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Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety Jig

By
Industry Observer with Nature As Neighbors


Cheri and Bob with their grandson in North Carolina - October 2019

 

Our Multi-Gen home in Camas has been missing some family members. Last night, after a three month absence, my sister, Cheri, and her husband, Bob, arrived back home from their travel adventures.  They were exhausted after a nearly 14-hour day's drive. Therefore, after a few quick hugs, they retired to their home downstairs.

 

Tonight, we'll celebrate and treat them to a family favorite - home-made clam chowder. We can't wait to hear their stories of visiting many state parks, as well as friends and relatives scattered across the country. Cheri is especially fun-loving and entertaining, we know there will be a lot of laughter. 

 

Admittedly, Bernie and I are also excited to have some freedom back.  While mom is an easy lady to take care of, due to her age, we choose not to leave her alone. Therefore, we either had to take her along if we left the house, or one of us stayed behind. We're nearly giddy with the thought of going out - just the two of us. 

 

We understand this lifestyle isn't for everyone, but it certainly works for us at this stage in our lives.  Often, it's the emotional and logistical support that is so critical in the care of aging parents. It feels good to know Cheri and Bob are nearby again, ready to lend support and share in the responsibilities. 

 

We are the only real estate agents in Clark County, Washington who specialize in Multigenerational homes and lifestyles. 

 

 

Posted by


Debb Janes  Bernie Stea
Brokers/REALTORS®
Call or Text 360-608-4900

We help buyers and sellers in Camas, Washougal, Brush Prairie/Hockinson, Salmon Creek, Felida, and other Vancouver, Washington Areas. 


We bring our passion for nature and beautiful environments to Real Estate. Multigenerational and family estates, country land and homes, and small farmsteads are our speciality.


We agree with our clients, "The true luxury of rural living is having elbowroom for the soul.

 

Comments(17)

Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Great, Send me your clam chowder recipe sometime, mine is still missing something.  Have a fun day with them.

 

Nov 17, 2019 07:59 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Debb,
I think your lifestyle is awesome!  I hope more families gravitate to it in the future, as they did in the past. It just makes sense. But, as you say... it's not for everyone. Not every family is a good candidate for that kind of an arrangement. 

I hope you have a great time hearing Cheri and Bob's stories over clam chowder.   Happy Sunday!

Nov 17, 2019 08:15 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Hi Debb.... glad that you and Bernie will have some free time for yourselves now that Cheri and Bob are back home. I like reading about your "family adventures" in a multi-gen home.

In my case, we are the oldest, so I honestly can't imagine living with any of the kids or them being in our faces on a daily basis. Of course, we haven't even lived in the same cities for at least the better part of almost 40 years.

Nov 17, 2019 08:28 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hi Debb and Bernie - the giddiness and excitement for the return of family is certainly apparent in this post.  Here's to more happy adventures...at and away from home base.  

Nov 17, 2019 08:43 AM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning again Debb. I am happy for you and envy you to still have your Mom. I admire you too. 

Nov 17, 2019 08:48 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Debb,

I am so happy that you and Bernie will have time for yourselves now that Cheri and Bob are back.  I bet, they are happy to be home again..A

Nov 17, 2019 09:03 AM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

Debb. You know that I am happy for you and I know your Mom is an incredible woman that just amazes me @90+ years of age. I also know it is wonderful to have time for just the two of you. 

Nov 17, 2019 09:22 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Thanks all, I've got the chowder on the stove simmering - minus the clams and cream. They go in at the last minute. Will Hamm the trick is to let the basics simmer and sit most of the day - and the clams are tossed in at the last minute. I saute the onion, celery and potatoes (yukon golds)  in bacon ( chicken bacon ) at our house and add a splash of wine and sherry to the clam juice once the veggies are sauted.  I also add a bit of minced garlic after the onion and celery and potatoes are softened.   Right before serving I add the half and half, (first I take out some for my little pot of chowder, as I use coconut milk), add a bit of arrow root to thicken it ( not too much), and then finally the clams, as they get tough if they cook too long. Oh yes, the secret at the end is a pinch of saffron. ( Now, I'll have to kill you)  Lol 

Nov 17, 2019 09:27 AM
Carol Williams

That sounds incredible, Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD!

Nov 17, 2019 09:58 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

PS - be sure to serve the chowder with a crisp green salad, and a crunchy loaf of artisan bread for those who still break bread. My family does, minus me. 

Nov 17, 2019 09:31 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Debb,

So glad you shared the basic recipe, now I know why it is so famous.  Sounds like a glass or two of Prosecco would go well with this.  A

Nov 17, 2019 09:39 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Ron and Alexandra Seigel once again our minds are in sync. 

Nov 17, 2019 09:40 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Oh yum that sounds like a wonderful way to celebrate - calm chowde!  I hear you it's a big responsiblity taking care of an elderly person and I'm with you on leaving them alone. Soon you two can have dinner on your own at your favorite place!

Nov 17, 2019 12:20 PM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Good afternoon Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD - it may not be for everyone but it is a wonderful way for you and your mom to enjoy life together.

Nov 17, 2019 01:22 PM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I love how wonderfully your multi-gen setup works and how much love is shared between all of you!  I can tell that you have such a wonderful and loving family!

Nov 18, 2019 05:57 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

 Debb, you do share an interesting lifestyle, and nice to have your mom with you still!   Enjoy some time together now! 

Nov 18, 2019 07:20 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thanks for sharing your family stories and your Multigenerational home experience.

Nov 19, 2019 07:55 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Oh my goodness, how fun, Debb! Where in NC is your nephew that Cheri and Bob were visiting? I'm sure they were excited to share their travel stories over some yummy clam chowder after a good post-travel rest!

Nov 25, 2019 08:03 AM