Although he no longer drives, he can ride his bike to the golf club or the guitar shop, but here in Hixson, there are very few safe roads to ride along. He was satisfied with getting about on the bike for a few months, and having me taxi him elsewhere.
One day in September, out of the blue, he asked me:
"Are you thinking about moving?"
"...Wha?" I said, startled. I certainly was not thinking about moving, but he made a case for moving to downtown Chattanooga, where there is plenty of free public transportation, lots of bike lanes marked brightly on the roads and so much for him to do and see. OK!
So we went online and looked at what is available downtown and took a ride to look for ourselves. Within one day we found a spot that we both loved and a builder who was putting up homes quite close to my friend Mary, and within walking/riding distance of all the good stuff. We decided this time to really downsize and go from 2500 sq.ft. to 1600 sq.ft. and one story.
The size seems perfect for us, and I will still have a large studio space. The floor plan has undergone several changes since this initial version, and the garage is now attached and we'll have a small side yard.
The expected completion date is next April. We'll be getting this house back to 'normal' in the meantime.
I'm really happy and Dave is even happier. This is what I wanted to do when we moved to Tennessee in 2007, and now it is happening. Because we currently live in a subdivision that has homes in progress all over the place, we often discussed what we might have done if we chose to have one built for us. Now we are putting those ideas into action. No more beige.
How exciting! And exhausting! Getting a home and property ready for "normal" people is a trial... ;-D Chattanooga is such a great place and I am looking forward to next year's AQS show and a visit there. Good luck with the fixing up.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! Yesterday I read an article in the paper about retiring, and it said exactly what you are going to do-retire to a smaller home, close to friends, things you can do, so you can be independent as long as possible. It sounds exciting for you, and you can choose the layout and all the finishes. We just moved to a bigger home, so our kids and their families can visit, but I can see we might have to move again at some point.
ReplyDeleteI think you'll be happy living in a new house that doesn't have the new neighboring housing looming over you. Wondered why you hadn't posted anything for a while.
ReplyDeleteWow! Another exciting move!!!! The new plans look great, how exciting to be able to make it right for you from the START!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWell this was completely unexpected! You are the bravest person I know! Chattanooga is a wonderful place and I'm sure you'll both love it even more than you can imagine at this point. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteYikes, you guys are really mobile. LOL
ReplyDeleteOne thing I'd like to recommend is that you consider universal design for your new home. Things like having a walk in shower someplace in your new home with a built-in seat, having all your doorways and hallways wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair, a sink with no cabinets underneath so you can wheel a chair close to the faucets. I'm not saying you'll ever need these items, but universal design is the way to go - especially for retirement homes. If you plan for all contingencies before you start building, you save a lot of money for costly renovation if needed in the future.
Best wishes to you in your new home.
At least your not moving too far this time - and I'm sure the people who buy your home will love what you have already done. You have a lot of energy Melody, good thing your doing this now and not 10 years from now too. Will love to see another new studio space too as you put it together...probably another trip or two to IKEA!
ReplyDeleteWhat a surprise!! But I can see that moving into downtown Chattanooga with better facilities for getting around will be so good. I love the layout and the photo of the house even though your one will be somewhat different. A good time to move rather than further down the track. Looking forward to seeing progress over the next few months. Hope all goes well with this for you.
ReplyDeleteI just retired in June. My house is 1275 sq ft with a front and back yard and detached garage. You will love the attached garage. It is the only part of my house I would like to change. I hope your new area will not have an association or anything that restricts what you can or cannot do with your house and yard. Congratulations on simplifying your life, moving to the center of the action and your husband embracing public transportation. Best wishes on your new digs. Can't wait for the virtual tour next May.
ReplyDeleteWhat a surprise, but a fast move is the best way to go, and you both will love it. I've studied and done accessible design and your layout looks very workable. If you can fit in space for a ramp off the back deck now or in the future, you will appreciate it, even for moving heavy items. Moving the w/d and the pantry is genius. We all envy you your huge studio closet. I'm so happy for you both. God bless you and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteLove it! That can be the name of your new home - "No More Beige", ha! Best wishes, and Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteWell, Melody! We should have guessed that the blog-silence meant you were up to something big!! We've been through the 'downsizing' too, and it sure does take energy! I want to 'second' Diane's comments about the bathroom. We redid the bathroom here, and gave ourselves a walk-in on the flat shower that is huge. Room for a seat and a couple of grab-rails (useful for foot scrubbing!) and, should it be needed, a wheelchair and a second person to assist. It is a dream to clean, and the extra room is wonderful. We tiled the whole shebang, but there are very good formica surfaces that are less expensive. I'd also recommend the most expensive showerhead and mixer you can afford - the bathing experience is worth the extra pennies!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun you are going to have!
You are right - I can't believe this! And am amazed at how far the back yard is moving to sod! I had wondered why you were planting all those trees that would only shade your veggies?? now I know. Looking forward to the next year worth of blogs as you make it all just like you want.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Since you did some major purging for the last move, this one should be easier? Fingers crossed. I know that you will be happy as a "downtown girl". Judith P.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see photos of your new place! What an adventure, you are always surprising me! Congrats and good luck, this sounds like a great plan for you and Dave. Amy in San Diego
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great decision! You'll both really be able to soak up the best that Chattanooga has to offer, while Dave (and you) can have more fun and freedom. I love how you both surf the waves that make up one's life. And that you both are always ready and willing to have a fresh, new answer to "What wants to happen next?" --without being overly-encumbered by what you've already created. I'm taking notes!
ReplyDeleteWe've been in a similar wave of lifestyle inquiry this last year, too... letting go of 'what is' to make room for a more current version of things that matches who we are now and what's important to us... now.
So, next month, after having moved from the edge of Tucson to rural village life 2 years ago, then 2 months ago having moved out to 200 acres in the country, now... we are moving BACK to central Tucson in January. And I couldn't be happier about it!
Well, well, well. I am glad you have the energy. Makes me tired to think about it.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! I've missed your posts so do please keep us up to date!
ReplyDeleteSometimes it takes one or two steps to get where we need to be. This sounds wonderful. We are in discussions about where our next home will be, and what type it will be. Following you on your path .... Thanks, Rhonda
ReplyDeleteIts amazing how patience can get us to the place we want to be. Wish I would have learned that lesson a thousand years ago. Still trying to do so. So glad all is going forward. Beth F.
ReplyDeleteHi Mel, I'm late to the party as usual but wanted to say "I feel your pain." We moved four times in recent years, but the fourth time was the charm. We downsized too. A bunch. We covered a lot of geography, and now we live seven miles from where we started. Crazy. But you've got to go with what's right (at the time). As we age our needs change. There is merit in living in the middle of civilization.
ReplyDeleteHi Mel, I'm late to the party as usual but wanted to say "I feel your pain." We moved four times in recent years, but the fourth time was the charm. We downsized too. A bunch. We covered a lot of geography, and now we live seven miles from where we started. Crazy. But you've got to go with what's right (at the time). As we age our needs change. There is merit in living in the middle of civilization.
ReplyDelete