**Back and Blue**

It was an exhausting week. (I might mention my dissapointment that no one did my work while I was gone...) Would have been worse if not for the big ole pillow top bed, jacuzzi bath and in room fireplace at my hotel. I am thinking, with the real estate market so squirrelly, I might just as well stay at this resort indefinitely. I wonder if they have week and month rentals....? It is only a mile from work after all.

We looked at so many houses. I like the contemporary with a view of the lake. But there was a busy highway behind and, even worse, obnoxiously barking dogs on the property behind.

I like a home 14 miles west of town - a well built ranch on five acres with a view of the valley. But it was 14 miles from town. And upstate New York has real winters.

But on the up side we did find a delightful quirky house built in the mid 60's. A raised ranch with a lower level single garage. there are windows on the ground level that are part of the basement. Could be finished, but I have never been a basement person. Too much like being buried alive.

It sits on five acres, most of which is behind the house. The owners were there for 38 years and have planted hundreds of trees in back in an effort to reforest the property. There is a very large work shop - probably 800 sq feet, heated and ready for someone to.... I don't know... make things for me:). It also can function as an escape when a certain guy I know needs to get some space from a certain crazy female who, for the purposes of this entry, shall remain unnamed. His first project should be a sign that says "Girls may enter by invitation only."

The sellers added an addition a couple years ago that included a beautiful kitchen remodel with maple cabinets and Corian counters. They added a sitting area with a propane stove and a big picture window looking east to the back yard. And they added an elevator. I kid you not. This is one accessible house. ADA would be proud.

The south side of the house has a porch with fir floors and is shaded by two beautiful mature maples.

The road is quiet and there is a little cemetery nestled in some trees across the street. Most markers are from the 1800s. I can't see the neighbors on either side because of trees lining the property lines, but one house next door is a bit of a dump.

The school district is unimpressive. It doesn't impact me except for resale, which is something I have to consider given my pattern of changing jobs every five years or so.

There are three bedrooms, all small, and no master suite. I am spoiled. I love my vaulted ceiling master suite with a walk in closet and master bath. But then I remember: I am partnered with a guy who builds things and fixes things and who would have a workshop bigger than a small apartment. All the sudden discussions turn to a master suite addition. So with the cost of that in mind, we made an offer. I don't think they will accept it, but what the heck. I will know by Friday night. Plan B is a townhouse rental west of the lake. The cost is as much as a mortgage but they are willing to start with a 6 month lease and it has an attached two car garage so we can store the kayaks.

Fate, have your way with me.