The apartment was leased for 6 months. We may need to extend that lease.
Even though we will spend quite a bit of time at our home, we decided to use our “cruise money” for a getaway place. With J’s health issues we thought it best to have a place to relax, now and then, while our home is on the market. We both dread the thought of being home full time.
The house on the farm was around 1800 square feet. Our present home is about 3400, including 800 square feet finished in the basement. Our little getaway place is 714 square feet. That’s quite a change, but we are up for the challenge.
This will help in our decision about what size home to look for when the time comes to buy or build.
Small Space Living
When I was in third grade, my father was sent to Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois. My parents, sister, and I spent a cold and snowy Winter 1952 in Champagne Illinois. Our abode was one of those cute little vintage trailers, about 8x16 feet. Electricity was provided by a sort of extension cord. The iceman arrived once in awhile, with ice for the icebox.
Mother prepared wonderful meals on a small two burner hotplate. I can’t remember how the water was provided, but I believe it was a garden hose delivery system. Water was heated on the stove. A small round electric heater provided warmth. The convenience was one street over, in the shower house.
Daddy was stationed at Chanute temporarily. At the end of a couple of months he was transferred to Connolly Air Force Base, outside Waco Texas. My parents bought a beautiful silver with red trim Alma trailer, with amazing amenities like indoor plumbing. We towed it to Texas from Illinois, behind our dark green Mercury. I still remember that car, one of my favorites from childhood.
The Alma was 8x27. I recall thinking it was like moving into a palace.
Before
This photo shows the dining area at the front of the galley style kitchen. 4th of July, we added a table and four chairs.
After
The table was in our basement, being used as a desk. It’s the perfect size for the dining alcove. I considered using four of the colorful breakfast room chairs, or other ladder-back chairs. In the end, I chose the slipcovered dining room chairs. By this time the apartment was evolving into a certain look.
Ivy from the back porch was popped into a sunflower and aqua pot; just right for the half wall.
I purchased four green pillows from Pier One Imports. The sunflower canvas was brought from home, along with the orchid in the tureen. My trademark Charleston hat made the trip, as well.
Here is one side of the galley kitchen. I’ll show more in an upcoming post. I’m still doing a bit of work here.
I went shopping for shower curtain rings, last Thursday, and came home with the small blue Keurig, just the right size and color.
I added a Sara Tetley coastal cottage print above the stove.
I want to keep accessories to a minimum in this small place. The idea is restfulness.
I also want to keep furniture moving to a minimum. So far we have transported everything in the back of our Acadia. J and Molly miss their truck and I sort of miss it, with this move.
We will move two of the hearth room chairs and leather ottoman soon. A bed, we ordered, should be here next week or the week after.
I had no idea how I would decorate the apartment; I just knew I would. No doubt about it.
I am doing a bit of apartment whispering, allowing the apartment to tell me what I need to do. It’s turning out to be a type of resort style. I am so happy I never got around to unpacking some of the things brought from the lake, last year, when we sold our condo.
From time to time, I will be adding notes about this transition and the hopeful sale of our home.
