The house met with Bob's approval. We are going to pursue it - by getting some estimates done & then determining what to offer.
This morning as I was praying about "The Scrap Inn" I realized that it may take God moving some mountains for it to happen - but then I was reminded that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed we can move mountains. And if this is The Scrap Inn - He will do just that.
Please continue to pray that God will lead and direct and give us wisdom and discernment as things progress.
Showing posts with label the house search. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the house search. Show all posts
Monday, December 19, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Dear Diary,
Wow, it's been awhile since I've posted. Mainly, because nothing has been happening. The market for homes has kind of dried up - there just didn't seem to be anything out there, until Friday.
I looked at a home on Friday - I LOVE the location - the lot is the perfect size. The house is 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths and is in pretty good shape. I think it would be the excellent Scrap Inn. But as usual there are issues, which I won't go into. But they are things that God will have to work out - if this is in deed The Scrap Inn. I'm trying not to get too excited about the possibility - I hate disappointment.
On Friday on my way to work I was reminded of God's timing - how it's ALWAYS perfect. So my prayer continues to be that God will open and close doors as He sees fit. That I won't run ahead of Him or lag behind. And that I will rely on Him and His timing.
Oh my God, He will not delay My refuge and strength always I will not fear, His promise is true My God will come through always, always Troubles surround me, chaos abounding My soul will rest in ... ...my God, He will not delay My refuge and strength always I will not fear, His promise is true My God will come through always, always I lift my eyes up, my help comes from ... http://www.klove.com/music/artists/kristian-stanfill/songs/always-lyrics.aspx
I looked at a home on Friday - I LOVE the location - the lot is the perfect size. The house is 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths and is in pretty good shape. I think it would be the excellent Scrap Inn. But as usual there are issues, which I won't go into. But they are things that God will have to work out - if this is in deed The Scrap Inn. I'm trying not to get too excited about the possibility - I hate disappointment.
On Friday on my way to work I was reminded of God's timing - how it's ALWAYS perfect. So my prayer continues to be that God will open and close doors as He sees fit. That I won't run ahead of Him or lag behind. And that I will rely on Him and His timing.
Oh my God, He will not delay My refuge and strength always I will not fear, His promise is true My God will come through always, always Troubles surround me, chaos abounding My soul will rest in ... ...my God, He will not delay My refuge and strength always I will not fear, His promise is true My God will come through always, always I lift my eyes up, my help comes from ... http://www.klove.com/music/artists/kristian-stanfill/songs/always-lyrics.aspx
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Dear Diary,
Sunday was quite an adventure. My new friend Mary Beth and I did some real cross country trekking in our search for The Scrap Inn. We found some very interesting houses - one of which was almost eerie! It was way back in the sticks - to the point we had to honk the horn to get the chickens out of the road (path). In it's day, the house was probably quite the place to be - but time and lack of attention has caused it to be in very bad repair. We definitely created a Memory by checking it out. I will have to say - Mary Beth is a very brave lady.
Another of the houses was very cute - very old - very run down - and not at all suitable for The Scrap Inn. Although it has some real charm.
I did find a house that I think would work great for The Scrap Inn - unfortunately, it doesn't look like a possibility at this time. It is one that I'm planing to keep an eye on though. Things could change.
The others we looked at were either not big enough, or were in bad repair. So, the search continues. Although I'm thinking this area is a possibility. It's NOT north!!!!!!!!!!!!!
These are the times that make me wonder if I miss-heard the "You can do this" and it makes me want to give up. It seems so hopeless. But, these are also the times that I am reminded that I serve a mighty God - and that He will provide the right house at the right time and that I need to have faith to believe that and trust totally in Him.
Another of the houses was very cute - very old - very run down - and not at all suitable for The Scrap Inn. Although it has some real charm.
I did find a house that I think would work great for The Scrap Inn - unfortunately, it doesn't look like a possibility at this time. It is one that I'm planing to keep an eye on though. Things could change.
The others we looked at were either not big enough, or were in bad repair. So, the search continues. Although I'm thinking this area is a possibility. It's NOT north!!!!!!!!!!!!!
These are the times that make me wonder if I miss-heard the "You can do this" and it makes me want to give up. It seems so hopeless. But, these are also the times that I am reminded that I serve a mighty God - and that He will provide the right house at the right time and that I need to have faith to believe that and trust totally in Him.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Dear Diary,
Turns out the house below is NOT The Scrap Inn. The reason I asked for opinions as to whether it was the Scrap Inn - is because it just wasn't what The Scrap Inn looks like in my mind. When this house looked like it might be The Scrap Inn - I needed confirmation that others could picture it as The Scrap Inn - I wasn't totally seeing it!
I got a lot of emails - saying it looked nice - and then had other questions like - was there a bedroom downstairs, was there ample parking, was it nice inside, was it south, etc. But my favorite email was from a dear friend - who stated it looked like a very nice house - but not at all what she pictured as The Scrap Inn. That was kind of the response I expected to hear the most.
So, not just because it doesn't have The Scrap Inn look - but for many other reasons - I decided to move on and keep looking. So, the hunt continues.
I'm holding on to my belief that God has perfect timing - he's never early and he's never late! So, I'll continue to look and count on his perfect timing.
I got a lot of emails - saying it looked nice - and then had other questions like - was there a bedroom downstairs, was there ample parking, was it nice inside, was it south, etc. But my favorite email was from a dear friend - who stated it looked like a very nice house - but not at all what she pictured as The Scrap Inn. That was kind of the response I expected to hear the most.
So, not just because it doesn't have The Scrap Inn look - but for many other reasons - I decided to move on and keep looking. So, the hunt continues.
I'm holding on to my belief that God has perfect timing - he's never early and he's never late! So, I'll continue to look and count on his perfect timing.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Monday, September 5, 2011
Dear Diary,
Last Monday I went to 3 houses. Of the 3 one of them looked promising. It was in good shape and move in ready. It was about 60 miles from home - and traffic was horrible at one point. The next issue was the zoning. I spoke to the city and found out that I would have to apply for permission from the city council to be able to use the property for The Scrap Inn. There was also a fee and the neighbors would all be polled... So, I felt like all these things together were a NO.
On Saturday, I went to three houses. The first of which was a Great Location, Great Lot, Great price... That's where the Greats ended. The house was in terrible shape - the owners had attempted to remodel - Should I say, some people should not be allowed to pick up a hammer! The work was very shoddy, not complete, and obviously to cover up the fact that the house had shifted and the ceiling and walls had about a 1/2 inch gap between them. They had also put in ceramic tile - which was like walking on ice. Needless to say, we left without even looking at the rest of the house.
House # 2 was an adventure. We ended up going the wrong place - per the realtor's GPS. When we did find the place - on Lost Pines - it was something that should have stayed lost... It was very run down, and was literally in the woods - you actually had to walk a path to the house - dodging tree limbs and brush. There was no parking and the house was Awful. I decided just by looking in the window, that it was not worth going in.
House # 3 was in a very unatractive neighborhood. The parking would have been an issue, there was a ditch almost completely around the property. Turns out no one was home, and the Realtor had not provided a key. By the time my realtor got ahold of the listing agent - the very unfriendly looking dogs were barking in the window - so, there was no way I was going in there.
Once again, it wasn't a total loss. I now have 2 more areas on my NO WAY list. And so, the search continues.
Later,
Kathy
On Saturday, I went to three houses. The first of which was a Great Location, Great Lot, Great price... That's where the Greats ended. The house was in terrible shape - the owners had attempted to remodel - Should I say, some people should not be allowed to pick up a hammer! The work was very shoddy, not complete, and obviously to cover up the fact that the house had shifted and the ceiling and walls had about a 1/2 inch gap between them. They had also put in ceramic tile - which was like walking on ice. Needless to say, we left without even looking at the rest of the house.
House # 2 was an adventure. We ended up going the wrong place - per the realtor's GPS. When we did find the place - on Lost Pines - it was something that should have stayed lost... It was very run down, and was literally in the woods - you actually had to walk a path to the house - dodging tree limbs and brush. There was no parking and the house was Awful. I decided just by looking in the window, that it was not worth going in.
House # 3 was in a very unatractive neighborhood. The parking would have been an issue, there was a ditch almost completely around the property. Turns out no one was home, and the Realtor had not provided a key. By the time my realtor got ahold of the listing agent - the very unfriendly looking dogs were barking in the window - so, there was no way I was going in there.
Once again, it wasn't a total loss. I now have 2 more areas on my NO WAY list. And so, the search continues.
Later,
Kathy
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Dear Diary,
Went house hunting today...
The first house we looked at had a room that would work for scrapping - but it is actually a sun porch - and it has no AC or heat - NOT an option here in Texas. The other rooms were fine - but the house was very chopped up into multiple small rooms. The area was okay - but not really what I am looking for.
House 2 - by the time we got close - we had already determined it was not the area for The Scrap Inn. It was in the country - and quite isolated. We decided it would be a waste of time to look at it at that point. Sooooo on to house number 3.
I loved the house - it was built in the early 1900s - lots of charm and spacious rooms - tons of storage space - but not practical for The Scrap Inn. One of the bedrooms was long and narrow. It was barely wide enough for single beds - and would only have held 2. The master bed rooms was a decent size. The third bedroom was upstairs in what I'd call an "Attic" room. It had the slanted ceilings and would have been very fun to decorate - BUT the bathroom did not have a shower - and because of the slanted ceilings it would not have been an option. There were several LARGE rooms or combination rooms that would be great for the scrap room - but there were several rooms that would have been just wasted space - not that they couldn't have been decorated cutely - but heating and cooling unused space is kind of silly. One of the larger rooms could have been converted into another bedroom - but not without a lot of work - and manipulation... Add to all this that it was in need of a new roof and the age of the house - it was added to our NO list! :(
Soooo, in many ways it was kind of a disappointing day - but yet once again we feel we gained a lot of knowledge that will assist in the future hunt. The Realtor was very helpful and assured me that there is that special place "out there" and that he will continue to look!
I continue to believe (with a reminder from my hubby) - that if this is God's will - He will make away - and will lead us to the right place at the right time... To some this may sound like foolishness - to those of us who know HIM - it's called faith.
The first house we looked at had a room that would work for scrapping - but it is actually a sun porch - and it has no AC or heat - NOT an option here in Texas. The other rooms were fine - but the house was very chopped up into multiple small rooms. The area was okay - but not really what I am looking for.
House 2 - by the time we got close - we had already determined it was not the area for The Scrap Inn. It was in the country - and quite isolated. We decided it would be a waste of time to look at it at that point. Sooooo on to house number 3.
I loved the house - it was built in the early 1900s - lots of charm and spacious rooms - tons of storage space - but not practical for The Scrap Inn. One of the bedrooms was long and narrow. It was barely wide enough for single beds - and would only have held 2. The master bed rooms was a decent size. The third bedroom was upstairs in what I'd call an "Attic" room. It had the slanted ceilings and would have been very fun to decorate - BUT the bathroom did not have a shower - and because of the slanted ceilings it would not have been an option. There were several LARGE rooms or combination rooms that would be great for the scrap room - but there were several rooms that would have been just wasted space - not that they couldn't have been decorated cutely - but heating and cooling unused space is kind of silly. One of the larger rooms could have been converted into another bedroom - but not without a lot of work - and manipulation... Add to all this that it was in need of a new roof and the age of the house - it was added to our NO list! :(
The last house - was cute from the outside - and really nicely remodeled - had a room that would be great for the scraproom - beautiful wood flooring - new carpet paint, remodeled bathrooms and kitchen - just one catch...It had obvious foundation issues... not something you want to mess with in Texas.
Soooo, in many ways it was kind of a disappointing day - but yet once again we feel we gained a lot of knowledge that will assist in the future hunt. The Realtor was very helpful and assured me that there is that special place "out there" and that he will continue to look!
I continue to believe (with a reminder from my hubby) - that if this is God's will - He will make away - and will lead us to the right place at the right time... To some this may sound like foolishness - to those of us who know HIM - it's called faith.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Dear Diary,
I think I may have found the place... I know you've heard that before.
I found a house that seems almost perfect for The Scrap Inn. I have to write a letter to the city council to get permission to use the house for The Scrap Inn. I'm working on putting that together - or should I say, I'm procrastinating about writing the letter. I know that if it's the right place all the details will fall into place. Here is a picture of the scrap room minus the carpet. Its a great size!
When I looked at it - I was excited about the size of this room for the scrapbook room - it's in the center of the house - has great outdoor lighting and did I mention lots of room. My plan would be to remove the carpet and have a stained concrete floor. There are also lots of outlets around the room - and the bookcase is removable (not sure if I will move it or not). It also has recessed lighting - which may need to be changed to tracked lighting - hard to tell in the day time.
It has 3 bedrooms & 2.5 baths, a dinning room, eat in kitchen area (with a chandelier ?), a laundry room, 2 car garage, nice yard - nice area, & ample parking.
Now for the almost part - I had wanted a "lounge area". A small area where you can get away from the scraproom & relax & read a book, or watch TV or a movie. There really isn't a room that would work for that. I was thinking the laundry room - it is a good sized room with a window - but realized it has cabinets on 2 of the walls - and a sink with a cabinet. Not real conducive to a cozy little area to escape to - so now the issue is: am I willing to give that part of my dream up - or is there a way to make it work. How important is it?
So the question of the week is: How important is it to have a lounge area?
I found a house that seems almost perfect for The Scrap Inn. I have to write a letter to the city council to get permission to use the house for The Scrap Inn. I'm working on putting that together - or should I say, I'm procrastinating about writing the letter. I know that if it's the right place all the details will fall into place. Here is a picture of the scrap room minus the carpet. Its a great size!
When I looked at it - I was excited about the size of this room for the scrapbook room - it's in the center of the house - has great outdoor lighting and did I mention lots of room. My plan would be to remove the carpet and have a stained concrete floor. There are also lots of outlets around the room - and the bookcase is removable (not sure if I will move it or not). It also has recessed lighting - which may need to be changed to tracked lighting - hard to tell in the day time.It has 3 bedrooms & 2.5 baths, a dinning room, eat in kitchen area (with a chandelier ?), a laundry room, 2 car garage, nice yard - nice area, & ample parking.
Now for the almost part - I had wanted a "lounge area". A small area where you can get away from the scraproom & relax & read a book, or watch TV or a movie. There really isn't a room that would work for that. I was thinking the laundry room - it is a good sized room with a window - but realized it has cabinets on 2 of the walls - and a sink with a cabinet. Not real conducive to a cozy little area to escape to - so now the issue is: am I willing to give that part of my dream up - or is there a way to make it work. How important is it?
So the question of the week is: How important is it to have a lounge area?
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Dear Diary,
No, this isn't a picture of me crying - although I wanted to!
Once again a Big NO! We went as a family to see the house (below). We no more than walked in the door and my husband was already having issues with his alergies. At first my response was, "but your not going to spend any time here". Once he did a quick walk through and had to leave - for fresh air - I realized this was an issue. Many of my friends - fellow scrappers, and most the people who live in Texas have alergy issues. I realized that all I needed was for one guest to have alergy issues during a weekend (brought on by the cedar - and mustyness of the house) and I would loose a future guest - and any of her friends who happen to have alergies. So, I thank God for my husband's alergies - I would have never even thought of this as being an issue.
On the way to work this AM, I was thinking (worrying) about different aspects of The Scrap Inn. I was listening to K-Love when the DJ started talking about Trusting God to do what He wants in His timing - and how we can trust Him to take care of all the details. My verse for the day was:
Surly the Lord is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord is my strength and my Song. He has become my salvation. Isaiah 12:2
Hmmm! Could God be reminding me to trust in HIM knowing that this was his idea in the first place! Hmmm! Once again, He closed a door - and He will direct me to the next one to go through!
Once again a Big NO! We went as a family to see the house (below). We no more than walked in the door and my husband was already having issues with his alergies. At first my response was, "but your not going to spend any time here". Once he did a quick walk through and had to leave - for fresh air - I realized this was an issue. Many of my friends - fellow scrappers, and most the people who live in Texas have alergy issues. I realized that all I needed was for one guest to have alergy issues during a weekend (brought on by the cedar - and mustyness of the house) and I would loose a future guest - and any of her friends who happen to have alergies. So, I thank God for my husband's alergies - I would have never even thought of this as being an issue. On the way to work this AM, I was thinking (worrying) about different aspects of The Scrap Inn. I was listening to K-Love when the DJ started talking about Trusting God to do what He wants in His timing - and how we can trust Him to take care of all the details. My verse for the day was:
Surly the Lord is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord is my strength and my Song. He has become my salvation. Isaiah 12:2
Hmmm! Could God be reminding me to trust in HIM knowing that this was his idea in the first place! Hmmm! Once again, He closed a door - and He will direct me to the next one to go through!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Dear Diary,
So here is the house I saw today! Seems like a possibility. Next step is my husband seeing it. Hopefully that will happen on Wednesday. Don't want to say much else about it - until he's seen it. So, stay tuned and I'll update you as things happen.
It's kind of Hansel & Gretalish!
What do you think?
Later,
Kathy
It's kind of Hansel & Gretalish!What do you think?
Later,
Kathy
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Dear Diary,
I just went to check out a couple properties by myself. One, is a new listing - but seems too small, the other was a sign I saw on my way back to town on Friday. It was a definate NO.
I'm going to see something tomorrow - that sounds promising. We'll see.
Didn't do much networking yesterday - I need to be a little more "out there". I need to work on that.
More after I see the property tomorrow.
Later,
Kathy
I'm going to see something tomorrow - that sounds promising. We'll see.
Didn't do much networking yesterday - I need to be a little more "out there". I need to work on that.
More after I see the property tomorrow.
Later,
Kathy
Friday, April 29, 2011
Dear Diary,
Another one to scratch from my list. This was one I've been wanting to see for a while. But was having a hard time getting someone willing to take me to see it.
Once again, there was the neighborhood issue - although not as bad. But I could hear Bob saying "No" as I drove into the neighborhood. The spiral staircase - was very "appealing" but not at all practical - or for that matter, barely usable. As I walked up them, I commented to the realtor, that had I not just lost 50 pounds, I don't think I'd have been able to fit. The stairs were very narrow - barely shoulder width - and the only access to the upstairs. Carrying a suitcase up the stairs would be almost impossible - but even more than that - I don't have a clue how the furniture would get up there.... Other than that, the house was too small - and the "game room" was way too small for the Scraproom!
The drive was exactly 30 miles from work - and took 50 minutes - so, I did decide that was not too far - and maybe 50 or 60 miles would be doable!
I've gotten a lot of response from the Realtors I contacted - and feel like I am finally able to make some progress. Even if it's just deleting properties from my list - and being more aware of what I'm needing and wanting.
So, the search continues. I've got another property scheduled to see. I'll keep you posted.
Tomorrow I am going to an all day crop with my friend. (So why am I not planning pages & packing?). I'm hoping to be able to do some networking while I'm there. I hope to have the opportunity to hand out some of my business cards to the other scrappers. We'll see!
I'm still wanting more opinions as to whether you would be comfortable knowing there was a prison within 5 miles of the inn? What do you think?
Later,
Kathy
Once again, there was the neighborhood issue - although not as bad. But I could hear Bob saying "No" as I drove into the neighborhood. The spiral staircase - was very "appealing" but not at all practical - or for that matter, barely usable. As I walked up them, I commented to the realtor, that had I not just lost 50 pounds, I don't think I'd have been able to fit. The stairs were very narrow - barely shoulder width - and the only access to the upstairs. Carrying a suitcase up the stairs would be almost impossible - but even more than that - I don't have a clue how the furniture would get up there.... Other than that, the house was too small - and the "game room" was way too small for the Scraproom! The drive was exactly 30 miles from work - and took 50 minutes - so, I did decide that was not too far - and maybe 50 or 60 miles would be doable!
I've gotten a lot of response from the Realtors I contacted - and feel like I am finally able to make some progress. Even if it's just deleting properties from my list - and being more aware of what I'm needing and wanting.
So, the search continues. I've got another property scheduled to see. I'll keep you posted.
Tomorrow I am going to an all day crop with my friend. (So why am I not planning pages & packing?). I'm hoping to be able to do some networking while I'm there. I hope to have the opportunity to hand out some of my business cards to the other scrappers. We'll see!
I'm still wanting more opinions as to whether you would be comfortable knowing there was a prison within 5 miles of the inn? What do you think?
Later,
Kathy
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Dear Diary,
I promised an update on the property search - so here it is. Hubby, Niko and I went and viewed 3 properties this evening. The first one was a definate NO!
There was no Scrap Room space. Although, it was an interesting house & Niko loved the 4 (or more) dogs. Not at all what I was looking for.
The second one (sorry no picture) - had possibilities - but would need a lot of updating. The layout was fine and the Scrap Room would be ample space - although lighting would need to be added. But the fact that it was within a mile of a federal prison and had several run down properties around it - made it a NO also.
I have gotten several phone calls and email responses from the emails I sent last night - but am too tired to deal with them tonight. So the search continues!
New question: Would the presence of a prison within 5 miles of a retreat deter you from staying there?
Thanks for your comments!
Later,
Kathy
 |
| House #1 |
 |
| House #3 |
The third was a great house - move in ready - great layout for The Scrap Inn - but it was on a dirt road surrounded by run down trailer homes - the two closest ones looked like they had been abandoned. Soooooo, no Scrap Inn yet - but a few more to take off the list of possibilities.
I have gotten several phone calls and email responses from the emails I sent last night - but am too tired to deal with them tonight. So the search continues!
New question: Would the presence of a prison within 5 miles of a retreat deter you from staying there?
Thanks for your comments!
Later,
Kathy
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Dear Diary,
Another pretty unproductive week. We did look at a house on Sunday (through the windows). The parking would be excellent - but there are just too many other things to compromise on. One being - the scrap space. I thought about using 2 rooms - separated only by one wall - but with the help of those who gave their opinion - here and at TwoPeas - I don't think that is an option. So the house hunt continues.
I did a little shopping this week - got a few goodies at Garage Sales on Saturday:
Bose sound system
Large White board (still in the wrapper)
a Shower curtain and hooks
That's all I can think of right now. I also, got several things at Goodwill - I'll add later.
Question of the week (or until I change it) - How far is too far - to drive to a retreat?
Later,
Kathy
I did a little shopping this week - got a few goodies at Garage Sales on Saturday:
Bose sound system
Large White board (still in the wrapper)
a Shower curtain and hooks
That's all I can think of right now. I also, got several things at Goodwill - I'll add later.
Question of the week (or until I change it) - How far is too far - to drive to a retreat?
Later,
Kathy
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Dear Diary,
These are the houses I looked at today. I have put a caption on each picture with my opinion. They are all in a small town about 25 miles from my home - the town is a county seat and has lots of large old homes, old buildings and they are known for their Bar-B-Que. It's a very quaint little down town with a town square and the Court house in the center. It has lots of cute little shops - and lots of character. Definitely a maybe as far as the town is concerned.  |
I like the character of this one - but.. It has 2 steps going into or out of every room. I think this would be an issue for those with mobility issues. It also would take a lot of time and $ to get it in shape including tearing out the carpet and sanding the oak wood flooring that has been covered for years! The wallpaper in the kitchen and dinning room will have to be tore out and the kitchen flooring replaced and the kitchen and all 3 bathrooms would have to be updated. The house was built in the 30's and I think all the upgrades were done in the 50s! I don't think this is the one. |
 |
Loved the spaciousness of this one - great scrapbook space, dining area and breakfast area, 4 bedrooms, single story & the price are all pluses. The negatives are the limited parking - smaller yard, and no "character". |
 |
Loved the location of this one - 5 acres in the country. BUT the floor plan was not at all suitable for scrapbooking. I thought maybe the three car over sized garage might be a possibility - but decided it would be very expensive to finish it off & add heat & AC. It's a no go! The plan is to go to another town this weekend - and just keep looking! What do you think? Are the steps an issue? How important is the "character" of the house? What do you think about the small town atmosphere! |
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