Tuesday, April 10, 2007

walk with me

Special day here, folks: it's my 150th post. How about that!

balloons falling, noise makers, horns, confetti

I saw that this was coming up and thought I should mark the occasion with an extra good post. So, yesterday my youngest son and I headed out for a walk, and we grabbed the camera on our way out the door. I thought you might like to go on a little tour of the neighborhood. See what's what, who's who, and how the surroundings of the Little Cottage appear each day. Sound good? OK! Let's get started!

To begin, here's my house. You can see by the Halloween decor that this is an old picture. I forgot to take one yesterday. But really, not much has changed since we took this picture last fall. However, soon there will be changes. Remember the visit from the landscape designer? We'll be planting our new plants and bushes soon.

Next up, this sweet little 2 bedroom green and white cottage. It's about 5 doors down, same side of the street. Currently a rental but sadly, slated for demolition in the next year or two. I think this would be the perfect vacation home for my parents. They could come and stay on the weekends or in the summer, and spend as much time with the grandkids as they wish. However, I don't think they are interested in a fixer upper vacation house. Too bad.

Just checking in, here's my walking companion. Yep, he's warm enough under the blanket.

Ok, a typical scene around here. This is the next block down, across the street. I think the house on the corner is going down sometime this week, if the weather cooperates. The 2 houses to its left sit on a lot that used to be occupied by one house. The old one was a brick Georgian. Beautiful on the outside, but from what I understand it was quite cramped on the inside. See the yellow digger? That's the real reason my son wanted to go on a walk. Notice he's holding one as well. He was hoping to see the big one in action yesterday.
A little sad - and incredulous - that the big "Scoop" is on a break today.
A look back towards the top of the street. Our house is the little white blip, top right. I think you can see the chimney.
One street over, one block down. Two new houses. I love the one on the left. It's supposed to be mine, they are saving it for me. I just need to figure out the financing on it and we'll be all set.

Another view. I wonder what I'll put in the big picture window? hmm. Still have some time to decide.
Same street, same block, a little further down. The blue house is going down soon. This house has not been occupied for some time. It has had that neglected look about it for awhile. Do you recognize the middle house? I think everyone around here is excited for spring to really get going, just so they can see the beautiful gardens again. The new house on the far left was completed in the fall and is looking for new owners. If you move here I will introduce you around. That's a promise!
Another street over, one block down. More contrast between old and new. It really is something to see these changes happen so quickly. The neighborhood is in a constant state of flux and we wonder when it will settle down.
This is a friend's house. She lives across the steet from the 2 houses above. Her house was a little cupcake like mine is now, but a few years ago she and her husband did a complete renovation - new kitchen, added a new master bed & bath, and also a new family room. You can't see the changes in the front, they just bumped it backward a bit. You would love the inside of this house. Her kitchen is to die for!
Another view of my friend's house...you can see she is right next door to an older house, one that probably won't be here beyond its current owners. The house 2 doors down on the left was built last summer.
Ok, down one more block, same street. This is where the neighborhood ends and the park begins. You can see the metra train in the background. That takes commuters into the city. I love this house. It reminds me of my grandparents' house. Can you see the big window on the left side, facing the park? That is their dining room. My husband and I think their house would be perfect for Thanksgiving. Big meal in the dining room, and then everyone out to the park for the turkey bowl afterwards.
Here we are at the park, facing the train station in the distance. You can see the train platform.
If I turn to my right I can see the baseball diamond.
When the kids swing, they like to face the train tracks so they can catch a glimpse of the trains going by. My sons don't realize how lucky they are...they like trains, and they actually live near trains.

Looking for the train.
Here it comes...
Speeding by!
On our way back home now. This house is around the corner from the park. It is another house that I love. It's an oldie but goodie, and I hope it stays on...forever.
A new house. Don't you love the dormers and the big front porch! So friendly and welcoming. We're back on my street now, 2 blocks down.
These houses are to the immediate left of the new cape above. The white sign on the lawn is a builder's sign...so that means that the little blue house is going down.
One more stop before home. This is a little further up the block from the grouping above. Such a cute little bungalow. A nice couple lives here. The wife inherited the house from her grandfather. It was one of the first houses on the street. You can see the new green house that I like behind it.
* * * *

Back at home now. I hope you enjoyed the walk! It was fun to walk around and think of things to show you. Thanks for helping me celebrate my big 1-5-0!

30 comments:

hqm said...

Your neighborhood is beautiful! I love the mix of old and new. You are so lucky to live within walking distance of a park. We have to drive everywhere!

Sisters with Style said...

Very cute houses. Looks like you live in a wonderful neighborhood! How great to live my a train AND a park. My son would love that.

Libby said...

Happy 1-5-0, Meg! That post was just grand! I really felt like I was strolling with you guys through your (very charming) neighborhood.

Cindy said...

Congrats on 150! I LOVE that first little house, the one after yours...I can't believe they are going to tear that down! I wish I could rent that! They are all so cute. I would be taking walks every day if I lived in a cute neighborhood like that. My son was the same way with tractors. If he would see one he would scream..workerman, workerman and we would have to pull over so he could look at the tractors. That brought back such great memories for me!

Kellie said...

Your neighborhood is so sweet and classic. Do you ever get sad about all the demolition? I'm such a sucker for nostalgia that I think I would be sad. It makes me wonder how everyone survived years ago with small houses and why we all have such a need for space, space, space. Around here the same type of thing is going on -- capes and cottage demolished to make room for towering McMansions, as they call them. I like your little cottage better -- it has soul and character.
Congrats on the big 150!

Retroboutiques said...

Loved your tour, reminds me of my old neighborhood!

Lisa said...

Meg...you have outdone yourself! Fabulous post. I loved all the houses and of course our little guy!

Chris@Cats On My Quilts said...

I love all the little houses. But a pet peeve of mine is when they tear down these cute little houses and put up McMansions. I like the idea of enlarging a little house just a bit so that it still feels right for the lot and the neighborhood.

jillskict said...

I LOVE your neighborhood and it reminds me of mine, you have inspired me and on my next walk I think I will take pics and do a similar post! Congratulations on 150!!!!!

lisagh said...

What fun! Thanks for taking me along on the walk and Happy 150th to you!

Meg said...

hi kellie. I have mixed feelings about the teardowns. Some of the older homes are not worth salvaging, they were not cute to begin with. But yes, I do miss the cute little ones that could be shined up a bit. They just need some TLC. Some of the newer homes are quite attractive. Others are not my taste, but I guess that's houses in general for you. You like some, you don't like others. I do understand what you're saying, though. I'm sure you've seen quite a bit of this in new england!

Kim -today's creative blog said...

Such personality! I love that one on the left too! WoW!

Deb said...

Congratulations on your 150th post! I have enjoyed reading them all :-). What a beautiful neighbourhood you live in - I love looking at houses too. What a nice walk to the park you have. Seeing your little boy with his tractor reminded me of my son Alex when he was little - he always had a little matchbox car in his hand.

paige said...

what a wonderful neighborhood, full of little cottages and big ones too!
love all your mck-childs goodies too!!

The Weathered Pane said...

I'm not certain where you live, but I want to live there too!!! What a darling town with darling houses!

Martha said...

Loved this post...especially your walking buddy!

Your house is the cutest one in the neighborhood :)

Martha

Celine said...

I really enjoyed your blog.I am a friend of Preppy Rider. Seeing pictures of your neighborhood makes me miss my old house. We used to live in a similar neighborhood in Michigan. But now we are in Germany. Where I connot get any MCKchilds. But I do have fellow MCKchilds collectors as girlfriends here. Thanks for the great postings.

Anonymous said...

oh yum. i'm copying some of those pics for my "file". i love that grey/green home with the big picture window. LOVE IT! blessings!

Lallee said...

I loved seeing the homes. Hate to see the old ones go, though. Thank you for the tour!

MilkMaid said...

Sweet and classic...my heart sank when you talked about the ones to be demolished...it should be against the law.

Lorilu said...

Thanks for the tour. Great idea!

smilnsigh said...

It breaks my heart to hear of those old houses being demolished. Just breaks my heart. Oh sigh....

Mari-Nanci

Jolene George said...

ummmm...okay! I ADORE your neighborhood! It has a wonderful homey feel. I love everything about it. I also love dormers. I call them pokey out of the roof windows. :o) My dream house has them. You are so lucky to live where you do.

Jen Kershner said...

I completely enjoyed the tour Meg. I love the house that you love too. Maybe your friend will let you get pics of the inside to share with us. So do you live in Illinois or in NW Indiana? Congrats on your big 150! Jen

Lulu said...

you have such a beautiful neighborhood..I am partial to cottages...I dont like big, i like cozy...

violetlady said...

Love the tour! This is a great idea for for a post.

Kim @ Twice Remembered said...

Meg, thank you for the tour of your neighborhood! YOu have some lovely homes surrounding you (but *sniff* about the little houses that will be torn down). I think the newer homes you pictured have a lot of charm, though...so pretty to look at!

Congrats on your 150th post! Yay!

Meg said...

Jen, I live in IL. Glad you enjoyed the tour!

Hannah Lane said...

My brother and sister in law live in the suburbs of Chicago (Western Springs) and they are always taking about the "tear downs" and how that is common practice. That was a fun walk to take- thank you!!

Monogram Momma said...

What a fantastic Tour, Meg! I love this post!

Our park also has a train that goes right through it like yours!