Creating the Home of Your Dreams on a Shoestring

I fell in love with the land immediately. It was perfect, close to town, but not a neighbor in sight. I could turn in any direction and not see another house. I was back to the country of my youth. Well, it's not the 54 acres of my youth, but it has all the elements that bring me joy--room to roam through the woods, a pond, trees and more trees and a perfect spot for a garden and plenty room to build my dream oasis.

I've been longing for a piece of land for years. But during the last three years the dream has become an aching desire--every time I hear my neighbor drive up and rev his motorbcycle, or when the kids walk or ride by and throw trash into my well-kept yard, and every time the neighbor's music overshadows my own. Last week, my brother Floyd found a 1.25 acre lot at the end of a private road. Within blocks there are brand new developments and within two miles there's every shopping and service venue you could want. But as I stood in the middle of the property there wasn't another soul around.

But smack in the middle of the property sits a manufactured home with an add-on. This is where I will have to live until I can build my dream home. This is not where I pictured myself at 59 years of age. I never saw myself living in a single-wide manufactured home with broken windows a leaking roof and water damage.

In my dream I am living in a cute little cottage with hanging baskets galore and white picket fence.

Reality hit when my brother, sister and friends arrived and we looked inside. As we toured the interior and recorded the work to be done, I could see where I was going to put my office, build the deck and hang the flower baskets.

I am fortunate to have a strong and loving family and some really great friends and associates. I've always been more comfortable being the giver and I don't like to ask for help. I can usually manage with minimal assistance from others. But when I need help I've learned (with age and wisdom), it's OK to ask. It's a good thing in moderation.

So now, I'm calling all my angels for help. I'll be sixty next year, and I figure I've paid my dues several times over. I feel like I've just turned 21. I am so excited.

I guess it was meant to be. My brother found the property on a fluke. He has a crew that does light remodeling. My sister dates a guy who is a retired contractor who knows people who know more people. And my sister and I both know how to decorate. And before I've even signed the papers, friends are volunteering to help.

Ahh, I'm feels so good--all warm and fuzzy.