House Warming in Black and White

The are over and I've been going through major withdrawls. No one is on my TV swimming relays, running long distances or winning gold medals anymore and I'm sad. My kids, who last week gave me a high-five when they heard my Olympic-themed ringtone, now just give me a pathetic little smile and shake their head. As if to say, "Oh Mom, the Olympics? That was so last week."

Or maybe they look at me like that because they know the phone calls are from me. I keep calling myself simply so I can hear the ringtone.

Pitiful. 

Just when I thought there was no hope of pulling myself out of my Olympic-sized depression, I drive down and catch sight of the most phenominal Victorian house! True, the house itself is beyond beautiful, but it's the paint job that make me stop and take notice. It's whimsical, but not in a tacky or garish way. Somehow the owners made black and white paisley exterior house paint look both sophisticated and fun. It doesn't take away from the architecual ellements in the slightest and actually, I think it's quite stunning.

I immediately pull over and knock on the door hoping to ask the residents a few questions. I slyly look down, half expect a gnome to answer the door. Or at least, someone wearing a cape. But alas, no one was home.

No matter. I am instantly pulled out of my funk and pull away from the house in a crazy good mood. Glad that once again, Alameda is the reason for  

Now, if awesome houses only had a ringtone I could download...