On the Market

March... 

No turning back now.

Our listing date is March 13, and we're definitely feeling the pressure. Besides the post-inspection repairs, we absolutely need new fencing on 2 sides. I really wish I had pictures of "fence weekend." A few days earlier, Greg tore down the ramshackle remains of the original structures. On Saturday, he, Chris, our grandson Alec and a neighbor from each adjoining yard dug holes, poured cement, set posts and got the main supports in place. All this in an ever-changing mix of sun, rain, wind, snow & sleet!! I warmed the crew at lunch with a hearty 2-meat chili. Sunday's team of 3 (Greg, Chris & neighbor Mike) managed to get all the vertical slats nailed in. A lot of sore muscles, but also a ton of satisfaction in a job very well done under considerably less-than-ideal conditions.

Most recent remodel.

Professional pics for the listing were also taken about this time. All our stuff (except what's gone to Goodwill) is still here, so staging is simply a matter of removing anything remotely extraneous and turning on every single light. (I drew the line at pushing the sheer curtains to the side - they provide critical ambience.) Amazingly, we managed to live in this minimalistic state of declutter for the rest of the month.)

East Coast Inspired Living Room

21st Century Farmhouse Kitchen

Dining Area with Art Shelf & Greg's Beautiful Buffet.

There were 4 open houses altogether, plus numerous private showings. I think we accumulated a couple dozen realtor cards on the kitchen island. Bids were reviewed a week later and closing set for April 13. (No one ever added a SOLD to our listing sign. though, and even after closing some folks would hesitantly ask if we'd had any offers.)

Despite the pristine appearance we offered the public, our work was far from over. Maybe half our household belongings were actually packed, much of the garage still required sorting and all of it needed to be boxed. Our buyer wasn't taking possession until May, and we were busy all through April. 

RandomTrivia... Since January I've slowly been piecing together Greg's 1000-pc wine bottle puzzle.  It's not an easy one, and I still had about 20% to go when the photographer came to take the listing pics. He considered trying to photo-shop it out, but later decided it just had to go. So I immortalized what had been done. 

Patio furniture and remnant pieces
of "steps" to the old treehouse, 
seen through very wet snow.

Forsythia 😃

P.S. Formatting this post has been THE MOST EXASPERATING experience EVER!!