Sara and I met because of a dog and a disaster.
Literally.
In 2006, Sara was still directing a major international NGO’s response to the 2004 tsunami that killed hundreds of thousands in Southeast Asia, while I was working in Lexington as an artist-in-residence, facilitating creative learning opportunities for disabled adults. These employment realities brought us together, my needing to supplement my measly artist’s income by pet sitting and Sara’s needing to travel while at the same time caring for her dog.
However, I didn’t fall for Sara right away, as least not until I dreamed I was in love with her a couple of months after we met and woke up the next morning with a passion for her that has yet to wane.
Sometimes things are meant to be and lives are linked in strangely synchronistic ways. For example, neither of us was aware of when we first met, that our mothers had been dear friends for a number of years before either of us knew anything about the other. We never met in the context of that friendship.
But sometimes love is meant to be. Sometimes there’s a cosmic rightness about a relationship—even about the house one lives in.
Sara and I are proud to make our home in a downtown neighborhood, rich in cultural diversity. We live on a street where everybody knows our names, but in a house most folks of sound mind would have forsaken long ago.
Yet neither Sara nor I is entirely sane, neither willing to throw up our hands and abandon any shelter as entirely hopeless. Sara is an architect by training, schooled in developing blueprints for better tomorrows sometimes even building on a foundation of urban decay. And together we epitomize the trash to treasure mentality, especially when it comes to housing.
Undaunted, we have made our home, even as we have built our relationship, out of the unlikely love for a dog, in the wake of natural disaster. Admittedly, our house might be more rightly characterized as an unnatural disaster, but what we have made from that disaster, even with very limited funds, has been nothing short of miraculous.
So, to the degree that home is where the heart is, today, in honor of Valentine’s Day, we share our home with you. We’ll include images from Sara’s Photo-a-Day Project, some from the past three weeks, as well as other photos we’ve added to supplement this post.
We hope you enjoy this photographic tour through the home so close to our hearts.
Kitchen
Downstairs Hall
Downstairs Bathroom
Library
Maaster Bedroom
Chiang Mai Bedroom
Guest Room
Kathy’s Studio
Dining Room
Living Room
We’d like to thank Chrissy from “Silver Fin of Hope” for suggesting we do this apartment-therapy-esque post.
Does Valentine’s Day make you think of home or something else equally special?
I loved your home the moment I walked into it. It is full of warmth, beauty, love, creativity and passion. The fact that it is old adds to the charm. And, I love you both as individuals and as a couple. Happy Valentine’s Day!
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Great to hear from you today, Lisa. Sara and I were both honored to have you, Nathan, and Sarah in our home. Hugs to all you, my friend!
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Thanks for sharing your home, the warmth and love is palpable. Happy Valentine’s Day and continued love and much happiness.
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Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your family, as well. I’m so pleased our home feels warm–even via these photos! Thanks for reading!
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Your home speaks of love, not only for each other, but for the thousands upon thousands of people whose lives you all have touched.
One of those is mine and I thank God for our friendship.
Love you. Happy Valentine’s Day!
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Oh, Mindy, we love you so, so much! You and Grant are dear to us–and God knows, you home is equally full of love and warmth. Hugs, my friend!
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WOW!!!!!!!!!!! There are no adequate words to describe how lovely your home is. Thank you so much for doing this!
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I can’t tell you how much we appreciated your suggestion that we do this. We love “apartment therapy.” I know this post is not exactly in that style, but it’s close enough. Hugs, my friend!
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Will promptly be stealing some of your decorating ideas. 🙂 Especially the paint ladder as night stand! I have one myself that will look great in a spare bedroom!
Love your eclectic style and obvious eye for detail!
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Thanks for reading Dana! Great to hear from you this morning. I’m tickled to death you are going to try the ladder as nightstand. You have made my day, my friend! How fun to have inspired you!
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You have the most beautiful, warm, and welcoming home! It is so well desinged it looks effortless. What an incredible space to build a special life together!
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Great to hear from you today. I’m so pleased you appreciate our home. Happy Valentines Day to you and your partner! Hope to see you again soon!
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What a lovely romantic story! The intertwined fabric of time including moms who were friends! I love the house and it is so difficult to pick a fav room. Happy Valentines Day to both of you!
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Thanks so much, Chris. It amazes us now the more we learn about our mother’s friendship. I love synchronicity.
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What a warm, beautiful and welcoming space. Thank you for sharing your love ~ many valentine blessings to those both of you ~ today and always
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We so appreciate your warm wishes, Amy. Happy Valentine’s Day to you, as well. And thanks, again, for the award!
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You have such a beautiful home Kathy – I can see your artistic touch for sure. You have quite a few items I would just love to have in my bush cottages. You inspire me to keep going and get my place looking good.
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Your place already looks amazing, Jackie, from the photos I’ve seen, but I’m so happy you like the looks of ours, as well. Great to hear from you today!
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I LOVE your beautiful, bright and colorful home! You both are such great decorators. What a fun post Kathy! I don’t think I could capture my he in pictures like you did! Thanks for sharing !
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I bet you could capture it really well! You take great photos, my friend! Thanks for taking a look, Nicole!
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Of course! Happy Valentines’ Day! Hope you and Sara have something romantic planned!
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How funny, Nicole. I was reading your blog exactly as you were leaving this comment. So are, no big plans. Just being together–that’s all that matters. And, of course, Sara will cook an amazing meal–as usual! She’s promised pasta, which I’m afraid is my favorite!
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Wow, she must be a good cook! I wish I could experiment more but the kids are so picky! That is funny as we were online at the same time!
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I’m afraid I’m still a fairly picky eater.
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A home full of warmth….that is very evident from the photos…thanks for sharing it with us.
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Thanks so much for reading, Charles. Hope you are having a great day, my friend!
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The only thing more beautiful than these photos –aside from your love of one another– is visiting the house and seeing it for yourself.
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Oh, “Kipper,” an even greater joy than that is having friends like you visit us! We love you!
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I absolutely love your home. And, I’ve gotta say, that hickory Thai vase would make quite a useful weapon against an intruder. You know, in case the dog doesn’t scare him off in the first place. 🙂
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Oh, Mark, you comment made me laugh out loud, my friend! Hell, do you know how many times I’ve been stabbed trying to clean around that–weapon, indeed!
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Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us Kathy, I can’t tell you how much I love it! The way you have done it up and filled it with art and treasure from your travels gives it so much colour and brightness and eclecticism…..and I’m sure visitors in your house would have the pleasure of seeing something cool and interesting in every nook and corner.
Happy Valentine’s day to you and Sara!! ❤
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Thanks, Mun, I think there pretty much is something in every corner–and lots of stories tied to each item. I think eclectic definitely describes us. Hugs to you, my friend! And Happy Valentine’s Day.
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Gorgeous home, Kathy! Thank you for sharing the story of how you and Sara fell in love, too.
You wouldn’t mind if I invited myself over and became a permanent fixture in your guest room, right? 😉
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We would be honored to you you and Marty visit us! There’s nothing we love more than having guests! Truly. Happy Valentine’s Day to the two of you!
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As if I needed yet another reason to love Ralph, the furry little matchmaker! I adore the home you two have built as well as your bravery with color! I am, alas, a boring white and cream colored walls kind of girl. I will live vicariously through the two of you! Happy Valentine’s day to the two of you. May you have many more years of love and passion to share with one another!
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Ah, thanks, my dear Sista! We do have a lot of color, that’s for sure. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Jim, as well. Hugs to you–and love!
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If you and Sara ever what to take a holiday here in the African bush you will be so welcome – but remember to bring your decorating brains with you – I need them 🙂
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You know, I told Sara just last week or the week before about your place. If we ever make it to SA, we will definitely stay at your place!
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I was getting teary-eyed with the first photo–oh, a love story, such a love story!–but then became fascinated with your house photos. That is an accomplishment, because I am usually not very interested in house photos. However, your house is one that I’ll bet most of your readers would love to just settle in and watch you and Sara and feel the love between you. Sigh…Happy Valentine’s Day to you both.
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Ah, thanks, Kathy! I’m so glad these photos even interested someone generally not interested in such things. That’s way cool, my friend! Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Barry, as well. Stay warm!
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Is there a Love button? Cause “like” doesn’t suffice.
First – thank you for sharing your “how we met” story – It gave me chills to read and not because it’s 31F here. Beautiful, beautiful photo.
Your home is so cozy, colorful and inviting. It’s like a dream with nooks and places to just “be.” I’ll bet your guests never want to leave!!
Hugs .. and Happy Valentines Day to you both 🙂
MJ
PS killer dog on the prowl in the hallway made me giggle !!
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Love your comment, MJ! Isn’t Lucy a hoot? She thinks shes tough sh*t–emphasis on “thinks.” So glad you like our home. It may be that folks like to come and stay, but we love to have them, as well! Happy Valentine’s day, my friend! Hugs————
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Hi, just wandered over from Dana’s blog….I hope I’m not intruding – I didn’t expect to be peeking in your home! I feel Peeping Tomish, but gosh, your house is lovely — the use of color and texture is just stunning.
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We’re happy for you to get a look at our home, LE! You are always welcome. Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope to see you again soon!
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It’s obvious your home has been put together with love. I would imagine everything in there has a story! How awesome is that.
Thanks for allowing us a peak into your relationship and home. It’s been extremely interesting following your story.
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You are sooooooo correct. Everything does have a story, and I think it’s that sense of story that makes our house most fun. I love having you. Thanks for the comment today, my friend!
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I love hearing stories of how couples met. It’s amazing to see where paths cross to bring two people together.
Thanks for this lovely tour of your home. You and Sara have collected so many eclectic pieces from your travels. They’re all beautiful. I love the bright colors and the wall of magnets. I have such a small apartment, I don’t have room for a lot of extra things, so I bring fun magnets back from my travels and they remind me of the places I’ve been.
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Actually, Sara wanted to include the magnet photo with you in mind, as we knew you collected them. When you mentioned it a while back, Sara said, “Oh, we need to include a magnet photo for Jackie.”
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Oh, thank you so much for thinking of me! I definitely noticed that photo. I’m impressed with how many magnets you have and now I have something to shoot for. I hope to get a really cool one from Amsterdam. 🙂
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Your house and all the interesting artifacts you and Sarah have collected are fascinating. Thanks for sharing the wonderful photos Sarah took with us.
I love the picture of you three. Ralph looks like a larger version of Arthur. And Sarah’s goodness of heart shines through in the photo.
That’s a funny coincidence about your mothers.
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You are right! Ralph does look like Arthur. I’ve thought that when I have seen his photos! So happy to hear you like our home, Christine!
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Very nice, Kathy! Colourful and very interesting! Happy Valentine’s day to you and Sara. Valentine’s day brings back childhood memories of giving and receiving little valentines cards to school friends. I wonder if kids still do this these days or is it all digital now. Hmmmm….
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I think kids still give little Valentines–at least I’ve heard things that make me think that. Happy Valentine’s Day to you, as well, Marianne! Hugs to you—————
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Love it. Full of books and color and whimsy. I feel like I know you very well.
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Oh, you are sweet. We do have lots of books–lots and lots of books–way to many! Happy Valentine’s Day and hugs to you, my friend!
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Lovely home. Scene stealing hounds. Although personally I’m not a fan of color unless those colors are black, white or all shades of gray in-between, whenever you share images with us of your home, like so many of my fellow RTH readers, I am impressed by the vibrant use of color gracing each room, as well as your distinctive decorating skills. It looks like a lovely place in which to reside and have what I hope will be a wonderful Valentine’s Day interspersed with a few attention craving canine comedians.
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How funny that you only like those colors, but can still appreciate our home! One can actualy do amazing things with a VERY limitted palette. Happy Valentine’s Day, my friend. Hugs you to you from both of us, V!
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Your colourful and eclectic decorating reflects your personality perfectly – beautiful and vibrant.
Valentine’s Day always reminds me of my father, a wild romantic, who made me homemade valentines every year. This sweet memory eases some – but not all – of the cynicism I hold for this day…
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How dear that your dad made you Valentine’s Day cards! How sweet is that?! Cynicism or not–Happy Valentine’s Day to you, my friend! Hugs—————-
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Kathy, if you have ANY interest in redecorating my boring, little house when you’re in town, I AM SO IN. Love that just by looking at photos of your home I can tell some fabulously creative and lively ladies live there!
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Would love to help you decorate, my friend! By the way, happy Valentine’s Day to you and Tom!
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Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Sara! I love the story of how you met, and love the home that you’ve created together.
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Thanks so much, Lisa. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Willy, as well!
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I love your house! What great taste you have.
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I’m so glad. Thanks, Deb. Hope you are staying warm!
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Oh my goodness–I absolutely love your house! It looks so warm and inviting and can I just come over and curl up in your library???It looks so perfect to me!!! Thanks so much for the sweet comments over at The Idiot’s blog today—I am loving meeting all of his faithful followers and getting a chance to check out even more blogs!! Love what you wrote today and it filled me in on who you are in a nutshell!!! Awesome!! Happy Valentine’s Day!!!
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Oh, Beth Ann, you are such a sweetie! Thank you. I loved your post today. So sorry you missed getting the big award, as well. I’m tickled to death you like our house. Happy Valentine’s Day!
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LOVE your house!! Can tell there is much love there!!! Thanks for your sweet words!!!
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Hello Kathy and Sara,
What a wonderful, colorful and comfortable home you two (three) have. I love the fact a dog brought you together. I’m an animal lover and I have three. The eclectic blending of the new and old, culture and art, design and placement makes my artist’s heart soar. It would be fabulous to have you brightening up any neighborhood. Thank you so much for sharing your delightful home with us readers; it’s an honor. I’m sending you love and long life together wishes this Valentine’s Day.
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Ah, thanks so much, timethief. How fun that you appreciate our ecclectic mix! Glad to hear that you are a dog-lover, as well–and an artist. I love it! Hugs to you, my friend!
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I have been WOWED!! by your home Kathy. Beautiful and eclectic , it was a pleasure viewing. Thank you for sharing and i hope the two of you remain blessed in your love for each other….xxxx
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Ah, you are a sweetie to say this. So happy you like our home and wish us more blessings. I love that. I also have to thank you for reading and taking the time to comment. It was great having you. Hope to see you again soon.
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It’s so passionate, and eclectic and spiritual. So full of character and your characters, history and your histories, surprises and delights. This is what a home should be.
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I suppose it is what a home should be. Hadn’t thought of it like that, actually, but, of course, it should. Glad also you could recognize its spiritual quality. Thanks, my friend–and hugs to you!
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Your home is so vibrant! So creative! So colorful! So Beautiful! And you say this was accomplished with limited funds? From the photos, it appears so full of life that it nearly brings tears to my eyes. (I’m not kidding!) I wish I had a fraction of your ability to give each piece of the home its own personality.
Thank you for sharing your home with us. It is beautiful!
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Thank you so much, Terri. Yes, it was done with VERY limited funds, and what work has been done we’ve done ourselves–sweat-equity, I suppose you could say. I’m delighted our home has moved you. Thanks again, my friend!
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I LOVE this post. Your home is so beautiful and I was thrilled to see your studio. 🙂
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Thanks for taking a look, Robin. Glad to hear you liked our home! I’m tickled.
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Thanks for the shout-out, Robin! You’re a sweetie!
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Thanks for sharing your home! I like your taste and selections with everything! (Found you on Robin’s Life in the Bogs blog.)
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Thanks so much for stopping by. I saw your comment over on Robin’s blog. It was great having you. Hope you’ll come back again soon. I look forward to checking out your blog!
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Your place is very cozy!! thanks for the open house!!!
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You are so welcome, Ellen. Thanks for stopping by and taking a look. Great to have you. Hope to see you again soon!
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Such a great mix of styles!
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Thanks! I appreciate your visit and hope to see you again soon!
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I am intrigued by the “thing” underneath “Kathy’s drawings”. What is it? It looks like some kind of wooden shelf with doors. Is that what it is?
Your place looks gorgeous! I really love the colours and the way you have put it all together. Also: amazing photography.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed our home–and the photos. That is actually an old, old door that I found in the basement of a place I once lived. We hung it horizontally, so what look like “doors” are actually the panels of the larger door itself. When hung on it’s side the door creates a kind of shelf for my drawings to lean on. Does that make sense?
Thanks so much for taking a look and taking the time to leave a comment! Hope to see you again soon——-
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love the pictures and that downstairs hall picture is so amazing..your hall is so creative ..the window in the guest bedroom makes me wonder about the view from there.. is there a street or backyard .. 🙂
great pictures
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Sara will be so happy to hear you like our hall. It’s been her special project. Hasn’t she done an amazing job? You should check out her photo blog at BlipFoto–link in the left sidebar. She’d love to hear from you!
There is a street in front and a yard in the back. I haven’t included any yard photos here since it was winter. Sara is responsible for the garden’s success, as well.
Thanks for this sweet comment.
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would love to check the photo blog…will do it now..and please do tell sara that i think she is super talented..
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Thank you. I will tell her!
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