Saying Goodbye to Winter

The time has come for us to leave our tiny nest in Tucson and make our way back to Washington State. I haven't posted to my blog in a very long time, so I haven't written about the micro house we bought in March of 2023. Based on our very first impression of the house, we christened it Remnant Ranch.

Why Remnant Ranch? I was deeply disappointed when we were unable to buy a winter home in the Texas Hill Country. That is what we set out to do. I was so certain it was supposed to happen. I had constructed quite a fantasy in my head~ a smallish 50s-built structure with original wood floors, on about one-half acre~ a total fixer, of course, because that's just what we do. And the house would be enshrouded by Mesquite trees. I would paint the house, outside and in, with Magnolia paint True White. Shiplap interior walls would complete the vision. I would have my dream of owning a white farmhouse in Larry's home state. I could wear jeans and tee shirts and sport a cowboy hat, and drink Americanos at the local espresso hangout. And when the Texas heat began to render outdoor life unbearable, we would head home.

My plan was not to be. Larry felt the town I loved was too far from home and much too inaccessible for family. Probably the kicker was that the only house I was able to find in our price range was lacking a well. In other words, no running water. Was that such a big deal? But obviously, Larry's wisdom prevailed, although I didn't go down without a fight.

But here we are in Tucson, another cowboy town, in a once wild-west state. We have a ranchy park model home in an amazing location. We can walk to Trader Joe's, Starbucks, the Vet, PetSmart, Walgreens and a zillion restaurants. And down the road is Costco and Target. We have one huge mesquite, a corner lot in a mobile estates, actually the best lot in the entire park. Lots of lovely trees and verdant desert-tolerant landscape. 

And I mean it when I say tiny. 400 square feet. That translates as a living room, a kitchen, a bay window for dining, the bathroom, and our bedroom. 

And unlike many who reside here, we have the coveted laundry shed, a small outbuilding that houses our washer and dryer and my craft space. 

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Okay, so maybe I didn't get everything on the dreamboard; not even close. But what we did get is a cocoon in a beautiful winter climate. We have just enough room for the two of us plus Aki, our pup. And because I'm a serial decorator, I have many projects that allow me to express my taste and creativity, and my dearly beloved to work alongside me. Best of all, we bought well within our means; all the fun without the stress. And one of Larry's best friends of 60+ years lives in Tucson as well. 

The first year, we only lived here one week before leaving for home. Believe it or not, I painted the entire interior in about 3 days. The next year, we were here for 3 months, and in 2025, we weren't able to come down at all. But we've accomplished so much inside in so few months here. I know the exterior is screaming for a makeover, and we hope to be back in November to work on it. But temperatures have soared into the 90s, and that is way too hot for me. So we will hit the road in two days.

My next post will include a nice array of interior photos you won't want to miss. Stayed tuned.

Until we meet again, happy trails!

~Dana