Monday, July 2, 2012

It’s Funny How Things Work Out

That’s going to be the title of my book, “It’s Funny How Things Work Out.” Someone remind me of that when I’m old and feeble and finally have time to write it.

You all are wondering what on earth is going on around here. I’m getting your e-mails, I just haven’t had time to respond. In a nutshell, the farm, which we thought we priced high enough so it would take a year or so to sell, sold in less than 60 days. This left us very much homeless as I had no earthly idea how I could ever afford a small homestead in the neighborhood I was hoping to relocate to. No offence to those of you who live there, but geez Louise are you ever proud of your property in that neck of the woods! The term sticker shock doesn’t even begin to describe it.

The thought of leaving a big old circa 1900 farmhouse to live on a cul-de-sac where I can’t have chickens or, heaven forbid, hang clothes on a line was horrifying.  All I wanted was a few acres and a simple home, I didn’t want a mega-mansion. Problem is, that doesn’t really exist in that neighborhood. You have your pick of brand-new cookie cutter vinyl houses that sit on top of each other or mega mansions, that’s it.

I tried to buy a nice little ranch home, but the crazy lady that lived in it couldn’t decide if she really wanted to sell it or not. Apparently she had a doctors appointment that conflicted with the sale of her home. Yeah, don’t ask me for clarification, I never understood it either.

Then there was the absolutely adorable cape cod home that the realtor failed to disclose was a short sale. Oh, and he forgot to mention there were liens against it, yadda, yadda.

Next!

Then came the typical house on a cul-de-sac, which was apparently owned by a mobster family, as they used coercion to attempt to extort money from us.  It was at this point that I started to lose it. Okay, maybe I didn’t just start. It was more like a full-scale meltdown that made Chernobyl look like a slight mishap.

Then it happened. A new home was listed on the market. Not just any home. THE home. I swear it’s listing shown like a beacon on my computer screen. I think I might have even heard angels sing.

And you know what? We ran right out and bought it. Wham, bam, thank you…er, Sir. (The agent was a guy.) It wasn’t even on the market 48 hours.

Behold, my friends, Front Porch Indiana 2.0 - The sequel.

(photos courtesy of the realtor)

New House

It even comes with a plethora of porches. One on each side of the house. I can already picture a fern growing in a tall planter on this one.

New House Side Porch

Believe it or not it sits on four acres and is within walking distance of downtown, yet isn’t incorporated so that means I can have poultry. Hello Mildred! It even comes with a duck pond. Well, actually it might be a run down and defunct swimming pool now, but I see it as a duck pond someday.

So I know what you are thinking. What about all the other animals? Well, they’re staying here. The wonderful people buying the farm want to keep all the livestock. Yes, leaving them behind will be difficult for me, but only me. The animals themselves will suffer no stress or hardship in any way. The new family is a retiring military family returning to the hometown where they grew up. The grandparents are farmers and are looking forward to helping out. The three kids need a safe school and environment to grow up in (they are moving from DC). Honestly, I couldn’t be more pleased if I had gone out and picked them myself.

It was a long strange trip, but now I can’t help but think that this is another one of those situations that was just meant to be.

28 comments:

Anonymous said...

The house looks amazing Mom!

Donna said...

Sometimes when we just let go and open up....God hands us just what we need. Congrats Christine! Your new house will soon be your new home...enjoy all of the fun of making it yours!

Jayne said...

Oh my gosh, I LOVE that house!! It's beautiful. I'm glad you can still have some animals there too.

You know, reading through the whole "killer chihuahua" thing, I was thinking about you and how you'd feel if it was one of your chickens. I do feel sorry for the chicken owners, losing their pet, but I also feel sorry for the woman who owns the chihuahuas. I think it's a neighbor disagreement gone too far.

Michelle said...

Oh Christine, I got goosebumps reading this! Donna is right; God is so good. I was sad about you leaving the old (wonderful) house; now I can't wait to see all the photos of THIS one!

Tombstone Livestock said...

Congratulations, so glad you found a house with a porch and a few acres and found buyers to take your animals along with the house. Now on to making this new house your home.

Artful Gathering said...

How awesome is that! Looks like a lovely home. Can't wait to see what you do to it to make it your own home... Congrats!

Christine said...

Jayne, if it were me there would be no dogs left to press charges against. It is common knowledge on farms that you "shoot, shovel, and shut up." Problem solved. I realize how that sounds but the lady in question thought the whole incident was funny. I doubt she'd feel the same if her dogs were being harrassed. If people want dogs they need to keep them in their own yard or be willing to be held responsible for what happens. It's really quite simple. There are laws all across the country that allow a farmer to protect their livestock.

Unknown said...

OMGosh! That house is awesome! If you'd like some help painting or cleaning give me a holler! Seriously!

Meggie said...

The house looks wonderful...would you believe I just announced today, on my blog, that I am moving from my farm. Good luck with your home.

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

Christine, your home looks lovely! I can't wait to see a house tour in the near future! Best of luck with your "new" home! It's beautiful!

Suzan said...

Looks like a beautiful home!! You know that old saying --- When one door closes, another will be opened!

Lori Skoog said...

Meant to be indeed! So gorgeous and with 4 acres. Funny how things work out. Look forward to seeing more photos.

Katidids said...

Coming out of long time lurkdom to say congrats! LOVE those porches and as asoon as I saw the photo I was thinking rocking chair, tea table and ferns...so when do you move?

Angela said...

It is gorgeous!!!!!!! So happy for you.

Kimme said...

Congratulations Christine. Love it, my type of house and with 4 acres, heaven!

Sassafras and Winterberry said...

Yippee! I'm so happy for you. What a cool place...I can't wait for your new adventures to begin!
Hugs,
Courtney

trump said...

Ive always loved the front porch. And happy July 4 folks. Richard from the Amish commnunity of Lebanon,pa

Unknown said...

I keep coming back to look at these pictures. I'm amazed at all the character and detail in the facade of this house! It really is awesome!

Taryn said...

As a resident of DC myself I think the new family will feel like they've moved to heaven. I envy them and I can't help but believe your animals will get plenty of TLC and the new residents will breathe a HUGE sigh of relief to leave our area. Your new abode is so incredibly charming. Well done! I can't wait to see how you make it into your own lovely space.

Karen Anne said...

What a great house, and four acres!

Is Mr. Duck coming with you? I wasn't sure from your post.

Anonymous said...

OMG - so you had to get through those hurdles in order to be ready and waiting when THE perfect home became available! Perfect!! What a beautiful home it will be.

Best wishes!
Lee Anna

Florida Farm Girl said...

What a lovely house! Give us a tour, okay? Will you have a "loom room" here?

Tammy said...

My head is reeling! I can't imagine how you feel--a full range of emotions I'm sure. So happy that your buyers also wanted all the sweet critters and that you can leave them without worry. Too cool. Can't wait to see the inside tour of that beautiful home.

Tammy

Earlene said...

Wow...so happy for you. turned out well all around. I am going to miss looking at your beautiful animals.
Hugs
Earlene

Lori said...

Congratulations! It sounds like everything came together quickly that's always a good sign!

Penny said...

I love it. Love it! Sooo happy for you!

Blue Shoe Farm said...

4 acres, walking distance to town, classic Vic... gorgeous, perfect. Have fun making it yours!

Kigwit said...

Absolutely love this house. Lucky lucky you!