to push of some of these decisions for someone else to make.
Ok Ok . One foot in front of another.... Tomorrow is another day.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Today.
Here's To
My Future:
Ok Kids..... How did you get through the tough times?
I need some encouragement here......
This year with so much rain the yard has become a jungle and it alone is a full time job. The garden has gone to pot. And there is the house..... and the animals..... and the decisions.
Calgon take me away!
It is not that I am regretting my decision to down size and full time. I am excited to move to the next phase of my life. But realistically, I find myself beginning to grieve the loss of my present life. I have been a mom and foster parent for all of my adult life. Here I am, in my sixties and I am wanting to do some exploring, visiting, and just plain wanting to redefine myself for this latter part of my life. Even if I weren't going to move to full time traveling, I would need to downsize from where I live now. The work, the house, the property, the animals.... it is just too much for me to keep up with.
Is it selfish of me to want it all???? The reality is I can't afford it all.
I have to make a choice.
So I've decided to full-time for a while and see where that leads me. I may find I need to have a home base, only time will tell. There are lots of ways folks have made life work for them once they are open to the idea of change. And I have 2 daughters and my Auntie here in Spokane, which has for the most of my life been home. I also have a daughter and her family in Connecticut. I also have so many places to see and experience that it is hard to know where I will hang my hat.
I have read many blogs that talked of the relief as you let go of things and move towards the future. Did everyone skip over the hard parts? Or were they to hard to write about? Or did you just think no one would want to know the nitty gritty details? And then there are all the decisions! Geezs... these are the times I would love to push of some of these decisions for someone else to make.
Ok Ok . One foot in front of another.... Tomorrow is another day.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Today.
Here's To
My Future:
Ok Kids..... How did you get through the tough times?
I need some encouragement here......
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Nurture Love Today
Who can help but be haunted by the news from Colorado. Each one of us finds their own way to deal with unexplainable tragedy. In a blog I follow, at Box Canyon Blog,
( http://boxcanyonblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/sunrise-sunset.html)
the author writes of the unimaginable tragedy in Colorado this week.
It started me thinking....
There is so much hurt and evil in the world. We will never really know what causes an individual to view their world in such a negative and brutal way. Yet if we just turn away..... do nothing...... it allows the evil to continue.
I have been a foster parent for 38 years. I have seen wounded and hurt children and teens who have seen very little kindness yet, grow into loving and caring adults while others continue the pattern of hate into their own lives and the lives of others who they touch. Mental illness is real and it touches an individuals' life and the lives of all the people who know and love them in a profound way.
I can not tell you the countless number of times that I have heard said " I don't know how you do what you do, I could never do it". Not every one needs to be a foster parent. People who tell of pivotal people in their lives, remark about the teacher, the coach, the family member, or neighbor who saw the potenial in them and nurtured it. They took time and gave this young person something to believe in. The young people of today are the future of tomorrow.
I cannot presume to know what every injured or tormented soul needs. I have learned to extend a moment of kindness, a caring comment or an encouraging word. No kindness is wasted. The funny thing is when we do something that matters, we often find we receive more than the intended recipient. Every one can do something.
There also comes a time to heal your own broken heart. For me, healing often comes surrounded by nature. Who cannot behold the beauty of a stunning sunrise and not have hope for the future. Who cannot witness the beauty of the rose and not be aware of it's thorns.
( http://boxcanyonblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/sunrise-sunset.html)
the author writes of the unimaginable tragedy in Colorado this week.
It started me thinking....
There is so much hurt and evil in the world. We will never really know what causes an individual to view their world in such a negative and brutal way. Yet if we just turn away..... do nothing...... it allows the evil to continue.
I have been a foster parent for 38 years. I have seen wounded and hurt children and teens who have seen very little kindness yet, grow into loving and caring adults while others continue the pattern of hate into their own lives and the lives of others who they touch. Mental illness is real and it touches an individuals' life and the lives of all the people who know and love them in a profound way.
I can not tell you the countless number of times that I have heard said " I don't know how you do what you do, I could never do it". Not every one needs to be a foster parent. People who tell of pivotal people in their lives, remark about the teacher, the coach, the family member, or neighbor who saw the potenial in them and nurtured it. They took time and gave this young person something to believe in. The young people of today are the future of tomorrow.
I cannot presume to know what every injured or tormented soul needs. I have learned to extend a moment of kindness, a caring comment or an encouraging word. No kindness is wasted. The funny thing is when we do something that matters, we often find we receive more than the intended recipient. Every one can do something.
There also comes a time to heal your own broken heart. For me, healing often comes surrounded by nature. Who cannot behold the beauty of a stunning sunrise and not have hope for the future. Who cannot witness the beauty of the rose and not be aware of it's thorns.
Nurture Love today!
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