Friday, February 13, 2009

BH to HB: A Pictorial

Our old West Hollywood dining room. We don't have one anymore. 
Our bookcase, oddly enough, this is what I miss the most. Now all of our beautiful books are in boxes. 

Our old hallway. 
Our new Hallway in the Airstream (still haven't thought of a name for her).
Our old bedroom.
Our new bedroom, and there is only room for the bed. (My mom made the quilt for our us as a wedding gift).
Our old kitchen.
Our new kitchen. And yes, I know we are not supposed to use a Coleman stove inside, but we have good ventilation and Ed and I don't care if we die from carbon monoxide, it sounds like a painless exit. Also the stove that came in the Airstream doesn't work, we can't even figure out where to light the pilot, and we needed something.
The fridge that was in the Airstream, it didn't work and we pulled it out. We think it was the original, making it 34 years old.
The space left behind when we pulled out the fridge.
Our new-improved system of mini-fridge, mircowave and toaster. 
We'll post more when we finish the bathroom area. It's so hideous right now we can't even look at it really. Nuff said.

12 comments:

  1. I like the way your red toaster and red microwave are both red.

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  2. hi how are you
    i just know you from google
    can we be friends

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  3. i wish i would have been able to see the new place well the last new place!

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  4. Hi: just saw your story on CNN and was intrigued by it. Also thinking of ways to retire earlier. Just wondering if your Airstream can be lived in during winter and to what low of a temperature?
    Best of luck with your new lifestyle....

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  5. Actually, Airstreams are engineered extremely well. They are designed to withstand cold temperatures down to -20 Farenheit. They are completely insulated below the floor, walls and ceiling. The quality of these trailers is unsurpassed, but they are expensive to work on. However, if you plan on keeping the trailer and maintain it, it should retain all its value and even appreciate over time. Keep in mind that there is not much room to move around though. We have removed a lot of the extraneous furnishings and we are customizing the interior. The acoustics are very good, it's quiet. Also, there are many windows that help lighten the place up. We plan on keeping it for as long as we can. Feel free to keep asking questions and good luck.

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  6. I love your blog!!! I'm a lifelong city girl, and I can't imagine moving into a trailer and taking care of farm animals, but at the same time it sounds so much more peaceful than my current life (living in an overpriced studio, dealing with packed subway trains and rude people day in and day out... and yes, I'm a New Yorker). I think I'd rather deal with a goat than most of the people in the street LOL.

    Keep up the great blog!

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  7. Put that stove outside on a table and cook before you make yourself sick. We lost power and heat here in Kentucky three weeks ago ( with temps. at 12 degrees) and there were a number of people killed using those indoors. It took one week for power and heat to be restored within the cities but the counties are still out in places. So be careful with those things.

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  8. We bought ourselves an electric stove and have taken the propane one out. We still use it outside. But the little electric one doesn't get very hot, and it takes a long time to boil water. but oh well.

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  9. Greetings,
    Obviously, you will use your new life style as a chapter in your survival guide. which perhaps you should write for those future survivalists who choose to live this kind of life ! Always remember that we make choices, and change is the operative word. Indeed, even though, at times, it may feel as though, you are stuck there ! You can get out whenever you wish ! Remember what William Shakespeare said over four hundred years ago: "To Thine Own Self Be True"! Don't compromise your health, safety and welfare because you think it is your only choice, because it isn't !! Be Well, Stay Safe, Frank McR...Sacramento, California

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  10. I am loving reading your blog and can hardly wait to see some more pictures of the renovations! I've often fantasized about purchasing an airstream and leaving the rat race behind. Unlike you I am still in a tiny apartment in the Los Angeles area. Trust me, you are not missing anything here!

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  11. Leah,
    Once you and Ed really get into it you will see your potential and all the possibilities. This time next year the airstream might be a beautiful area for out of town guests.
    Are you and Ed familiar with DWELL magazine, it's all about building both here and internationally.Go to their web site or buy a copy next time you are in Portland or have a friend send a copy from LA.
    Did you design your web/blog spot?
    The comments you are receiving should help you realize that this new situation is going to be a challenge but well worth it. As you know from the comments received many,many people are willing to help you and are also just a little envious of your new-found position.
    I will finish reading your writings which I am
    enjoying and perhaps I will hear a short reply from you.
    M still stuck in Texas(but not for long)

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  12. My husband and I are Airstream owners also. We hope to one day do what you were forced into oing, living in it full time. I saw where you joined the air forums. On there you will meet a lot of people with a wealth of knowledge. If your husband, or father-in-law are good with tools, its not very hard to make a "gaucho" or couch that will fit up front to get you off the floor. Some even build a dinette up front with storgae underneath. Im sure someone on there can also tell you how to light the pilot light on the stove or check to see if it even works. As for the bathroom, we sanded our tub and sink down with fine sandpaper and painted it with Krylon paint from Lowes. It adheres well and looks nice. We havent had any problems with it. Good luck on your venture.
    Tammy aka Silver Threads (air forums)

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