Almost home.

Slowly, slowly, it's coming together.

Home.

We've been gradually converting this wee vacation/retreat cottage we call Llangollen into a year-round home.

Phase I was completed this weekend. We moved all of our "stuff" here. Well, most of it. Those things about which we haven't yet decided  -  or what will be in the way during renovation  -  we put in storage on Saturday.

Renovation is Phase II, which will begin in a few weeks. All new insulation, siding, windows, doors, a new sun room and deck.

More on that. Later.

What you see above is the former dining room which has been converted into a library/office.  My beautiful antique desk is off to the left. The bookcases will eventually be replaced with an entire wall unit (During Phase III next year. Phase IV is the yard, car port and outside shower - next summer).

That's Ms. Manning's rocking chair in the middle of the picture. She gave it to me just before she died in 2000, and I've had it in my office ever since. She was an amazing woman. Truly.

I'll tell you that story. Later.

That table is the one our daughter and future son-in-law made for us last Christmas. The top is a mosaic tile of a Celtic tree. I'm delighted to finally have a place for it where it can be used and seen.

Oh, did I mention that the wedding is this Saturday? The 28th?

I'll be telling you that story. Later. Count on it.

I confess to being very proud of that ficus tree you see up against the window. It was a gift to our youngest daughter when it was just 'this big'.   That was about five, six years ago.

I can't believe we actually fit it in the back of the U-Haul Truck. That it made the trip here unharmed. That it actually seems to Really Like the light in that window. I'll be watching it very carefully over the next few weeks.

I have another plant - an Elephant Ear  (at least, I think that's what it is) - which I've put in the corner in the sun room. It was a gift six years ago. It almost died once, but I nursed it back to health. I'm afraid I'm going to have to move it, but right now, it's the only place I've got where it fits. I've drawn the shade so it doesn't get direct sunlight.

I sure wouldn't mind if anyone has any experience in moving plants and would like to share any helpful hints or 'tips' for longevity.  I'm really rather fond of these plants - especially this ficus tree.  She's a beauty, isn't she?  The real miracle is that they are alive and thriving.

Because, you see, I really don't know what I'm doing. They are thriving despite my ignorance and stupidity.

It's a real miracle.

This is the breakfast nook that's part of the kitchen. That window overlooks the water.  There, near the window, are my two Christmas cactus.  Got them about five years ago when they were only 'that big'. They are Very Happy with the sunlight in the kitchen. (The door to the left goes out to the laundry room which leads out to pier.) 

Our dear friend Bill (who worked like a dog to help us move - on both ends of the trip) took down the old table (which was attached to the wall) and then moved the dining room table and put it in the kitchen.   (Thanks so much, Bill!) We have a Huge Table out on the sun porch which comfortably seats eight to ten. This little nook is a lovely option when it's just me and/or Ms. Conroy.

Now this, THIS is my favorite place in the whole house. It's where I say my morning prayers. Drink my morning coffee. Do most of my writing. Out on the sun porch.  Facing the water.  Where it's so peaceful it sometimes takes my breath away.

Tonight, I got all the bins of clothes emptied and put in the bureau or hung in the closet.  I've still got some summer shoes, cosmetics, my TV with VCR/DVD to bring here. The coffee pot. Some odds and ends.  We've still got to clean up the rectory. Polish the floors. Wash the carpets. Like that.

That's a Very Boring story I don't want to tell and you don't need to hear.

That place is rapidly becoming part of the past.

This is rapidly becoming home.