Last updated June 5 2025
Chapter 30
House & History
Marlene liked to say that she had to start over many times and that included a house. So very important to her as it was much more than a roof over her head but also a place to entertain, receive family and friends and a source of great pride with never ending improvements and upgrades.
While she always wished to have a larger home and a newer home, time made her realize to be grateful for what she had. The various improvements helped immensely such as covering up the previous puke green coloured siding with white, new bathroom and more recently a kitchen upgrade.
I used to refer to her as the nice lady that lived in that small white house on Crandall St and that helped her viewpoint as well and made her smile. As I had rented all my life mostly, I was somewhat oblivious to any faults with the house that she would have noticed. I saw it as a home which turned out to be the only long-term location I stayed at since leaving home at 18.
I understood her strong wish for something bigger and better but also understood our age and financial requirements as retirement was already on the horizon. I understand my views were limiting but not unlike Marlene, I had my own fears which resided in the aspect of security having witnessed my own mother’s struggles growing up particularly as it relates to housing.
I’ve included a few photos for historical purposes mainly, but it will be forever known as that small white house where that nice lady resided.