One of the main attractions of the place that was to become Higglety Pigglety was the casita. It contained the old-world New Mexico charm* of vigas, tongue-and-groove ceiling, a small nicho, and a kiva fireplace. It was tiny, and funky. It smelled of must, and as we later learned it was full of termites. But it was the feature to the property that made a one-bedroom house seem livable. The casita served as Roomie's studio for the first year, as we lined up our ducks to get a real studio built.

Our task for this past weekend was to empty the casita of its furnishings and prepare it for demolition. This meant moving the Miata out of the garage to make space for the contents of both the casita and the playhouse (which is slated for destruction at the same time).

While we are looking forward to a new improved casita (a more sensible layout, saltillo tile throughout, access to the future "courtyard," and so on), it seems terribly ironic to be tearing down the single structure that got us here in the first place.

We hope to save a giant blossoming lilac that volunteered itself on a corner of the building. I reckon it has been there a long long time.