Merry Christmas! May 2014 be a masterpiece!
Spinning Christmas records by the lighted star. Now that’s what I call a country holiday!
We’re taking a break from house projects every now and then. And when we do we get really, really festive.
— J. Blandings
I’m happy to report that we survived our first experience shoveling snow at the Dream House. As the snow drifted down and collected on the ground yesterday, I kept looking outside and thinking, “Oh boy, we’re going to have to shovel that tomorrow.” Back at our apartment, I’ll watch the snow fall and think, “I’m so glad I don’t have to shovel that!” But you know what? I kind of enjoyed it. Oh sure, my fingers and toes were cold and the wind cut through my multiple layers of clothing as if I was wearing nothing at all. But the workout felt good first thing in the morning and, as you can see from this photo, the house looks beautiful in the sunlight and snowfall.
That said, I definitely see a snow blower in our future!
— J. Blandings
Image: Mr. and Mr. Blandings
The dream house as it looked soon after it was built in 1917.
When we’ve told family, friends and colleagues about our purchase of the Dream House, the reaction has typically gone like this:
“Wow! Congratulations! Where is the house?”
“In Iowa.”
(Pause. Eyes widening and mouths falling somewhat open.) “Iowa? Isn’t that kind of…far?”
“Well, yes it is. But it’s a very special house. ”
Our first official piece of mail (not counting bills and flyers) at the Dream House was a lovely congratulatory card from Mr. Blandings’ parents, with a $20 bill enclosed. We’ve saved the card for our house scrapbook, but have already spent the $20 on a celebratory lunch out “on the town” (at a restaurant in a nearby town, that is). In this day and age of email, it is such a treat to get an actual, handwritten note or letter! And to walk from one’s house into town to the post office, and find such a note waiting in your box!
— M. Blandings
Image: Mr. and Mr. Blandings
