The Downside of the Hilltop

I really shouldn't complain about where our house sits.  We have a beautiful view that includes part of San Francisco Bay.  But if I were to sell this house, there are a few things I'd be sure to tell the new owners.  Living at the top of a hill has its drawbacks.

Kids have to play differently here.  We had a firm rule:  No balls in the front yard.  They still talk about the beloved Barbie ball that got loose and was never seen again.  Once it started bouncing away there was no hope of catching it.

Kids can't ride bikes here.  Too steep. Too many cars whizzing around blind curves.  No shoulders on the roads.

We've had to replace the brakes in our cars.  More than once.  Not cheap. 

It's not a neighborhood for walking.  Unless you're a fan of mountain-climbing.  So the kids only have a few friends close enough to walk to easily.  And no walking to and from school.  With their instruments and heavy backpacks, the hike up the mountain would just be too much.

Very few trick-or-treaters come around.

But with all of it's drawbacks, I still love this house.  It's fun to look down on the fog below some mornings.  It's fun to watch the big ships and little sailboats move through the bay.  It's fun to see deer all over the neighborhood.  So I'm grateful.  Just don't ask me how grateful I am the next time the car has to go in the shop.