Have you noticed now that spring is (apparently) sprung...that time seems to be going by a little too quickly again? I have! I'm happy to say that it's mild (ha ha) enough that I can take all three furballs on a walk together again! It was touch and go for a while, the temperatures were still falling to -10C overnight and in the mornings. But the last few days they've been hovering around freezing, so as long as little Mr. Jack wears his hand-knitted :) sweater, we're good to go! :) No rabbit sightings this morning, but a wily pair of squirrels got their attention. One on each side of the road up the snow banks, chirping away!
We've been in a soup kind of mood lately. Last night I made Italian Orzo Soup, with some warmed up home-baked No-Knead Bread and a little green salad. I can't wait to grow my own lettuce again! My digestion has trouble with the store-bought stuff.
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| Cold Winter Night (acrylics) |
Yesterday I pulled out my last canvas (boo hoo!) and decided to paint something, kind of à la Bob Ross. I haven't painted a thing since early February and I actually had a lot of difficulty with this one. I didn't feel like I had it in me at first and nearly gave up...but I pushed ahead and I'm happy with the result! Since Alex and I are on a spending freeze...I decided I'm not buying any more painting supplies until we're settled, so I'll make do with what I have for now!
On that note, my friends know that I've been participating in Michael's weekly (then bi-weekly) Scribble Picnic. He would come up with a prompt and those who participated would paint/draw/scribble their vision. Well, unfortunately due to lack of time, Michael has put the picnic on hold indefinitely. But I'm going to continue to paint an acrylic or watercolour; and draw my Looney Tunes every week for fun, just to keep my creative side going! I will definitely be sharing those as I create them!
Still on the house hunt! This is such a nice little cottage. Here is the link on Realtor. (I think you have to agree to something before you can see the listing). It just seems so perfect for us, $35k, about 1 1/2 acres, in the woods, a little fixer upper...but the bank will not finance any property that has no electricity and no water...even if they have electricity and water, if there is no septic, they will veto the financing. Sigh...I asked what they thought of composting toilets, they said it didn't meet the criteria. So this house is out sadly! April is just around the corner, so I'm sure our dream home is too!
I have never understood the criteria for modern amenities. It hasn't been that long since indoor plumbing has been common, really. A hundred years ago in a rural setting it would have been unusual to have indoor facilities.
ReplyDeleteJono, I so agree with you. The bank's criteria is warped a little, too modern yet seems outdated for this day and age when people CAN LIVE without a municipal water supply. Okay, that's me exaggerating, if the place has a well, we're okay. But the main thing is electricity. Even if the house was set up with solar and a generator for back up, they still won't finance it. We are kind of stuck there, we need bank financing to purchase, so unfortunately have to go along with their criteria. But our plan is to buy a spot with lots of acreage so that we can eventually build a little off grid cabin in the acreage and live that way on our own terms.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the owners would let you make payments? Sometimes you can get creative with these things. Then they get the interest instead of a bank.
ReplyDeletelovely that you painted. Since it was your last canvas, maybe you have old paintings that don't thrill you anymore that you can paint over?
Wishing you a beautiful Sunday.
When I first pulled up your blog, it only showed the top half of the picture of the dogs, and I thought they were hooked up to a dogsled. I thought the little guy in the picture might have a hard time pulling his weight! But once it loaded I saw you were walking them.
ReplyDeleteDo you ever hear anything about the dogs the Sand Man took back? I hope they landed ok, somewhere. You can never tell with people.
I like your painting. Very tranquil and calming. I can always use a peak at something like that!
You'll find the right place eventually. I had to look quite awhile before I found mine, but it has worked out really well over the last thirty years or so. I have to admit, it's been nice having electricity. Even if it's out a lot of the time, it's nice to have!
I figure as long as I am set up to get along without it, I'm not cheating by using it when it works. ;-)
That is a very cute little house! But yah, dealing with the banks sucks.
ReplyDeleteYour idea of finding something with a little acreage is a good idea. And then building exactly what you want after you're well settled in and not under any pressure. You can always turn the original house into an office/art studio for both you and Alex or something else. That would leave the possibilities wide open. As far as having to play by the bankers' rules, just another instance where unless you're wealthy and have no financial restrictions, we have to play their game. Grumpf.
ReplyDeleteOkay....so that is a cute place but what got my attention first was the SNOW on the roof. CRAZY, I would be so blown away with all that snow and probably depressed after a while. I love it but I love it to come and go. Okay, so I am with the bank on the electric and water thing. You need to find you a cute place that has it all, you will be busy once planting season comes and you don't need to worry with getting used to that and / or putting it in. Cute place though. Great painting. A little different then what you normally do and I like. Keep it up. Spring...you can tell just cause it is above freezing that spring is coming? YIKES...that is almost CRAZY. Spring here is my plants popping out of the ground, trees budding and all that.
ReplyDeleteLovely painting! Soon, soon, you will find it, never give up!
ReplyDeleteYour Cold Winter is captivating... good on you to push through and see it to the end! Wish I could draw, but alas, I do enjoy seeing what those who can, do create! I am sending dirt energy to you, so that you will soon find your own piece of dirt to farm!!!
ReplyDeleteHooray for better weather. Boo for mortgage lenders.
ReplyDeletehi rain! cute place but it's probably better it didn't work out. i know it is built up on blocks but you can see the significant sag because they didn't do it the right way. which probably mean there is more damage throughout from not having a stable foundation. good think they don't have plumbing because i bet they would have leaks! the bank wants properties it can flip fast if someone defaults on a loan so that's one of the main reasons they won't finance properties like that one. i know your home is out there just waiting for you to find it!
ReplyDeleteSuch interesting home listings you're finding, Rain! And thank you for the links to the recipes. I've printed out both and think I may try them sometime this week. Enjoy your slowly warming spring!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute little house! It's a shame the bank won't cooperate. They do like their modern versions of houses. I don't think they think much of solar power either. Everything has to be conventional. Still, your perfect place is out there!
ReplyDeleteNo electricity?? Must heat with gas or a wood stove?
ReplyDeleteMaybe you could get electric installed. Also water? No idea what that costs... but 35k on 1 1/2 acres sounds like a deal!
Spring has sprung here as well. We found the first pussy willow today !!! The temperatures are just above 0 during the day and the snow is slowely melting.
ReplyDeleteI love the painting ... the moonlight ... beautiful.
The house is very cute. I think 1.5 acres will not be enough for u tho ;)
Have u ever put an add on kijiji looking for rent to own ? I could imagine that owners who have a piece of land and house with no electricity and such would go for it, knowing that a buyer will have issues financing this.
Your place is out there ... just waiting for you and it will be beautiful. Where is this cute little place ?
Rain,
ReplyDeleteLook at all that snow on the roof! WOW, how does it hold all that weight? It's a beautiful little cabin. It's hard to imagine there are any home these days without electricity and water. An acquaintance was telling me that banks won't even loan on homes with no central heat/cooling. We have three or four properties were interested in and this week, I want to talk to our realtor to get some questions answered before we get him to show these to us. He's been great to work with us thus far with occasional texts and emails of properties that might interest us and has been fabulous to answer any questions I have of places that we find on various realty apps. I'm feeling confident that we'll find something before the year is through. I hope before fall. I love your painting. You did a fabulous job. I, too will continue my weekly art sketches but that'll resume in May. Right now, I'm working on my art for next month's A2Z challenge. So glad to see spring is making its way north. Best of luck in your home search!
I know what you mean. The reasons that banks are so strict on those codes is because if the place goes into mortgage default they would have a much harder time selling it. Crazy-but we all have to play by THEIR rules.
ReplyDeleteI hope you find something that fits your budget and your wants and needs. This time of year is when the market just starts breaking open so will cross my fingers for you.
Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog- my comments got screwed up in the way they usually come through so I wasn't able to comment directly.
Have a wonderful week- xo Diana
That is such an adorable home. I can see you in a place like that with all that lovely land! The right place that's meant for you will come along :)
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately we do have to follow the rules of the bank. Unless we have enough cash and don't need financing. George and I are definitely THAT couple. LOL
Isn't that ridiculous! I'm so sorry and Ididn't know that either. I'm sure it's the same way here. It is a cute cabin for sure! Your painting is beautiful and you should hang it in your new home! I know something will turn up at the right time and be perfect for all of you!
ReplyDeleteI'm getting ready to make some sourdough no knead....love the no knead bread as I make it all the time but haven't used my sourdough in it yet.
Have a great day and don't give up hope!
I grew up with no or few modern amenities, I really understand that they make life better.
ReplyDeleteYour painting is marvelous. Love the tones. I'd love that little cottage!
That cottage looks cute on the outside. You are diligent and patient. Your meant-to-be home is out there waiting to be discovered by you.
ReplyDeleteYour doggies look happy to be out and happy to not have to wear paw boots. Is Jack part beagle? My husband likes beagles because of their floppy ears.
Your dinner looks really good. Good, comfort meal.
Hi Rain ... it has been awhile. I am so missing all of you and Michael. I am glad to see you are still painting and drawing. Your painting is beautiful ... I love how you caught the moonlight on the mountain and the snow. You are talented in so many ways. I would love to have you cooking at my house ... you make me hungry for things I will probably never have. I used to love cooking, but now that my family is grown, I seem to have lost the drive. I too love the little cottage ... too bad it doesn't meet muster for the bank. I mean all of those amenities could be added, but such is life. Good luck on your house hunt and drop by to see me now and then (I haven't posted on my blog in awhile ... too much going on here, I guess. I hope to get back into the swing soon. Be well, Rain ... miss you :)
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From the Sol
I liked the house dear Rain but it's okay to loose it because i believe that something BEST is coming up for you in this month and i am very sure about it :)
ReplyDeleteNo matter how much effort it took but your painting is truly powerful and magnate ,it hold my eyes for long as it reflects the strong sense of cold full moon nights!
your food is always so compelling and delicious looking,loved it
my concern and heartfelt prayers are with you for your house search task dear Friend and i have faith that i will hear good news soon from you !
Hugs!
Hi Tammie :) That's an interesting option, asking the owners if they'd be interested in that. It's always an option. We have another option too but it's not the best one...we could take out a personal loan over 5 years (higher interest though) and use it to buy whatever we want without having to meet any criteria...but the payments may be too high that way. I was actually looking at other canvases to paint over and I can't part with them! :) I do have watercolour paper and my watercolour pad, so I'll be okay until I can get some more! It was fun painting again!
ReplyDeleteHi Harry :) That's funny...Charlie, the black and white husky, could DEFINITELY pull a sled. I have not heard from, nor do I want to hear from Stella and Pavlov's owner. That is one person who I've eliminated from my life...that whole thing was just so negative and deceptive. He's tried to contact Alex through social media, but we haven't really responded. Chapter closed! :) I do miss the pups though! You're right...I think that electricity is a nice thing to have for sure, though we'd really love to be more remote...still hunting! :) And thanks, I'm so happy I started to paint again, it's been too long!
ReplyDeleteHi Ruth :) Yes...dealing with the bank does suck. I feel as though they are just too antiquated in their criteria. But that's really our best option, to finance it through them, so we're still looking. The market is already picking up!
ReplyDeleteHi Mama Pea :) Grumpf is right! I think it would take us another 5 years to save a 20% down payment so that we wouldn't need their approval on every single little thing. They have another type of loan where if you put 20% down, they loosen the noose a bit lol...I like the idea of using the original house for studios as we live deep in the woods! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Pam :) Yeah...there is no avoiding the snow in Canada. Well, some places have more than others, but in our price range, we can't afford to live in areas where there is little snow...big population means big property prices. I used to do a lot of Bob Ross style oil paintings, they were all landscapes like the one I did in this post. But when I started with the watercolours and acrylics, I got a little more creative I guess! I like both styles!
ReplyDeleteThanks Christine! I know...so soon...time is flying right now and there are lots of listings to look at! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the dirt energy Dino :) And thank you, I enjoyed the painting and I've been trying to keep it up daily now, or at least doing some kind of drawing!
ReplyDeleteHi Marsha :) I agree, boo! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Joyce :) Yeah, we noticed that sag too! The bank won't even look at properties without a cement foundation. We're still actively looking...I'm sure April will bring lots of new possibilities!! I hope so!! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Becki :) I hope you enjoy the recipes! That soup is very comforting!! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Leigh :) I agree, I don't think they like solar power...I have a conspiracy theory in mind about banks and the hydro companies lol...but if we want that financing we do have to follow their rules unfortunately!
ReplyDeleteHi Sandi :) It is a good deal on that place. Electricity for us is an easy one. Batteries and solar, with a back up generator would work very well. Water is something else though...a dug well isn't too expensive, but a drilled well, deep down can be crazy expensive...we thought about a rain catching system too. Lots of possibilities, but not for the bank! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Sis :) Thanks :) I'm so happy I did that painting, it was nice using a big canvas again! I'm kind of leaning towards 3+ acres! 1 1/2...might be too small for sure! That little house was in New Brunswick. I just liked that it was in the middle of nowhere!! :) I'm starting to think about the rent to own option...an ad in Kijiji is free so why not try? :)
ReplyDeleteHi Cathy :) I hope you find something you like this year too! What fun to have three or four properties to consider! We signed with an agent, but haven't heard from her in weeks now, so we're continuing the process on our own. We have three months to find a place, and I'm optimistic! That little cabin needs work, but it is very nice on the inside. I don't mind no utilities at all because Alex and I can always work around them. I hope next week there are more listings! I've heard April is the month! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Diana :) I do understand the bank's position, I just don't like it lol! :) Thanks, I know our home is out there waiting for us! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Martha :) Oh gosh...I could never come up with enough cash to avoid bank financing...never in my lifetime! I've been projecting my wishes out to the Universe and staying as positive as I can...I know great things are ahead!! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Sam :) I'm keeping hope! :) Thanks, I like that painting, and if I can I'll be hanging ALL of my paintings at the new house!! :) I hope the sourdough works well with the no-knead bread! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Susan :) I'd really love that little cottage too...modern amenities do make life easier, but we're willing to give that up for location, the question is how we'll finance things if we can't find something that the bank will "okay".
ReplyDeleteHi Stefanie :) Thanks :) Comfort food is great this time of year between seasons! Too much snow still...It's VERY nice to take all three dogs out now, they need the exercise and so do I! When we got Jack, the shelter said he was a Cocker Spaniel...nah. Not even close! He's a hound dog for sure, we think he's part Pointer and part Basset...and that's just from looking at photos. I thought maybe Beagle at some point because of his big feet!
ReplyDeleteThank you Andrea :) It has been a while!! I actually had a really hard time with that painting because I'd stopped completely for nearly 2 months. Out of practice I guess, but I feel so much better now that I'm creating every day again! I know what you mean...if we found a house without electricity, we could have it put it later...same with water and a septic, but the banks is too nervous for that I guess lol...We did really like a little cottage that had water and septic, but no electricity. It was near Hydro lines and I actually called that province's Hydro company to see how much it would cost to wire it up. The bank STILL wouldn't okay it, even though I said I'd sign an agreement to have it installed! Oh well! We are still looking every day!
ReplyDeleteThank you Baili :) I have to make sure I draw or paint daily now, I don't want it to be difficult for me, I was having so much fun before when I did that every morning. It made me happy so I'm making time for it now again! :) I know our dream home is out there! We're still looking very diligently every day! Staying positive!
ReplyDeleteI love your painting Rain! Such a cute little home! But, there would be alot for you to do!
ReplyDelete