Today is my Houseaversary,! One year ago today I closed on my home. It was a wonderful, fabulous, beautiful, incredible day.
For those of you who have been following my blog for a while you most likely know that I own this home on my own. I had to give up my marital home when I got divorced....and that was the second home that I loved and lost to a man.
Never again. This one is all mine. My forever home.
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| My New Home - August 2015 |
It's the best feeling to know that nobody is taking this house away from me. All the hard work I put into it will not be in vain like in my other two houses.
I have always been a homebody. I truly love the whole act of caring for a home and making it my own. Decorating, cooking, keeping house. Creating a cozy, warm, welcoming space.
And gardening. Always gardening.
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| My New Home - August 2015 |
As hard as it was to give up my marital home after I had made it my own for 10+ years the hardest part of all was walking away from my gardens.
Those of you who are gardeners know how hard it is to leave a garden after you have put your blood, sweat, and tears into it. Ten years is a long time - gardens are well established at that point and it's hard to start all over at square one.
Yesterday I did just that. I created a garden where there was none at all. And I most definitely left some blood and sweat in there....and perhaps a tear or two!
Here's where it all began:
My Lily girl was out checking things out....like me, she's not quite sure where to start!
It truly was a mess. Years and years of garden debris dumped in this one area.
I started by raking everything out. What a workout this was! The leaves were about a foot thick at least and mixed in with branches and stones.....and garbage.
I did unearth a couple of sweet surprises....two sets of daffodils under all that mess. Funny enough, I remember thinking I'd like to plant some bulbs there last fall.....but I don't actually remember planting them! Perhaps I did.....or maybe they were dumped there by the previous owners and were missed by me last spring. Either way, a most happy sight!
I dug a huge pile of large stones out and tossed them on the stone wall - there are more in the garden bed for sure that will be unearthed as I start planting.
All cleared out - that was quite the workout for sure! The wonderful thing about years and years of leaves and sticks being dumped in one area is that it leaves behind some wonderful, loamy soil full or nutrients.
Back I went to the stone wall to pick some larger stones to edge the garden bed. In a country garden we use what we've got - and around here we've got plenty of stones!
I dumped all the pots I had overwintered into the new garden bed and raked it smooth. If anything decides to sprout from the pots it can happen right here in the wild garden.
I will build up the soil now that the bed is ready with some peat moss, manure, mushroom dirt, compost....whatever I get my hands on. By the time we get to planting season I'll be ready.
No doubt there will be ferns and other things popping up in this garden but I'll figure out what stays and what goes when I see what pops up.
And when I sit on my new garden swing I have a lovely view of the back of my home and the mountains beyond.
Which today, on my Houseaversary, have quite the heavy frost on the peaks. It's a beautiful sight but also a reminder that winter is not nearly done with us yet.
Our forecast shows temps in the teens coming up again...I guess the pansies and strawberries will be put back in the garage again.
But winter can't last forever, right?
Someday spring will come.
And I'll be ready for it.
Right here in my forever home.
Our forecast shows temps in the teens coming up again...I guess the pansies and strawberries will be put back in the garage again.
But winter can't last forever, right?
Someday spring will come.
And I'll be ready for it.
Right here in my forever home.
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This post makes me smile...your new garden is going to be wonderful. We plan to move from our home in the next year or so...we've been here 30 years. I am already planning which plants are going with me...
ReplyDeleteYou have been very blessed to be in one place for 30 years, Linda - no doubt you've got a LOT of work ahead of you, too!
DeleteSweet Mama...I send big hugs to you. I know the exact feeling about owning your home. I went thru something so similar. I paid off the house I had in town...all on my own...it took 25 years. When Ted came into my life, he helped me work on things but all the money came from my house account. I only owed about 2500 at that time...so no I would not let him make a payment of any kind. Because when I sold that house the money from it went to my daughters and myself. That is who I had worked for all those years. Then Ted and I started fresh out here...buying this house together. Everything is shared equally. So I commend you brave mama, you are as strong as you need to be girl. Can't wait to see your beautiful gardens. I know you work hard. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, sweet friend! It's a wonderful feeling to own my own home and to know I am here for the long haul! Cheers to you and all the other amazing strong women out there! xoxo
DeleteMakes me smile too. I too miss the garden I left much more than the house. I miss my waterfall, that lulled me as I sat and looked at the gardens I had created. You're a smart and lucky girl. I envy you that little piece of heaven.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
We all create our own little piece of heaven - we bloom where we are planted, right my sweet and strong friend? You have made a lovely home and 'garden' right where you are and without the horrible drama you left behind. Hugs, Brenda - and thank you. xoxo
DeleteHappy Anniversary on a new home and new beginnings!! We moved from our dream home turned nightmare 10 yrs ago. House was full of toxic mold, builder went under, lost everything including pets to being toxic, drained every last sent we had to fix and remove it as our county wouldn't let us walk away and leave them with the mess. We learned that a house is only 4 walls and a roof. Everything but your family/pets/health can be replaced at some point, it's only stuff. I know there's a reason for everything but it's a hard pill to swallow sometimes. You have a beautiful home and will make it wonderful, that other home will just become a part of your distant past. You have all of us here cheering you on!!
ReplyDeleteOh, Patti, that's a tough thing to go through, I would be so sad losing my sweet furbabies - thank you, you are so right - as long as we have our loved ones and our health we can move forward and make a new home anywhere. Happy Easter to you - xo
DeleteThank you! Walking away with only 2 bags of your entire life is the pits. Watching our cat and dog bleed out days apart was the worst! I had just lost mom to breast cancer 6 months earlier and thought I was getting punished ( thank you sisters from St John's) for doing something, anything wrong. Sure makes you put things into perspective real fast..... Just love your place and those views are priceless! Looking forward to the garden and all the yummy's you'll grow! Happy Easter to you too!! Hugs ,Patti
DeleteOh, I'm so happy for you and I'm smiling too! How wonderful to have your wonderful home and your grounds are so pretty! What a sweet little surprise with the the flower popping up from the soil! Happy Easter to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
And a most blessed Easter to you and Mr Precious, Shelia! :)
Delete"Happy Houseaversary, Deb" I can certainly feel the love. You deserve a beautiful home because you put your heart and soul into it. Enjoy your Easter weekend. Deb
ReplyDeleteIt was a wonderful albeit busy weekend, Deb - thanks for visiting!
DeleteHappy Houseaversary!! Nothing better than something you can call your own. Something you can settle and feel at home. Your gardens will be gorgeous again. A fresh start!
ReplyDeleteI finally feel quite settled in my home after a year! I'm finally starting to feel like nobody's going to yank it out from under me!
DeleteI am so proud of you for getting this house on your own after all you've been through! It was beautiful as it was, but as I see your posts of how you you have truly made this place a *home*, it is even more beautiful. I am amazed at how you cleared out that space for a big garden, too. I know how much work that is. But, oh, so gratifying! We have lived in our home 25-1/2 years. I don't know if we'll be here "forever" or if we'll move again someday. We talk about it, but we'll see. Anyway, happy one year houseaversary! May you be blessed with many, many more wonderful years in your beautiful home.
ReplyDeleteThanks, sweet Melanie - you're such a kind and wonderful friend!
DeleteHappy Houseaversary. when my grandma died a few years ago I was heartbroken when my uncle decided to sell her house. I called the realtor and asked her if we could dig up all the bulbs. The new owner and the realtor said yes so it took hours and we went and dug up what we could and brought them to the farm. I've been digging up my deceased mom's daffodils too to transplant here at our farm. It's weird but I get comfort in seeing the same flowers I've been looking at my whole life but here on our farm. I'm so proud of you for having a house you won't lose to a man and it's quite the home indeed. I already see how lovely your gardens are but I know you have even more planned.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I'm jealous of all the stones. I had to pay $300 bucks just to stone a few beds because we didn't have any out here.
Thanks for sharing that story, Valerie - I would do the exact same thing as you! When I had to leave my first house after that relationship went south I dug up all the plants and took them with me!
DeleteI Love your home. Its beautiful all the way around. from the garden to the view. You are a strong woman and blessed all the same.
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter.
Lisa
Thank you so much, Lisa - I truly am blessed.
DeleteOh your new garden area is going to be fabulous. Can't wait to see what comes up.
ReplyDeleteIt won't be quite as luxurious as your new pool, Marty, but it's my beautiful country cottage garden and I love it!
DeleteHappy day for You! It must be so hard to start over....but I admire you for it! I can't wait to see your gardens....come on Spring! Happy Easter! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Donnamae - it was very, very hard to start over but I did what I had to do. I'm in a much better place in my life now and I'm at peace.
DeleteCongratulations on your special day.
ReplyDeleteYou made it through a year!!
You're off to a fantastic start and it's great fun
watching the process. Glad you're sharing with us.
Have a blessed Easter. "He has risen"!
It sure was a busy year, but a wonderful one as well! Happy Belated Easter to you as well!
DeleteGreat work. Love the bed. I run a garden full of surprises myself. After all, that is what nature is - a garden of surprises.
ReplyDeleteI love when I see various 'volunteers' pop up here and there in my garden - sometimes I leave them, sometimes I dig them up carefully and put them where I want them!
DeleteI love your forever home, Debbie, and I know your gardens will be beautiful when you finish them, although gardens are never really finished, just evolving. We've been traveling and haven't been around much but happy I saw your posting today!
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to see you back, Carol! And yes, you are so right....gardens are most definitely always evolving!
DeleteHappy Houseversary!! There's nothing better than being able to call a place you love, your home. Your happiness with your house and gardens is so evident and that makes me smile! I can't wait to watch your gardens bloom this spring and summer...fabulous and congrats!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, my sweet friend Kim!! :)
DeleteWay to go girl! Your home is lovely and what a great new flowerbed. Free stones are a real bonus too.
ReplyDeleteHappy Gardening ~ FlowerLady
I envy you having a garden to play in all year round, Lorraine, but I doubt my fair skin could handle all that heat and sun!
DeleteWow! Owning a home of your own is quite an accomplishment! It's a beautiful home with gorgeous views and I hope you enjoy it for many years to come. It's going to be fun to see what comes up in your new little garden!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Vickie, I was so proud of myself for taking this big step....still am!
DeleteOnce again you're my favorite person! I thought i'd be alone in wanting to celebrate my houseiversary in june. Guess not :)
ReplyDeleteXO Ellen from Ask Away
www.askawayblog.com
That's because we are both so happy and love our little homes and pups so much, Ellen!!
DeleteNice post and i enjoyed reading and seeing photos of your surroundings. I also had to leave a home I lived in for 30 years and worked so hard outside creating garden area and paths. I know it's difficult but also it's such an adventure to start over again.
ReplyDeleteSandy thanks so much for visiting and for sharing your experience - yes, it's so hard but it looks like you're in a great place now - I took a visit to your blog!
DeleteCongratulations! I really do understand that leaving your plants is one of the hardest things of all. They are living and it feels a little like leaving a baby. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm proud of you!
Thank you my sweet friend, Stacey - and you're so right, just like leaving a baby!!
DeleteWhat a beautiful place you have! I love the daylight basement, and the gorgeous yard you have! So sweet that your sweetie put together the swing for you! You will get many hours of enjoyment from it... and I had to laugh at your comment about walking out in the yard dressing with layers... that is why I love living in the country too, I can wear my PJS outside to feed the chickens, and no one can see, or probably care, lol! Hope you had a lovely Easter weekend :)
ReplyDeleteI think that was one of the things highest on my list when I was house hunting - I had to be able to have coffee outside in my bathrobe!! :)
DeleteThis post touched me in a way I won't soon forget. Your accomplishments are inspirational to women everywhere, and I'm proud to call you 'friend'.
ReplyDeleteYour home is beautiful, not just because it has gorgeous views, pretty furnishings and a killer deck, but because it belongs to you...someone who loves and cherishes it and will never take it for granted.
While I'm not as much of a gardener as some, the house we lived in for 27 years had gone from non existent landscaping to being featured on the cover of a local magazine. Yes, it was hard to leave all that behind, but it's also exciting to start anew. I think you know that feeling. ;)
xxx
Wowzers, a magazine worthy garden and you say you are not much of a gardener??? I'd love to see a photo sometime, my friend - and welcome home! :)
DeleteHappy House Anniversary! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Deb!
DeleteHappy Houseaversary! I totally understand why your home and gardens mean so much to you. :) There is such great satisfaction in knowing that you created something so beautiful and cozy to enjoy yourself and to bring happiness to others as well. :) I can't wait to see what you create in that newly unearthed garden spot.
ReplyDeleteHappy Houseaversary! I totally understand why your home and gardens mean so much to you. :) There is such great satisfaction in knowing that you created something so beautiful and cozy to enjoy yourself and to bring happiness to others as well. :) I can't wait to see what you create in that newly unearthed garden spot.
ReplyDeleteIt will be a mystery to us both, Debbie, because I don't go in with a plan....it just evolves as I see how things do in the spot and where the sun hits. And what plants strike my fancy!!
DeleteCongratulations on your houseaversary. May you celebrate many more.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Jane - please, God, I will live to celebrate many more years in my home and be healthy and strong enough to take care of it for a long time!
DeleteDebbie, I sympathize with you on losing your other homes. I too lost my "Dream Home" in a divorce. I would have never walked away but affording such a place on my own was impossible. I am in a much more modest home now but the happiness there makes it the grandest place I have ever lived. Congratulations to you as owner of your lovely mountain home :)
ReplyDeleteAnd congrats to you on your happy home, sweet Karen! I always love seeing the progress on your home through your posts!!
DeleteWhat a sweet house you have indeed and a view that takes your breath away! Celebration is in order. Thanks for sharing and linking!
ReplyDeleteI do love my view....and it never gets old!
DeleteI forgot to say - the only thing I shall miss too about my Colorado home I just left 2 weeks ago will be the backyard garden - years of hard work while working 6-7 days a week. I too am "digging out" new places!
ReplyDeleteOh boy, that must have been sad for you - I imagine you may have taken some of your favorite plants with you?
DeleteSo happy FOR you! You have a lovely home and no doubt you will enjoy many more gardening days there. I'd love for you to share your happy post on Tuesday's Maple Hill Hop! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
ReplyDeleteWell, I'd love to hop on over to Tuesday's Maple Hill Hop - thanks for visiting and letting me know, Daisy Gurl! Welcome to my little mountain top home - I love meeting new friends!
DeleteThanks for sharing your poignant post with SYC.
ReplyDeleteGlad to!! Thanks for visiting!!
DeleteCongratulations on your 1-year anniversary in your forever house! What a spectacular setting! Wishing you many, many more happy years! Looking forward to seeing how your garden evolves. Thanks so much for linking up with Best of the Weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Amy - and today is exactly one year from the day I moved in, hook, line, and sinker!!
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