OUr email was down yesterday so am just now able to let you know that everything worked out PERFECTLY! Thank you so much for your prayers!! The fire only got one outbuilding on another rancher's property and then it stopped right at the cattleguard that would have led it to that rancher's home...no people or stock injured. The Nat'l Forest Service sent in 2 helicopters that made 2 water drops each and about the same time the wind shifted again and sent the fire more to the south so it only got about 2 miles from from the old farmhouse. They had 2 pumper trucks from a friend's oil company stationed by the homestead pasture, and the county sent out road graders to plow fire breaks everywhere they could safely reach. All in all, it was a frightening time, but worked out well. Lots of burned pasture land, but hay can always be brought in and we are so-o-o-o grateful that no life was lost! THans again for your prayers!! Pat

Hope it stops raining there. Here in Long Island the clouds are starting to break up but I drove thru lots of puddles on my way to and from hospital for dialysis. We've had more than enough rain. I have four pairs of wet shoes trying to dry.

Yes, it's great to see a "real life" house story. When I was downsizing, I didn't want an apartment/condo/townhouse because I've always lived in the country and wanted a yard for my dog. Finding a small house in my new city, in a good neighborhood, was extremely difficult. Most of the homes are too big for one person. I made an offer on a 1200 sf one-level house in walkable neighborhood, with a shady lot -- and the owner immediately withdrew it from the market -- I had offered a bit over full price. I was so bummed! The second house that I was ready to buy, was a 1300 sf, one-level house built in 1901 in a walkable neighborhood. The house was completely renovated by a respected renovator. I loved that house, but when I sat on the front porch and looked across the street, the multi-family old apartment house ticked all the boxes for the warnings my city publishes on identifying drug dealers -- blacked out windows and very expensive cars coming up, with dark windows, and honking the horn. Bummed again. My 1939 house started out at 1700 sf, but I wanted a first-floor master suite and laundry (not down in the basement) so that I could age in place. So, I added square footage that wasn't really needed, but it was needed for one-level living. Now, I feel like the upstairs isn't used. I have a guest room, but the upstairs office and other bedroom are sitting empty--except for things I'm not using and will part with when I'm certain I won't use those items here.

I love the outside, especially the shed. I also love color but I would be overwhelmed to live with that much all day! I hate the cheap polyester looking bedspread in the master. As they are big art collectors I’d think they’d just get an actual Denyse Schmidt quilt.