Wednesday, February 8, 2012

It Takes A Village: Jennifer

Just in case you haven't met all the people in my new village, let's review.

I was the first person to move in. You can read about my house here.
Then my friend Dotty (and her pet peacock) moved in.
Then Deborah (and all her Christmas stuff) moved in.
Today the final person, Jennifer, moved in.

Here's the thing about Jennifer. You know all the CC&R building codes? Can't paint your house this color....can't have a basketball goal in your driveway...stuff like that. It's kind of strange. Because in real life, Jennifer is a family nurse practitioner. So you can imagine all the rules she has to follow in that kind of a job! Maybe that's why she, hmmmm, crosses the line just a bit when it comes to her home. When the code in her old neighborhood didn't like yellow for the exterior paint, that's the color she chose. When they said it was too bright and wanted her to repaint, she told them to chill, that it would fade in the hot summer sun to a lovely shade of yellow. Her front door here is the brightest yellow she could choose.

She and Peter have two adorable daughters, and they wanted to a playhouse in the yard. So Jennifer and Peter got the cutest little playhouse for them. Code violation. Too tall, visible above the fence line, and they had to get rid of it. She and Peter built a three-story playhouse for the girls here (with a bright yellow roof). Because, as I mentioned before, the only enforceable code here is that we have to wear kerchiefs. All the time. I don't think anyone will complain about their vintage VW van either.
I had my own problems today with the city planners. I had just finished paving the roads in front of each house and  was planting a beautiful flower hedge around the whole housing development when the code enforcers (i.e., the quilt retreat challenge general rules) told me that I would be violating my allotted maximum perimeter. Rather than face a possible shutdown, requiring everyone to move out of these super cute houses, I adjusted my landscaping plans. I'm not as happy with the looks of things, but you know what they say: you can't fight city hall.
I'm linking up to Lee at Freshly Pieced. And I'm off to see what everyone else has been doing in the past week.

12 comments:

05 08
Katy Cameron said... #

ROFL, mean city planners!

Kris from Duke Says Sew What said... #

I know nothing about this challenge, but surely you will win!! What a great story! One of the most entertaining series of posts I've ever read!

Cindy Sharp said... #

Let's all move out into the country where there are no city planners.

randi--i have to say said... #

fun post! and wonderful blocks. i really love all of the fun details!

Deborah said... #

I'm thrilled to be a part of this neighborhood. I feel so at home!

Terriaw said... #

Nice to meet Jennifer too! I love her taste in color, especially for the outside of her house. She sounds like a lot of fun to hang out with. I can just imagine how people and city council would freak if we really did stuff like this on the outside of our houses. Makes me happy to see you create these wonderful stories!

Archie The Wonder Dog said... #

Lovely that Jennifer has moved in but it's a pity that the planners had to interfere in such a lovely neighbourhood!

DianeLoves2Quilt said... #

Houses are one of my favorite patterns to quilt and these are so vibrant, colorful and deliciously quirky. The story is the fun icing on the cake. I loved your post!

Doris said... #

I'm loving these posts, Cindy. very clever stories and what cheeky gals.

Carla said... #

This is the cutest thing! I think that you should run for office and get some of the city rules changed to allow yellow doors and siding, for starters. You always make me smile, Cindy!

beaquilter said... #

Hi I just awarded you a versatile quilters award here
http://beaquilter.blogspot.com/2012/02/versatile-blogger.html

Mama Pea said... #

Stop it! I mean,, seriously. I have so much fun reading these. Is this a pattern you are following? Or did you design it? I love rule breakers!