Thursday, December 21, 2006

Merry Christmas to Us



It is comforting knowing that we have been here 30 years in this old house! Of course as it ages, the upkeep is ongoing, or as Buddy puts it the joys of home-ownership. And it is comforting knowing that we will be here in this house (hopefully) another 30 years. We have friends and coworkers who buy, sell, move, and build new houses, and listening to their woes, we are especially thankful to be settled here with no plans of moving ever again!

We know how fortunate we are to have this little piece of heaven here in the mountains, thanks to Buddy's folks who bought mountain land way back in the 50s (at $25 an acre) and later told all us kids to pick out a house-site. I am sure that Buddy's dad, Felton, was looking down on us this week, watching the roof go on, remembering when he helped put the first one on (and remembering the cracked ribs from falling off the scaffold). Maybe he was enjoying being a superintendent once again, pointing out problems, offering solutions. Or maybe he was just smiling, knowing he didn't have to do this for a living any more.

We are happy with the new roof! The writing of the check was a bit painful, but at least I can write part of it off for covering my office. I am so glad the construction is done, I am not interested in any more remodeling any time soon. This time of year with the leaves off, anyone doing a drive-by will be able to see it, as the roofing contractor said - the red really stands out. Now we are waiting to see if the extra insulation will help with the heating bill, and looking forward to hearing the sound of the rain. We have a roof over our heads, all is well.

The new metal roof is finished just in time for Christmas! A good thing, since that is what we are giving each other this year. Which half to you want, dear?

spring