We’ve added a new number to the past year, so now we say “have a happy new year” right? I don’t think I’ve ever been happy for a whole year. Most of a year, but not all. Something always happens that isn’t happy. So I think I’ll start saying “have some happy days in this new year”😉
We are still working on Kara’s house, but it’s about finished. Kara has had some ups and downs in her new apartment. Of course she would much rather be here, in her own house, so she is having a hard time graciously accepting her new life. Loss of control would be hard for anyone. Needing help to stand and walk is frustrating and no more driving is probably one of the worst losses for her.
We have worked hard getting the house cleared and ready to be sold as-is. Off and on for over four months now. You can see the dumpster is full here, it’s load weighed over a ton. that was really hard work
Kara was what is now called; a ‘hoarder’. So the house was a mess. I don’t want to disrespect her by showing what she felt comfortable living with. But the pictures emphasize the work we did to get it to this point. It’s a charming house now
all surfaces were piled high, I don’t know how she cooked
Since starting the project in October, I haven’t even had time to do a new puzzle. 😳 I’ve missed posting on the blog too. I enjoy putting thoughts out there for your consideration and pictures for your enjoyment 😉
case in point; while searching through paperwork for important papers, trying not to snoop, I found Kara liked to clip out sayings, quotes, jokes, interesting facts, and lots and lots of recipes. Of course I’m guilty of that too. But I try to keep mine organized, I do try and succeed most of the time.
here’s a few
How true is this first one🙂⬇️
Kara probably had over a hundred cook books and magazine’s, and still cut out recipes. I happened to see this one and since I’m a sucker for good baked beans, I saved it. I’ve never used bacon and hamburger together
I’ll let you know how they turn out.
And then there’s this one
The sister of the couple that bought the house next door to Kara’s two years ago, is interested in buying Kara’s.
Totally as-is. No realtor involved. I hope that it goes through, good neighbors are not always easy to find. We don’t want any flippers on our block. We love our neighborhood
We have a new feature to our yard. as our gardener blows off this part of the yard
The seeds end up in the the parkway and all the rain we’ve had, has given us a wildflower patch
It probably won’t last long since we don’t water it on a regular basis, but we’re sure enjoying it now
in other news, “WE HAVE OR FIRST GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER”!!! “YAY”!!!
MELODY MAGDALENA LOPEZ. 8 lbs 9 oz, 20 inches long. We’re waiting for a picture I can post
so stay tuned for that
💗jilly
Once in awhile-now and again-this is us 
Congratulations on your Granddaughter, she’ll fit right in with all the little girls in the hood 🥰
A wonderful post, as usual, Jill. Congratulations on your great-granddaughter! You will fill her life with fabulous abscrantia- sharing a world of puzzles, roses, kittens and love with her. Who else has a blogging grandma!
So happy for Javier and Hannah
welcomeing little Melody into their hearts, a wonderful time of love and joy for your family. You worked so hard helping Kara and her family and put in a lot of time and hard work for your neighbor. So proud of all you accomplished. Loved the blog. Celia
Well, I’m glad to see that job coming to an end. That was a lot of work you guys did I didn’t know that. I think the baked bean recipe looks really great. But it might have to come along with some of the cholesterol medicine also. You know when we was young we could eat most anything I don’t know about what happened when we get old but we’re on the road to find out take care see you soon
The house really does look charming now – and it only took four months and tons of work to achieve it. What a blessing you were for Kara and her family. I love your wild flowers…how beautiful! Congratulations on your new grandbaby girl, Melody. Can’t wait to see the pictures. Love you. Sharon
wow you guys are so close to finishing! i love love love the last pictures of the flowers! they’re so pretty ❤ thankful for the recent rain because that means this summer will be so green!
love you, amy:)
i love the wildflower patch it’s so cute!!! i’m glad u are now finding time to post more because i really enjoy looking at your pictures.
💗emily
You made the house so much better than before, you must have felt really satisfied about that! I love those wild flowers!
Thuy
I would love to try those baked beans! 🤪
Welcome to the world, little Melody❤️ May you find great joy and fulfillment in it. You have wonderful great-grandparents and we hope to meet you at their place before too long 💗💗💗
Jilly and Jerry, you have brought out the beauty of Kara’s house with almost four months of hard work over there. I do hope the pending sale goes through, because whoever gets it will be moving into superlative neighborhood; plus all parties will save on realtor’s fees.
Love love love your yard, and the bonus wildflowers are a major delight
Xxxxoooo
There is much I could say about this post, but I’ll just summarize by saying….You have such a knack at improving everything you encounter, whether it be places, people or your outlook on life. Such a gift and always an inspiration!
Rosemary