More Real Every Day

A sign went up at the bottom of our driveway and another at the top of the lane at the main road.  

[We live about a half mile from the road which is our address. 1/5 of that distance is our driveway.]

Today the realtor put toppers on the signs to pique interest.

Here's the one at the top of the lane.

Here's the one at the bottom of our driveway.

The house officially goes on the market on the 31st, though I must have everything done by next Monday when the photos are taken for the brochure.  After that it will be a matter of keeping the house neat and tidy.

What to buy a house in the woods?

Walk to My House

I live on a private lane with a driveway that is 1/5 of a mile in length.  It makes for a nice walk down to the end but quite a workout going back up.  Walk with me.

Here's where the lane meets our driveway.  We placed a large stone with our address there.

We start walking with the wetlands to our right.

Here's the first turn of several.  A huge sycamore and a tulip poplar tree are competing for the same spot on the left.

 The next turn

brings us to the dinosaur.

Well, it's a downed branch or trunk from this willow oak.  It looks like its still alive with the new growth showing.

A spot of color other than green in the wetlands.

The driveway continues with a row of volunteer sycamores flanking the right side.

To the next turn.  A walnut tree, dead, leans against living trees.  we've been watching it slowly lower.  One day we may hear the boom of it falling to earth.

 Here's a look into the glen on our left with all the tall trunks of trees competing for sunlight.

 Around another turn as we cross a creek.

 Look to the right and there is the creek showing evidence of high water earlier this summer.

A look down into the wetlands as we climb the driveway.

 The final turn before the biggest climb.

 Our driveway runs along a pipeline easement at this point.

 Looking back you can see the easement into the distance.

 On our left is a grove of white pine.

Black pine were probably some of the first trees to grow back after this land was cleared.

Almost to the top.  Out of breath?

The vegetable garden and roofline come into sight.

Here we have arrived.  Thanks for joining me on this walk.

Out the Front Door

I never enter or exit from my front door because the car is in the garage.  This time of year I do like to have it open for the view especially now with the hibiscus in its full glory.

The black-eyed susan are also adding to the color show.

The yellow/green creeping jenny is filling out the pots again after being munched by deer.

Inside the vestibule an angel keeps watch

and friends are welcomed by a sign painted by my dear mother many many years ago.

Come by for a visit!

A Walk Around the House

Come take a walk with me out my front door, glancing at the ferns that are wintering in the vestibule.

The front garden needs work next spring.  Lavender bushes are getting old and need replacing, a good mulch must be laid to keep down the invasive weeds.  Hydrangeas still holding on to some color on this fall day.

Stopping by the vegetable garden on the east side of the house.  I may get some more snow peas yet but I know we'll enjoy the greens, tatsoi and bok choy that are still growing.

We have a buried pipeline easement that runs along the northern edge of the property.  A tree company has been taking down trees that have encroached upon it.  I may use some of that wood for a sculpture. Other will be used for the fire pit.

Continuing to the south side passed the pond.

The miscanthus has been lassoed to keep it more upright so I can see to drive in the garage.

This volunteer cedar will have to be moved next spring.  Where to?

Hens and chicks doing well.

These pots were too heavy to move.  The plants won't survive a hard frost.

Hosta are long gone.

Porch furniture and decorations put away.

Perennial garden trimmed and ready for winter.

Still some color in the woods.

Coming around to the west side of the house, the garden shed and then the shop come into view.

Along the shop the hazelnuts are flanked by butterfly bushes.  No nuts this year.

Almost back to our starting point.

Back to the front door.

I've made lots of mental notes on what needs doing come spring 2014.  Something to look forward to as this year comes to an end.