Well, I got it! Hurrah! Contingent upon it appraising and the home inspection going smoothly, we have agreed on terms. I am outwardly calm and inwardly jubilant.

On Saturday I went over and walked around the outside and peered in windows (the people have already moved out). I also measured how far it is from the Bellevue railroad tracks (at least half a mile, with plenty of houses between us).

The rundown: three bedrooms, 1.5 bath, 1405 sq. feet, two-story, fireplace, big living room, and, what really sold me on the place, is this little "breakfast room" off the kitchen with hardwood floors. It's just big enough for my ice cream table and chairs.

This is a historic occasion for me. My entire life has been lived in rental houses. Mom and Dad didn't buy until after he retired and I had gone on to college. I'm nervous and excited.

Whooohooo!!!!!!