I do not know the Joneses so how can I be expected to keep up with them?  I must confess I really do not want to meet them either. If they are the folks that are creating the pressure for everyone else to keep up with them then thanks very much, but no thanks…give me the Smiths or the Wilsons instead.

As I was briefly reading through The Forum online today one of those pesky HomesHQ ads caught my eye and I felt obliged to look at the cute little house that was listed. Thirty minutes later I was still looking at houses of all shapes, sizes and expense. In some cases it causes one to be very grateful for the house one has. In other cases it causes some degree of desire for a new, bigger and ostensibly better house (I am sure the Joneses live in such a house). On a Saturday that is expected to be quite pleasant and filled with a plethora of open houses, that desire can be dangerous.

It is always nice to get a peek into the way other folks live though. One man’s shack is another man’s castle they say. My house is not all that big, nor is it all that small…as Goldilocks would say, “It’s just right”. But still there is the lingering thought that perhaps there is something that is more right out there…some house that I will love more and be more content in.

My parents were in the same house for decades and when they finally moved out it was to an in-laws house in the backyard (my sister bought the house). I find great comfort in those memories that have continuity of house. I can still tell you with great detail all the ins and outs of that house and more importantly the memories I have of it as a home.

They say a home is created by the people in it, but I do think that there is something good about having a history built in one house as opposed to many. A home is filled with memories that are made more special by the fact that they are layered over years and decades…it goes beyond continuity of house and moves into a sense of place – a sense of home – however humble.

I have been in a number of houses throughout the years, but now I am in my home and I remind myself of that as I look at all the bright shiny houses for sale that seem bigger and better. Ultimately, home, whatever it happens to look like, is better than the allure of additional square footage, walk-in closets (gulp…yes, I said it), and sunrooms. At some point the choice should be made to settle in and nest so that you can look around at the wear and tear of kids and pets and smile at the memories. So no open houses for me today – my home is my castle…replete with a princess, king and queen (who sometimes also plays the role of fire-breathing dragon) – keep up with that Joneses!

Day one hundred and twenty-five of the new forty – obla di obla da

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