"Flora" (The Cherry Limeade Delight)--The 3rd Knock

The minute I saw this adorable house I thought it looked like Cherry Limeade. 

 The home's whimsical greenish yellow paint with  fire engine red accents are just the things that draw me in-like a moth to a flame.  The front yard has this great red bench with pillows, a sitting area  and a front porch with all the goodies!  I was feeling bold after visiting with  Ken at Mosswood so I rang the doorbell.  Jim answered and deferred me to his wife, Jill, who teaches school.  Jim heard me out and gave me Jill's cell number so I could effectively pester her instead of him.  Patience paid off and Jill emailed me.  After seeing their last name on Jim's business card,  I realized I had met Jill four years ago around the corner when her brother and sister-in-law were considering a  move to the Morton/Hollingsworth area.  I had a home listed and they had all come to see it and spent time visiting the home on a few occasions.  I liked getting to know this close knit family- liked them all right away; they were right up my alley..all with good humor and senses of humor.  The sisters live in the district and they wanted their brother to be closer also- it was really nice to see. 

So, I know them a little bit..you live here long enough, it will happen. 

Jim and Jill have owned the home for four years in June.  Three years ago Jill painted the house in it's current exterior deliciousness after inspiration from a photo in Better Homes and Gardens.  Asking Jill what she hoped people thought of their place as they happened by she said she hoped people thought of the house as alive and filled with fun & quirky people. (And that's exactly what I thought- well that and I wondered if they'd miss the bench if I tore away with it on top of the Camry). 

Jim & Jill have been married for 26 years after  meeting in Miami (even though they had gone to the same high school and graduated the same year!)  Twenty six years  have  brought the couple 3 children- 2 sons who are adults and a daughter just entering high school.  Homes with dogs have a special life to them and this home  has two Beagles- Kirby and Katie and an English Springer Spaniel named Bo  (who I had the pleasure of meeting on my visit). 

Like many homes in Lakeland who have longevity rights, this home has a name: "Flora" named by Jim and Jill because it was originally a floral and hat shop owned by a single woman named Alex Bradley.  Built in 1939, Jim & Jill are only the 3rd family to live in this house.

Among the loves Jill has for her home are the crystal door knobs- the reason why she wanted this particular home, the picture window in the living room, her office (which seems to be the hub of productivity and creativity) the kitchen counters and back splash and the possibilities.  There are things that Jill wouldn't mind changing about her home:  leaks, some windows and converting the attic into a studio.  Jill appreciates color, art,children,  girlfriend time  and history and would love to see divisive speeches, superior attitudes, oil spills substance abuse and honking horns go away.  (So many of us would second those thoughts!)

Jill mirrors what so many people say about her area of town:  "Life happens here daily.  We are close enough to everything to walk or ride our vintage bikes.  It's a close knit community, diverse and definitely not beige."

I chose "Flora" because it is pretty and fun.  I was glad to re-connect with Jill and prove again that the outside of a home is like the inside of a person.  Take a look at these pics--do you just want to die, or what?!?!  It's a great house and I bet it keeps the others on their toes!