It is a lovely house, especially considering that this is the view from the kitchen window It also has beautiful, well-tended gardens including prolific raspberry bushes Although the interior hasn't been updated for quite some time (this is pre-cleaning and staging) and the layout (especially upstairs) is somewhat dysfunctional, with low, head-bonking ceilings, and a bath room that is also functions as the only hallway between one bedroom and the rest of the upstairs. Additionally we were concerned that the condition of the rubble foundation might frighten potential buyers, or cause them to demand extensive, expensive repairs even though the foundation has been unchanged for decades. So although we thought it was a good house in a great location, and will be somewhat sad that it is gone, we are happy and thrilled that it sold as quickly as it did, especially since the buyers seem to love the house.

Oh fran I can smell that wonderful perfume from here, oh wait that's my Gardenia tree I am smelling. It's just loaded with buds and flowers. Never had so many as this year. I need to go take pictures. Love the pictures! Great job Bob. Casey I would love a truck load of those beautiful rocks. Moni a beautiful sight, you did a good job.

Yesterday morning I heard a noise from outside like someone periodically spraying something with a hose. When I finally looked out the bedroom window, I saw a hot air balloon -- right there. By the time I found the camera it had descended behind the trees behind our barn. I walked over and by the time I got there they were already deflating it. Apparently they landed in my neighbor's back field, our neighbor and her sister came out to watch, and the balloon company offered to tether the balloon and take my neighbor and her sister go up a short way before bringing the ballon back down to deflate it. After it was put away, the balloon company offered the traditional bottle of champagne, and my neighbors invited everyone (the pilot, the chase guy, the balloon guests, and me) in to their newly refinished kitchen, for mimosas and fruit and toasted raisin bread. It was a great way to start off a Sunday morning.

This is not quite in focus as I hand held the camera while zooming. It is just a great looking duck though.