Finally, It's Getting Done!

Those of you who know us know that we have been building a house for about 100 years. Well, no quite that long, but it feels like it. Back in the mid-90s we bought a cabin in the mountains. It's a lovely setting and we spent many happy days there. As we reached retirement age, we contemplated where we would spend our golden years (or whatever). We considered tearing down the cabin and building a completely new structure (and, in retrospect, that would have been a good choice). We also considered remodeling. That's what we chose to do...not such a good decision. Don't get me wrong, the house is lovely and it is almost all new...except for the original framing that has been beefed up...but has required many accommodations for the original structure, the redoing of parts of the new construction because of unanticipated situations, and more time and money than I ever, ever, ever, thought. However, within the next few months it should be complete. I thought the day would never come, and now that it is upon us, I have very mixed feelings about it.

The realtors came this week to look at our Charlotte house, to tell us what we have to do before it can go on the market, and to let us know what to expect. Well...we have lived here for almost 30 years, and we have a lot of stuff that has to be packed up and cleaned out. We've been doing some all along, but now we really have to get serious. (I really have concerns about the garage, Jim being the pack rat that he is.) I decided to begin in the playroom. I created this playroom when Katie, our oldest grandchild, was small. I started off in a spare bedroom. When my sister and her children moved in with us several years ago, I decided to convert the living room (which was rarely used) into a playroom. That allowed it to get bigger and better. The children have loved it and I truly think that it's one of the best things I ever did. Now I have to pack it up. I am just having a hard time doing it. It symbolizes so much living that has been done in this house, and in this town. Last night I went to my bridge club and, basically, broke down. I guess I am just grieving.

And then there are our friends. We have made many in the 36 years we've been in Charlotte. The Bridge Girls are especially wonderful. We meet once a month for dinner and cards...sometimes we don't get to the cards. They were all so very kind to me last night while I just blubbered away, and each one promised that I could come stay with them. Nice sentiment, hard to do. It's a truism that it becomes dificult to sustain relationships when your common experiences are no longer there. Still, I will love them all always. And that goes for all the friends that I have had over the years. Each one of them is special in some way, even if I don't see them very often. We'll make new friends and will get involved in the community there, but I'm learning that moving is a thousand little goodbyes. And here come the tears again.

The new house is beautiful. The setting remains stunning and the house is large and inviting. There is room for all. I'll find a spot for the playroom when the grandchildren come.