Our temporary housing has cable, some hundred channels, and two TVs. This is a huge change from our one Indiana TV that always had perfect PBS reception and occasionally three other channels.  Since I have made house hunting my mission I have had the TV permanently on HGTV. I thought of it as a way of doing my homework and figuring out the real estate market.  After three weeks of HGTV and house hunting I now have a bitter resentment for station. I have targeted my disillusionment toward three shows.

1) Holmes Inspection       I watched many episodes of Holmes Inspection and like to think it taught me to have a special eye for catching faults in houses that a realtor might overlook. I’m beginning to think that my realtor is getting frustrated at my constant mention of cracks, feeling the floors sloping, looking for multiple layers of shingles, correct plumbing connections, inspecting for tube and knob electrics, and smelling for mold.

2) House Hunters      Unlike House Hunters one does not find the perfect house after looking at three options. Also, rarely do the husband and wife agree on the perfect house. For example, the cuteness of a 1910 Tudor trumps practicality in my mind; poorly insulated windows, a bathtub located off the living room and a closet sized kitchen trump cuteness in Steven’s mind. (Steven won).

3) Property Brothers   I now know that when I have found the perfect house an interior decorator will not graciously decorate the entire thing nor will a contractor make all of the improvements needed to create a dream home, much less for free.

After looking at seventy some houses and having my hopes crushed three times as I thought I had found our Seattle nest I am moving on. My options are limited, I can’t find a house and my dear mother in law will not allow me to live under the Fremont Bridge, although it seems to be a popular location and allows dogs. I have exactly 20 days until Steven, Baker and I are kicked out of our apartment. I am now starting the apartment hunt. I am looking for an apartment that will accept an energetic dog with a mild bark problem and has room for a bit of storage for our hobbies; which includes nine bikes, camping equipment for all seasons, art supplies, and sewing necessities.