There's no place like Home

It was January of 1981.  Samantha was little.

Helen and I were both selling real estate and the housing market had crashed.  Our national economy was suffering through a deep and prolonged recession. Inflation was at 14.8% and unemployment was edging toward its peak of 10.8%.  Many banks had closed their mortgage departments while those that remained open were quoting interest rates of 18.5% for a 30-year home mortgage.  There was no relief in sight.  We were broke.  With more bravado than sense, Helen and I decided to buy a new house.

Actually, it wasn't a "new" house at all.  Built in 1918, it had been neglected for years.  The electrical system was a hodge-podge of 8 fuse boxes hidden in various rooms throughout the house.  When in the mood, some of the galvanized plumbing sorta worked.  It had no storm windows.  It was so drafty that we wore coats inside.  Even so, we loved it.  It was beautiful.  Solid, strong and stately.  The roof was tile.  It was brick tough.

The woodwork was massive and gorgeous.  Each stained-glass window was a piece of art.  It was real.

We moved in on March 3, 1981.

Now, 30 years later, it is more than a house.  It is Home.  Sure, it still needs lots of work.  It always will.  But it is Home.  Home to us. Home to Samantha.  And Home to countless family members, friends, exchange students and other basement dwellers.  Thank you, and Happy Birthday, to our wonderful Home.  You really are

Home Sweet Home.

Thank you to all of the electricians, plumbers, roofers, painters, and other craftsmen who have helped us these past 30 years.  Thanks also to our wonderful neighbors who have made living in Potwin so much fun.  And, a special thanks to Oma and Opa for letting it happen.

There's no place like Home.