5. Funny Stories. . . .

We have had some funny and interesting happenings along the way. Our missing peace sign that graces the front porch was found in the bushes (thought we should let people know that this house is all about peace and love right at the get go!) .

The day one of us came to stay here (due to the need for someone else to quarantine themselves due to covid) to find no water. Then hearing the story that some sweet walkers noticed a lot of water pouring down the drive and called the mayor who in turn called Bluff City Water Works. No leaks were found and the theory still holds that the sensitive handle on the outside faucet was accidentally knocked open when loading a suitcase or something.

The worst story is the stolen weed eater. Folks then informed us that there is a problem with petty theft so we installed cameras, security lines, and try hard to pay attention.

The little white dogs get out of our portable pen some times. Let’s just say that Bluff City people are fabulous and always call us. Then we get to meet new neighbors in addition to hugging the pups!

So, how many of you love Food City’s chicken salad? Oh my goodness, I live on it when I am here. Nothing is better on a fork or spoon!

My most favorite sound here (besides the exciting train) is recess at Bluff City Elementary school outback. In the spring, I often sat on the back steps to have lunch and listen to what I like to call children’s joyful music. Now, I must admit I jumped out of my shoes when someone shot a musket. Speaking of the elementary school. . . there are so many buses. Right? Big yellow buses. Another favorite unless, of course you need to go somewhere. But, I rarely want to leave this beautiful place.

The appliances in the kitchen are vintage. We love them. But, the dishwasher doesn’t drain. Of course, I tried to find the problem. I love taking things apart and I actually took photos to find my way back. Alas, it didn’t work so. . .

This is a great place for family to visit. Still, with no furniture except in the bedrooms, gatherings typically take place around a table in hard chairs or on the glorious porch! The kids love the indoor hammock for engaging in their electronics.

Speaking of the glorious porch, one of our most favorite activities is waving. So, we do hope you will wave back. And stop by if you see us there! We had lots of fun waves and smiles during Vacation Bible school this summer (2021).

The closing date kept changing due to the pandemic. Therefore, the extent of our dreams for decorating the house for the holidays in 2020 was limited. I couldn’t help myself, but to share holiday greetings with Bluff City by leaning a handpainted sign on the front columns!

The door to nowhere is actually a door from the living room to the porte cochere. Let’s remember that the house was built in the 1920s. The cars were much narrower than today. Well, much narrower than the 40s on. So, the steps down from that door were removed. As we use the porte cochere very carefully, we do not plan to replace the steps. Instead, the door is sealed and used as a guestbook so-to-speak (modeled after the door under the steps in my parents/grandparents old farm house in Bracey, Virginia called Perrinwoods.

It is funny the projects we tackle and when. Getting those trees and shrubs cut from the back so that there is access to the backyard was done some months ago. But, how fortuitous for us when the time came for our first house concert parking and the need for a little handicap access.

There is a wonderful old garage out back. It is a favorite, though very fragile. We do plan to restore it and hope it holds up until we find the time and where-with-all.

I was greeted by fabulous whirly gig flowers on my birthday. They make everyone smile so we use them often for fun occasions.

Before the heat was installed, we used a fabulous propane heater or two. Cardboard became doors and zoom yoga took place right then and there (with a sparkly clean chandelier!) Popup yoga may be an options some day. Just watch for a sign in the yard and/or Facebook and Nextdoor postings.