Adjustments

This morning, I woke up early. After a shower, I made myself a hot chocolate and went back up to my loft - just sitting there propped up on lots of pillows. I watched it start to get light outside. It was a little too early for the birds yet but it just felt so nice and cozy up there. I really do love my little house!

I was a little surprised that - after all the waiting - the Hollow and the house didn't seem quite the idyllic haven I'd been looking forward to right away. Although I still enjoyed being there, I found it took a few weeks of settling in before I loved it. It felt a bit isolated at first and I actually missed the noises of living in a basement suite with people upstairs and the feeling of being safe and secure with no responsibilities. It didn't help that there was no internet, no TV and the hydro was kicking out at least once a day.

In the last few weeks, I've put up shelves, rearranged things and made it homier inside. The electrician has fixed the hydro - although I still may never be able to have the heat on while I am cooking as there just isn't enough power to run the convection oven and heater at the same time. And I don't know if I will ever be able to use my washer and dryer. I've made a TV area upstairs and have been renting DVD's to watch at night sometimes. I've moved my toilet farther into the corner so my bathroom seems a little bigger. And I have curtains on the french doors and front window which seem to help keep the heat in and make it feel cozier at night.

Not having the internet drove me a little bit crazy at first but now I actually think it might be a good thing. I am reading more than I have in years and am starting to think about making some cards and making a photo book about Happinest. Between going to the library or a coffee shop for internet on days off and getting to work a half hour early on workdays to get some online time, I seem to be just fine.

Interior photos

Sorry for the delay! Here are photos of Happinest now that I am all moved in. I will post some exterior ones of the house in place at a later date (as they are on my computer). It has been over six weeks since the house moved to "Happinest Hollow" and I have been living there for the last two weeks. So far, there have been no neighbour complaints that have led to an investigation. Hopefully that will continue indefinitely! My sister arranged for me to meet a Shaman when I was visiting - she had booked a "house blessing" as a housewarming present. How unique and thoughtful is that!