Home Sweet Home

Well, not until November 1st, but that was the move-in date we wanted. (We have committed to this rental until 26th November, so the move in date gives us plenty of time to transition and buy furniture etc.)

We've found a 3 bedroom + den unit across the street and up a couple of blocks from Sarah's school. This is a large home split into two separate units with separate entrances, and the owners occupy the upstairs suite. There is a very large open kitchen (!) with breakfast bar, a living room, three bedrooms and the den. Also some storage space outside and a long hallway to the garden. One bathroom. As is usual here, appliances are included, which saves us a lot of money immediately.

Although I liked (a lot) the home we applied for that had a view of the water and mountains, we weren't actually offered it, and this is better for a lot of reasons. First and foremost, we really like the owners, and since we will be living in close proximity, this seems ideal. The family are recently (4 years) arrived from Iran, and have had to make an adjustment to a new country. Both adults have attended or work at UBC. Their daughter is in year 7 at Sarah's school. So, despite being from very different cultures, we have a lot in common. Second, the rent at this place is significantly less expensive (even a bit less than the lower limit that we had expected) which means we can save more towards the purchase of our own home in a couple of years. Third, it is a few blocks closer to the bus stop - always a bonus when you are trying to manage without a car. (It is uphill from the bus stop, which will be a pain in the rear when I am hauling home groceries, but I suppose the exercise won't kill me.) Sarah will be able to walk to school on her own.

The house has a small shady patio in the back, and I am thinking of putting in large pots of ferns and hostas and maybe some shade tolerant vines along the wall. No room for a real garden, but less maintenance and at least if we are planting in pots, we will be able to take them with us when we go. There is space for a table and chairs and a barbecue, which will be nice for entertaining in nice weather.

For me, the only downside to the house is a lack of a real dining area - we will have to somehow carve space from the living room, and there would not be much room for anything but a small table. I'll need to think about how to make this work, as we do like having friends over for meals.

So - this is a big step for me in terms of finally feeling settled. Now I just have to organize getting everything moved from Portland in November.

We look forward to seeing our friends and family in our new home sometime soon! (And I am looking forward to Christmas in our own space.)

Love,
Margo