Into week four

There's been a lot going on, and every day I think of something that I want to write about, but then just don't get time to sit down and do it. Henry has been sick, so has needed a lot of my attention. Poor guy, with a cough that woke him up, neither of us were getting much sleep for a few days. Last night was MUCH better and he's napping comfortably now. Lots of mama love and milk, vitamin C and D, and some eucalyptus salve to the chest must have helped while his immune system took care of the problem. He was back to being a rascal last night...such a silly boy.



We looked at more houses this weekend, and have decided to put an offer on the Case Street house. Whoop! We actually started yesterday, and offered 98K. They came back this morning with 112K, so Paul asked Fran to counter that with 105K. Hopefully, they'll take this offer. We really are excited about this house. Here are a few pictures:
Front view (ignore the snowmachine):

Front door:

Fireplace:

Kitchen:

Rear of the house, and garage:


Of course, we're fantasizing about everything we'd want to do there, and mentally arranging our stuff in the house! We'd love to make a modest garden in the back yard, and keep the side with the patio as a play area. Paint colors are springing to mind, and I absolutely cannot wait to start thrifting and rummage-sale-ing this spring once we have a house to outfit. Oooh, so excited, and I really hope this works out for us. Kind of crazy to be buying another "starter" home, but we've really come to terms with the fact that we'll have work to do, and are really excited for this to be manageable on one income so we can live the lifestyle we've been wanting for SOOO long. Thinking so much about this philosophy has really made me, in particular, kick myself around for being so irresponsible with our relatively huge previous income. But, that ship has sailed, and we have to start fresh from where we are NOW. I'm eager to learn more about living frugally, and doing things for ourselves. I'm also really excited to get our own place so I can have my kitchen back! Grandma's comfort level is something I'm trying really hard to respect, so I'm not doing a lot that I'd normally do. I'm looking forward to making kombucha again, and all my other fermenting projects like carrots, ketchup, sourdough etc. Henry seems to love fermented foods, and begs for kombucha whenever he sees me having it. So cute! I let him have small amounts, and I think it's good for him.

Things have been okay here with Grandma. She's seeming more relaxed, and we are all feeling more comfortable. We're still anxious to get into our own place, though. When her mood seems strange, or she's irritated with us, I just try to remember the Grandma of my childhood, and our relationship's foundation.


Certain things are still hard here: not recycling gives me physical pain! However, I'm going to try to take some of my new habits with me: cleaning up immediately after making a mess, getting more stuff done while Henry naps (like prepping dinner or doing laundry), making my bed every day, keeping up with the cat boxes daily, and taking a daily long walk with kid and dog.

Negaunee is a cool little town! The high school has solar power on the roof, most everything is walkable, several thrift/antique stores, a summer farmer's market, a lake to swim in, an awesome "enrichment" program of classes through the schools, friendly, quiet, and very close to Marquette's attractions. I am SO GLAD that we moved here; we really feel "at home." Being in our own home will really seal the deal for me!

We have our tenants in our old house, and are hoping that it goes smoothly. Their rent will cover the mortgage, taxes and insurance for the house, and so, we'll be able to hang onto it as long as they keep paying. They signed an 18 month lease, so we're hopeful that they're committed and responsible.