In late 2012 I returned to Texas after an eighteen year stint in New York City. We’d never planned to grow old in NYC, it’s not a forgiving place. Common sense told me early on that life would be happier, easier and more comfortable in a slower, less harsh and competitive climate. I always like to say I don’t have any regrets over anything I have done, but I have a few over some things I haven’t done. Not coming home about six months to a year earlier falls into that small list of regrets. I didn’t really want to leave NYC when I did, but I was called back to Texas to attend to the final days of my father, who within months succumbed to the ravages of Alzheimer’s and cancer… a one – two punch that was both unforgiving and quick. His passing was relatively easy, and while a sad time, seeing his confusion end put my mind at ease. My mother was devastated, and it soon became obvious that she couldn’t carry on without assistance. My sister and I stepped up, and so the decision was made, I stayed in Texas.
About a year later the house next door to my parents was put up for sale. As a child I admired it, but in the fifty years since it was built, it passed from high style to tragically kitsch. Since I still felt it had the promise to be a stylish and comfortable home, I made a successful offer, and purchased it in late 2014. I don’t regret the purchase, despite the list of issues that need to be addressed. The white brick and wood exterior need to be cleaned, repaired, and re-painted, and the exterior shutters need to be replaced. The house needs a new electrical panel, additional outlets in every room, and wiring for 21st century communications technology. Like any fifty year old east Texas house, it has a few issues with insects, (but no termites!) a slight spider infestation, probably a few mice in the attic, and … roof rats – a common pest in east Texas. It could use a new roof, as squirrels and raccoons seemed intent on chewing holes in the shingles, until some judicious tree trimming stopped their use of the roof as a 24 hour shortcut for their nefarious missions. Despite the problems, the structure is good. (I won’t say “it has good bones,” since it’s an overused phrase, no matter how apt.) Overall, nothing is wrong that wildlife management , pest control, some moderate repairs, and time can’t handle.