Our contract fell apart and I decided not to resubmit. The stress of trying to purchase Honeycomb House from a bank who wanted a sale on their terms, period, and would not negotiate was taking a toll on all of us. In fact, since my discovery of Cicero’s extensive and restrictive Zoning and Nuisance laws, I’ve rejected Cicero altogether. Larger lots started to look very appealing after I spent some time planning how to wedge bees, chickens, a pitbull, vegetables, herbs and flowers on to a 25′ x 125′ lot with room leftover for my daughter to play.
We’ve been looking in Joliet. I’ve retitled the blog as though we have already purchased the house we found, but who can guess what will happen next. I’m open to making the best of whichever house we finally end up with without prejudice. The main thing is to live in a safe neighborhood, although I would like to avoid houses that have been “updated” at the expense of retaining any of their original architectural character.
The chickens are growing quickly and (thank goodness) I got a wonderful deal on a huge rabbit hutch to use as intermediate housing; it’s currently situated on our front porch (thank you, Craig’s List).
We’ve had only one homesick letter from the Chicken Whisperer; she mainly spoke of the many marches that were part of the daily routine at camp and the raising and lowering of flags. It’s been over a week and I have to admit that I am missing her. I’ll be picking her up this Saturday, though, and surprising her with not only the hutch, which will one day house a bunny for her, but also an incubator. If we are able to keep our little rooster (I pray that he won’t be loud), then we’ll have fertile eggs from our little bantam Easter Egger, Henrietta (who has a face like Gonzo from the Muppets). If not, I’d like to try our hand at hatching regardless. I’d like to add a Welsummer or two and a couple of Ameraucanas to our little flock.
This summer seems so long and yet is flying by so quickly. I hope to post here in the near future that we actually HAVE successfully purchased a home. Wouldn’t THAT be nice!
