Love That House!

In keeping with the recent list theme, and in accordance with the impending move, I've decided to launch a feel-good meme. I fully expect that, like all such minor-league blog launched innovation, this particulare meme will drop like a lead BB in the vast ocean of the Internet. But, it's fun.

So . . .

List 5 things you like most about your house. (Very exciting, I know, but it's on my mind.)

Old house:

1. History - Sam was born while we lived here. Timothy and Stephen started school while we lived here and learned to ride a bike in the dead end out front. A million other things that make up a rich life happened in this house.
   
2. Shade - We have a huge oak tree on the south-facing side of the house, along with several other, taller trees across the street. Our air conditioner stays on 76 during the day, and still doesn't come on until about 3 PM. Nice.
3. Light - Despite the fact that the house faces south, and that most of the windows therefore face north and south, we do have a few windows that face east (to catch the rising sun) and west (to catch it setting). Those rooms that do have east/west windows are my favorite.
4. The Dead End - In front of our house is about a hundred feet or so of two lane road that services only our driveway. It's flat, pretty well kept up, and the only time there are cars on it is when someone is coming to visit. The kids ride bikes there, play tag, soccer, & football; it's been the site of block parties for years on end; it's shady; it's all ours. And parking, wow. Despite the fact that our kids don't drive (yet), we do occasionally have large family gatherings and parties with friends. Here in the dead end, we have "anyone can leave anytime" parking for 9-10 cars. If we really pack them in, we could easily handle 20 or more. The new house has ACLA parking for 4 cars and packs in 6.
5. Dry - This house is on a hill, and the nearest creek is several hundred feet away and dozens of feet down. If this house ever floods, gopher wood will be involved. The new house, while not technically in a flood plane, does have a creek running through the back yard.

Now, because I'm moving (and because it's my blog), I get to list my 5 favorite things about the new house.

1. The Office - This is why we're moving. There's a 400 square foot office above the garage in the new house that shares zero walls, hallways, doors, etc. with any other room in the house. And it has its own HVAC. And two windows. Since I'm out of the way, the boys can run around and be boys in their own house; my wife can relax and not have to ride herd on them all day; everyone will be happy. Probably.
2. Light - The new house faces east, and my bedroom, the living room, and my office all catch the morning sunrise. Very nice. The kitchen and dining room (and my office) catch the evening sunset. My own little Palace of Light.
3. The Creek - There's a creek in the backyard, leading into a forest. Boy heaven.
4. The Tub - There's a jacuzzi tub in the master bathroom. Our existing house has one tub, the new house has three. I like baths.
5. Trees - Lots of new trees, including a couple of Japanese Maples and some of the largest, oldest River Birches I have ever seen. (And the lawn is tiny.)

What makes a list a meme? Passing it along. Specifically:
My Wife, 'cause she's awesome
Splitcat & Fiorinda, who live in the same house (they're married, so it's all on the up & up)
Dignan and posse
Circusfrog
Both Mom and Dad, cause . . . you know
My sister, who just moved to her first house (and probably needs reminding that the moneyhole called home ownership is still much, much better than an apartement.)

But anyone else is welcome to leave a comment. Enjoy.