Brighton, The Ski Joint That Cares

Okay, I've been browsing the local resorts ever since we had a good snow yesterday, jonesin' for a ski fix and a good deal, when I came across this little tidbit: Brighton Resort in Big Cottonwood Canyon above SLC, is offering $15 lift tickets on the 10th and 17th of this month, as part of Quad Wednesdays. The catch? Bring a blanket, hat or pair of gloves on the 10th to donate to the Road Home Homeless Shelter, and on the 17th bring a non-perishable bag of food for the Utah Food Bank. Isn't that a great holiday idea? You get to feel good about doing unto others while you're doing good for yourself. I definitely will be out there next week, especially since the Wasatch just got a 10-day snow forecast that should leave us with plentiful powder. So if you're going to be in the area, check out Brighton: http://www.brightonresort.com/

Things Are Starting To Look Up

At least on the purchasing end of our journey. We have a binding contract on the 28th St house, with escrow closing on the 12th of next month. The rush to close is necessitated by R's work schedule, he'll be very busy the rest of this year, as his carrier prepares for their move. He is supposed to be off the ship before the move, so at least he won't have to fly back from overseas. But the really good news is that the sellers signed an agreement to repair anything mandated by the VA appraiser or lender, which means there shouldn't be any obstacles to closing on their end. No repeats of 26th St nightmare, yay! Our inspection is scheduled for next week, I have my fingers crossed that nothing wacky turns up. And of course now is when we have to finish packing, cleaning, painting, requesting leave, reserving a truck & lodging, getting quotes for carpet and pest control for the apt. Lots to do before closing day!

Another Day, Another House

Hmm. Well, this next prospect is certainly thought-provoking. It's a 1923 brick bungalow on a tiny city lot with a shared driveway, and the interior is a mixture of Craftsman details and 70's fugly. I really don't know what to feel about this house, part of me wants to try and save it, the other part thinks that its surroundings might not make it worthwhile. The seller is willing to make the necessary repairs to get us through escrow, and it is priced low enough to allow serious renovation, so we are somewhat tempted. Just to give you an idea of what I'm still trying to wrap my brain around, here's the 28th St bungalow with:

The Good

The Bad

And The UGLY!