"It's going to be just like Christmas!" people said about the archeological adventure of moving my belongings from two storage units, Mom and Dad's house, and Laural's basement. Opening all those boxes and rediscovering the possessions that had been packed away for a year might have been like a holiday...if my idea of a suitable gift included a liquor box stuffed with pantyhose and orphaned socks.

It's been a week now sinces James took my hand and announced solemnly, "Well, Cathy Belben, my work here is done," loaded up his borrowed tractor and drove away, leaving me and Frida watching from the driveway of my now complete home. We are ensconced comfortably in the abode I've come to think of as The Nap Castle (after my fondness for naps and also because I can take one in nearly every room)--and by "we," I mean me, Frida, occasionally Kosha, and of course, Andale, who tolerates our presence.

Among the surprises of home ownership and residence in The Nap Castle is that there really aren't that many surprises. This is exactly the house I wanted to build and live in. This nighborhood is the place I want to come home to at night and walk my dog(s) around during the day. The people whose houses border mine are the people I want to greet, help, and gossip with. My only disappointments are that the on/off switch for the garbage disposal is too far from the sink and that black granite countertops are, in fact, hard to keep clean (I can hear you out there, people, you and your "I told you so's.")

I was fortunate not to have to invest in loads of new furniture--just a couple of beds for the guest rooms--and have spent more time and money on decorations, specifically art. My friend R.R. "Randy" Clark (a.k.a. Fishboy) has contributed two pieces so far--one with the lyrics from a Twineman song, and the other a three-dimensional art box "peep show" that continues on with my boobie art theme. He's also currently finishing a piece which combines my love of thrift stores, words, and humor.

The only way for you to see these (the cat, the dogs, the house, the art) in their full glory is to come on over. I won't even charge you--which is not the case with guests of my in-the-process-of-being-established bed and breakfast business (more on that at another time; suffice to say that I have two rooms, am currently advertising on Craigslist, and have some guests booked for this weekend!)

The house is done. The grass seed is planted. And this blogger is going to devote herself to some other writing pursuits (perhaps a collection of essays on how to get back in shape after a year of random, occasional workouts and restaurant meals). My work here is done.

This Has Been a Sycamore Woodworking and Building Production

Featuring...
James Bradbury, Contractor, and His Able Assistant, Jon Orange Supported in their roles by Jennifer Bradbury and Melissa Orange.
Gretchen Van Dusen, Set Design
Paul and Susan Belben, Executive Producers
Laural, Tom, Noah, and Dana, Props and Wardrobe
Diane Blake, Spiritual Advisor

Pippin, Nicky, Millissa, Aimee, Cameron, Herb, and anyone else at BEHS who put up with me and my scatteredness and occasional meltdowns over house-related chaos this year

Paula Wlaznak, Color Quality Control and Kitchen Design
(Remember how when you were a kid there was always that one friend's house you loved hanging out at because they had better food or a cooler car or whatever? Well, in my world, that was Amy's house...and it has extended long beyond just fourth grade. Her mom, Paula, has been welcoming me into her life and her kitchen for 30 years, despite my many attempts to corrupt her daughter. Highlights this year have included celebrating Paula's birthday on the beach in Puerto Vallarta and tapping her design-savvy brain for ideas about the house.)

John and Amy Boyle, Craft Services and Travel Consultants

(In the real world of Hollywood, Craft Services is the amazing spread of food and treats provided on set for the cast and crew. In my world, it's the people who open their homes and refrigerators, their backyards and guest rooms for me when I need food/shelter/a moment of puppy-free peace and provide me with hijabs when I'm having a bad hair day.)

Art McKinnon, Floor Manager
Art is aptly named. His ideas for flooring and tiling were creatively designed and beautifully implemented, and he was patient with me when I kept referring to Travertine as "tetrazzini." He and his crew installed the wood floors, slate in the bathrooms, entries, and shower, and tiled the baths. I am so excited by the use of natural stone and colors that feel northwesty and yet, still warm.

Ann Martin, Lighting (Village Lighting)
John Major, Painting

whoever the guy is that loaned James the tractor
Andy, Fred, Kathleen and the Crew at Buyer's Market