Toy House
It's just a little house. One level. No basement, no attic.
A gray stucco job that is ever so unimpressive.
But it's home.
My dad used to say “It's a toy house. Go easy on it.”
I do.
I know its little quirks and weak spots.
But I feel so good here.
I have finally settled down.
I've finally felt some contentment,
some happiness.
After a creative train wreck of a life.
I have come home.
I did come home to take care of my dad in his last years.
I lived with him.
Helped take of him.
Until he was gone. Passed on.
So many memories of my mother and father here in this little house.
Their retirement home.
And what a retirement they had.
They were very fortunate.
I feel I am also.
Now that I'm here.
In this little home.
But it's not a free ride.
There are always chores to do.
Scrubbing the roof with moss killer.
Painting the trim.
Mowing the lawn.
Raking the leaves.
Things that need repair and replacement.
New electric breaker switch panel: $5,000
New water service line: $1200
New gas water heater: $2,100
New furnace control panel: $900
New roof on shop: $800
New bathroom sink: $275
At night, in the winter, when the furnace kicks on,
I smile.
Thank you Mr. Furnace I say.
Thank you for keeping me warm.
There's a 3 generation family of racoons who live in the big Cedar tree in front yard.
Gotta co-exist with the animals I say.
They need a place to lay down their heads too.
Fruit trees in the backyard: apples, they're called Transparents.
Great for making apple sauce.
And a pear tree, a few peaches on another, rhubarb, and even a couple of raspberries.
Plus my wild English garden.
You should see it in the spring and summer.
Wow! What color.
Wild and ever evolving in all it's glory.
I sit out back and enjoy some sun while I look over my little kingdom.
My little house.
With the quirky cabinets my dad hand made.
Gotta know how to open some and close others.
That's if you want them to open or close.
A toy house.
My toy house.
I always say thank you to my parents for being so frugal and providing.
I always wondered where I'd end up.
And here I am.
My place of residence.
My toy house.
(Above drawing: toy_house_12x9_ink_on_paper, by Allen Forrest)