I'm Moving On Up

On Jan. 6, 2010 I moved to a new place. It's in the Leschi neighborhood of Seattle, north of my former Beacon Hill neighborhood. It's the first time in my life I've lived by myself. On my own. On my own what? I'm 4 miles closer to work, although now I drive through city streets and traffic, as opposed to highway and traffic, so it takes about the same amount of time.

The new place is a cottage behind a bigger house. I'm subletting for 6 months from a man named George, who goes to Argentina each year for 6 months to teach acting. He rents the cottage from the man named Roger, who owns the big house and who spends part of his time in CA. The cottage is one block from Lake Washington and I no longer have to drive to have a beautiful walk.

The cottage is grand, and it even has a guest room downstairs. So, come visit before June 30. Maybe George will find true love in Argentina and not want to come back.

Below is my account of the move, pics of the cottage, my first dinner guest my new hood. I admit, it's really a pleasure coming home these days.

The Move

The actual move was uneventful. I borrowed a minivan from my friends Diane and Ed, who I originally met in Wichita 25 years ago. They lived in NC for many years until Diane decided to become a naturopath. She got accepted to Bastyr University and is now in her 2nd year. She'll be 61 this spring. I apartment-sat for her last June, and I've posted my climb to Mt. Pilchuck with Diane and Ed on the blog. Thanks, Diane and Ed for making this a one-trip move.

Before all cleaned out

All cleaned out (I always hated that rug)

A Magic Moment

As I was packing last minute kitchen stuff, I saw someone outside the back door. I recognized him as the dog walker, Kevin. I brightened as I realized that the last AND ONLY OTHER time I'd seen Kevin was the day I moved in! Understandably, he didn't feel the thrilling significance of this freaky fact I did, but then again, it doesn't take much for me. He was a good sport and posed for this picture. Then Anna proceeded to tear apart a doll.

My New Place

I made some modifications. But I like George's taste in art, so much of it was left as is.

The bedroom

Where I work

Downstairs

Place to watch movies and guest area

This is Mouse, the cat I take care of. I don't know if Mouse is a boy or a girl. But recently Mouse's favorite place is one of the tables. S/he scratches and licks and sheds all over it, so I've taken measures.

Mouse on my socks

Stacking stuff on the table to keep Mouse off

My First Dinner Guest

This is Dana, a friend of Sam's from Oberlin.

Funky kitchen faucet

Funky Kitchen Clock/Timer (Swiss?)

My New Library: Douglass-Truth Branch

Walking in My Neighborhood

This is the view from my alley

I walk under I-90.

Oh, nevermind