If only money grew on trees and I had a green thumb

I have a picture of my dream house. I ripped it out of a magazine and have it safely tucked away for when the time is right…retirement.

It’s white, two story with a wrap-around porch; symetrical but not square; black shutters and a porch swing; roundings on the house and porch that create the perfect amount of interest; beautifully manicured lawn; a friendly, inviting atmosphere that says “you are more than welcome to come in! Sit a while and swing while sipping on some sweet tea” (it’s in the south).

I’ve had that picture for years because my dream house hasn’t changed much over the years. When we lived in Germany it took on a slightly “castle” feel. We started envisioning wooden floors with marvelous inlaid detail, oriel windows (forget bay windows!), and bastions. Stained glass windows and our crest proudly displayed anywhere it could be hung or carved (we’d have to invent it first). Winding staircases and secret passageways…needless to say we had castle envy, and we wanted to have our own version. I would always end up though thinking, “yes, but it must have a wrap-around porch.”

And when we’d venture back into the southern U.S. all the sudden my dream house needed columns as well and plantation-like surroundings. Forget that wrap-arounds and columns aren’t generally seen together. And if you have seen one kindly send me a picture as it will become my new muse.

Until now this house has sat on its perfectly manicured lawn right in front of the water. Ocean, river or lake, the body of water changes frequently. I’ve just always known I want to be near some type of water. Now I’ve got one more requirement…mountains. It needs to be in the mountains as well.

It is absolutely beautiful up here. Peaceful and relaxing. The views are magnificent, no matter where we drive. When we’re at the top of the mountains it’s breathtaking to look miles and miles away and see the rolling peaks. When we’re in the valleys or anywhere in between, the peaks are everywhere we look, peeking at us (ha ha) beyond the greenest pastures I’ve seen outside of Ireland. It’s amazing.

So, at latest inventory, the requirements for my white, two-storied, wrap-around-porched dream home (possibly with columns) are to be by water and in the mountains. Oh, and close to a major city…because one cannot give up the “necessities” and conveniences of life if it’s going to be the absolute perfect place for retirement. Right?

For now, until money grows on trees and I acquire a green thumb, I guess I’ll have to keep on dreaming.

P.S. Please excuse any spelling errors and such as I have typed this whole post on my phone, and although it has a general spell check you can never be sure you’re not typing a word you don’t mean to type, that spell check won’t catch…Like when, in college, I typed “Adam Smith’s sex principles of capitalism” instead of “*six* principles”. My professor chalked it up to a Freudian slip. I chalked it up to a stupid spell checker that couldn’t read my mind. Anyway, thanks for overlooking them.