Twenty and counting
I remember this day twenty years ago.
I first moved here back in the sixties. Then I committed the heinous crime of getting married and was sentenced to 22 years of living in the suburbs of Dublin with no remission.
Then on the 10th of March 1999 I finally moved back here again.
On the 10th of the previous December I had been given two options – I could either sell the Manor and stay in the suburbs or I could sell the suburbs and move out to freedom. For various reasons I won’t go into, I had a limit of six months to move out or I would loose the second option. It took three very hectic months to the day, which surprised everyone, not least myself.
The place has changed just a little bit since then.
There is a new door to the garden and another to the roof[!]. Virtually every room has been rebuilt in some form or fashion, including a complete rebuild of the kitchen and bathroom. The attic has been rebuilt from scratch. There is now central heating and extra insulation.
The grounds have seen a few changes too, though mainly through trees growing too big and blowing down.
I remember too the following week coming up to Paddy’s Day. We had a miniature heatwave and I decided to have a barbecue but every shop in the entire region had sold out of charcoal. I think I eventually found a bag having driven about twenty miles. Snow showers are forecast for today which is a little more typical.
I wonder where I’ll be in twenty years time?
Must be something to live in the same place for 20 some-odd years. Until the wife and I bought our place here in Newport, VT I hadn’t lived at any particular address for more than 5 years or so. Many times only 2 or 3 years including an “address” that was constantly moving about with only fish for neighbors. Now I’ve lived at the same address for 9 years this coming May and to tell you the truth I don’t plan to move anywhere else except perhaps the cemetery at some point. Looking back those 9 years though only brings one big change in mind…
…we painted the deck last year.
And where will you be in 20 years? A heck of a lot older I’d say. 😉
It’s the longest I have stayed put in one place. The previous record was 18 years [part of my sentence in Suburbia. ‘Tis strange, but it doesn’t feel that long at all.
20 years older is fine by me.
You’re a bit of a gadfly it would seem – I’m in my 33rd year at Muddy Mansion, where even the footprint has changed radically, along with many of the interior and external features. Similar issues with trees, many of which are reaching their terminal state at around 150+ years old, likewise ourselves if we’re being honest about it, just a bit sooner.
Where will I be in 20 years? Probably fertilising similar trees somewhere, that’s life (or the inevitable alternative).
Well, if you ignore my momentary lack of judgement [at getting married] I first moved in here around 52 years ago? I claim the title as the longest resident in the area simply because I can remember exactly what it was like Back Then. To say the place has changed is a massive understatement. At least I can class everyone now as Blow-ins.
And no peaceful neighbours, sat marking exam scripts, to soak with your garden hose!