Twenty Six Years Ago

Twenty six years ago (July 1)I moved in my home.
I was a single divorced mom with a child 12
and another 5.

Our new place came with some adjustments, one
we were attached to our neighbor. I bought what is
known as a zero lot line. 
My kids had to learn not to play on 
stairs since we lived in one level home 
before. And Cory had to learn that mom
was not crazy about him always wanting to 
play in the creek!

Unlike our other home that had mature
trees and a fenced in backyard, this yard 
had no existing trees except one mature on
in the front and what grew along the 
creek. 

When I look out now to the backyard from
my favorite spot, the deck I marvel at the 
changes that have taken place. 


For one, there was no shed in the yard
when I moved here.
Now there are 3 mature trees that go down the 
middle of mine and my neighbors lot. I planted
a maple, and two oak many years ago. 


There is a huge Crepe Myrtle bush
in front of the deck.
At lets not forget that the deck is
now covered and screened in where
you can enjoy it.

On each side of the Crepe Myrtle bush is
my hydrangea bushes. Starters given to 
me by my boss when I worked as an 
account clerk in the Printing Division 
for the state of TN. 


Those two bushes, that I have pampered for 
years are now 4 bushes. They
sprouted babes and I kept two
that I planted right in 
front of the first two and gave two 
away. 


The backyard has changed so much over
the past 26 years. I can honestly look out 
into my yard and for the first time in 26
years I am happy with how it looks. 

The outside of the house has been painted 
twice. I have had to have sections of wood
replaced over the years. The creek as
gotten wider from the rushing water that
flows through it. I have added my own 
touches more so the past year then any
of the years before. Being a bored retired artist
I have found the time to play in the yard with 
my paints.

During those years I raised two kids, helped
in supporting my daughter when she came home
with a one year old....for 6 yrs. Worked
extra jobs to help pay for this house, jobs
like cleaning houses, doing bday parties as
a clown, selling paintings and photographing
weddings and senior class pics. 
Now, retired and finding time to put my
spin on things, being able to sit back and 
enjoy my home with my furbabes.

I love my home. 

Thanks Darla for the idea to do this post.




Comments

Christine said…
I am so glad you are in a good place now, those years can't have been easy.
Betsy said…
You made me think back years when I had to take on cleaning offices after my day job to keep my house running with a 4 and a 9 year old after a divorce. I know it was hard. You made it work. You have a wonderful home to love. I do like that covered porch.
betsy
Ann said…
It's nice to be able to sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Darla M Sands said…
Awww... I'm delighted to have inspired you. And it's a lovely story and home. ~hugs~ Be well, my dear.
What a WONDERFUL story you've shared of your journey and all of your landscaping.
MadSnapper said…
you are so smart, and we are so smart to. I love your home and what you have done to it. we have been in ours 29 years Oct 12th... hubby and I have been talking about my niece who is about to make a huge mistake . I wish I could get her to read your story. if a person buys a home at age 48 by selling a home you bought at age 30, just because 2100 feet of beautiful home is not big enough for your stuff, the home will never be paid for, and when that 5000 sq foot home depends of both salaries. oh nooooo... I really enjoyed todays story of your home
Sally said…
Your yard looks so beautiful; that's a green thumb you have girl! You've done an excellent job by staying in your home. I've made so many mistakes, but it is what it is. lol

xoxo
It's hard to beat a cozy and comfy backyard space!
Beautiful home and yard! I love hydrangeas - always meant to get some cuttings from my late husband's aunt but left it too long. She passed years ago and her home was sold, and although I'm tempted to go creep there in the middle of the night and take some, I won't. The mental picture alone of me doing this is enough to stop me, let alone the legal/moral implications...LOL!
Thanks for sharing...Deb
Debbie said…
i love your home too - and i enjoy hearing about how much you love it!! you have had to work hard and that has made you strong....enjoy this time now!!!!
Dewena said…
It's good to look back and see everything you've accomplished, isn't it? You should be very proud of all you've done and I am glad that you now have time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Your garden is charming, just the kind I like. And to have a place to sit comfortably and look out on it is priceless!

Lovely post!
Jeanie said…
It's beautiful, Pam. And isn't it exciting to remember back to what it was and see what it is? Your story is terrific and I'm so glad you shared it with us.

Thanks for coming by the Gypsy. Check out the Paris in July links -- I think you'll love 'em!
Liz A. said…
I'm happy to hear you put your own spin on your home. It's the best when your residence reflects your personality.
Sandee said…
Lovely. I love your home. I love your garden. I love your deck.

Have a fabulous day and weekend. Scritches to the babies. ♥
What a lot you have done and achieved in those years.
You have a lovely home …
Enjoy it.

All the best Jan

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