Bucket List #55-57

#55 --- Have the house of my dreams --- My dream house would be a two-story, with the Master on the main level. The downstairs would be an "open" floorplan, where the kitchen and eating area are open to the family room. I would also love to have a laundry room with a window and some counter space. I would want a 1/2 bath for guest and an office/craft room for me. The upstairs would have 2 bedrooms & 2 baths, with a loft area or bonus room. I would love for it to have a front porch, wide enough for rocking chairs and/or a swing. A basement in this "dream house" would be a welcome, too! I just want lots of room for my kids and grandkids! That is my dream! I love the "Craftsman" style homes. They are my favorite!

#56 --- Be part of a jury for an interesting trial --- I almost got to do this last year, but the people involved decided to settle out of court. Dang it! You probably think I am crazy for wanting to do this, but one time for one of my highschool classes (I think!), we got to go on a field trip to the county courthouse and sit in (briefly) on a trial. I was disappointed that we couldn't stay longer, because I got so involved with listening to the evidence being presented!

#57 --- Hike part of the Appalachian Trail --- I love to go hiking when the weather is cool. If it's too hot..... NO THANK YOU! Plus.... I'm afraid of snakes!! The trail is 2,179 miles long and goes from Georgia to Maine. WOW! It would be neat to hike just PART of it!

My Love for Houses

I love to watch the HGTV show - HOUSE HUNTERS. My favorites are the episodes where the families (or singles) are looking to buy a BIG HOUSE. I don't really watch the ones where the home buyers are looking to buy a tiny condo, in a big city, for a bazillion $$$!! The big houses are more fun to look at. I love to try and guess which house they are going to choose, and of course I TALK to the TV like they can hear me! .... "Choose #3!".... "Why did you pick THAT one?".... "Why are you being so picky?"

For as long as I can remember, I have ALWAYS loved looking at houses and houseplans. I think it come from the fact that I grew up living in apartments all my life. When I was little, I loved the house on THE BRADY BUNCH that Mike Brady "designed". (Hey, Mike! How come your beautiful house only had one bathroom for 6 kids?? And... why would you design a house for a family of 8 (or is it 9, with Alice?) with only 3 bedrooms?? (or 4, if you count Alice's bedroom.) I also loved my Aunt Doris' house because it had STAIRS and it was BIG! While my mom and dad visited with my aunt, I would wonder the house and pretend it was the house on the Brady Bunch. I was always Jan. I loved her hair!!!

When I got a little older, I would design my OWN houses. I wish I still had some of my designs. Of course, they were on paper (That stuff made from trees that you can write on. It's a rare thing these days, I know!) Today... if I were to design a house, I would get a "Home Design" program for my computer. (Actually... that was one of the first programs that I bought when I got my first computer!)

I used to buy Home Design magazines all the time, too! I had stacks & stacks of them and would look at them and DREAM. It wasn't until Hubby and I built our first home 11 years ago, that I finally threw them out. ---- Now, I miss them!

I am starting to get the "new house itch" and I'm thinking about our next home. Of course, what I would LIKE to have and what we will be able to afford (someday) are two different things. But, hey.... a girl can still dream! Here is a list of criteria's for my "Dream House".....

• 2200 sq feet or more
• 4 bed / 3 1/2 Bath
• Country Style or Craftsman Style
• Main Floor Master
• Foyer
• Fireplace
• Great Room (Kitchen open into family room)
• 1/2 Bath on main floor
• Full Basement
• Front Porch
• 2 or 3 Bedrooms upstairs, each with it's own bath.
• Bonus Room or area upstairs
• Large laundry room, with a window if possible
• 2 or 3 car garage

I'm not asking for much! But.... like I said... A girl can dream, right?