Our Home Base
The first thing someone will notice when they come to our home is our two very lovable pups. Bear is an eight-year-old Border Collie that is smart as can be. He instinctively checks on his pack — he’s our little caretaker. Isaac our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is four, and is the cuddle bug of the household and absolutely loves LOVE. We often joke that the baby we hope to adopt will likely have a nap buddy in Isaac. Then there’s Arnie, our eleven-year-old, very quiet and sweet kitty. Arnie prefers to be around everything going on, watching quietly and giving a gentle meow every so often. All three of our pets are incredibly good with little ones and get plenty of practice in our neighborhood, where kids and toddlers love to say “hi” while we’re on walks.
Our sweet Craftsman bungalow was built in the 1920s and has all the charm of a place that’s been filled with love over the years. We were chosen as the third owners of this home by a lovely family who lived here after the original owners. We still find love notes from both families tucked away in little corners, which is one of the things that sold us on this home. Its bones have been maintained with care and love through the decades. We’re lucky to live in a wonderful neighborhood where everything is walkable, yet we still have our own little retreat.
Our neighborhood, built in the early 1900s, was once home to a horse track. This history gave us the charming carriage house alleyway our home is centered on — a winding, small road that leads to each of the carriage houses behind the homes in the neighborhood and eventually reaches several parks. The local schools are also within walking distance, which is something we love. At the beginning of the school year, one will see the neighborhood kids walking together in groups or with their families to and from school. Carly, a longtime fan of the show Gilmore Girls, often compares our little town, with its familiar neighbors and frequent festivals, to the imagined town of Stars Hollow.
For us, home extends beyond just our physical house. We find home in the many trails, nature walks, and waterways that surround our area. One particularly special place is an island where TJ grew up, just 15 minutes away. We spend time there on the river with some of our dearest friends, watching the eagles that nest nearby. From there, we might head over to TJ’s grandparents’ property, nestled in acres of trees and home to the best sledding hill. Or we might end up at what started as Carly’s favorite place and has since become a treasured spot for both of us — Lake George. We’re grateful to live just 15 minutes from the lake, where we have many special spots for hiking, swimming, or simply relaxing in the beauty of the area.
For us, home is about being simple, sweet, and loving. We try to create that atmosphere in our physical home and also seek it out in the world around us. We’re so excited about the possibility of sharing this world with the child we adopt.
