moving day, part deux.

after following ben for what seemed like days and it was only 45 minutes, and noting the exact location of st. caterine of siena roman catholic church, we arrived in front of his new home. it was an old victorian, built in the 1800's. the outside impressive; inside? even moreso. in too many ways to enumerate here, so all i can do is post a few pictures i took.

there was picket fencing that had been taken down so the guys could help the landlord get the yard back into some control - great amounts of ivy, everywhere, and to the left of the house, the biggest andromeda tree i had ever seen. there were hygrangea bushes and trumpet vines, morning glories and irises that had long since bloomed and spent themselves. mike was particularly fond of these - they are "spike-y" - and can't wait for them to appear again next summer. they are desirous of building an outdoor bricked cooking area, however, i cautioned them to (a) seek permission from the landlord; (b) talk things over with the local fire company before they begin. there may be variances and such needed. (no, it has nothing to do with recklessness on behalf of the boys, i can assure you!!)

inside told a completely different story. so many stories, in fact, words will simply be inadequate to describe what met my eyes when i walked in. picture this: totally victorian, flowery wallpaper and carpeting - all different, every room - accented, of course, with grateful dead throws and pictures of sir jerry garcia adorning the wall at the entryway of the kitchen, right next to their impressive bar that undoubtedly held more vodka bottles than the liquor store up the street.

ben excitedly took me upstairs to show me his room. for the sake of his privacy, i opted to take a shot of the hallway from the top of the stairs - i believe the hallway is perhaps about 3' wide, give or take an inch. note the lovely wallcovering.

his room is interesting: again, for the sake of their privacy, i am only going to show you the lovely gargoyle candlestick holder against the floral wallcovering. no need to discuss the obvious fire hazard.

next shot is of the room that is unoccupied; again, for your ease of wallpaper reference, remembering this is a "fraternity" house.

my son is as happy as a clam, i could never imagine him being happier in his circumstances. may God pour His abundant blessings down on him and his friends as they live together, grow together and most assuredly, learn together.