Tori, I believe that is called “nesting.”

“It was the late 70?s, so my decorating aesthetic was all about earth tones, rattan furniture and macrame plant hangers– oh yeah, baby!”

Coolness !!

After touring the Yukon Territory of Canada and Alaska for four months –end of Winter and Spring in 1987 I believe it was– I wanted nothing but a log house in that area. Now, with coming to terms with some constantly challenging heath issues and its various treatments, and some other issues that make being domestic massively challenging for me, I’m grateful for the two room apartment I have in the center of where I live; which is more than a handful for me at this point.

SERIOUSLY hope everything works out with the new place too, Tori = )

Oh, and Barbara, photos please when you find that matching bikini !!! = )

Va.-Cathy, we have to be soul mates when it comes to snakes: not even fake ones, pictures in a magazine, or a segment in a movie. The back lawn of a home where my parents used to live had a dirt pier shaped like a broad finger. We used to go out and feed the mother and swan and her signets. I looked down and saw this small snake and jumped right into the lake withmy new nylon crocheted heels. Afterwards, my dad suggested it had not been a very smart idea because much larger snakes were in the lake…and my shoes were ruined. I could write a book about my desperate actions from time to tme when it comes to snakes except that it would be dangerous at my age to think on the subject too long. My mother said my grandmother did this to me. I don’t know who did it, but they sure did a good dang job. I do remember myone morning at the crack of dawn when my grandmother screamed “snake” and my grandfather came running with his shotgun…only to discover it was a broom handle out there on the ground.

Did y’all hear about the 25 foot allegator swimming along with a grown deer in its mouth? Happened in Florida and they had to destroy him because of his size and the fact that his den was in a small body of water close to the backyards of several home’s lawns bordering the water. And Va.-Cathy, how about those monster snakes that are thriving in Florida.

Yuk…let’s go back to houses. Bring us up to date on Bell Buckle, sweet Tori.

I currently live on a couple of acres–NOT farmland–but out in the sticks, with wild turkeys roaming (and clogging up traffic), deer in the yard and snakes. Several snake -sightings every summer. I always loved the idea of the farmhouse with the wrap-around porch waaaay out in the country,complete with graveyard (I think we talked about this before?) and maybe a resident ghost. You know, something with a little history.

My kids and I are convinced that SOMETHING lives here with us in this house. Weird happenings all up in here. But that’s a story for another time.

We actually had money in a century home when we made the move from Florida to Ohio. It had a lot of unique touches, like half-doors (the top half could swing out separate from the bottom–what are those called?) and a perennial garden that was to die for. BUT, a big old 30 ft. crack in the basement pretty much scared us off from that location.

I constantly check real-estate listings; both local, national and abroad. Just recently looked up properties in Montana–thinking I might want to retire there. And I check out all the photos because I need inspiration to re-do my kitchen. And I’m curious as to why some properties move so quickly and others just sit there. AND I need to know that the other properties around me are not losing value. Or I’m just really nosey.

So, to answer the question: I have become the “cabin in the mountains” girl. I like the idea of solitude and quiet. And very little heat. If we’re really dreaming, a lovely castle in Scotland, maybe complete with moat and dungeon would do nicely.

We think alike, if only money were no object. At one point I wanted one of the old Victorians which sat on the shores of Prince Edward Island. Then it was a thatched cottage with the quintessential garden in the Cotswolds of southern England, or a house/cabin at Starwood in Aspen.

While my husband Steve was alive we lived in Ohio, in the small town where we both grew up in a turn of the last century house, it had character to spare, and then some and I still have the antique Hoosier.

After his “Homecoming” I thought of a house in India; something that the last Viceroy would have found extremely comfortable. I love the styles, colors and foods of the Sub-Continent.

And lastly I always thought I’d love to go back home to Cincinnati if given the chance; and as you said, if money were no object, and purchase one of the older stately homes on Observatory Ave. On your trip did you get to the Hyde Park or Mariemont area; simply gorgeous homes. But I feel a tug in my spirit to now go west; far west as in Hawaii, something simple, where I can let the ocean wash all the cares away. Ah daydreaming is so much fun.

And Cathy, I loved the animal stories!!!

However, I’m not a collector anymore and I am very content in my smaller home all on one floor, where my little dog lets me live with her.

But I can remember when my husband and I had dreams of living on a beach…nothing ultra modern; just a homey place up high and where we might see a ship going by fairly often.

Va.Cathy, you could write a book about the trials and tribulations of living on a farm. Forgive me, but you cracked me up….until you got to the snake, sweetheart.

Sorry, I’m rambling.

I want a cabin in the mountains. Doesn’t have to be a cabin, a camper will suffice. I just want PEACE!! And lessons on how to shoot at snakes.

I too hope you get settled in your home in Bell Buckle soon!

But now, if you asked me this today, I’d just say anywhere is my dream home as long as my husband and kids are in it, friends and family feel welcome and can come and go, and there is peace. When you turn 65, you feel differently about a lot of things, and your house is one of them.

(I hope you get that home in Bell Buckle soon and it makes you very happy!)