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| Tweety Bird At Home (Sharpies) |
Hello Friends!
The theme for Michael's Scribble Picnic today is My Place/Town/County/Borough/Province/State. Tweety Bird's whole world revolves around his cage, so I'd say that was his home!
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| Canadian Hug (watercolour) |
I think for me, the most obvious place I call home is Canada. I love this country. The politics in my province have worn me down to the point where I plan on leaving for good by the summer - despite that though, I consider myself a proud, happy Canadian.
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| Home In The Woods (watercolour) |
If I really think about "my place"...where I feel the most at home, where I feel safe and protected...it's the woods. No matter what official name I put to the land, the woods are MY place! If I don't get out into the woods each day, with the dogs or just on my own, I don't feel right. It's my place of tranquility and spirituality. That's why we are being so scrupulous with regards to finding our new place. It has to be surrounded by trees and ideally in the woods!
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| Kissing Frogs: A Spring Peeper we found last spring on our front porch |
Speaking of that...thanks again to everyone who responded to my last post and shared your story with me. I contacted two realtors who were very nice in their responses, one in New Brunswick and one in Nova Scotia. They told me the market booms in April and May mostly, then tapers off again during the the rest of the summer. So I'll sit tight, still keep my eyes peeled in the mean time, but plan to focus on the home search full-time during those two months. And I'm taking the advice I was given to look for properties sold by owner as well. Some of you were so sweet to email me with some links and advice. I really feel grateful! And I do want to enjoy the process! I love how Susan put it..."you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince!" :)
Some of my friends know that I had my eye on a 15 acre property in the woods by a river and lake. It was only 39k and off grid, though equipped with solar panels, had a septic system and a dug well - and the best? FAR away from any other neighbour!! It seemed perfect! Well, that real estate agent was one of the many who avoided my questions by email so I called her. I found out that #1 there is no bath or shower...okay, that could be worked around...but worse, #2 there is a parcel of land about 30 feet from the front of the house that belongs to another home owner. This means the person(s) would be trampling by our windows, just 30 feet away, any time they please. Now I understand why she avoided the question. This property is now on the veto list! Boo hoo!! 😭
But...comfort food always helps any woes! :) I had leftover filling from New Year's so I made another Tourtière (meat pie).
We're shopping from the pantry lately too! I love that! I canned many jars of spaghetti sauce last fall and I'm so thankful we have lots of it on hand!
And of course, pizza. :) This is a four cheese pizza with Mozzarella, Cheddar, Parm and Goat cheese! Yum! :)
I so love your rendering of Tweetie Bird - his feet look like early Valentine hearts!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSending continuing good luck for the house hunting dear - I just know the perfect place for you will be found even though it may take a little time.
I used to love tourtiére when I was still a meat eater back in the '60's - my MIL was French Canadian and we all lived in New Hampshire, she made a good pie and it was something very new to me at that time.
Stay warm - hugs, Mary
Lovely art pieces on the home topic! Oh your food looks amazing Rain, yum. Best of luck with the house hunting.
ReplyDeleteHi Rain. We have been in the real estate business for a lot of years. While those are the months when homes flood the market it is THE BEST time to sell. However, when things slow down that is the best time to buy because buyers are scarce and sellers are more willing to take lower offers. Just my two cents for whatever that is worth. lol
ReplyDeleteI love your artwork and when I was a kid I spent ALL my time in the woods. I love it but we live in the city so no woods here!
I might have asked you before----if I did, forgive me because I lost what I asked for (if I did ask for it-lol). Could I have an email addy for you? I won't share it with anyone -I would just like to respond to your comments when you leave one. My email is dianakos1@gmail.com.
I hope you have a great Wednesday!!!! xo Diana
"I love this country. The politics in my province have worn me down to the point where I plan on leaving for good by the summer..."
ReplyDeleteYou can come here, our politics are delightful!
Haa...yes, I am laughing maniacally and all the Internet is laughing with me.
Rain,
ReplyDeleteTweety bird is so cute! I love how you sketched your home in the Canadian woods. Your woodsy sketch is calming. Everything about your country life sounds nice. Maybe, we'll both find our dream home this year. We're still looking, as well. We can't be off-grid like you with DH's work and all plus if the truth be told I'm a bit more of a city gal. I prefer the conveniences. Growing up in southern WV we didn't have the advantages we do now and we really like it a lot. Are search is confined to the city or not far from it. We like the idea of having city utilities and other benefits.
All of these good foodie pix has my mouth water! WOW, you're incredible! Thanks for popping over today. Have a doodletastic week, dearie and keep warm! ;)
I'm glad you got some professional advice and still have your original research options available. Sorry that property only almost checked off everything on your list. But perhaps that is a step in the right direction luckwise toward your dream home!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you found someone to talk to, with professional advice.
ReplyDeleteAnd that you called the person, about the *perfect* spot. And found out enough, to mark it off your list. Much easier to do, with the facts, telling you, you have to eliminate it. :-)
Home for me, is the Upper NE of the US. Only place I want to be. 4 seasons and all. :-) My country has not always been perfect. (What country has?) But I love it, and always will.
Hugs...
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oh what a bummer about that property. i hate it when i think i've found the perfect place and then something comes along that totally cancels it out. but i seriously think you will find just what you want. especially the area you are looking in, there just have to be a lot of places. i also think a lot in that area might be for sale by owner. your food, as always. looks so good. i finally have my appetite back but my stomach can't handle much more than broth and crackers.
ReplyDeleteWhen looking at property, the first thing I ask is about the water and well. How deep? How many gallons per minute (gpm) or in your case I guess liters. I ask to see the well drillers log (every driller has one and is on record). Anything less than 20 gpm I leave, as is a well that is over 250 ft. deep. Water is main importance, especially with gardens and animals. We once had a place with 3 gpm….trust me, that is a deal breaker. Also, the taste and hardness is important....ask me how I know this. Water can change from one property to the next or just a few feet difference. Our neighbor had 45 gpm while we had 3. Their water was clear and sweet while ours had lots of iron that stained our clothes. Realtors like to not mention these things unless you ask. Love the Tweety Bird.
ReplyDeleteThey say (sure would like to find out who "they" are someday!) it's important to our health to be out in nature frequently. I admire you for making it any every day occurrence. I'm sure having the dog(s) who love to go out encourages you to do so, too.
ReplyDeleteRegardless, that realtor should not have avoided your questions and should have gotten back to you without you having to call her. Would have saved you continuing to think about that particular piece as long as you did.
Oh, that home-canned spaghetti sauce and pasta made me hungry! Egg Foo Yung for us for dinner tonight, but I may have to plan some pasta and sauce for us soon!
Yum on all the food, and kissing the frogs is very good advise! I am certain you will be out in the woods of your own soon, and then you will be in the same shape as we are, with getting everything planted for a bountiful harvest this coming fall! Love the Canadian Hug, as she looks like she just walked out of the woods! Sweet!
ReplyDeleteYour food...oh my gosh...always so delicious! And I love your artwork. So much fun.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to hear you got some good advice on the house hunting. It can certainly be exhausting but imagine when it finally happens. Oh, the joy! Let the universe know what you want and it will happen. Believe in the magic!
Rain, I lived in Nova Scotia for a year and we have travelled through the Maritimes a few times. I think you would like it very much there. I think the cost of living and chances of finding less expensive housing is more possible there than my province. I have no idea how it compares to Quebec. Diana (above) does make some good points about people being motivated to sell during those slower times. I hope you find what you are looking for! -Jenn
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update on the property search. We're all with you on this! Love your paintings and food photos! You never disappoint. :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful art! Sorry the land fell thru but at least you knew. Hopefully you'll find the right place, maybe winter is tough to find something available?
ReplyDeleteRain - Like so many other things, it is a race, not a sprint. Be patient, stay the course, keep drawing and cooking.
ReplyDeleteYum!
ReplyDeleteFrom the photo of that piece of land, it looks fabulous. Too bad the neighbors were that close to it. The food looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteThe food looks great and the peeper is too cute. We have so many of them here in our yard. I love when the first spring one wakes and he's the only one awake. It sounds so cute.
ReplyDeleteGreat food, minus the cheese Ha!!!!! Funny, right? You can have all my cheese and I'll take whatever whole food you don't fancy.
Great art work...Tweety Pie...waht's not to love? I'm sorry you were disappointed as that house did seem perfect but yes, who wants someone 30 feet way? You'll get there and I agree with the kissing toads theory! LOL!
ReplyDeleteI like canada and had even one time wanted to move there, even now, the u.s. is not that great right now.
ReplyDeletecute tweety drawing.
have a lovely day.
We physically looked at about 50 homes in three months before we found the perfect home for us. It takes time and seldom does anyone find the perfect house right away. Enjoy the hunt, it can be frustrating, but also fun.
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame about that beautiful piece of property! But you were so wise to turn your back on it. Your perfect place is out there, waiting for you. Besides - now you can enjoy all your comfort food! Oh, ymmmm!
ReplyDeleteHi, Rain! Your comfort food looks delicious! I especially like the painting of the deer in the woods. I love the woods, but I love big skies and wide open spaces more. What's important, though, is that a person has a place to go that fills his or her soul with peace and a sense of the divine. Good luck as you hunt for that special place to put down roots.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know how tiny spring peepers are!
ReplyDeleteYour meat piece is a mouth-watering food.
I must have missed your other post? Wow, you are going to move to another province? I wish you all the best my friend! I know everything will work out amazingly! Love your art and love your food! Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteoh that food.. you've got my tummy rumbling.
ReplyDeleteLovely watercolor.
https://henatayeb.blogspot.com
wow! Lovely art pieces on the home topic! Oh your food looks amazing Rain, yum. Best of luck with the house buying.
ReplyDeleteDear Rain, I'll be following your house hunting with interest and hoping that the perfect place will turn up soon. I watched a tv programme by Ben Fogle the other week about a family bringing up their daughters in very rural Canada. It was inspiring, the girls were wonderful - I thought of you! Extreme weather reported on today's news and I wonder if it is troubling you?
ReplyDeletehave I ever mentioned that Tweety is one of my faves? Something about the bright yellow and huge head seems to call my name.(lol) Moving is never fun, believe me I know because I've done it 17 times, but I imagine buying a new place makes it even more difficult. I believe that you'll find that perfect place very soon, and I'm looking forward to lots and lots of pictures! Hugs...RO
ReplyDeleteLove the little froggie. Course I love nature....all but spiders! haha. Great drawings. Always loved Tweety.
ReplyDeleteYour focus on what you want in your next home is admirable, and inspiring, Rain. Feeling confident in you that you'll find something you love. Mmmm... more glorious food! Going to go check that meat pie recipe. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat yummy looking food! You sure are a good cook. I hope the time will go quickly and it won't be long before you find your dream place. Nancy
ReplyDeleteBummer
ReplyDelete