12 years ago today we moved in to our house. A borrowed truckload of friends and belongings, my sister bleaching the kitchen only to find that it was the filth keeping the floors in place and having them all lift, Bills sister cooking food for everyone. Me? Fair to swooning. I'd been here the night before at midnight when we took possession of our first home and opend the door; the smell his us and Ross said "I'm going for a drive" - he came back a few hours later. The previous occupants had taken much of use, left much to be desired, some dog vomit and their tea. The previous week. Words fail to express the grossness that was mopped up in the wee hours. They did leave a tall blue glass vase that to this day I really like.

And now a full gut kitchen reno, bathroom restoration, powder room installation, re-roofing, siding job, one new window, one new door, new flooring on floors one - three, chimmney repair, painting, drywall repair, lath and plaster repair, new electrical work throughout, massive plumbing overhall in kitchen/basement bathroom/whereever they left a sink, relandscaping front and back, new appliances and reglazed windows later...there's a for sale sign on the lawn. Of course, there's also been the initial tenents that helped keep us going for the first few years - Ami with the fabulous oranges she gave us, Richard with his insect fear, William with his poetry readings, Jerry with the raccoon he brought inside, John with his oil painting on drywall. No John, I'm still not happy about that. The few months that my sister/brother/high school best friend took refuge here. Our wedding. Time spent with friends. Legendary parties. Cat. Lt. Ripley (she remains and is hoping for breakfast). The very good feeling that comes from making a good house shine again.

Happy anniversary, House. Happy Canada Day, and thank you.