Our family pretty much checked out of 2017 on December 16th. That was the day our oldest came home from California for winter break. Once he arrived, none of us were in the mood for our regular schedule. We just wanted to hang out with him. Then, because of the way the holidays fell this year, Andy was home for ten days straight. Bitter cold and plenty of snow settled over BHH, so we all just tucked in here at home, watching movies, playing board games, and spending time together. We have never had a staycation quite like this one.
This morning was a bit of a rude awakening as Andy headed back to work in the dark. There are bills to pay, and I need to venture to the grocery store. It is still frigid outside, and the snowy ground crunches under our feet as we walk.
We all rather enjoyed nearly living in our pajamas for half the month of December. Where are all of my regular pants? Better question: Do they still fit? I think I ate half my body’s weight in cookies and sweets during December. Who didn’t?
* * *
During the break, We received this photo:
That’s Dorothy! For those of you who just started reading here, she was the previous owner of BHH, and we mention her often on the blog. Our family never met Dorothy or her husband, and we had never seen a picture of her. Sadly, she was already gone when this house went on the market, and she was preceded in death by her husband.  We bought BHH from the executors of her estate.
I like to think Dorothy would be happy with our stewardship of this big old house, and now we have an image of her beautiful face to go with that thought.
As we attempt to re-enter the world gently today, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for reading this blog and following my escapades on Instagram and Facebook. It has been a heck of a year. 2018 is going to be a good one too. I can feel it.
My favorite photo from 2017 accurately represents BHH at this present time: Structurally sound, progress instead of perfection, and the sun rising (It’s up there somewhere!) over this 135-year-old gem of a house.
Happy New Year!
14 Comments
Ame Jo Hughes
What a wonderful photo to receive! Such happy face Dorothy’s sporting, too. I’m sure she’s thrilled with all the work you’ve put into the house.
This morning was a rude awakening for the night owl Hughes family. We need another week off just get used to waking up before dawn again. Also it was 8 degrees F when we left for school. No thanks.
Stacy
I hope the Hughes adjust soon. 🙂 8 degrees! You are giving us some competition for bitterly cold temps.
Keri
Happy new year! It was so nice not to hear that alarm…
Stacy
Happy New Year, Keri!
SH
Wonderful to finally have a photo of Dorothy. Hopefully more will trickle in over time, of her or the house. Your IG stories were quite entertaining too. Happy New Year!
Stacy
Happy New Year, SH!
Devyn
Sending my best wishes to you and your family in the new year.
Happy DIY’ing and I look forward to seeing your accomplishments this year.
Also…. Waiting with bated breath… What’s behind the pink paneling?
Stacy
Happy New Year to you and Y. too!
Oh my gosh, you missed the reveal? It was original wainscoting. 🙂
Devyn
Ha! I suspected it was original wainscoting, given that wainscoting was very common in 19th century bathrooms (before the all white sanitary and hard surfaces movement). Not sure how I missed it, but I hope it’s good news for you, and if so, I hope it is salvageable.
Stacy
I suspected as much too, but mostly because of the way the pink paneling was attached to the walls. I think it is all salvageable, but it’s just a guess at this point.
Snoskred
Happy New Year! 🙂
Stacy
Thank you. Happy New Year to you too!
Cindi M
Happy New Year! I always look for your Instagram stories and blogposts and enjoy them. Btw, my nephew also had multiple surgeries between years of orthodontist visits. All behind him now and doing great.
Stacy
Happy New Year, Cindi! Thank you for watching my stories. I’m trying to become less wooden and more entertaining. 😀 I am so glad to hear that your nephew is doing great. Correcting congenital dental problems is such an ordeal. It is nice to hear about people who are thriving on the other side of it.