I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw her prancing around in her elaborate witch costume, complete with a matching mini-hat and cape for *Charlie*—her beloved Shih Tzu. And don’t get me wrong, I love Halloween as much as the next person, but she dropped **five hundred dollars** on these costumes. Five hundred. Dollars. For a matching ensemble with her *dog.*
Meanwhile, here we are, carefully budgeting for groceries and figuring out how to make the most of our paycheck for the month. Yet she’s out here treating this dog like her soulmate, her little partner in crime. She even mentioned planning a photoshoot so they can have “memories of this year’s theme.” Memories?! For a dog?!
Then it hit me: she actually *does* treat him like a family member. She’s constantly calling Charlie her “baby” and talking about how he’s the “only one who truly understands her.” She even joked about putting him in her will once. I thought it was funny at first, but now I’m not so sure it’s a joke.
Now, part of me wants to laugh it off, but the other part can’t help but feel a bit resentful. Is it crazy to think there’s something a little… off here? Like, it’s fine to have fun with Halloween, but at what cost? I can’t help but feel like all this is masking something deeper—maybe she’s lonely, or maybe it’s just a quirky obsession. But no matter how I try to see it, I can’t shake the feeling that her priorities are, well, *somewhere else entirely.*
So, am I overreacting here, or does this seem just as absurd to you as it does to me? Because I can’t help but wonder what will happen next. I’m just waiting for the day she announces a full-blown dog wedding, and I’ll be expected to RSVP.
After two decades of friendship, best friends buy a piece of land and establish a quaint little town that they envision as a retreat for vacations and their future retirement together
Seeking an escape from their busy city lives, four couples decided to create a unique community of tiny vacation homes to fulfill their retirement dreams together.
This eco-friendly retreat, tailored to individual needs, allows the couples to enjoy a shared experience surrounded by their closest friends. After more than two decades of friendship, these Texas couples were eager to find a quiet place away from their busy Austin homes, a place where they could immerse themselves in nature and rejuvenate.
When they discovered a piece of land near the Llano River, just an hour from Austin and perfect for nature lovers, they recognized its potential despite its rugged condition.
Fred Zipp, a former editor of the Austin American-Statesman, shared his first impressions with Garden and Gun magazine: “At first, it wasn’t very inviting”. He and his wife, Jodi, are among four couples who care about environmental sustainability and minimizing their carbon footprint. “This place has its charm, even when it’s dry”, Fred noted, pointing out the herds of wild buffalo that roam the rugged landscape. “We’re focused on conserving water for the native trees and grasses, which are really beautiful.”
The couple originally planned to build a house together, but after learning about the tiny house movement, they changed their focus and decided on individual houses and a communal building for gatherings.
With the help of San Antonio architect Matt Garcia, the vision took shape. With a budget of $40,000 per house, Garcia designed four compact 350-square-foot cabins, each equipped with a double bed, kitchenette and bathroom.
“We wanted a place where we could spend quality time together, eat together and enjoy each other’s company, while still maintaining privacy when needed”, Jodi explained.
The designs also included sustainable elements such as roofs that capture rainwater while meeting conservation guidelines. To combat the hot Texas climate, the cabins are insulated with spray foam and feature large overhangs to minimize heat gain.
Garcia focused on creating an inviting interior, contrasting the sleek metal facades with warm, grained plywood surfaces. The natural gray concrete floors add an affordable, stylish touch.
Large windows throughout the open floor plan allow for plenty of natural light and offer stunning river views. Additionally, a 1,500-square-foot community cabin serves as a hub for social activities and features a guest bedroom, living area, kitchen, and even a pool!
Reflecting on the cultural shift after the recession, Garcia said: “People began to realize that happiness does not come from owning too much space or things. I am proud to work with clients who embrace the idea that less is more”.
Although the eight friends are not yet ready for full-time retirement, their small community, called “Llano Exit Strategy” or “Bestie Row”, offers the perfect retreat. When they are not using the cabins, they rent them out to vacationers interested in the tiny house lifestyle.
“It’s like living in a Disney movie here! We have rabbits, bobcats, deer and a variety of birds. We discover more wildlife every time we visit”, they shared.
The story of “Bestie Row” sparked a lively debate on social media, with many expressing admiration for the couple’s commitment to friendship. One comment read: “What a brilliant idea! Friends building a community together is the way to go as we get older”. However, others raised concerns about the potential risks of living together in such a close relationship, suggesting that friendships could suffer.
Would you consider creating a micro-community to spend more time with your closest friends? Share this story and let us hear your thoughts!
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