Back to a More Restful State

All is once again at peace on the Pacific coast. I can sit on my early-morning balcony and range without inner turmoil back and forth from the distant past, the lovely present, and the relatively immediate future – ie, the next few months. This week we struggled alone and together: with our real estate agent, with the buyers of 2B Croydon Rd, with their lawyer, and with the home inspector, to flesh out a final decision regarding the exchange of funds for that property. There were problems related to the city’s possible claim to the front section of the lot and with some work not done entirely as ordered by our construction team. Oh the vagaries of property development! But happily, never again. As Dorothy Turner wisely said to us a couple of years ago, we’re getting too old for this kind of gig. As of yesterday afternoon all has been settled. The deal will close on March 21 and we will be moving shortly before that date.

Looking at available rental spots in the Annex area, of which there are few at the moment, Mark and I clearly had diverse ideas about where to go next. He was looking forward to a nicely put together building with an elevator and underground parking. For my part, location was of the essence. And optimum location for me was without doubt as close to Bloor St between Spadina and Bathurst as possible! These are pretty strict parameters but they were satisfied when I came across the second and third floor apartment at 278 Major St. Sight unseen I loved and craved it. My friend Roz and her sister went to look at it for me and pronounced it a very good place with a couple of caveats: no washroom on the third floor loft/master bedroom, and, relatively steep stairs leading to same. No matter, I wanted it. If you wish to see it for yourself you can look (for the next few days only) on mls.ca at the number C2770670.

So part of this week’s struggles were between Mark and me as I moved forward to secure Major St. and he looked again and again on line to find something else that could suit us both. He wasn’t able to come across anything that I hadn’t looked into, however. There were places available on main streets (too much traffic) or in basements (not on your life) or too close to Dupont (been there, done that) or in high rise, rental apartments over by Avenue Road. I considered briefly going along with the latter just to have peace but it felt depressing to me – hard to explain. I think that in the next couple of years it is likely that we will buy another place in the area, possibly a condo (despite the terrible maintenance fees). In that case we will have a lot more choice, and we will have options to fix up the place to suit ourselves.

Our “struggle” over this immediate plan wasn’t fraught with overt fighting; twice we had “WORDS” about it; mainly we both just kept on with our own desire and direction until it became clear that my feelings about this issue were the stronger. That is usually the deciding factor in issues that arise between us. OK, no elevator – but our legs can still handle a few steps (we climb up to the 9^th floor via the stairs most mornings after our malecon walk); OK, no street parking – but we won’t be there during the winter when parking problems mostly occur. BUT: we will have a lovely, unusual space with our own deck at the back, with balconies in the front, a huge bedroom, a fabulous location with close-by grocery stores, book stores, Shoppers Drug store, banks, restaurants, subways in both directions, the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema, AND, an on-site washer/dryer – not to be had in a rental building! Such all-around happiness! Yesterday Mark acceded to my wishes with little fanfare, acknowledging that it will work and we will be fine. We are now considering furniture needs and arrangements.

After all the sturm und drang of the week, we sat at the edge of the beach last night watching the most beautiful sunset since our arrival. A couple of guys cavorted in the enormous waves in their t-shirts and shorts, having a hilarious time being battered almost senseless. A sail boat moved against the glow of the setting sun. We had a drink, took some photos (which I will post on www.puertovallartaphotos.blogspot.com soon), and relaxed in the glow of house sold and future residence solved. Back to the ease and joy of living in this particular piece of paradise. 

I am posting tonight earlier pictures taken of the malecon in the late afternoon.