# My Little House by the Sea (Or: Wanna see my house?) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 27, 2003, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-little-house-by-the-sea-or-wanna-see-my-house/221293 "2003-12-27T19:47:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![whiterabbit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/cab0a1/32.png) [@whiterabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whiterabbit)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2003, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-little-house-by-the-sea-or-wanna-see-my-house/221293/21 "2003-12-28T18:35:16Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Johnny L.A. \* > \*\ ***whiterabbit** : I’m only about 27 books into the 100 Greatest Books series by [Easton Press](http://eastonpresscatalog.com/intro.asp), and I only have 16 of the Masterpieces of Science Fiction (plus the five _Lord of the Rings_ books). I had to suspend deliveries until after I’m employed. ☹ But I have a lot of other books on many subjects, hardcover or softbound. I can’t wait to get some shelves so I can get them out of storage! \*\* My books are mostly currently in storage and I need to sort through them and get rid of duplicates and stuff. I’ve been known to lose a book so I get another copy and bam! the old one turns up, stuff like that. One of these days, I’ll get around to it! I always wanted to live in a flat place so I could ride my bike around more easily. Now I do, but I have a car, and my bike needs a lot of maintenance before I can ride it again. I also need a new helmet. _sigh_ ---
**Author:** ![Carcosa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b3f665/32.png) [@Carcosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carcosa)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2003, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-little-house-by-the-sea-or-wanna-see-my-house/221293/22 "2003-12-29T03:50:50Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Johnny L.A. \* > **[li] Turn the big bedroom into a library;[/li]** I always wanted a private library with a fireplace and some overstuffed leather chairs with matching ottomans. Put my feet up, sip some wine, smoke a good cigar, and sift through my favorite books by a roaring fire. Personally, I vote for you doing the library thing first… and posting pictures of it. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![whiterabbit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/cab0a1/32.png) [@whiterabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whiterabbit)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2003, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-little-house-by-the-sea-or-wanna-see-my-house/221293/23 "2003-12-29T04:54:00Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Johnny L.A. \* > \*\*Neither I nor my roommate use it. (He filled it up to see if it worked once, right after he bought the house. Heck, I owned the house for three months and I haven’t even gone into the trailer yet; let alone the hot tub!) Anyway, what’s the fun of a hot tub without an SO? \*\* Well, geez, if THAT’S the problem with the the hot tub, I don’t have an SO either…😃 ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2003, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-little-house-by-the-sea-or-wanna-see-my-house/221293/24 "2003-12-29T05:45:50Z")
**Carcosa** : Nah, gotta get the garage for when my '66 MGB is restored. The body work almost done. (Actually, it’s been “almost done” for about six months. No idea when it really _will_ be ready for the next stage. :rolleyes: ) **whiterabbit** : So. You, ah, like salmon? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![MarkofT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@MarkofT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MarkofT)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2003, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-little-house-by-the-sea-or-wanna-see-my-house/221293/25 "2003-12-29T15:11:26Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Johnny L.A. \* > \*\*Here’s a list of what I would like to do with the house: > [ul][li] Get rid of the travel trailer and build a large garage;[/li][li] Turn the big bedroom into a library;[/li][li] Replace the board fence with a stone wall;[/li][li] Replace the wooden gate with a nice electric one;[/li][li] Get one of those old-fashioned cast-iron post boxes to replace the standard-issue “bread loaf” box;[/li][li] Install a cobblestone driveway;[/li][li] Cobblestone the space between the fence and the street;[/li][li] Replace the concrete paths with cobblestones, and add another cobblestone path from the not-yet-existant stone wall to the front door;[/li][li] Panel the two smaller bedrooms (preferably with yellow cedar to match the livingroom and dining room);[/li][li] Fix both chimneys;[/li][li] Replace the ugly fireplace in the big bedroom with flat cranite to match the living room fireplace;[/li][li] Make a big-ass deck that runs the length of the house and extends to the end of the concrete pad in back;[/li][li] Move the hot tub to ground level, with access from the deck;[/li][li] Add a rock retaining wall about 12 feet behind the shed, and fill it with earth; thus adding a lot of usable space to the back yard;[/li][li] Get an old-fashioned long-handled water pump for the well (you can see the concrete basin that was used for the well to the right of the shed);[/li][li] Install stone walls along the side property lines;[/li][li] Put up a bridge from the back retaining wall I mentioned earlier to the road opposite;[/li][li] Clean the brush and some trees from the creek area behind the shed and plant something (the blackberries grow _everywhere_ here, and they easily get out of control – “Kudzu of the North”). [/ul][/li]Egads, I need to find a job! (Although I’d settle for winning the lottery. 😉 ) \*\* I would skip cobblestones for the driveway. They do not provided much traction for automobiles and while you only get dustings of snow as a rule you do have a really damp atomosphere and the cobblestones will be wet very often. Check with your local building authorities about filling in behind the shed or filling in the sidewalk area, it may not be yours. In Plano the city actually owns the space on either side of the road to the far side of the sidewalk. Of course the home owner is responsible for the maintenance of this city property. And the creek area may fall under wetlands protection and some people will get their nose seriously out of joint over filling in wetlands. ---
**Author:** ![whiterabbit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/cab0a1/32.png) [@whiterabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whiterabbit)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2003, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-little-house-by-the-sea-or-wanna-see-my-house/221293/26 "2003-12-29T15:25:29Z")
I ADORE salmon. I could live off of it! ---
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2003, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-little-house-by-the-sea-or-wanna-see-my-house/221293/27 "2003-12-29T15:44:56Z")
A veritable Hobbit Home! I love it! Perfect location, please tell me you Fish? ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2003, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-little-house-by-the-sea-or-wanna-see-my-house/221293/28 "2003-12-29T16:13:30Z")
**MarkofT** : I’m not planning to fill in the entire area behind the shed; just to the point where it drops off more sharply to the creek. (Or drainage ditch.) I asked about the strip between the fence and the road, and was told that that is my property. The back goes all the way to the other road. Yeah, you need to have permits up here. Of course I’ll get them before each project. The biggest problem is the garage. The trailer has three walls, then ends of which are on the property line. The exposed side of the trailer is also on the property line. Five-foot setbacks are required here, but the trailer and sheltering structure are grandfathered in. I’m hoping that if I leave the two supprting posts up, then that will count as “existing structure”. That will allow me a 15-foot-wide garage. Otherwise, I’ll only have a 10-foot-wide garage. WHen the time comes, the first step will be to have the contractor apply for the permit in the normal way. If it is denied, then I’ll try to get a letter from the neighbour saying he doesn’t mond. (The house next door is only used in the summer, and they really don’t like looking at that ugly trailer next to them.) **Phlosphr** : I haven’t been fishing since I was young enough to not need a license. But now that I’m in a target rich environment, I will be getting a license. Heh. Maybe I could convert the untility shed into a smokehouse. Mmmmm. Smoked salmon! (No, I’m not really going to convert the shed.) ---
**Author:** ![scout1222](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/34f0e0/32.png) [@scout1222](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scout1222)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2003, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-little-house-by-the-sea-or-wanna-see-my-house/221293/29 "2003-12-29T16:37:44Z")
Awesome place. Congratulations! ---
**Author:** ![cichlidiot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/5f9b8f/32.png) [@cichlidiot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cichlidiot)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2003, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-little-house-by-the-sea-or-wanna-see-my-house/221293/30 "2003-12-30T01:20:55Z")
Well, I really like it, looks like a nice neighborhood, too, from what I could tell in the pictures. Reminds me a bit of Seaside, Oregon, one of my favorite places to visit in the summer. SO or no, you _have_ to use the hot tub, what’s up with that? All those projects you have planned provide plenty of reason to use it, I’d think. One more envious person chiming in to say, Congratulations. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Gadfly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/aeb1de/32.png) [@Gadfly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gadfly)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2003, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-little-house-by-the-sea-or-wanna-see-my-house/221293/31 "2003-12-30T01:51:46Z")
Great place. I’m sure Cat loves it there. ---
**Author:** ![Carcosa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b3f665/32.png) [@Carcosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carcosa)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2003, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-little-house-by-the-sea-or-wanna-see-my-house/221293/32 "2003-12-30T02:21:11Z")
> [@](#): > > _Originally posted by Johnny L.A. \* > \*\* Nah, gotta get the garage for when my '66 MGB is restored. The body work almost done. (Actually, it’s been “almost done” for about six months. No idea when it really will be ready for the next stage. :rolleyes: )_\* Well, we all have our individual dreams. I want Halle Berry to show up on my doorstep with a tub of Crisco and you want an MGB that runs. Personally, I think my dream is the more reasonable, but I would not want to dissuade you from pursuing yours. Congrats on the house. Some of those pics remind me of the Ghost and Mrs. Muir – kinda like the look. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2003, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-little-house-by-the-sea-or-wanna-see-my-house/221293/33 "2003-12-30T02:33:05Z")
> [@](#): > > I want Halle Berry to show up on my doorstep with a tub of Crisco Really? I had no idea Halle Berry liked to bake. If I can entice her over to my place with a tub of Crisco, we’ll have to compare the results of our shortbread recipes. > [@](#): > > and you want an MGB that runs. Personally, I think my dream is the more reasonable Hey, now! MGBs are wonderful little cars! Okay, I’ll admit that I once had three of them, and usually only two were running at any given time… ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2003, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-little-house-by-the-sea-or-wanna-see-my-house/221293/34 "2003-12-30T02:49:13Z")
Looks fantastic, **Johnny** , can you post some pics of the seaside nearby? It’s always been my secret fantasy to live in a small, cozy house by the sea in the Pacific northwest. The smells of the trees just remind me of my childhood. I envy you, sir. **StGermain** , what part of the country is your place? Looks like it could be around here. ---
**Author:** ![Horseflesh](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horseflesh/32/7502_2.png) [@Horseflesh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horseflesh)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2003, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-little-house-by-the-sea-or-wanna-see-my-house/221293/35 "2003-12-30T02:49:54Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Johnny L.A. \* > \*\*Anyway, what’s the fun of a hot tub without an SO? \*\* Ya silly. DOPEFESTS! That’s what fun you can have. Or you can invite future SO(s) for after beach parties at your place. I am jealous of your new pad. Looks like you’ve found not only the perfect dwelling but a great location as well. Hope you spend many happy years there and good luck in the job hunt! ---
**Author:** ![misstee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/958977/32.png) [@misstee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/misstee)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2003, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-little-house-by-the-sea-or-wanna-see-my-house/221293/36 "2003-12-30T03:02:39Z")
Hot tub owner here. I like to be alone in mine sometimes. Sometimes it’s nice to escape from everyone and relax. Plus it makes for interesting phone conversations. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![TheLoadedDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/35a633/32.png) [@TheLoadedDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheLoadedDog)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2003, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-little-house-by-the-sea-or-wanna-see-my-house/221293/37 "2003-12-30T03:07:46Z")
**Johnny** , may I simply say that you are a complete and utter bastard. That will be all. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2003, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-little-house-by-the-sea-or-wanna-see-my-house/221293/38 "2003-12-30T04:30:35Z")
> [@](#): > > **Johnny** , may I simply say that you are a complete and utter bastard. That will be all. 😃 That’s **MISTER** Complete And Utter Bastard to you, mate! 😃 😃 (Although since you’re a friend, you can call me Right Bleeding. 😉 ) > [@](#): > > can you post some pics of the seaside nearby? I’ll see what I can do. I went for a short walk on the harbour today. As I said (somewhere or another), Drayton Harbor is a broad mudflat when the tide is out. **misstee** : I get bored alone in a hot tub. And I’d feel a little funny about hanging out in the tub with my roommate, another guy. ---
**Author:** ![Ms\_Macphisto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b487fb/32.png) [@Ms\_Macphisto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ms_Macphisto)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2003, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-little-house-by-the-sea-or-wanna-see-my-house/221293/39 "2003-12-30T04:56:51Z")
Very nice. I’m currently at my parents’ house in White Rock for the holidays, so I’ll wave to you from the deck tomorrow **Johnny**. ---
**Author:** ![whiterabbit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/cab0a1/32.png) [@whiterabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whiterabbit)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2003, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-little-house-by-the-sea-or-wanna-see-my-house/221293/40 "2003-12-30T15:38:13Z")
I also LOVE the Northwest. 😃 I’ve got family in Portland and around Seattle, so I’ve been up there fairly frequently. 🙂 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-little-house-by-the-sea-or-wanna-see-my-house/221293.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-little-house-by-the-sea-or-wanna-see-my-house/221293.md?page=3)