It’s a little messy in the kitchen. Steve-the-Builder is still using my garden window, and most of my counters, as his workspace.
The living room is a little messy, too.
This hall bathroom almost looks tidy. It could use some decor, don’t you think? And some running water…..
Between nailing on trim and hanging doors yesterday, Steve-the-Builder pumped our new well and got the water running clear in a few hours. He wants to pump it again this morning and then sometime today he’ll start running it into the house! It’ll be, like, a real house! Except for the messy part and all the construction finishing work. And the no furniture thing.
The flooring is completed on the main floor, but it hasn’t made it up the stairs to Princess’s Summer Pecan and Polished Maple bedroom.
My “pie porch” isn’t quite ready for pie yet, either. (I will be calling this the “pie porch” forever now, thank you! I love your comments, each and every one. You make my day, and you come up with the greatest ideas!)
Here’s what I was doing from morning to midnight yesterday.
I could hardly paint trim and get it dry fast enough before Steve-the-Builder was nailing it to the wall. The end is near and he has a fishing trip planned. Inspired by dreams of his rod and reel, he’s working nearly 24/7 to complete our house. The trim is nearly finished on the main floor. He’s got a few more doors to hang, and gutters and a few other small jobs. Then he’ll clean up and go fishing. And we’ll be able to bring furniture in.
For now, I decided last night to leave the children back at the old farm with my cousins. They’ll be more comfortable there, and I can work nonstop along with Steve-the-Builder painting trim, cleaning up the floors, and getting things organized. (I say that as if I work one teensy tiny bit as hard as he does.) So it was just me and my trusty puppy who spent the night last night, with some blankets and pillows on the floor. Bluebell was a little scared at first. She kept looking at me as if she wanted to know when we were going to go home.
But this is home. And I get to wake up here every day for the rest of my life. How lucky am I? I think I need to pinch myself because I must be dreaming! But it’s real. Steve-the-Builder finally left just after midnight, and when I was here, alone, in my so-close-to-finished house, just me and Bluebell? Total euphoria hit. I didn’t have to go home. I was home. Home on a farm.
I LIVE ON A FARM!!!!!! And if I couldn’t wait quite one more day for the water to be running in the house, can you blame me? I don’t like to complain about the old farmhouse. I love the old farmhouse. I think everyone should live in a 100-year-old farmhouse for two and a half years. It is a life experience beyond compare. But things don’t work there. (And water not working for one day here? Not even close to what all doesn’t work right there!)
And still, at the dawn of this new farmhouse’s life, I can only hope that someday it will be filled with the love and meaning and history of that old farmhouse. I believe….
Amber says:
I have been reading you for a while now, I just love your blog! :wave:
Congratulations on the house! It is beautiful. I look forward to hearing more about your life on your farm.
On March 12, 2008 at 5:56 am
Heidi says:
***BIG SQUEEZE*** I am SO happy for you Suzzanne!! I am so tickled for you – I can hear in your ‘voice’ how excited you are and how happy this makes you. There is nothing better than feeling comfortable and the sense of being home. There are times in our lives that the greatest comfort is that of just being home. Feeling like you belong there is next to that. I am so tickled for you I am giggling… hubby is giving me looks thinking I am looking at Antonio Banderas in a speedo… Well – Ok I have a thing for Antonio but – I am really giggling for joy for you friend. Enjoy your cool, clear, water…. :hug:
On March 12, 2008 at 6:38 am
Kim A. says:
Suzanne,
I’m so happy for you, I really can’t express it. I wish you decades of Joy and love and laughter in your new home. :hug:
-Kim
On March 12, 2008 at 6:39 am
granny sue says:
Congratulations, Suzanne. I hope your new home and life in on your land is all you hope it will be.
I think your Dusty the driller is MY dusty the driller. He’s phenomenal. Any pump/water issues, he’s your man.
I hope you’ll be at the WV Writers Conference in June. Maybe I’ll get to meet you there. In the meantime, I’m enjoying your blog. There are many things that parallel my experiences when I moved to WV over 30 years ago. I could write a book about the things I didn’t know and the entertainment I provided for my neighbors.
On March 12, 2008 at 6:44 am
Blaze says:
Awesome!
Glad your house is almost finished very cool!
Its realy fun to read your commentary, growing up on a farm I never imagined someone enjoying things that I sort of took for granted as every day things.
Its fun to “see” things through your eyes in Roane Country.
On March 12, 2008 at 6:48 am
tracey says:
suzanne, i have been watching the progression of your farmhouse being built for quite some time. i cannot tell you how *happy* this specific post has made me!! i’m so happy for you it’s almost weird! but, i know how hard it is to *wait* for a dream to come true…and try to be patient during it all, and blah, blah, blah. but, girlie, YOU DID IT!!!
now…need some help moving the rest of the stuff? i got a 4wd and only am a few hours north of ya! :o)
congratulations!
tracey
On March 12, 2008 at 6:53 am
kacey says:
Well, congrats on the first night in your new home. Here’s hoping you get water into it today!
Love the pie porch. Hope the weather turns into porch sitting weather just real soon now.
On March 12, 2008 at 7:02 am
Cyndi Lewis says:
:bananadance: Congrats! I’m so happy for you. I hope someday to be able to live on a farm as well!
On March 12, 2008 at 7:14 am
Hillbilly2 says:
And so begins the next chapter. How thrilling! I know it was uncomfortable,sleeping on the floor. But I bet you and Bluebell slept like a big dog! I’m so happy for you! I hope you continue to look at life with enthusiasm that you have had in the slanted little house.
On March 12, 2008 at 7:25 am
julie says:
:clap: I am so excited for you!!! I remember leaving our old farmhouse for a newer farm. I had such mixed emotions because I loved that crooked little farm house. However, I sure have enjoyed the warmth of our newer home. Who knew that new windows could make such a difference???
grace and peace,
julie
On March 12, 2008 at 7:49 am
lintys says:
How exciting! I’ve enjoyed watching this project and am eagerly awaiting it’s completion (not as much as you are I’m sure!) Congratulations on your first night in your new home on your very own farm. Sometimes the dreams you dare to dream really do come true! Thanks for bringing us along for the (roller coaster) ride.
On March 12, 2008 at 7:51 am
Carol W says:
To all the happiness, good health and all you wish for in your beautiful new home
On March 12, 2008 at 8:06 am
Alice Audrey says:
Yeah, running water would be good.
On March 12, 2008 at 8:29 am
Jill S. says:
I believe too! And Blue is adorable!
On March 12, 2008 at 8:32 am
Connie says:
:chicken: Suzanne, I am so happy for you….I bet you slept like a log on the floor in your new farmhouse! The first of many nights for the rest of your life….Congrats and welcome home. C
On March 12, 2008 at 8:42 am
Claudia W says:
WooHoo! YAY!!! You are in your house, you live on a fram!!! I am so jealous…in a good way. I don’t think I could be as resourceful as you and I don’t write, so that would require me to leave the farm daily to earn a living, which wouldn’t work. Cause I would never want to leave once I got there!
Back to the YeeHaa’s and all…You’ve done such a beautiful job! And I hope that Steve the Builder has a wonderful fishing trip cause he did a fantastic job on your house.
When’s the house warming? I’ll be there, with pie to warm up the pie porch!
On March 12, 2008 at 8:56 am
Shirley says:
As I read your post this morning, I thought about just how strong you are. You have made a good life for you and your children, and now have built your own home. What an accomplishment for a woman.
Allowing us to watch you do all this with grace and laughter is an encouragement to all of us women who face life’s adversities alone.
On March 12, 2008 at 9:10 am
Lea of Farmhouse Blessings says:
… you are dreaming. Only this time the dream is real! Your story is bringing back all the joy we felt when we built our farmhouse cottage 2 years back. And it just keeps getting better!
Be blessed,
Lea of Farmhouse Blessings
On March 12, 2008 at 9:19 am
Linda says:
I’m kinda jealous. I want to live on a farm, in a new house! Congratulations! It’s been fun watching it all come together.
On March 12, 2008 at 9:24 am
Treasia says:
I couldn’t help but wonder when reading your blog this morning if the planned fishing trip was your idea to hurry Bob the Builder along? :rotfl: If so, then wonderful idea. If not it’s working anyway. :thumbsup:
congratulations on your first night of “being home”
On March 12, 2008 at 9:38 am
Amy Addison says:
Suzanne, I am so happy for you! This is so exciting.
Even without the furniture: it’s beautiful and wonderful and it’s yours. You and the kids will put your mark on that house and give it its first pieces of history. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being “home.”
LOL on the fishing trip prompting Steve-the-Builder to work round the clcok. That trip wasn’t your idea, was it?
On March 12, 2008 at 10:10 am
Amie Stuart says:
I LOVE that porch *sigh* I’m green with envy!
On March 12, 2008 at 10:15 am
Ann from Montana says:
Congrats on the first night AND on the pending running water!!
I have in Montana since ’94 and realized my “rural” dream in ’02 – and especially my latest home – a 1 bedroom, 1 bath ranch on a bit over 8 acres with woods and mountains to look at and walk through.
AND, the all important front porch (my blog is titled “From the front porch”). I’m not a writer by profession, but I have discovered a passion for the daily log/essay. My front porch is my place of inspiration, morning coffee, evening wine, late night cocoa, general peace, serenity and enjoyment of life’s simple and beautiful moments.
I would wish for you and your “pie porch” all of those things, whatever else you hope it will be and good pie to boot!
On March 12, 2008 at 10:36 am
Laura says:
Congratulations on your new home, and your water, and your frog eggs, and your new life in the country. I would love to live with chickens in the road too. Heck I’d be happy with chickens in a coop out back.
Hugs, Laura
On March 12, 2008 at 11:52 am
Melanie says:
AWESOME!
BOO-YAH!
WOO HOO!
Amen.
On March 12, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Kim W says:
I believe, too. :thumbsup: I’m so excited for you. What a dream come true.
Blessings from Ohio…
On March 12, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Tori Lennox says:
I’m so excited for you, Suzanne!!! :bananadance: There’s nothing that quite compares to the first night one’s new home.
On March 12, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Susan says:
Congratulations, Suzanne! :hug: There is no doubt in my mind that your new farmhouse will start being filled with all those things as soon as your whole family moves in.
I think Steve-the-Builder should make a sign that says “Home Of The Most Famous Romance Writer In WV” to put up at the beginning of your road! :yes:
On March 12, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Lis says:
Congrats on spending your first night in your new HOME and the running water :sheepjump:
On March 12, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Brandy says:
Yay! Not only running water, but your first night in your new home! Congratulations!
On March 12, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Estella says:
Your new farmhouse is just fabulous!
On March 12, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Jeri says:
Congratulations on the nearer than near completion of your home. I have lots of painting projects to do this summer before I can have my new carpet put in. I am looking so forward to it. I am finding myself leaning towards all green colors. I will be coming to the Black Walnut Festival in October and to the Arts and Crafts Festival in Ripley on July 4th. I will be looking for the fresh ground cornmeal. Hope to see you at either place.
:snoopy: Jeri from Newcomerstown Ohio formerly of Spencer, WVA
On March 12, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Sarah in Sanford says:
I’ve been on the couch sick with the flu most of the day. I got up and went in the office to check your blog and found out euphoria has set in for you. That makes me feel a tiny bit better. I am so happy for you. You are finally home. :chicken:
On March 12, 2008 at 3:08 pm
shgrsweet says:
:shimmy: Im soooooo happy for you!!!! I cant wait to come see it! :shimmy:
On March 12, 2008 at 4:52 pm
rebecca says:
Everything looks great!!!! I am really in love with your kitchen, and the paint in the bathroom is nice! Is that the same color in Princess’s room? Hard to tell from the pictures.
On March 12, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Egghead says:
I love, love, love the house. I can just feel your excitement and happiness which can’t help but make it a wonderful home for your children and future little grand children. Pie porch, yum! Great name for a great place to plant your bum in a rocker. :snoopy:
On March 12, 2008 at 7:26 pm
jaq says:
Another great post, Suzanne! I’m soo happy for you. Fill your new home with happy memories, sweets. :snoopy:
On March 12, 2008 at 9:17 pm
mary beth says:
WOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO Suzanne! Your enthusiasm shines through. Congratulations!
On March 12, 2008 at 10:29 pm
catslady says:
…in miracles
From all the hard times is why you can now appreciate all the wonderful times! I really believe if you’re handed everything and especially at a young age, you just never get what it’s like to work and toil and eventually be able to treasure earning things that give you joy. Something you have given your children which is worth more than anything you could buy them. :hug:
Love all the pictures :purr:
On March 12, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Karen Proctor says:
:flying: :snoopy: :elephant: CONGRATS ON THE FIRST NIGHT IN YOUR NEW HOUSE! What an experience and you’re on the downhill slide now!
I made your Grandmother Bread a couple of days ago and it’s WONDERFUL!!!
Read 2/3 of a Hero’s Redemption today & you’ve got a new fan! Keep ’em comin’
KP
On March 12, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Maria says:
I’m a bit late in saying how happy I am for you! It looks great and it already has a HUGE history! Lot’s of love and adventure already right there!
On March 13, 2008 at 10:46 am
Nancy says:
Wow, Suzanne! I accidentally discovered your blog and linked site over 2 hours ago. I’m still reading! It’s just about 3am in Atlanta, and I really need to go to bed. But I’m having too much fun reading your journal, looking at pictures of the old farmhouse, new farmhouse, chickens, goats, etc. I envy you.
I’ve been sending links to my daughter as I came across something I know would interest her, and I’ll bet she’ll soon be hooked, too. She and her boyfriend plan to move to Nebraska in order to get away from Atlanta, looking for that quiet small town atmosphere.
I’ll be heading to WV in Aug for the late-life wedding of a friend I’ve been close to for 57 years. She lives on one of those family farms! Can’t wait to see it.
I’ll be reading you from now on. Fabulous website! Thanks for sharing.
On June 22, 2008 at 3:02 am