Space

Having a little extra space goes a long way. When I bought this condo the I told the realtor that a yard for the dog was good and easy access was a must for my mom. She said "what about you?"
I'm like make those things happen and I will be happy. I saw my place online and called her immediately to say that I wnated to look at it. The pics of the inside were nothing but the outside was enticing even then.

Over time, as with the rest of the place, the appearance has changed. The mound of dirt covered with astro turf is now the beautiful area with small bushes (the good kind!) and vines. It is a haven for the birds and butterflies...and a few bees! Every year I plant a couple tomato plants and revel in fresh tomatoes. I haven't mastered the growth of the blackberry bush there to the right of the table but maybe someday. The hardscape has increased with hard labor and concrete blocks, not all even mind you but presentable all the same.

We did have resident gnomes when we moved in and felt it just wasn't right to bring in a new family so the only other garden creature is the pig/cat....he is open to interpretation and never offended. This year we have a huge umbrella which is very much needed in the California sun.

Overall I can say that I am happy with my purchase here, this is now my home. I made it that way, something of which I am very proud of. The "things" I surroound myself with make me happy because they are beautiful and serve a purpose. The people I have in my life are much the same except that they give back and that is something that a "thing" can't do.

PS; Beauty means more than outside appearance, beauty is a light that shines and warms everything around it.