A Visitor
The neighbor's peacockWhen the temperatures rise above 100, like the 108 degrees we're seeing today, I dream of moving.
As of late I've been looking at real estate online, one of my favorite hobbies.
On various sites I choose my current idea of what I expect in a dreamhouse.
I need: 1 acre or more, a minimum of 2 bedrooms and 1 and a half baths, a fireplace or woodstove, and a view. The kitchen must be good sized, and the master bath must be large as well... with a jacuzzi (or room for one.)
Wishing to remain in Northern California, I could go back to the coast, but I refuse to move away from some winter snow and back into nightmare traffic. Therefore, I'm looking at small towns in the higher elevations.
Prices are steep, not a surprise at all. My concern at this point is choosing an appropriate location. I don't need to be close to shopping, churches, schools, or the opera. I would like to be situated nearer to a few decent restaurants than I currently am.
I stumbled upon this recently, and it's been a blessing! I cruised their forums, and found many others are doing exactly what I am doing... looking for a better place in which to relocate.
Some of the posters seemed to be way too involved in mentioning the price they'd paid on their McMansions, but most people were trying to be helpful. Population, weather, cost (of course) and traffic was discussed, not to mention local schools and job opportunities.
After several
Everybody is looking to find their idea of paradise, but once they move there they find everyone else is right behind them... and they don't like it! All of a sudden they're knee deep in traffic, can no longer find easy parking, and start complaining about all the new people moving in.
I realized that I already have my own paradise! Most properties up here are a minimum of 5 acres, so it can't become crowded. People are very friendly. Although I've only lived here 4 years, it takes me over an hour to get out of the local market because you just run into people and get to talking!
I'll have to try and ignore the heat of summer. If that's all I can complain about... well so be it.
After all, how many people experience the joy of a neighboring peacock who strolls over for a visit?
posted by SierraBella at 3:16 PM
22 Comments:
I am the first. Delighted.
Let me tell you some thing. As far as I know from your previous blogs, you already have a pardise as a place.
But no harm, keep looking.
I see a lovely peacock there.
Jeez, I should just shut my pie hole about our temps down here, huh?
Hey wasn't it you that posted a picture of your dream kitchen (or was it your dream house?) in your area....or close to where you live currently? Just stalk that house and then capture the peacock and take him WITH you :-)
Glad you can appreciate your lovely location, even when it's hot! How about a pool on those 5 gorgeous acres? That'll help you beat the heat! We had 101 today, which up here is pretty unusual. We headed for the river, and had a ball. Water made all the difference.
I love peacocks....it would be enough to make me stay!
your place looks so nice, but I understand about the heat thing...it was around 100 and very still today - I like the pool suggestion!
The heat is only temporary. I always thought it would be nice to live where it was 70 degrees year around. But everywhere has some bad. I think you found that you have more good than bad. :)
Jac!
You're right on all counts.
The peacock was very easygoing, allowing me within 2 feet of himself.
Soozieq-
I saw your recent thermometer pictures!
We rarely run the AC, but have been the past few days.
Yeah, I did link to a nearby house with a dream kitchen... but it didn't have a view, and was the site of a former golf course. I don't have the fortitude to maintain a property like that!
eclectic-
We've entertained the thought of a pool. Because of the oaks and the hilly terrain, this would be quite an undertaking.
It's probably cheaper to keep going outside and misting myself with the hose!
cheesecakey-
Doesn't it seem awfully early in the season (in California) for this kind of heat?
I like the pool idea too!
nina-
Actually, I like how you and John have two homes. I'd love to have a place on the coast in which to escape the heat.
Ok, this is the second time I've tried to comment. Let's see if blogger lets me.
The peacock is beautiful, and you can see him but not have to take care of him! lol Sounds like you've found your own little paradise.
Kat-
Once (before we moved here full-time) we were spending the night and I awoke sensing something (or someone) was staring at me. Looked out the glass slider and there was a LARGE peacock sitting on the deckrail!
Love that kind of thing.
Just recently, on the other hand, I found a squirrel tail (with no squirrel attached,) and just today a beautiful, but dead baby rabbit.
Guess it's The Circle Of Life...
Did you keep the squirrel tail?
It would look cool attached to a hat :-)
ICK! Ok, I just made myself dry heave.
SoozieQ-
Actually, I did keep the squirrel tail in my curio cabinet, along with a jawbone and teeth I've found here.
There are also crystals and rocks I've found, just so you know it's not a totally macabre collection!
You sound just like me! Our little paradise isn't quite as far from 'civilization' as yours, so the encroaching traffic will be here before we know it. Oh, well, I'll have to enjoy it while it lasts. It was really hot here last week too. But it's rainy and cooler now. Oh, and there was a peacock in our yard not long ago too. Weird!
RaeAnn-
I hope a peacock in one's yard is a good omen? Maybe yours was after that black widow you have!
We might get some thunder showers today, but it's not looking like it (so far.) It is a little cooler, though.
Whew, I just checked, and my tail is still attached. Fully attached, unfortunately. ;)
That peacock picture is wonderful. And I can't imagine NOT running AC with that temp.
I checked out that website you linked and started checking out jobs in my area. I really wish I'd studied communications/media instead of business. They have a number of news jobs, both on and off camera, at our local TV station. That would be so fun. But I have no schooling and no background. I should've DJ'ed for the Grand Haven station years ago when a guy there said I had a great voice and wondered if I'd be interested.
Crap, I just took over your comments with me, me, me. sorry.
You do seem to have a lovely place there, except for the heat. Keep us updated.
squirl
Thank goodness it wasn't your tail I found!
Y'know, you could probably get a job with our (somewhat) local Sacramento TV stations... with barely a high school diploma!
You can hijack my comments section anytime you'd like, no problem!
You should do an audioblog like your sister, so we can hear your voice... or have you already done that?
Hello, gorgeous :) Thanks for checking on me, and it's really good to hear from you here. You ended your post with the first thought that came to my mind . . . "Yea, but you got a peacock neighbor -- how you gonna do better than that?" ;)
The grass is always greener, until we take a moment to really look at our own, I think.
Hi Susie!
It's good to hear from you.
I haven't been blogging much of late, but do check in on you from time to time.
You're right about the grass always being greener, and I'm glad I realized that... in this instance at least.
Take care of yourself!
I always check if you posted.
:)
Jac-
I generally go visiting after I post, so as not to inadvertently steal ideas.
I thought you were on vacation...
Well, I did do one audioblog.
http://squirl1.blogspot.com/2006/03/squirls-first-audioblog.html
If that doesn't work, then you could check my archives and go to March 8,06. I don't remember if it sounds any good or not, though.
Anyway, Happy 4th!
squirl-
Went over and had a listen. Don't remember hearing it before!
No, you don't sound like your sister (a.k.a. Sir.)
Hope you had a great 4th too!
I have just one thing to say – home is where the heart is! Many of us envy your location, Sierrabella, but of course there is nothing wrong with reaching for greater goals – if that is where your heart is!
Andre!
Nice hearing from you.
I think I have a gypsy heart. I get bored living in the same place after a few years!
I really do love living here... just dreaming (for now.)
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