Hi everyone! This is such a time of change for me!
My daughter got her driver’s license (shudder) and is starting her first day of college on Monday. So we are now three people using two cars and all the scheduling that requires!
Plus my Husband and I have pretty much decided we need to sell the current house and downsize. So.....
WE ARE MOVING!
We're planning on listing in the spring, when my yard is in bloom and looking pretty. That gives us the next 6 months or so to fix all the things we need to fix (a thrifty bathroom remodel included) and declutter so we don’t move with stuff that we’re no longer want. LOTS to do inside and out!
I’m back in physical therapy for my knee which thankfully didn’t require surgery - a meniscus abnormality but not tear. The stairs are killing me and the yard as much as I love all that land is wearing me down. We need a one level house on not so much land!
Even the dog is having problems with the stairs these days! Gratuitous Maxie shot because he’s so adorable!
Did I mention that at this time, housing prices in my neighborhood are about $25,000 lower than they were two years ago? Ouch!! My hope is that six months from now things will be a bit better :)
I’m mostly sad about having to leave my garden. I planted 98% of the trees, shrubs and flowers. This will be the third garden I’ve had to give up. Hopefully the next one will be my last.
But I’m also excited about the possibilities ahead! I’ve always wanted to see what I could do with a small space!
Anyway, just wanted to let you all know what’s going on here as I don’t know how regularly I will be posting in the next few months. My to do list is a bit overwhelming at this point but I’ll post at least once a week. It’ll help motivate me to get these projects done!
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84 comments:
I know how scary it is having a teenager on the road. I'll just say "LOL" and leave it at that. ;p
(I'm right there with ya)..
So sorry to hear about your knee and about having to move. It's good that you are keeping it positive though. Like you say, if you get a one level with less land, you'll probably be able to stay there. That's a good thing. :)
Your doggie is VERY cute. I love dogs too.
Good luck with everything over the next few months. You may not be posting as often for awhile but, just think of all the fun posts you'll have about redecorating next year when you get a new place!!
All the best and my sincere wishes for a speedy knee recovery. :)
((Hugs))
Laura
Wow. Good luck with all that you have to do. And best of luck to your daughter starting college. Lot's of changes for you right now.
LOVE the photo of your dog Maxie! We have a Golden too. :)
We are hoping to do the same, Manuela. The plan was to sell after 5 years, but then the mkt got bad, so now it's 7. By the time Spring rolls around it will be going on 8 years. We are talking about preparing the house over the winter. Not a whole lot to do structurally or cosmetic...but lots of getting rid of stuff!!
All the best with your new "adventure"!
Oh Manuela,
What big news...I understand the mixed feelings so well.
I had my knee surgery in July and find out tomorrow if we need to go ahead and do a total knee replacement. I really know what you mean about the stairs...especially where the laundry comes in. Ours is in the basement so that's 2 flights...well, you understand.
Warmest wishes, Susie
Oh Manuela,
What big news...I understand the mixed feelings so well.
I had my knee surgery in July and find out tomorrow if we need to go ahead and do a total knee replacement. I really know what you mean about the stairs...especially where the laundry comes in. Ours is in the basement so that's 2 flights...well, you understand.
Warmest wishes, Susie
Oh Manuela! Labor Day weekend we started looking to down-size, too! And we are so happy at the new place & having a lot of fun fixing it up, but it is still so very hard.
And like you, I miss my gardens most of all. All those flowers & herbs & roses left behind. I can weep just thinking about it! But the new gardening chapter is exciting too.
Best of luck, prayers & wishes. . . .
Vera
How fun! This sounds like a good change...down sizing..it is a good thing! Good luck on selling your home, I am hoping the market will be favorable for you in this! :D
I'm surprised! Wow! I never expected this to be your news. Congrats on this exciting new venture in your lives Manuela. That is fantastic and my thoughts and prayers are with you for success in the spring.
Maxie is precious! ~Melissa :)
Oh Manuela,I so know the feeling of leaving behind your gardens,I have done that myself and still miss what we had.I had a garden full of roses with lots of native plants and 2 Mulberries.Best of luck with the move and I hope you sell quickly up there.We are still waiting on ours to sell in Kambalda.Congrats to your teen on becoming a licensed driver.I wish mine would get that motived to go for his!
Awwww,doggie is so cute,love the pic.
Best wishes...:)
Well this can be a time of great change -College is exciting for your family -I hope she is attending close to home so you can see her often.
Keep working on getting your knee stronger -that is the most important thing right now to get yourself back to optimal health
Now the sad part for me you have showed me how to decorate and showcase items in a split level home -and for the ones of us that live in this arrangement know the challenges. -Your home is beautiful --Just take care of yourself and your family and all your readers will be here cheering you on .
Your house is so lovely it will be easy to sell.
We did the same as you are saying last year. Our house didn't sell. We are waiting a year and putting it back on the market next Spring. Some of the same houses that were listed last year when our was are still on the market. The yard, and the steps are the problem as well. We did the clutter thing big time. We also have a bo0level. Let's hope the econo0my and the market are better for us in the Spring.
How exciting. I hear ya about the yard being so big. I could use a smaller one, too, but hubs is not leaving. I told him we will eventually have to hire it done. I don't think the housing here will be much better that soon. My hubby is a banker and it has been very tough and it will take a couple more years to get better he said. Houses around here are way down from what they were two years ago. Good luck and have fun looking for a new place.
I was wondering what your news might be, but this never entered my mind. I hate to see you leave your beautiful home and gardens, but in the long run it will probably be good both for your health and financially. Plus, we get to see what you'll do with a whole new space- not that I'm thinking only of your readers or anything. ha ha
But...does this mean you'll be having a yard sale???? I'd make a trip down down that way (and to see my son at college) if you are.
Congratulations, Manuela {all the way around even though you are on edge with the daughter driving}! : ) You are where I was last year. House on the market, but we took it off for the holidays for a couple of reasons and it kind of worked out well for us. I think we will go back on after the holidays this year ~ in January/February.
We took 3 months to get the house viewing ready and still live in it. I started out with a pad and labeled a page for each room, then went thorugh each room with hubby and we wrote down what needed to be done. Some rooms had one thing, others had 15 things. As each thing was done, we crossed it off the list. It was very helpful for when my hubby might have had a day off that I didn't and he could move ahead {and vice versa}. I'm sure you have your own plan to put into place, but just thought I'd share that something as simple as writing it down helped us out. Oh, and renting a dumpster was also a good idea!
I'm so surprised to hear you are moving! Through your beautiful pictures and love for your home, I feel I have grown to know you and will miss seeing your lovely home and gardens. I can certainly understand downsizing and although I will miss thinking of you in your current home, I'll look forward to hearing about your new one. All the best to you in the coming months as you prepare for the sale. And also all the best to your daughter as she begins college. A busy and exciting time!
What an exciting (and stressful) time for you! It will be fun for you to find your new nest...hope it is everything you are looking for!
Oh, my! Change is hard, but it's good too, isn't it?!
I've got my oldest daughter in college now...having her drive for the first time was SOOOO hard for me!
My second daughter is 15 1/2 and is BEGGING to get her permit--yikes!
Oh, well... time marches on, right?!
So sorry you'll be leaving your lovely home, but I just know you'll create a beautiful home in the next house, too!
Hope your day is just wonderful!
Julie
Wow, you really do have a lot going on. Take it slow and easy and remember to breathe.
Leann
Just tell your daughter to take it easy, be a defensive driver, and she should be okay. All my friends w/girls never had problems. Dan had an accident and a speeding ticket. I think when he got T-boned around the corner from our house, it scared the daylights out of him! He is a very good driver now!
I wish you luck on your home sale. At least you have time to start getting things organized. Take it easy on your knee and do your re-hab. Take care, Manuela!
hugs, Sue
How exciting! I am sure your current home will sell quickly, as it is decorated so lovely, both inside and out!
My oldest daughter just got her license too...makes this mama nervous!! :)
Blessings!
~Nadine
Wow, that is a big change. We'll be ready to downsize to, I'm sure you can do wonders with a small space.
Life is full of change and it's always best to embrace it and not fight it. I've done both with moves we've made and the moves that I didn't want were the hardest on all of us. You know that saying "If Mom's not happy...." It's so true.
You sound like you have such a good attitude. I wish you the best in this housing market. I just know your house will look like a million bucks and hopefully buyers will be lined up with full price offers.
You have alot ahead of you. Good luck in all of your planning.
I am so excited for you! I acutally love moving. Imagine being able to create and recreate a new space with things you already have and love! I wish you the most wonderful success in the preparing for and sale of your home. We are all on this adventure with you!
Hugs,
Penny
I hate for you to leave what you've worked so hard on, Manuela. But I've got to say I've worried about you with all that yard and those stairs. I know for a fact those stairs alone would do me in. I do yoga twice per day for my back. And it's all I can do to take care of this garden home yard! So get something to grow old in. That's my motto.
Brenda
Wow, Manuela! You do have a lot going on! I remember watching my daughter back down the driveway, alone in the car for the first time! Gulp! It does get better, though! And what a big decision that must have been to move! You have a wonderful advantage in that your home and gardens are so lovely! Will you stay in the same area? Keep us posted on the developmemts!Have a great weekend!...hugs...Debbie
Well, it is very hard to sell around here. We have lots of homes sitting empty or in foreclosure. There are tons of new homes that were built too that are sitting empty. It will be quite some time before things get moving here. We live near a beach community and the builders really, really over built!
We have considered down sizing as well, but we have decided that if we do it it will be when we reach retirement...no sense moving twice. The advantage of staying where we are right now is that the kids and grands have room to visit. Our place is paid for and that is nice also.
Know you must be so proud for your daughter taking these new steps in her life. (And worried about the driving a little maybe?) I too have a beloved Golden - they are such sweet babies! Ours does that exact same thing - like they are scratching their back and playing while holding a ball in her mouth. I hope your knee feels much better soon. A one level will be much nicer even though you will have to start your gardens over again - but you seem to be the type lady that enjoys a new challenge, hmmm?
TTYL
Good luck! Exciting times :)
Hi Manuela
Lots of changes ahead for you. You are going to be very busy! I know that you will handle it just fine and come through smelling like a rose.
Just think...another house to make beautiful!
God bless, Rhondi
Exciting but daunting at the same time! I have strongly toyed with downsizing, but I hate having a house on the market.
I won't pretend that I won't miss having posts as often. I will. But I will look forward to whatever you do post because I'll know you'll be up to something wonderful.
Just think: A whole new house to decorate from scratch, and we'll get to get in on the ground floor... which will be the only floor, but you know what I mean.
I hope you sale it fast and find something you love!!!
Hello my friend. I just visited your blog for the first time due to a request from Erin and I really love it. Anyone who loves toile and is a friend of Erin's is somebody that I want to know :) I'm happy to be your newest following. I invite you to follow me in return! Now -- I better take a good look around before you move and I don't get to see your beautiful home.
Best of luck to you!! We downsized 14 years ago to a one-level - the best thing we ever did, as I love my small house. It really puts your priorities in the right place as far as 'stuff' goes. Sally
Manuela, I so admire you and your positive attitude. I know it will be very hard for you to give up your lovely garden, but it does sound as if a smaller property will be better for your knee! I am grateful that your knee will not require surgery.
I would think your house would sell quickly--you've made it into such a beautiful place. I do hope that the market rebounds a bit before the spring so that you can get the most $$ possible. It will be fun to see what you do to get ready for the sale, so I'm glad you'll be posting from time to time. We'll keep reading, that's for sure!
May God bless all three of you as you transition into this very exciting year!
We did that 5 years ago: 5,000 sq. ft. to 1800 sq. ft. Took a LOT of creativity, I tell ya, chick. But we're doing it.
xoxo,
Connie
congratulations!! What big changes. I am glad your knee did not require surgery - that is great! I am sure you will sell your house quickly because it is so beautiful!
xoxo
Jen
Yes, John and I have considered moving to a rental storage unit. Not really, but it is our standard joke.
I think a one-story home given your knee and a smaller yard would be just the thing. Plus you can advertise your home as Manuela's! It's a beautiful house and someone will be very blessed.
And the best part is that you can't leave home without us, right? We get to come along and see the transformations in new locations.
God bless...
Manuela, I know you have some big changes in your life right now... and they can be overwhelming and scarey. But they are good too. Change means moving forward. Just keep your daughter in prayer and God will look after her... He loves her more than you!
I can't wait to see what beautiful new home you will live in. And I'm sure you will continue to have beautiful posts for all of us from your new home.
xo Yvonne
Congratulations to your daughter on both her license and college!! And congrats to you on your move! I think you will have NO problem selling your home! I understand the stress as I get ready to list mine!! Good luck and look SO forward to following your journey! :)
Kristi
Hi Manuela! OH, you do have quite a lot of changes in your life now! I wish your daughter the best at school and just getting her license! :)
Oh, I do pray your real estate market will be back up when you do sell you home. I know it can really get exciting thinking about a new place and I hope that's how it will be for you! :)
You know I wish you all the best, Dear One.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Hi Manuela,
Being that your home is beautiful, any place you guys move to will be a great project to put your stamp of homemaking on it. Your blog showcases your love for creating a warm and comfy environment for you and your family.
I had to look up the menicus info, as I've been having a problem lately with the outside of my left knee. After I get the issue with termite tenting done, I'm going to see a Ortho doc and see if this is what I have also.
Thanks for sharing with us. Viola
Hi Manuela,
Being that your home is beautiful, any place you guys move to will be a great project to put your stamp of homemaking on it. Your blog showcases your love for creating a warm and comfy environment for you and your family.
I had to look up the menicus info, as I've been having a problem lately with the outside of my left knee. After I get the issue with termite tenting done, I'm going to see a Ortho doc and see if this is what I have also.
Thanks for sharing with us. Viola
My son got his license in June and it has definately been odd to have him driving around. You have a beautiful home. Good luck!
Congratulations to your daughter! I remember well what it feels like when the kids get their lisences...you poor thing. What a wonderful adventure to look forward to...I'm so excited for you Manuela! I know there's lots of work to do to get the house ready to put on the market next spring but it will be worth it. This will be a new chapter in your life..how exciting is that :) We went through this two years ago...then we moved 9 months later to the farm. That was by far the best move of all. Don't forget to take breaks between all the work and have fun thinking about all the possibilities for the future. Have a great week. Maura :)
First of all, congratulations on choosing what is best for your family. I commend you for working as a team with your husband on this. I'm wondering who isn't downsizing these days. What you purge from your home will offer provision for a single, a new married couple, someone who needs it more than you. Next, I'm excited for your daughter. And finally, Max, you're the greatest, dude.
I remember when my first son got his license that I realized I'd just been given another reason to be on my knees in prayer for him :-)
It sounds like you're going to be busy. I understand about leaving the garden. Yours is such a part of you.
Blessings,
Marcia
Oh what a beautiful home! It should sell quickly! Enjoy your day my friend! HUGS!
Good luck with your knee rehab in physical therapy. It's great that you didn't need surgery. I hope you are better very soon with the help of your PT.
Boy, you made a big decision in deciding to sell your home. I'll bet that it won't take long because you have made it so attractive.
Good luck with all of your projects!
It's an adventure Manuela! I know that whatever you find will have your signature all over it within a short amount of time! Hopefully the market will be a bit better in the spring. We have talked about moving when Earl finds work. We have lived her almost 30 years and the huge yard and constant upkeep of an older home are not something we want to be saddled with as we get older. I never thought I would feel that way because I love my home, but I am oddlymore open to change now that the girls are grown! Post when you can, I know I'll still be here. You are on my reader so I'll see it as soon as you post. I'll miss your projects, but something tells me you'll find time to share some of them:>)
That's exciting news, Manuela! I think the hardest thing is leaving a garden - can you transplant some of your favorites and bring a little of it with you?
xo
Claudia
Just discovered your blog...as I was scrolling back thru posts I spied an adorable black and white harlequin rug in your bathroom...where can i find one? love all your B&W and red!! You have a wonderful flair for decorating! patti
Good luck with your house! My husband and I would love to sell and buy a smaller house but I live in Michigan and the housing marked here is a lot worse than the rest of the country. We may be here for the rest of our lives!
Best of luck to you. I hope every new adventure is exciting and happy!
Sounds like you will be having a busy winter ahead of you. Good luck with the knee!!!
Nothing like a potential move to get one motivated to complete projects and sort through the clutter. Your house and garden are so lovely. I don't imagine it will take long at all for your house to sell. Perhaps by next spring the housing market will improve. But even if it does not, you will be able to save on your next property. I will be excited to see what fabulous things you do with your next home!!
Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo
Oh, Manuela, good luck to you! What an exciting time.
Hugs,
Donna
You will have so much fun re-doing a new space, Manuela! Yes, real estate prices are down, but your home is so warm and welcoming, it will surely outshine any competition.
I know what you mean about the car. We are all three sharing ONE car right now, I'm trying to look at the bright side, that we are spending alot more time together :))
Have fun with your projects!
Andrea
I understand about knees, and one day I hope we will have a small, one-level home to abide in.
You have a beautiful yard which really would be difficult to leave behind, I think.
Best wishes on preparing your home for the next happy family.
Jody
What an exciting time for you and your family! I know you will enjoy the experience - and make the most of it. It has shocked me that I've found that there are even advantages to apartment living; we have plenty of time to take weekend trips and such.
Hello Manuela~
All your news is GOOD news!
So exciting. If anyone can make these changes positive ones, it is You.
Hugs, Donna
How exciting!! A new adventure awaits you.
Exciting news! You will love a one storey. We made the change two years ago and my back is happy not dealing with lots of stairs!
I feel your sadness for your garden though. It is so gorgeous, but like you said so much work.
Good luck!
Jeannette
Oh my goodness! Many times I've declared "We're Moving!" These are shaky times in the real estate market and I pray that y'all get the price you are looking for. For me...I'm being selfish here and thinking--"YAY, I get to see how she decorates the new house!" Seriously, I understand what you are going through. But trust me, you will LOVE a smaller home...with no stairs!
Manuela, that's a big decision y'all have made. We put our house on the market at the end of April. It's been shown 2 times! And it shows well (we've been told) and the floor plan is fantastic. It's a crazy market out there. You figure that you'll get less for your house, but the next one will cost less, too. Good luck and keep us posted! Linda
The house I loved living in the most was a 1920's cottage-almost 1000 sq. ft. I adored that little place and would have lived there forever if we didn't so badly need more space!
Good luck! karen....
I completely understand. I have moved from Florida last November to Ohio. Now 9 months later we are moving again. Now we are going to be moving back south (SD) but it is still overwhelming and tiring.
Just take it a day at a time. That is what I am doing. Good luck.
Lot's of changes sounds like.
Hope all goes as you would love it!
blessings
barbara jean
We are in the planning stages of doing the same thing. I would love to see some posts on your plan of action to get your house ready to sell.
Excited to see what the future brings.
Tasha
Lots of luck and good wishes for a fast sale next spring...at a good price :)
and maybe you'll have time to start some cuttings
Oh wow. Wow. I would be so sad to leave the yard and garden! That was one of the hardest things for me to do with our move this past spring. I had spent 10 years on the yard and moved to a foreclosure that had 2 Bradford Pear trees and 2 Clematis vines and that was it. Oh except for the kudzu they let take over the back yard. :( Due to moving and then the extreme heat & humidity I really haven't done a thing to the yard at the new place and it is looking pretty sad.
I will be thinking of you, your knee and all your to do projects!
OH MY, saw your name on someones blog and just had to come over. Looks like we have a bit in common from that chandie picture on our sidebar and the name of your blog!
I can't imagine leaving my garden but starting from scratch sounds so fun too!
-Angela
ParisienneFarmgirl.com
Exciting changes can also be scary changes. Will be praying for you as you get ready to sell you home and move on. I know your new home will be lovely - and just right for you!
~Adrienne~
Such big changes ahead for you and your family! I wish you the best and hope all goes smoothly. I understand the need for for changes as your family enters a new stage of life. It will be an adventure and you can create another beautiful home from scratch. Maybe if you relocate at the right time, you can take some of your perennials with you to start a new garden as well.
All the best,
Jen
Wow, that's exciting! I always hate the process of moving but look forward to the fresh beginnings it represents. Hope your knee feels better & rub your pup's tummy for me!
How exciting that you're moving! The hardest part for me is also leaving my garden behind, but I try to look on the bright side that its an opportunity for a whole new beautiful garden. Good luck househunting!
Hi Manuela.
Boy - do I envy you!
I would love to move. I would love to be back in a single story home. Just a few more years and we'll take the plunge to God knows where, but need to stay put for now.
Just think how much fun you are going to have decorating a new house, redesigning the yards and gardens . . . VERY FUN!
YAY!
:) Karen
Manuela I just read this post, guess I missed it. Well, it will be sad but if it's a smaller yard there will be less to do. I don't know what to say. I am sorry about your knee and it looks like changes are soon to be. I'm a person that has never liked change. The truth of the matter is that our paid off home is in an area that isn't a very good area to be blunt. We fixed our home and everything in our almost acre we planted. I really would be sad to go, but we too have talked about it. It is scary though. I wish you all the luck in the world, take care. I hope you get what you will be asking for in the sale of your home.
I am excited about your news. What another fun adventure. Bob and I are thinking of the same thing. We are waiting to hear if he will be getting a different job after retirement though. It sure makes a difference in our plans. I hope we get to learn from your experiences. Downsizing cannot be easy, how does one choose what to keep and what not to?
I am so sorry about your knees problems sweetie. I understand this so well. I have blown out both of mine and have so many problems. I hope yours heal quickly and not cause you problems in the future!
I know you will be sad to leave a home and garden you love so dearly. But we will just look at this as a new adventure...one that will be fun and rewarding! I know you will create a beautiful home no matter where you are!
Love,
Sue
Hello,
just met your blog, and follow you.
Big news, i move a few times too, and is soo god have other projects on head and give up thinks that we neither remember.
Its a great blog! Congratulations!!
God luck for new home
kiss
Wow! That IS big news. If anyone is adaptable to life's challenges, Manuela, it's you. I am crossing my fingers for you all to get a good price on your lovely home. And you know, we will all be here excited to see what you do with your new home!
HI Manuela ~ Just dropped in for a "quick" visit and found myself scrolling down and down and down. I always enjoy seeing what you have to show. :)
I wanted to let you know that I think you will enjoy setting up a new place, although I think it's sad you are leaving behind that gorgeous garden! The new owners will be so blessed!!
So sorry to hear about your knee, but how wonderful that you don't need surgery! Nasty business knee issues, don't you think?
Your garden post is lovely. Your square pumpkin is cute. Your carrots turned out amazing! :)
Have a wonderful weekend!
Blessings,
Camille
Crossing my vintage fingers you two will move to Ky :)
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