Information, Please

Thank you, ladies, for all your well wishes regarding having a nice family move in across the street. That is my wish as well and would be wonderful, especially given the recent history there. I should have given you a bit more information in my previous post but I'm so annoyed at the big sign in my face that it didn't cross my mind.

When this area was developed in the 30's it was 1 acre lots. Many of them were small farms. As time went on many owners built other homes on the lots for family members and some lots were completely subdivided.

The lot across the street has the original 2 bedroom home, plus two 1 bedroom homes and a studio apartment above the garage. It's being sold as a four-plex. During the height of the housing boom it changed hands faster than a hot potato. Each time an out-of-town investor would make a few cheap cosmetic changes and walk away with a nice profit. Then the bubble burst. The last investor couldn't sell it for a quick profit and got stuck with it. Old tiny houses combined with a lack of real maintenance didn't attract nice people. We actually probably saw more of our local law enforcement officers than our neighbors for the last few years.

So I was quite content when the bank took it over and fixed it up a little. I hope the new owner is in it for the long haul and fixes it up enough to attract some nice people! For now it sits empty, staring at me with that big yellow eye...

Sign of the Times

Imagine waking up late one lazy Saturday and opening your curtains to this...

Ugh!

This is what we get to look for the next month or so. Remember, objects in window are closer than they appear! It feels like it's right in our living room. In fact it's visible from the dinning room, kitchen and sun room too! I can't escape it.

Maybe it will rain all month and I can just keep the curtains closed! Or I can whip out some black and yellow spray paint and change my decor to make it blend in...

Come. Sit. Stay....You don't want to miss this giveaway!

If your a dog lover you won't want to miss your chance to win this great version of Monopoly ~ It's Dog-opoly and is the cutest game ever. Much better than the Spongebob Monopoly version my kids force me to play on a regular basis! If you've got a smart dog like a Lab they can play too, just don't let them be the banker, the money gets all wet and slimy!

Now RUN over to Murphy Grace Home and fetch a chance at this wonderful prize Gwen is offering. The giveaway closes Sunday, Feb. 7th, so don't waste time scratching or chasing butterflies! Go!

It's a Gold Scrolly Thing

It's a mixed bag here today and I'm linking up with Sue for REDnesday,

and Leigh for Thrifty Thursday.

Please visit these lovely ladies to see more fabulous Red and/or Thrifty things!

I couldn't resist this mosaic "Love and Romance" plaque. It made my heart go pitter patter at a mere $1.50. Okay, so it's really Home Interior, no one knows but me...and all of you!

Now here's some silver scrolly things. This Frenchy shell platter for $2 was the first silver piece I've bought. I didn't have any silver till this came along and although I've always loved scrolly things, I think this purchase was highly influenced by fellow bloggers sharing all their beautiful silver.

So I had no alternative but to buy more scrolly silver things. The details on these spoons are just so pretty, even the backs look good.

Ah, here's the gold scrolly things. $2 for the pair. I know, I know, they're that awful gaudy gold but...

I like scrolly gaudy gold things.

But if gold's not your thing, by all means, paint them!

Just don't get suckered in by someone else who paints them then tries to pass them off as antiques! These are the exact same as mine. I know because I checked the back for the markings. Not so thrifty at $32! Don't buy something like this just because you don't think you can find it and do it yourself. It's being dumped into the thrift stores by the barrels. Whether you like it old and gold or want to freshen it up with paint, it's out there! Just ask Kammy!