January 13, 2007

Bellevue: Foiled by Ice

Now that I’ve reviewed a couple of condos (“Bright Light, Big City” and “Live Simply, Live Cozy, and Live Close to Town”) and have been researching the Bellevue condo market, it’s got me in a frenzy. Suddenly, home ownership seems affordable (relatively speaking, of course). And tending to roof repairs and yard maintenance just seems so…unpleasant. Instead, I’m drunk on modern kitchens and free exercise rooms. Little balconies and friendly encounters with your floormates in the elevator. Maybe I’ll see the down side, eventually, but right now, I’ve found a new love, and his name is condo.

I layered until I could barely see over my scarf and headed out to see an open townhome-style condo today. The snow was falling in big clumps, the way snow should fall but rarely does here. Few were out driving, and I made it to 139th Ave SE without incident.

The open house sign was still visible, though losing clarity as the snow accumulated. My heart warmed to think of these gutsy listing agents, holding their open house no matter how icy and snowy the weather. I turned left into the driveway leading to the complex and hit thick ice. I gave it a few tries but realized I couldn’t make it up the hill. Undeterred, I backed out and parked on the street.

If the car had troubles, my feet had more. I walked on the snow-covered lawn when the icy sidewalk became too treacherous. Still slick, there was a bit more traction here. I made it up the hill, only to see a left turn with a long downhill ahead of me. After about twenty feet and too many near wipe-outs, I gave up. I just couldn’t do it. Frustrated and disappointed, I headed back the way I had come. This time, I noticed that there were many dog poops under the snow on the grass. A good sign–the building must be pet-friendly (though the pets’ guardians weren’t being very responsible).

I looked in the rear view mirror as I drove away, and promised that I’d be back. Surely there will be another open house there, and I will see that condo. I’m on a mission now.