Wondering where I’ve been? I’ve spent the last month on an air mattress in Old City. Furniture is on the way thanks to holiday sales, and my new home should be fully furnished by the end of the year.
Fifteen years ago I moved from Old City to Center City. I enjoyed most of my time in that part of town, less so lately, but have always missed aspects of my time at Bridgeview: the neighborhood, the access to the river, and most of all my deeded garage parking! Now I have all those things again, and that also includes a second bedroom that I intend to use as a guest room for my far-flung friends–or even not-so-far-flung friends who may be more amenable to a city visit if a late night does not mean a late trudge back out to the burbs.
More to come about why I chose to stay in Philadelphia and my plans–MODEST plans–for renovation. I’m keeping this post short and focused to avoid the writing paralysis that has me just now telling more than a handful of people about all this. Attached are some pictures from the MLS ad and a timeline from the trigger–my new job–to my soft move-in.
Gallery
Just across the street — Elfreth’s Alley 
Timeline
19 June — I start house hunting the day after I start my new job.
15 Aug — I make an offer on an apartment at Locust Point but don’t reach agreement.
20 Aug — My offer on another apartment at Locust Point is accepted the same day.
02 Sept — Hurricane Ida floods Locust Point and I terminate the agreement.
25 Sept — I make an offer on an apartment in Old City.
28 Oct — After last-minute lender drama, I close on the apartment in Old City.
30 Oct — I move in my computers, some folding desks, and an office chair.
31 Oct — I spend my first night in the new apartment.
29 Nov — I finish a multi-day frenzy of furniture shopping.
01-30 Nov — I eat, sleep, work, nap, drink coffee, game, and wander aimlessly in OCD.