Starting To Feel Like Home
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Teri and Susan, another reader who lives in Tulsa, came to help me out yesterday. They did a lot of unpacking for me. Opened boxes and moved a bit of furniture. The living room is coming along. That is a gift to have two women who love to decorate digging in boxes and putting things out in my new home.
A big thank you to both Teri and Susan!
I’m having a hell of a time loading photos here. I called the AT&T technician, and he told me that due to Mamie’s plaster walls, I’ll probably have to switch companies and see if that helps.
So bear with me!
I think I’ve about decided to not have a TV in the living room. In the past six months, I’d say, it hasn’t even been turned on. I’ve watched TV in the evening in my bedroom.
The dryer stopped working during the first load. Kendra will be at Lowe’s today and I’ve asked her to look for a new washer and dryer narrow enough to fit in the door. That is an issue in an old house.
There were storms over the weekend. Lots of rain and thunder. And again today.
AT&T Internet:
The AT&T technician just left. With plaster walls, the internet will not be quite as accessible. And they don’t have fiber in this area yet.
We’ve got some of the lamps glowing. That makes it feel more like home when there’s a cozy light in the room .
There are so many windows! House plants should flourish here. Teri brought a Christmas or Thanksgiving cactus (I forget which one it is) that I had given her because it wasn’t doing well. She made a miracle happen and brought it back to live here in Mamie.
I’ve never had this much natural light! And that is exciting when it comes to having more house plants.
There’s a place that sells plants called Grumpy’s Garden. That should be interesting. I’m assuming it’s a local store. It’s maybe the closest place to me except for Home Depot that sells plants. I’ll have to visit the store once I’m settled in.
Teri’s Plant Gifts:
She also brought a fiddle leaf fig that she started from her original plant. I have it in the kitchen on the counter. I’m not putting much on the kitchen counter tops yet because Kendra has to put sealer or something on it.
To have a lamp in the kitchen, someone is going to have to get on a stool or ladder and plug in a very long extension cord above the cabinets. We’ll have to bring the cord down along the pantry over to the table where I eat in the kitchen.
The dining table is where Kendra and Riley and Marley and I had supper Friday. When I’m alone, I prefer to eat in the kitchen.
All we’re basically sure of is that the couch is situated away from the wall. My chair is across from it. And along the wall in between is the beige chair.
My Bedroom:
I chose the middle bedroom in Mamie. The bedrooms aren’t very big, but certainly big enough. There is a built-in book shelf in my bedroom too. So books I want to keep will be stored there. As well as books I have yet to read.
The front bedroom will be the guest bedroom. And we’re not sure about the back bedroom. But it will have plants and books and comfy places to sit, I think. I have the bookshelf I bought from Amazon years ago in it.
We were able to put the two black desks in an L-shape in the anteroom where the back door is. Actually Susan did that. I’ll probably use that as a sort of office/craft space. The reason you don’t see me doing many crafts is because I have to keep my foot elevated.
Both Susan and Teri were finally able to get to the green cupboard I use as a coffee bar. It is now set up in the dining room. And there’s still plenty of room in there for a hutch! So I’ll be prowling Facebook Marketplace. I’d like to put my various pieces of transfer ware in a hutch.
Teri got on a step stool and began putting my collection of white pitchers above the kitchen cabinets. They look pretty there. But she isn’t done yet.
All these little nooks and crannies!
Ivy:
Ivy now runs around at night chasing those little twirly toys.
I hear her slamming into walls and skidding around corners. Sometimes she brings them to me to play fetch. She’s perched at the end of my chair on my recliner right now.
I’m listening to piano music because it soothes me when I still don’t know where things are. Lots of boxes still to open. One day at a time. I’m waiting on a Walmart delivery of food this afternoon.
And it’s starting to feel like home.
Where I Purchased It:
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Congratulations Brenda. So happy to see you moved into your new home. You are finally where you want to be. Happy Days x
I am so happy for you and Ivy. You sound more relaxed and happier even with all the problems you shared. I know Mamie is going to look so beautiful and I can’t wait to see all the pictures when you are able to share them.
How wonderful to have your two local friends helping you! What would we do without our friends? <3
The house sounds wonderful and I love the plans you have for it. I can't wait until you share photos once things get set up.
Lovely of those 2 ladies to help out…and so nice you are feeling more relaxed now!! Moving is pure horror…but we have at least 1 more ahead of us too…cause I cannot stand the jerk upstairs!!
So happy for you and Miss Ivy, once you get settled in looking forward to seeing Mamie after you’ve worked your decorating magic!
You might want to try a rechargeable battery operated light bulb with a remote in your kitchen lamp. The cord could be tucked away or even removed. It’s nice to be able to put a lamp anywhere without worrying about an electrical outlet.
I look forward to seeing you put your magical decorating skills to use in your new home!
So glad to hear you’re getting settled. Sounds like Mamie will be the perfect place for you to enjoy gardening year round with so many windows. Can’t wait to see it all put together and the changes you make from time to time. You are so blessed with Teri and Susan and their love of decorating. Good times await you and Ivy.
I asked my husband about your internet service. It’s what he does for a living. He said your plaster walls in that age of home, may contain a hardware cloth or chicken wire of sorts, so it does for sure mess with the service. Interesting. So I wanted to clarify from my other post. Also I want to add that you seem really, really happy. This is such a wonderful place for you and I am so happy to see you this way! I’m sure your daughters are happy too knowing you’ll be well taken care of! I was thinking of naming my house, but looking at it, it seems unnameable. LOL. Mamie is historical. It’s just so cool.
I am anxious to see picture of your new home. You sound so much more relaxed. Even with the stress of moving, you are feeling happier about where you are at. You have wonderful friends to help you like that. Friends are precious! Just one day at a time and enjoy the journey. I know your internet problems. We live in a stucco home that has 12 inch walls on the outside. But, we have cyberoptic service here & it works wonderful now. You take care!
Glad you’re starting to make it home and it seems that Ivy is doing the same. You’re blessed to have such nice friends to help you.
I truly am.
Reading this, Iโm just happy. Home at last! Seems like Ivy is in heaven! Familiar things like mama in her recliner and new things like wide open spaces to chase down those twirly thingies! I join the others in looking forward to Mamie blossoming in cozy beautyโฆ.inside and out!
Me too. I can’t wait to have the sense of normalcy back. And not worry something isn’t going to work and it might not get fixed.
It makes me so happy to read that you are starting to feel at home in your new house. How wonderful.
I forgot to ask but will your old neighbors be able to visit? Are they close by?
There are rechargeable lightbulbs or lamps that are perfect on your kitchen counter so that you do not have to run a cord all over the place.
How blessed to have 2 friends and readers to help with the unpacking!
Looking forward to seeing the new place.
My daughter called an electrician to come add two outlets.
It’s wonderfuฤบ to hear that you and Ivy are getting comfortable in your new home. Can’t wait to see how you decorate Mamie.
I’m excited and wish I could get everything organized!
you can buy usb rechargeable lamps, no outlets needed or dangling cords. try looking on amazon.
I have some small rechargeable lamps. But I wanted to add one of my other lamps. The problem has now been resolved.
You will enjoy your kitchen window along with the others.
Have thought about stringing small group of Christmas lights over the cabinet where your pitchers are. I enjoyed the shadows and reflections on my cabinets. The bookcase in your bedroom will be convenient and fun to change each season. Your appliances will be new! That is refreshing.
Yes! I mentioned adding those lights to Teri.
SO HAPPY FOR YOU๐
Thank you!
So excited to see pictures . But the anticipation will be worth it ! Glad to hear things have been going better . And that you have 2 friends to help . Hopefully you ladies had fun and lots of laughs ! ๐
We did have a lot of fun and laughs and Ivy was soaking up all the extra attention.
Snuck a peek at your white countertops! ๐ Nice! Oh, I’m sure you’d have a lot more help if most of us lived near you. I know I would. But how nice to have another person to help! I was wondering how you’ll like all the natural light vs light of an apartment!! Wonderful for your plants! I can’t wait to see pics, but I will be patient. Can’t really get a gist of the floor plan by the photos. It also sounds like Ivy is a very happy kitty!! I’ve not ever heard that about plaster walls vs internet. Shouldn’t matter, imo. My guess is their service isn’t up to par and hasn’t anything to do with plaster. I could see metal, but not plaster. I also prefer to eat in a kitchen, but I love a table in a living room for reading or playing or puzzling or whatever! Anyway, sounds like it’s coming along! Fun, fun…… ๐
It does seem to be coming along. Kendra just came and hung a mirror in the bathroom and took boxes away.
There are now battery operated lamps, so perhaps one would work in your kitchen, rather than having to run a cord from the ceiling. There are a few on Amazon that look quite nice. I saw one which actually had a timer.
Kendra was just here and called an electrician she knows. They’re coming out Thursday to give me an outlet in the kitchen for a lamp and in my bedroom for the TV.
I can hear, all the way to Wisconsin, the happy, happy in your voice…Everything is coming together, and altho you aren’t finished yet, you will have more “happiness” as you get settled in. Mamie will be the best home on the block. One day at a time!!!
Yes, one day at a time. I’m not moving very fast. I’d love to get up and get it done. But I can’t. So I’ll just enjoy the small steps and others helping.
I’m so glad you’re safe from the tornadoes that hit to the south/southwest, so scary! I had no idea internet doesn’t work well in homes that have plaster walls. What the heck! Is there something that can be done to amp up the “waves” or whatever they are (can you tell I’m a real expert when it comes to internet and wireless, LOL), a different kind of router maybe? I did a quick search and I have no idea how any of that works, but I saw the use of something called a “mesh network” might improve your reception/transmission. Now you’re shopping now for a washer/dryer in one machine – I forgot that’s what you had. I always remember what Roseanne Roseannadana said on “Saturday Night Live” – “It’s always something!” So happy you now have two readers/friends who are helping you settle into Mamie, how exciting. What’s the old saying, Many hands make easy work? Something like that. Please just be careful, take care of that ankle and don’t overdo, that’s an order! Mamie will come together, and she will be incredible. All of your readers are eager to come along on that journey.
No, having Kendra order your regular white washer and dryer duo.
So good of you to write a post today in spite of all that’s currently on your plate. Thank you, thank you. I would have suffered from serious withdrawal symptoms if you hadn’t.
Oh, it feels kind of odd when I don’t post regularly!
Iโm so happy for you and Ivy. It is so good to have friends that help when in need. I know you will create a beautiful and cozy home for you and Ivy and just in time for the holidays.
Looking forward to those holidays. Ivy is settling in well and loving all the space to roam around.
Also, check into getting a booster for your modem to help with the plaster situation. You might have to find a dedicated place to work in your home that has the best internet access rather than moving around. Wifi 6 version can be better than wifi 5. AT&T probably won’t help you, but Best Buy Geek Squad probably could.
I’m glad Ivy is happier; I’ll bet she would love a playmate now that there is space to run. Did you get the kitchen cabinetry fixed from the damage?
Kendra worked on the cabinetry today and it looks much, much better!
AT&T provided one for my last neighborhood. The homes were between two towers. It certainly gave me more bars.
oh my goodness, you live near the grumpy gardener! aka Steve bender. He has been writing about gardens in southern living for decades. He wrote books, blogs, podcasts, you name it. He is so much fun to read. you could learn a tremendous amount about local gardens from his place.
The Grumpy Gardener, Steve Bender, of Southern Living, lives in Birmingham, Alabama and is not connected with a Tulsa nursery.
well darn. I thought for sure and had to be his nursery with that name. his info is so great and he’s so funny.
I didn’t think that was the one you’re referring to. This one is just a little nursery.
It sounds like the move is coming along nicely. You are so fortunate to have wonderful friends like Teri and Susan helping you.
I surely am fortunate! And it’s so good to have this move behind me.
Brenda,
I really enjoyed myself yesterday. It was so nice meeting you and Teri is an Angel. Mamie is going to come back to life soon and she will be the shining star on your block. Of course the best part was that Ivy girl. I adore her. Hope to get back over soon.
Susan, you’re welcome any time. And thanks for your help. I love the little vignettes you created!
Brenda, you sound so content and happy. Can’t wait to see Mamie beautifully transform to your cozy home….sounds like Ivy is adjusting well…
Nothing much bothers Ivy. She’s one laid back kitty cat.
I’m so happy for you. Such a cozy little house even in the midst of moving
Every day it looks a little bit better.
I’m so happy for you and so far the pictures that you have posted are lovely! I feel in my heart that this house was waiting for you to love and enjoy!
Mamie will be mine and Ivy’s home forever. I don’t think I have another move in me!
This made me smile!!
I’m so glad!