HFIM HOUSE history...Preparing for Thanksgiving!

When I first started the HFIM house,(Home for Impoverished Millenials) in 2017,

(Here's a little history) there were 14-16 single people sharing two large homes connected together. School debt and high living costs in Chicago caused them to form a co-op of sorts with everyone investing in two adjoining old houses and making the repairs and remodeling. In 2022 it was eventually sold. The two homes were separated and totally remodeled, the Millenial gang moved on here and there, and most made a bunch of money based on what they put in funds and time working on the repairs.

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Here's the original setup---minus three rooms in the basement that were the guys quarters along with the penthouse floor left upper.

The two houses are a Mattel Townhouse 2004  and a Victorian mansion (1992)

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Portrait of most of the girls.

The 8 girls Back LtoR: Monnie, Zoe, Raquel(changed to Richelle),Rory,Barbie, 

Vickie-close friend, Sindy, 

Bottom LtoR; Mulan, Lara-friend, and Belle

Missing: Elsa, Anna and Chelsea.

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The guys Back LtoR; Dr Ken, Patrick, Ken's twin brotherKevin-visiting,Danny, Aiden, 

Lower Ryan and Stewart. Missing is Nemo.

Residents were fluid as some left and new people came, always room for someone needing a place to stay.

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Main computer workstation where Sindy plans  menus and food costs. Dinners and Breakfasts, while everyone was responsible for their own lunch.

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Early Original Layout of townhouse and conjoined Victorian mansion before the new second  floor with the original cast in 2017. Three rooms on another lower level were the boys bedrooms and bath and storage.

 

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Many changes happened, here Monnie and Chelsea help Nemo install the new main room flooring.

November 11, 2025

 Story for the Year--2017. 15 Millennials ages 20-27 share a huge house and yard. Elsa is an exchange teacher from Sweden with her little sister, Anna. 

Dr. Ken, Barbie,(with little sister, Chelsea)  Raquel(now Richelle), and Ryan are the primary investors, the rest each put in their share of rent which covers living expenses and the repairs and everyone does clean up and assists in construction.

It is a few days before Thanksgiving and Sindy(a baker and in Culinary School) directs the kitchen.

The HFIM house was a-bustle. With lousy weather forecasted for the holiday weekend, these Chicago millennials were either working or sticking close to what was now their home in the HFIM house. 

Anyway...they are ALL family ----sort of. 

Only a few days away and the girl's are getting a 

heads-up on the prep for Thanksgiving.

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Barbie: I'm  using  the new mixer for cornbread muffins, (Sindy gave her tips and  encouragement.)

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Chelsea: We have plenty of butter and fresh corn for the muffins.

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Chelsea: I'll cut the apples for pies.

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Rory asked, "What else do you need from the fridge besides cream and eggs?"

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Sindy: "Just more butter for the extra stuffing. This is the last Turkey dish; a rolled Turkey breast with stuffing inside.We just need the veggies for the guys to roast."

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Doctor Ken: I'm getting ready to 'operate' on the grill. I'm in charge of roasting vegetables. What's that, Monnie? 

Monnie: Just the vegetables and some stock for gravy. I'm suppose to chill it outside before we make the stuffing.

Doctor Ken: It's really a bit balmy, you can use the ice in cooler over there. Hard to believe it is supposed to snow this weekend.

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Inside-Sindy: Thanks Monnie, I really needed the stock cool. Is Ken working on the veggies?

Monnie: He's got them on the grill right now.

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Later--Sindy: "There! The last turkey is  in the oven. We will be in great shape for Thursday, since everyone has to work the day before. You can never make big dinners too far ahead."

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Raquel and Belle folded napkins for the table. 

Raquel: If everyone extra comes Thursday, we will be over 22? Maybe we will have to eat in shifts.

Belle: I think the boys are working on that...a long table and adding an extension of some sort? Maybe we could use the picnic table? 

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Elsa: The centerpiece is lovely, Mulan. Lovely using wild things from the park and yard. In Sweden we use wheat, cranberries and apples for seasonal decorations, with many candles. At home, by today this three o'clock it is almost dark. They say, we have two seasons-Light and mostly Dark.

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Mulan: We have same, in Northern China, dark long time at night. This table needs some order, I mean organizing. Maybe we should wait for the party on Thursday to know how many?  Meanwhile, where will we eat?

(NOISE from the living room---another fumble or bad call?)

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Nemo:NOT FAIR! Bad call ref, bad call! 

Danny: HORRIBLE CALL, it was in! 

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What a crappy game....I smell food.

Ryan: The girls are cooking for Thanksgiving...all we have tonight is cold Pizza.

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Anyone up for Pizza?

A blown field goal, and the BOYS all groan! 

(to be continued )

The dolls shown were from my own collection or the Grand's collection as are the clothes, which are vintage, or made by myself. Occasionally, I falter and buy something new. (2017 remember). 

Thanks for visiting, and I'll be happy to answer any questions or comments. 

All the opinions and photographs on this blog are my own, unless otherwise stated. 

 I have not been paid or reimbursed in anyway for my opinions

 or products shown, or from where I shop. 

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Tuesday Turn About

Vintage Charm

PLEASE do not use photos without linking back to this blog without my permission. 

Thank you for your cooperation,

 Sandi Magle

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Story: Builder Manager and Designer Check the Building Site.

Russell the contractor for BMR does a walk-through with Lara Roberts(Manager) and Richele (Project Designer) to see the progress on the Townhouse.

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Richelle: That's a nice size closet for this bedroom.

Russell: The poles should go in tomorrow, we've been waiting on hardware and flooring mostly now.

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Lara: Lots of windows up here, do you have a plan for staging this room for selling?

Richelle: Well, desk for a home office by the closet, mostly just a bed and a comfy chair in that corner. Thought we would do lots of plants in this house with the window walls, flooding all these rooms with light.

Lara: The pink on that elevator has to go. Russell said they are going to box it in with some white panels.

Richelle: Good! I wanted it silver---but dismantling it in winter for spraying isn't an option.

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On the second floor the girls check out the new larger floor plan and the bathroom.

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Richelle: We have gray and white tile going in the bathroom. 

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Looks like they have the walls primed.

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Lara: At last the floor is going in...wow, this really makes this room useable.

Richelle: We are hoping to have sliding doors here to block off the sleeping area. 

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Russell: The doors will be sliders or folding---I have both on order, so whatever gets here first.

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Richelle: Oh, I know...I'm waiting on something for every project. We are still waiting on the fire-proof  flooring for the restaurant/bar in the GrandView.

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Lara: Where's the closet on this floor. 

Richelle: Just on your right on that wall. I had a custom cabinet made. The floors will be wide white/gray planking. The doors will go between these two posts. And a wall goes on my left.  

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Richelle: And behind us a seating area by the fireplace and shelves, and another work area? Everyone wants home workspaces now. So I have one planned for every floor.

Lara: Sounds good, let's go down stairs, Russell has the lights on down there now.

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Lara: Wow, this is amazing. The kitchen was always so crowded. 

Richelle: Yes, the addition doubles the space down here, it's a real Great Room now.

Russell: We are pretty much done down here, just some work on the exterior wall and some hardware and trim around the new ceiling.

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Lara: I love all the built-ins. We have to get the photographer over here so I can get something up on the website for a tease. The granite is gorgeous.

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Richelle: We're using the old HFIM house table and I found these benches at a church sale on the west side.  They fit perfect in here. I'm glad I left the table white.

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I have to take photos for staging: plants, books, and maybe some artwork on those shelves.

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Lara: I love that it goes so high up? Really gives the room some scale. Any idea on completion date, Mr. Pittman?

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Russell: If the weather holds and the shipments all show up--we are scheduled to be done end of next week. But I can tell you more by the weekend. More snow is on the way, and we still have some rock work to finish on the outside. 

Lara: Okay...how's the Victorian next door coming along?

Russell: Main floor is done except for some closet doors, and again waiting on plumbing fixtures and a few doors. Everything major is done. But, we could be done by next week, also. 

Lara: It would be great to have both next door properties showing at the same time.

I'll get the photographer lined up for when...Richelle? 

Richelle: I'll get with Trish on the plants and start bringing the final bits over when they are finished. Just a few things to make it look 'livable'.

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Lara: Properties aren't even staging anymore the market is still so hot. I already have five people interested in either one of these houses. 

Richelle: I'd love one of these myself, but they are too big for us right now!

Lara: I may have condo available soon at the Grand View, if you and Ryan are interested. 

Richelle: Oh, wow, maybe---we are camping out in a friends' basement and all our things are in storage. We gave up on finding a place, we kept losing in bidding wars. Rentals are hard to find, too.

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Lara: I'll give you first dibs, it's good sized one bedroom, but definitely not in the basement!

Richelle imagining:  Great and thanks! (I have two blue sofas at the storeroom, I wonder if they will fit? I know the sectional I wanted for here is out of stock, and back ordered...I'll see what works? Might have to wait until they finish that outside wall!)

Russell: Okay ladies, gotta get home before the snow...let's get a move on.

 (Turns out the Lights)

Next: The Victorian Mansion

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I have not been paid or reimbursed in anyway for my opinions or products shown, or from where I shop. 

Please Join me at these Fine Blog Parties!

Tuesday Turnabout

 Please do not use my photos without linking back to this blog without my permission. 

Thank you for your cooperation, Sandi






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Last Christmas? What's going on at the HFIM House...

 Ad-Free Blog

Time just flies by---and soon the HFIM house may change hands. Let's see what's up with all the residents, fifteen are home now on Saturday night...

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The house is a hummmm of activity..

(Piano playing, "Oh, Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree..."

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....the stockings were hung by the chimney with care...

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...trying to take a nap is like drowning in dog hair...lol.

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Richelle's on the phone: 

But, we, no BMR Ltd, needs that shipment by January 7. Yes, guaranteed, whatever it takes, it must be here! 

(mumble, mumble)

Yes, this is BMR Ltd. Thank-you. Please send the confirmation of the shipping by Monday. 

(mumble, mumble)

Of course our office is open...yes, I know it's Christmas this week. That's why I'm giving you a heads up two-and-half weeks in advance! Have a Happy Holiday, and thank you. (Hangs UP)

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Richelle: Does everyone think deadlines are suggestions???

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Ryan: WELL, not everyone is as efficient as you are, Dear.

Richelle: Well the plumbing fixtures have to be here for the plumbers to finish, before the drywall goes in...and let's not forget about the electricians...getting this condo ready for Ms. Roberts will be the death of me. I'm still waiting on the wallpaper, and the tile is backordered.

Ryan: Well, if you are done now, can you take some time to read me some of these numbers. I'll enter them into the system. I'm still stuck back in 2019, and we promised to have the investment totals ready for everyone before Christmas.

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Richelle: Sure Sweetie. The sooner they are done the sooner we can put a bid on that last house we looked at! 

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Sindy: Do we still have enough pastry flour for this week.

Jamie: Yep, but we need some pecans, and I'm almost out of Cinnamon

Sindy: Really???

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Jamie: We got an order for 12 dozen cinnamon rolls for Friday morning the 24th on top of all our other orders.

Sindy: Yikes, when did that happen?

Jamie: Last order that came in online before I left.

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Sindy: Okay, two boxes of cinnamon. What about eggs? (and they list goes on, as the bakery order gets made!)

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Chelsea continues to practice for the school concert. She accompanies the girl's freshmen chorus. (Chestnuts roasting by an open fire....Jack Frost nipping at your nose....)

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(Dashing through the snow....on one horse open sleigh....)

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(Oe'r the fields we go, laughing all the way, ha, ha, ha!)

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(Upstairs)

Belle: (Humming to the piano music) Mulan, did you have Christmas music in Taiwan?

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Mulan: Yes, we had holiday music at the mission school, mostly for the smaller children.  "What child is this...," Which reminds me of my mother playing the violin. Normally I travel home during school break this time of year, but the pandemic changes everything. 

Belle: We always sang in the chorus at church and in school. Concerts were a part of the holidays. I think this kitty is purring, Jingle Bells with Chelsea's playing.

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(Purrr, prr prr, Pirrr prr prr.)

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Even the laundry room is busy.

Rory: Yes, mom. We will be home on the 24th. Yes, Nemo will drive slow if the weather is bad. No, we don't have even a bit of snow here.  

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Rory: I can't wait to be home for Christmas, too. 

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Rory: No, I don't have ANY news....yet!  Bye now, we will see you in a week! 

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They guys are upstairs and watching the television. Football is forever...apparently!

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Oh, man....another fumble....dang that's four!

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Commercials.....commercials...commercials.

(No deep discussions about Christmas going on here)...lol.

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Midge: How long has it been since you went home to Willows, Wisconsin? 

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Barbie: Five years now, since my Mom passed. Chelsea has basically grown up here. 

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Barbie: I remember Chelsea's first year here, she was eight and decorating everything and adjusting to living with all adults in a construction zone.

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...and we were constantly baking cookies. The guys loved that.

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 How about you and Allen, when was he last home? 

Midge: Like  nine years, his parents are in Florida, so he didn't think it was worth going to Wisconsin.

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Barbie: Well, it sure will be like old times with Ken and I,  you and Allen all going home together. I can't remember when we were last all together in Wisconsin. Chris and Rob are taking the twins home, too. It will be a big gathering of the Roberts clan. Chelsea is really excited. Aunt Barbara is going to be there, also.

Chelsea's piano: (I'll be home for Christmas..., you can count on me...)

Midge: Oh, I love this one. That's the song that Callie sang at the tree lighting last year. Goodness, Chelsea is really good on that piano...!

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Midge looking out the window: I can't get used to the cement wall out in the yard, though. It blocks the sun in the morning.

Barbie: I know ---who builds a four-story contemporary of concrete and glass monstrosity in this neighborhood?

Midge: Upside, I heard it was $1.7 million---which increases everyone's property here, even if it is out of place.

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Midge: Even though there are no windows on this side...no more nude sunbathing...LOL.

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Barbie: Like we ever did before. How about those big ball decorations on the fountain across the street. Kind of ugly too. I would have rather had the large lit tree there again.

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Midge: Maybe it is time to move on? What are your plans, anything finalized?

Barbie: No, Chelsea and I will stay in the house until the bitter end. Someone has to keep an eye on everything.  Aunt Barbara wants us to move in with her. I don't know though, the GrandView is adults only, and Chelsea won't be sixteen for almost two years.

Besides, so many are leaving, we may have this place almost to ourselves.

Midge: Who is leaving for sure?

Barbie: Nemo and Rory, Richelle and Ryan, eventually. I think Jamie is staying, for now. Sindy will take Lara's condo when Lara's next project gets going. Mulan is looking for a shop with an apartment. Belle, I'm not sure. Stuart and Ian are looking for a place. If the bar is ever finished, Patrick will have a room there.

 If they do construction on the third floor here, it will take lots of time, before we have to decide.

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Midge: Well, right now we have to figure out how we are going to get everyone into the van to go to Wisconsin, and luggage. I hope there is some snow...it's so dreary here.

Barbie: No, first we have to figure out how many are here for Christmas Eve...I think I'll count.... how many?  And are we doing presents or not??? Lots to decide, maybe I can get a count by tomorrow. I have to order food Monday.

Midge: What should we have for dinner...for sure we need some Hot Buttered Rums! I haven't had one of those for years. Hmmm, I can mix that up today---and it will keep.

    Chelsea slowly begins...(Where are you Christmas? Why can't I find you)...

Are any of your dolls going home for the Holidays?

If you enjoyed this post(s), please join me by email- at 

FOLLOW IT---upper right hand corner.

I have not been paid or reimbursed in anyway for my opinions or products shown, or from where I shop. 

Please Join me at these Fine Blog Parties!

Grammy's Grid UL#64

 Please do not use my photos without linking back to this blog without my permission. 

Thank you for your cooperation, Sandi






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