Waiting

It’s bittersweet.  The house has never looked better.  Yet it doesn’t feel like ours.  Staged, stripped, like a model ready without her make-up.  Great bones, character muted.

Chilly spring suddenly switched on to hot summer. The joy of waking up to gorgeous warm days intensified by sense of “last”.  Loved every season in this joyful house, but summer reigns favorite.  No better lawn for a chaise and contemplation.

Backyard verdant and private.  Carefully chosen garden specimens grown into their own beings, each with a memory of when we purchased.  In the herb garden, mint from my grandparents garden in Teaneck, then ours in Sparta, threatens to take over.  The Hydrangea from Mom that we never thought would live in our shade, grows exuberantly, a memory of her.

Cuttings and divisions of some of these plants will go to Eco Drive with us.  Acres of pasture for gardens.  Devon Road plants journeying to start anew in a warmer, sunnier place.

Two of the girls are home to spend a last summer in the only house they’ve ever known.  Their rooms stripped of the clues of who they are, left perfect each morning as they head off to the city for jobs and internships.  Living  with these lovely young women, reminds me of what we have done, what 27 years means.

A month ago enticed to jump into the real estate market by low inventory in our price range.  Under a dozen houses.  Now, brightly, expectantly ready, we sit with several dozen houses in our price range.  Sellers market turned buyers market.

Lucky for us, time is on our side (for the moment).   Rodney’s  initial house plans are wonderful. Evocative of the new life we will create.  Construction schedule fluid; need 10 months or so to build. A year from now is fine.  July 2018 move in to Eco Drive.  Every day till then, at 8 Devon,  a gift.