La nouvelle maison de ma fille

In June, our daughter Andrea, husband Robert, and children, Jack and Ella moved into their first home. They never thought that they would be able to afford something in Los Angeles area close enough for Robert to commute to work in a reasonable amount of time, but when the economy tanked, they knew it was time to move. They purchased this home, a cute 50's bungalow in Arleta, California, not too far from the studios where Robert works. This house comes with a story. Robert and Andrea bid on some bank-owned homes without success, so they decided to send a letter and pictures of their family the next time they bid, letting the owner know how they really needed a house for their children to have a yard to play in and a place to grow. This home was being sold by the original owner, a 91 year old man who wanted the house to have the best owners. The letter did the trick. He accepted their bid.

The story continues, however. The previous owner was a widower, who went to his high school reunion and met an old girlfriend. They got married and decided to live part time in California and part-time in Roswell, New Mexico, where his new wife lived. His age being what it is, he decided the traveling was a bit much, so his house went on the market. After raising his family there it was very hard for him to let it go, as you shall see.

Come on in and take a look. Notice the interesting stained glass panels in the door which his daughter created many years ago.

Have you ever seen the show on HGTV, "If Walls could Talk?" about people who discover interesting facts about their home and the previous owners? Well, Robert and Andrea's new home "spoke" to them. As they entered they discovered sticky notes everywhere. Being young "whippersnappers", they apparently needed some information on how to take care of their new place. Here's a sampling:





This house not only came with instructions, but many items that a homeowner might need were left behind, from dishes and towels in the cupboards, to lamps, telephones, outdoor furniture, to a garage stocked with tools, and of course, the wine cabinet was full. The neighbors also welcomed them to the neighborhood with a bottle of wine. That's Hollywood. I guess, they don't have too many tee-totaling Mormons in the neighborhood.

The man who owned this home, was named Jason, but he should be nicknamed "Bob, the builder." There isn't an area (inside or out) in this house that doesn't have a cabinet, or cupboard added on somewhere. He built them all, including the kitchen cabinets. Well, it is time for the grand tour (and French lessons). Rollie took the pictures with a different kind of lens, so you are getting the version of what the house would look like to you if you were a fish.

Voici le salon:


La chambre de Jack et Ella:


La salle de bains de Jack et Ella.


La chambre de Robert et Andrea:


La cuisine: (In the closets are the washer and dryer. Next to the closets the computer desk, all built by owner.)

La salle de sejour:


Le jardin: Jack and Ella have a terrific yard to play in.
The owner left a list of all the rose bushes by name.

Le dejeuner dans le jardin! C'est "le fun."
Jack has a pool!

This little dove has moved her family in also. There are eggs in the nest that she protects while she observes the Fewkes family's activities. The basket hangs just outside the kitchen window.

Jack really didn't want to move. As Andrea would pack up his things, he would unpack everything, but with a little help from the Berenstein bears he made the transition.

Before the moving day, Jason, the owner, came over to their apartment, and brought them the floor plans of the house, layout of sprinklers, and other necessary information. Then he took a picture of them to remember the great family that is inheriting his labor of love. Over time, it will become a labor of love for Robert and Andrea. We are so happy they have a place to call home.