So, it's that time of year again and the winds of change will be blowing in soon. That means it's time for this September baby to be moving on. Ended with preposition. Oh well. Anyway, I searched the net for a new home for us. I found a few possibilities in the North Country, Upper Westchester, that is, but the Black Hawk's driver would like to have us close to her. It's a mom thing, I gather.
So we pulled up in the Black Hawk to see a small property in the 'hood that was way too small and the ancient owner way too controlling about where I could sit or not sit in her bloody garden. Mama gave me the "ixnay" look, so I thanked the old witch politely and we took off back to Skibo Cottage. As we were about to turn into my lane, I asked Mama Lucy to steer the Black Hawk into a long, gated drive with huge evergreens and shade trees everywhere. She balked, but I pushed. She did finally.
It's on two manicured acres. She's huge; a three story, turn of the century Dutch colonial set back from the road, down a long driveway and adjacent to the day schools' woods which are opposite Skibo Cottage. There is a huge three story barn in the back that I wanted to see. As we approached, we saw a good sized deer with antlers next to the wishing well in the side yard. We thought it was a cheesy statue until it moved. Sweet baby Jesus! There are more critters in this 'hood than when I was in Upper, Upper.
Local legend and yentahs said the owners were dead and the house just sat. I walked up the creaky old stairs to the main house while sweet Lucy waited patiently. It was old and dark, even on this sunny day. Just like an old scary movie. Good thing Lucy was in the Black Hawk with the motor running. I was scared; but a good scared. Excited, actually.
Perhaps the caretaker was around. Of course no one answered the bell but it gave me time to look through the windows. Leaded glass; just like my entry hall and door. That's how I dated the house. This house had several sets of French doors that opened to the stoop, if that's the right word. Some of these were leaded glass with colored glass as well. Wow we woo hoo!
The front hall looked huge and the staircase and sunshine came through the stained glass with a family crest. I also saw two sets of pocket doors leading off the hall.
Good enough for me.
So I walked down the stairs and gestured to Lucy that I was headed to the back to investigate the barn. I couldn't see much except for the teenage deer who watched me from the overgrown garden. As I returned to the Black Hawk, I saw a little Jeep had pulled up. Mama talked to this lovely old Italian man who had a landscape company name on the side of the vehicle. We will know more soon.
In the meantime, sweet Lucy said she couldn't stop thinking about this grand old girl so I called the landscaper to arrange for us to view it. Who knows? It could be our next "tent".
