Things Are Moving Along Nicely...

The kids accepted the counter offer we made on our house on Thursday afternoon.  By Saturday, they had the inspector out to do the inspection which went very well.  A few minor things like outlet covers that needed to be tightened.  I'm sure they'll have the appraiser over this week.  They want us to rent the house back until May.

We got the phone number for the guy we need to talk to in order to get an easement from his property right above us on the other side of the road to get power down the hill to our place.  Ival is meeting with Idaho Power on Wednesday to get a general price and timeline on getting the work done.  We'll contact the well driller and get that scheduled and start on the permits for the house.

For the last year and a half, most of the work has been on me to make sure the house was spotless at all times for showings.  I have to admit, I'm relieved that the next month will be things Ival will take care of.  Once those things are done, they we can work together to get the house built.

Our friends Butch and Penny Welch stopped by yesterday.  Butch is a retired Game Warden that had the first Dutch oven cooking show on television.  We took them up to the property while they were here and they loved it.  They need a large garden space because they've branched out from their Dutch oven clinics and have plans for some new things to do and teach, such as canning.  So, we showed them the perfect spot on our place for their garden.  We also talked about the logistics for the Hillbilly Gatherin' and they donated a catering event for the auction.  I have a feeling it will be our biggest seller.  They've never been to the event and are really looking forward to being a part of it.

For the first time since we bought the property almost 2 years ago, as we stood at Jacob Springs with Butch and Penny, I was able to allow myself to visualize our home, barn, the pastures, the pond, and the critters.   I had always known that if the house didn't sell, the property would have to go.  It was awesome to be able to stand there and know that by the end of the summer, we would be where we wanted to be.  It was a wonderful feeling.

So, for the next few weeks I'm going to relax, work on my cross stitch, spend some time with my grandkids, and work on the Hillbilly Gatherin' - especially finding things for the auction and a few more sponsors. 

I'm excited to get the power and water in at Jacob Springs.  Then the fun will really begin!

It'a Been a Good Ride...

Twenty three years ago, Ival and I found our dream property.  They were 10 acre parcels out Dry Creek on Neville Ranch.  The only problem was that they were asking $50,000 for the lots.  $50,0000!  That was a LOT of money and there was no way we could afford it.  But, it was a great dream.  We built a house on a nice lot in NW Boise instead.  Then, about 10 years later I found Hidden Springs - also on Dry Creek.

I had watched Hidden Springs for years.  It started with just 3 model houses.  It was back in about 2000 and the model homes were about $350,000.  It was a lot more than we could afford.  But as it grew to 12 houses, I continued to come up and dream that someday we would be able to buy a house here.  I loved how anyone standing outside their homes would wave to you as you drove into the community.  Every house had a front porch - and you could tell the neighbors all had a good time together.

I wasn't a city girl.  Growing up in Garden Valley I had lived the perfect life.  I knew that Hidden Springs would be as close to country living as I could get since we needed to be near Boise.  As it turned out, I had come up to attend the Harvest Festival, started driving around, and found a home that was about halfway built.  I could tell it was abandoned.

I called Ival and made him come and look.  We contacted the realtor who had the house listed and discovered that we could buy it for $172,000.  We figured if Ival was the contractor and found his own subs, that we could finish the house for a reasonable price.  And so we did...

It served it's purpose for almost 10 years.  I have lots of memories, but the one that best describes our lives here was watching as Adam grew.  The only way we knew for sure how many friends Adam had over was by looking to see how many pairs of tennis shoes were lined up near the front door.  Now, I look out the front window to see how many vehicles are parked in front of the house.  There's usually at least 4 but I've counted up to 7. 

Now, we get to move on and let a nice young couple who are expecting their first child enjoy this home.  They're both teachers, have friends up here, and like us many years ago, have wanted to move here but couldn't afford it.  They love the house and will be a great addition to Hidden Springs.

I contacted my boss last night and we'll be renting one of their homes up here.  It's furnished so we can put all of our stuff in storage.  They do have it listed so if it sells we may end up having to do something different later.  But, if it's summer, we could always go over and borrow my sister's travel trailer and camp on the property until the house is done.  We have to make a trip to Portland anyway because Bob, who is a packrat like me, has the old flooring out of the Caldwell HS gym that he's giving us to use in the barn house.

I'm sure my blog will be changing.  I thought about starting a new one to document our journey on building on Jacob Springs but decided against it.  I'll be posting pictures as we go of course.  The tent will stay.  It will be moved to a flat spot on one of the hills for friends and family to use if they want a night away from home.  In fact, we'll probably add another tent.  We want to share our farm with all of our friends and family.

So we start a new adventure.  I'll have my horses, we'll have free-range chickens, some miniature donkeys for the grandkids, a pond for them to fish in, and deer and wild turkeys in our back yard.  This will be our last home.  Something we've both dreamed about for years.  Our barn house on Dry Creek on 15 acres.  Just about 1/2 a mile from that first 10 acre lot that we looked at almost 25 years ago...

This Could Be a Great Day!

I woke up this morning and realized it wasn't a dream.  It is REALITY.

Last week, we showed our house to a realtor with clients in a foreign country.  Ival, who I have to admit is one of the best salesmen I've ever met (and his boss should be grateful to have him) took the agent through the house, pointing out all the features while she took pictures to send to her client. 

Yesterday, we showed the house 3 times.  The last couple was here for over an hour, taking pictures inside and out (although it was dark outside).  Again, even though it's taboo, Ival was here to greet them and start their tour and point out some things they probably wouldn't have paid attention to had he not been here. 

When they came, I decided to run and get some pizzas to cook once they left.  Usually a showing takes about 15 minutes.  It was dark when I got home so I parked across the street from the house waiting for them to leave.  Thirty minutes later, I was still "creeping" as Adam calls it.  Every once in a while I'd drive around the block, down the street, thinking they'd be gone by the time I got back.  Finally, I saw them outside.  Taking more pictures.  Then, back in the house.  Holy crap they've now been here for an hour and I'm hungry!  I called our realtor to tell him I was creeping and ask what it meant if the lookers have been here for an hour and are taking pictures of the outside of the house in the dark. 

"That's just one step down from having a U-Haul parked out front."

I should tell you too, that earlier that afternoon I had the following conversation with our realtor:

"Are you ready for some good news?"

"OK"

"We're getting an offer on your house!"

"YOU'RE SHITTING ME!"
(I swear, it just blurted out - that's so me.  I have absolutely no couth.)

As it turns out, the couple from the foreign country loved the house.

So, back to my creeping.  I finally see their realtor drive away and the couple get into their car so I pull into the driveway and lug the pizzas into the house.  There, standing in the dining room is the nice young man who has been there for over an hour.  Oh shit.  He's chatting with Ival.

So, to make a long story short, our realtor called later that night, close to 10 and said that he had been on the phone with the kid's realtor for almost an hour.  He is pretty sure that they too will be making an offer on the house today.  It seems they were very fond of Ival.  I wonder if they think he's included in the sale?  Hmmmm. I'm sure we could work something out.

CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS?????  I told Ival that I'm staying home today, doing nothing except my cross stitch with the fireplace on, waiting for the realtor to call.  This is going to be a good day.  I can still hardly believe it and still a little afraid to get too excited, but holy heck - the possibility of 2 offers in 1 day? 

Ival already said he's hoping the nice couple from last night buy our house.  They really loved it.  So, I wait for the phone to ring...

Three Women...

Do you have anyone in your life that you look at, and have for years, and think, "This is the way the world should be."  I do.  I have 3 of them.

I've taken some time recently to look at my life.  I'm incredibly lucky - and grateful.  However, I have a rather "strong" shall we say, personality.  I tend to get into "bidness" that I shouldn't.  Actually, maybe that's wrong.  I should say I tend to react to some "bidness" improperly.  Rather than being encouraging I can be judgemental.  Not out of meanness, but rather out of "I've done that, don't be a dumbass and make the same mistakes I did."

So, let talk about these 3 women.  I will call them Pam, Abbie, and Kelli - a mother and her daughters, my sister-in-law and nieces.  I can honestly say I have never met anyone like them.  They are a joy to be around whether it's for an hour or a lifetime.  I can honestly say I have NEVER heard them say an unkind word about anyone.  I'm sure they have, but I've never heard it.  They allow everyone to have their own opinions and lifestyles,  their own politics and religion - their own distinct personalities.  They are in one word "accepting."

After reflecting on myself lately, I need to become more accepting.  Not that I think everyone should be "my way," I've never felt like that, but as I said, I tend to try to save everyone I know from making bad choices and I need to realize that I can give encouragement without giving advice.  It's something I'm going to have to concentrate on every, single day. 

I only have good people in my life.  I've weeded out those that I don't believe have good hearts.  I don't allow anyone in that isn't somehow special to me and I need to let them know that they are special to me instead of making them feel like I'm trying to change them.  I will be working on that.  As I do, I will think often of these 3 special women and ask myself, "how would they handle this situation."

I'm almost 56.  It's not too late, but it's certainly time...

This Is Next...

I'm going to try to do this real quick before the auction in April. If not, I guess I'll have to keep it!  We'll see...


 

 
I think she's adorable and I love her dress!

Cougar Kittens and Cross Stitch...

While cleaning out some drawers recently, I came across this picture taken in the 1980s when I was working at Fish and Game.  Someone had rescued 2 cougar kittens and they came to live with us for a few days before being taken to a rehab gal in Garden Valley.  They were so darned cute!

Remember this?

Here she is so far.  She'll look better once she's done and outlined in black.  I think she's turning out pretty ok.  That fire and pot have been a bitch!  Lots of color changes.  I purposly did it on orange so that it would look like a sunset.  I didn't want to have to cross stitch the entire background in blue.  But, I'm not so sure I like it.   I should have just bought blue material but I thought I'd like the orange.  Actually, it was supposed to be more of a yellow color.  Should I do the background in blue? 

Jacki thinks I should finish it and donate it to the silent auction for the hillbilly gatherin'.  I could never get enough for it to compensate for all the hours I've put into it and I'm actually not sure anyone else would really appreciate it.  I just happen to love old pin up girls.



On the Market...

We officially listed the house Friday.  We removed even more of our belongings, had all the carpets cleaned, refinished the hardwood floors, and had the counter tops in the kitchen and both upstairs bathrooms measured for granite.  Wow, it's been a busy few weeks.

So the house was listed Friday, we had an open house Saturday, and a realtor called to show the house on Sunday.  There are only 12 houses listed in Hidden Springs right now and I have a feeling we'll probably show the house at least 4 times a week with the inventory so low.  That makes it hard to "live" but it will hopefully be worth it.  It's priced right so - it's time!

I only wish it was spring.  The yard is so beautiful in the spring, summer, and fall...

In other news, my sisters are coming this week!  I can't wait to spend some girl time with some of my favorite people in the world. 

The Winter That Wasn't...

Every year we buy a season ski pass for Adam at Bogus Basin.  He and his friends love getting up on the mountain and enjoying some great skiing and I loved the fact that last year he was able to drive himself up the mountain.  No more bus rides!  Last year, Bogus was open on Thanksgiving Day.  This year however, is different.  I think they have 4 inches of snow at the base and I've never seen anything like it. 



Until now, the latest Bogus had ever opened was January 6th.  We're now a week past that and while they're saying that the mountains could get snow starting Wednesday, they say it won't be enough to open the resort.  Bogus is losing $100,000 a day in revenue.  Then, when you think about the ski shops, the restaurants and convenience stores on Bogus Basin road that also depend on skiers, plus all the employees at Bogus, it's just another horrible tragedy for our economy.  We certainly didn't need this.  Brundage Mountain opened 5 runs in December but haven't really gotten any new snow since.  I'm sure it's been hard on their economy too.

I wonder, will we skip our typical winter all together, or are we going to get dumped on in March and have snow on the ground in May?  I'm at the point now where I don't want snow.  I'm ready for spring!  And as far as skiing goes, I suppose the boys could drive over to the Bruneau Sand Dunes...



This is the oddest winter I've ever seen and I bet it's something we're never going to forget.

Hillbilly Website...

I never thought I'd see the day, but my sister Linda has made a website for the 2012 Hillbilly Gatherin'.  We are now officially "big time."  It's still a work in progress, but it's up and running and she did a mighty fine job!

I'm really excited to be helping out Wish Granters this year.  I remember so many times when I worked for Wishing Star, having people call me to ask if we did wishes for adults.  It was incredibly hard to turn them away.  Now with Wish Granters in existence, they have already done 30 wishes and have a lot more that they're working on.  If we raise our goal of $10,000 it will be the biggest fundraiser that they've done since their inception.  I'm determined!

So, check out the Third Annual Hillbilly Gatherin' website (can you believe how lucky we were that that domain name wasn't taken?!) and tell us what you think.  Any changes we should make or suggestions on anything we need to add?  We're still looking for a few sponsors ($250) to cover costs and lots more items for the silent auction.  If you're crafty and make something, or work for a company that might donate something, let me know as the more items we have, the more wishes we can all help make come true for adults with terminal illnesses.

Why I Love the Internet...

As I've mentioned before, several years ago, after much searching I found one of my best friends from third grade in Winnemucca via the internet.  Jaci and I talk often on Facebook and she, her husband and brother even came from Portland for our last Hillbilly Gatherin'.  I just love that I found my old friend.

A few weeks ago, a nice southern young man from Missouri sent me a message via Facebook.  He wanted to restore a truck to look like an Idaho Fish and Game truck in honor of dad and Conley.  We've talked via mail almost every day since and  I feel like he's an old friend.  He did however, call me ma'm.  I asked him not to do that, it made me feel old.  He told me that being a southern gentleman, that would be difficult, but so far, Kev has done pretty well with it.  He's a cop and was featured on COPS a few years ago.  I love COPS!

I discovered that we had some eerie similarities.  He's from Missouri, dad's family was from Missouri.  He has 2 sons - Jake and Adam.  The truck he's restoring is an old Dodge Ram Power Wagon - that was the first truck I drove as a teenager that dad had bought new.  Remember, I put 700 miles on it in one weekend when mom and dad had gone to Boise?  And, it's tan - ours was tan.  He and his wife and kids love the Denver Broncos, and they love the BSU Broncos.  But this was just too much - I just found out tonight that he eats the hot dogs off those rolley things in convenience stores.  Is that creepy or WHAT? 

He loves Rush Limbaugh and I love Rush Limbaugh~!  Just kidding, I hate Rush Limbaugh.



Kev, I'm so glad we've connected.  I love finding new friends and I think we'll be friends forever.

Then, I had a comment on my post about putting the house on the market from Victoria.  She and I are obviously kindred spirits as well.  She's hilarious and we've had some good conversations.  She's looking to buy a house in either Eagle or Hidden Springs and wanted some information about the area and our house.  I told her that she'll be my best friend if they buy our house and that she could come and ride horses when we get them. 

I just find it so fascinating that I've met two wonderful people in just a few short weeks.  How cool is that?  However, if I find out that Victoria has 2 sons, named Jake and Adam, I'm going to pack my bags, climb onto the roof, and sit there waiting for 12/21/12.  I wonder how many sweatshirts I should pack...