Billie's Folly

I realize it's been a very long building process.  In my contractor's defense, he told me at the start that it would take between 18 and 24 months.  Obviously it took the longer.  To clear myself of culpability, I want to state emphatically that I did not cause any delays by making changes!  We never undid anything done.  What I appreciated was that we discussed things before they were started, and agreed to adjustments as needed.   I find the following numbers quite embarrassing--but mostly astonishing.  I had no idea how much material it took to build a house and create a landscape.  Granted, this is not a small one, but for the lot and neighborhood, it's not unusual.      T ap title to continue reading

I can't believe my house-building saga is coming to an end.  I have actual moving dates the end of this month.  I'm dreading the 2 days, 3 trucks, 6 men--but we all get through it somehow.  I'm excited to fill the drawers and lay the carpets--it'll be like Christmas to see all my things again.  And I'm so eager to drive into the garage and park, look outside from the different rooms and sit on a sofa--in solitude.  But mostly, I'm ready for it to be over.  I've finally gotten weary of the drive back of forth and the endless details and decisions.  And with the long and dragged out process (you may remember I was told I'd be in by last Christmas), I've ended up being and feeling extremely "house poor."     T ap title to continue reading

The final wallpaper has been pasted.  And I'm proud to say some of it is original and unique to my house.  In 2010 I donated my collection of antique Japanese beckoning cats (Maneki Neko) to the Mingei Museum in San Diego.  There were about 200 cats--from an inch to about 3 feet tall--in materials from stone, wood, porcelain and clay to paper mache.  Along with a coffee table book, the museum produced many gift shop items to go with the show--including wrapping paper.  Several months ago I contacted the museum and asked about the artwork for the wrapping paper.  They generously gave it to me and--long story short--I had wallpaper made for a powder room.  I had them increase the proportions of the cats, and I'm happy with how it turned out.  It's definitely unique to me and probably won't appeal to the next homeowners.      Tap title to continue reading