My new digs...

Well, I've been seriously lacking in the blog department, so I thought I'd somewhat make up for it with a post on my new digs. I'm renting an apartment in a nice complex...two pools, two exercise rooms (which I actually plan to take advantage of), well-kept grounds and it's gated. Here's the view outside my living room window. It would really be nice if the fountain was working, but because of the drought in south Texas, no one is allowed to run fountains.

Here's what you see when you walk into the apartment. I made quite a bit of money when I sold all my furniture before I moved, so I treated myself to some new things. Since the place is small, I didn't have to buy much. And I cut corners by doing things like sewing two inexpensive Wal-Mart curtains together to get the look I wanted...total cost was about $25. Plus, my son was working at JCPenney at the time of the move where that rug was normally $250. With a 50% off sale and his discount, I got it for about $75.

There are lots of windows, so it's bright and sunny in the living and dining area. I like the arched bay windows in the dining room. I normally don't like mirrored walls, but this one is kind of nice and makes the room look bigger.

A view from the other side. No recliners in this place!

And towards the front door...

Here's looking towards the kitchen from the couch. Nutter, get off the counter!!

And here's looking through the kitchen. I was thinking of making two stained glass pieces that would fit into those two long narrow windows on each side of the center window. Wouldn't that be pretty? Especially with all the light that comes through.

Here's the little desk area where I work on my blog...among other things. I miss the windows I had in my office at the house, but it's okay.

All in all, I really like it. It's a lot smaller than the house, but that doesn't bother me...and it's less to clean! It's a very comfortable place and it's good for me for the time being. It is such a pleasure not to spend my weekends on yard work and such a relief not to worry about something going wrong with the house. I know I will eventually want to put my "stamp" on something again, but for right now, this is okay. Who knows...maybe I'll end up buying something in Mexico!

Anyway, here is a closeup of the batik I bought on Isla last time I was there. I just bought some of those boards you stretch artist canvas on and voila...a nice wall hanging! Kind of a grisly picture, I guess, but I liked the colors.

The friendly guy I bought it from, tried to tell me the story behind it, but I couldn't understand most of what he was saying! Ha!

And here's a closeup of my Mexico shelf. I like the little dolls sold by...

...these lovely ladies...

Back to the apartment. Here's the little patio area off the dining room. That door is to a little storage area.

And the view. All the trees make it very private. No one can see you sitting there, which is nice.

Since I had practice framing the batik, I thought I'd cover up this eyesore...

...the same way. So much better, right? And it only cost about ten bucks.

So that's my new place.

Now I gotta go study.

I decided to take advantage of the staff tuition discount at the university and take a Spanish course. My first class was last Wednesday. The instructor is from the Domican Republic and about 60 years old, but has a lot of energy and is funny. I heard since then that he's a good teacher and you learn a lot in his class, so that's good. It's been about 20 years since I've taken a class, so this should be interesting.

On that note, hasta luego!