Seattle is a delightful destination and a great place to be from! I love the energy of the city but hate the traffic. It has changed in a lot of positive ways in my absence - the traffic being the only downside. On a sunny day few places rival it's beauty with 3 lakes within the city limits, views of Mt. Rainier, the Olympics and Cascade mountains, and it's on Puget Sound. No, it does not rain all the time and it can have a quite pleasant summer, though usually not in June. The best months are August and September. The first half of July is iffy. Even though I love to visit and enjoy Seattle thoroughly, I prefer to live in California or a more consistently warmer place!
It's not a snooty big city. People are still relatively laid back, often bike to work, and there's a coffee place on every block!! Obviously my kind of place in that regard!! Plus, you can go to one of the parks around Lake Washington and see turtles sunning themselves, blue herons (although very shy they give you a glimpse often), beaver dams and other wildlife within the city. Today, crossing over Lake Washington on the floating bridge a bald eagle was atop a street lamp surveying the scene! Amazing and wonderful. Enjoying my trip!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
My HHI choice
I've been up in Washington visiting family. In reaction to that trip I've thought even more about Merida. No, not because of family and getting away!! :) It's all in response to the weather! I have to say we've had some decent weather, especially for WA, but also some rain and clouds.
I'm sure you've all been waiting with baited breath (what an expression!) about which Merida house I'd pick. They all have their positive points. I'd scratch off #3 even though it already has 2 bedrooms because of the odd configuration. I don't like the idea of walking down the narrow outdoor "hallway" to get to the backyard and future pool. Plus, it appears that the 2nd bedroom is truly separate with no bathroom but in the main house.
With the rest of the choices, it gets more tricky. #4 could possibly be on the top of the list but it's the most money and still needs work - finishing off the kitchen and a wall to make the first bedroom.
#1 is the lowest initial output, the most work to be done, but we'd have more house in the end. There certainly would be unknowns and adventures along the way!
#2 I guess comes out on top. More than livable now with room for potential pool and other bedroom. I'll miss the high wood beamed ceilings but it's still a great choice!
Of course if I were to actually walk through them I could feel totally different! Someday perhaps I'll have the full experience! :)
I'm sure you've all been waiting with baited breath (what an expression!) about which Merida house I'd pick. They all have their positive points. I'd scratch off #3 even though it already has 2 bedrooms because of the odd configuration. I don't like the idea of walking down the narrow outdoor "hallway" to get to the backyard and future pool. Plus, it appears that the 2nd bedroom is truly separate with no bathroom but in the main house.
With the rest of the choices, it gets more tricky. #4 could possibly be on the top of the list but it's the most money and still needs work - finishing off the kitchen and a wall to make the first bedroom.
#1 is the lowest initial output, the most work to be done, but we'd have more house in the end. There certainly would be unknowns and adventures along the way!
#2 I guess comes out on top. More than livable now with room for potential pool and other bedroom. I'll miss the high wood beamed ceilings but it's still a great choice!
Of course if I were to actually walk through them I could feel totally different! Someday perhaps I'll have the full experience! :)
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
And the Runner Up Is...
Actually, there is a tie for second place! Both are renovated by the firm Worldstudio International and provide a nice nice mix of traditional and modern designs. They come in a whopping 70 to 75 thousand dollars under Casa Chablis but are smaller to be sure. I have to say there are a number of wonderful properties to be had in Merida if money is not an object. The first is La Cochera. Brian's "beef" with this one is that the kitchen is not adjacent to the main outdoor patio and eating area. But in my mind the kitchen is so great and I can handle just a small eating area (with fountain!) next to the kitchen for my morning coffee!
The second one is great as well. Architect Henry Ponce did the renovation and the interiors were done by Worldstudio International - killer combination! The front rooms have a wonderful feel and I love the arches. It comes furnished which is a plus but I could really do without the "bumble bee" chairs! There is no video for this one but you can see the listing of this home in the barrio (neighborhood) of La Ermita.
The second one is great as well. Architect Henry Ponce did the renovation and the interiors were done by Worldstudio International - killer combination! The front rooms have a wonderful feel and I love the arches. It comes furnished which is a plus but I could really do without the "bumble bee" chairs! There is no video for this one but you can see the listing of this home in the barrio (neighborhood) of La Ermita.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
#1 Choice If...
Before I give you my take on the 4 properties, I want to share with you our top favorite place in Merida - if only we could afford it!! :) It's called Casa Chablis by architect Henry Ponce. It seems the perfect solution with the beauty of form and function. I love the indoor/outdoor hallway with the long fountain. The rooftop area for entertaining or just enjoying the evening breezes is amazing, let alone the pool and patio area. There is a separate floor for the master suite which gives privacy. The only small negative is that it doesn't have double sinks for the master bath. i suppose I could live with that! :) I'd love to wander through it for myself!
Friday, July 15, 2011
My Own Version
I'm back with colonials! I thought I'd do a severely adapted version of House Hunters International. My adaptations include 4 choices not 3, I'm not buying now (may never), plus, I've never even been to Merida but have become very intrigued. Even though this vacation / half and half living may never happen I'm trying to pick ones that might half way be realistic. Probably in another post I'll put videos of my 2, over the top, favorites - way out of our league! In the end, we'd like a 2 bedroom and 2 bath place. After all, we want a place for guests!!
So, #1 is a clean slate, the cheapest but more work than any of them. We will be able to put our own personal stamp on it but it would take time. A big benefit of this one is the finished "guesthouse" - some place to sleep while renovating. http://www.mexintl.com/property/003343 It is close to a park and a market, although on the edge of the central area we'd like to be in.
#2 has plans for a second bedroom and a pool, so still work to be done but the rest is finished! http://www.mexintl.com/property/003304 It is closer to the center but it does have what appears to be an auto business across the street.
#3 is closer to the center than #1. The configuration is already a 2/2 so that's a plus. A pool is necessary for all of them. They are equal in that regard. http://meridahomes.com/eng_standard.php?id=268&offered=sale
Lastly #4, there are no plans completed but it still needs another bedroom and bath. What is in place is done nicely. http://meridahomes.com/eng_standard.php?id=332&offered=sale
I like them all and each has positive and negatives. If you want, you can weigh in on the options!
So, #1 is a clean slate, the cheapest but more work than any of them. We will be able to put our own personal stamp on it but it would take time. A big benefit of this one is the finished "guesthouse" - some place to sleep while renovating. http://www.mexintl.com/property/003343 It is close to a park and a market, although on the edge of the central area we'd like to be in.
#2 has plans for a second bedroom and a pool, so still work to be done but the rest is finished! http://www.mexintl.com/property/003304 It is closer to the center but it does have what appears to be an auto business across the street.
#3 is closer to the center than #1. The configuration is already a 2/2 so that's a plus. A pool is necessary for all of them. They are equal in that regard. http://meridahomes.com/eng_standard.php?id=268&offered=sale
Lastly #4, there are no plans completed but it still needs another bedroom and bath. What is in place is done nicely. http://meridahomes.com/eng_standard.php?id=332&offered=sale
I like them all and each has positive and negatives. If you want, you can weigh in on the options!
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Internal Processor
That's what computers have - internal processors. I'm not a computer; nevertheless I process feelings, ideas and thoughts internally. How many bloggers are internal processors? I'm wondering if we are the majority or most likely the minority. Or it's just a mixed bag because it is more dependent on if we like to write. It doesn't really matter, although I'm curious.
I've decided to continue writing at least for awhile. I'm curious to see what will happen with me, and perhaps interactions and connections will expand along the way. Life is full of surprises and now is not the time to put pressure or expectations on myself about what this blog must be or should be. Hopefully you'll bear with me! :)
I've decided to continue writing at least for awhile. I'm curious to see what will happen with me, and perhaps interactions and connections will expand along the way. Life is full of surprises and now is not the time to put pressure or expectations on myself about what this blog must be or should be. Hopefully you'll bear with me! :)
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