Nothing much is happening on the old homestead so I have been going through my computer to clear out photos. I came upon these taken in 2020 by the realtor's photographer. This is where I lived from age seven, when we returned from San Diego, until I was twenty.
I spent 8 months emptying, cleaning and refreshing the house. Matthew helped me the final two months. I started at the beginning of May, finished and sold it at the end of December.
This was the last block to be developed, during the 1950s. This house was the model home, which my parents bought when development was finished. The rest of the neighborhood was 1940s, mostly bungalows. We were on the Eastside of St. Paul, a 20 minute bus ride to downtown.
The time I spent there that year was cathartic. I enjoyed giving the home a new life. It felt like I was lifting sixty years of weight from both the house and me. I could feel the lightness as I went along. Being alone most of the time was also helpful. I went along, going through memories, both good and not so good. Matthew and I realized it was our therapy.
That was a big job, and I'm glad you both found it helpful too. Cleaning up a lot of memories as well as other stuff.
ReplyDeleteIt was a big job. The basement was full of old furniture and my father's junk. The main floor was stuffed with furniture and an abundance of, it seemed, everything. I was freed.
DeleteIt was a nice looking home and such beautiful floors. The cleaning sounded like is was a good catharsis.
ReplyDeleteCleaning, painting, three dumpsters and LOTS of giveaway. The house itself was in good condition. The windows had been replaced, the kitchen had been redone in the early 2000s. The floor had been carpeted until 3 years before she died, when Mark and I spent an entire day removing it. Then she told everyone I made her do it, like that was possible. She said she was going to replace it. She didn't get around to it.
DeleteThat was a beautiful home! You did a great job. ❤️
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cheerful. I felt pleased.
DeleteYou left it in mighty fine shape.
ReplyDeleteThank you, AC. A very nice young man bought it.
DeleteIt's good you had a long time to clean out the house, when my mum passed we were told we had two weeks to clean out the house which was wrong my nephew lived there for another 6 months.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea it would take that long. I should have, though.There is no way I could have even just cleared it out in 2 weeks, Jo-Anne.
DeleteReally like the wood and the tones of the wood compared to the stark walls.
ReplyDeleteThis house was built when they still put in wood floors, Tommy.
DeleteWhat a beautiful home! Especially love the windows and floors. Getting it together was monumental.
ReplyDeleteI came to appreciate the place while I was there. It was structurally well-maintained and the layout was open. I thought I'd have it done by July, Lori!
DeleteIt's a beautiful home. That must have been very hard work getting it ready. I'm glad it gave you and Mathew the therapy you needed.
ReplyDeleteYou know, it did, Denise. I became entirely untethered from all the malice. Matthew hasn't quite got there yet. I haven't sugar-coated anything, I've just let the misery go.
DeleteWhat a beautiful place! I would prefer a bungalow to a really large house.
ReplyDeleteI love the wooden floors!
Builders were still putting hardwood floors in the houses. The house had a total of about 2000 sq feet. Four bedrooms, mine in the basement, after my grandma moved in, Val.
DeleteYes, that must have been very cathartic. The house looks amazingly clean and fresh, brand-new even.
ReplyDeleteIt was a satisfying job, nick. I'm glad I did it.
ReplyDeleteI know that you invested a lot of time bringing the home back and making improvements. You were lucky to have the time to devote to it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to heal and move on. Also, such pretty floors. Love the yellow chairs.
ReplyDelete