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At last, the long awaited second (and last) installment of the Parade of Homes 2010! It was a very busy day, with 10 homes and over 500 photos (I've narrowed it down to considerably less for y'all). This installment will be broken into three installments, with a grand finale of a $6.3 million shanty in, of all places, Deer Creek Canyon.

Before we start, I have a correction to make from the first installment. People seemed most confused by the "door collection" photo. Tery explained it; they take the doors off all the frames inside the house for the tour, probably to prevent people slamming them into walls, etc. I'm embarrassed to admit that, after all these Parades, I've never noticed that. I hope I'm not called upon for any composite sketch police work, with these powers of observation.

First was another "dream house" (don't ask me what the criteria was. Probably price).

Looked very promising from the outside, given my love of Craftsman architecture

Very promising indeed

I like the language you're speaking

This sitting parlor dashed my hopes significantly

But it did have some nice features. Like this ceiling...

...and this backsplash

It had a nice double-sided fireplace (to the right) to break up the kitchen and living room

Custom light configurations. Deb wondered what happened when two people were using the kitchen, and one wanted to relax while the other wanted to prepare

All these houses seem to like these towering windows in the living room. Only the Bierstadt thought to include shades

Straight to the basement, where they had a climbing wall. I started to try it, but it felt pretty flimsy, even for my svelte new physique. Plus, only good if you're fond of climbing sideways, not so much up

Kid's room. I imagine getting ready in the morning is challenging

It overlooks this open space, which looks like it would be enjoyable when it isn't 110 degrees (I'm kidding. Denver hasn't topped 95 this summer)

Unfortunately, also a stunning view of all my neighbors' backyards

Deb cracked me up with these complementary vanities. This here's the woman's space...

...plus up to here on the man's

Trying to work out how one stretches out (comfortably) in a triangular tub

Okay, keep it moving. The next house didn't have a name (contrary to what I told

kavieshana), so I'm calling it the Orchard, since that's the street it was on.

When we walked into the Orchard, we were met by a very pushy realtor who wanted everyone to wear booties to protect the hardwood floors. He saw my camera and shoved the brochure he made at me. "I took all the pictures myself!" he boasted. Sir, I guarantee you didn't take pictures of the things I want to take pictures of.

Deb and her booties

This island was so ginormous I almost couldn't fit it into the shot

Two different models of Mini. I preferred the older

Take heed, my friends. Pink zebra skin was a distressing trend of the day for girls' (or very secure boys') rooms

I asked Deb to ride this in this Western-themed room. She refused

She did like the "ponies" on the towels (that's a Polo Ralph Lauren logo. I hope she was being funny)

Yippee-ki-yay, motherfucker

The finished basement did have some cool art, like this...

...and this, although the placard created the impression the art WAS the security camera

Amazingly, the first wine cellar we've seen on the Parade

The home theater felt like something was missing

We liked this meditation room. Then a woman walked in and said, "Oh look...a workout room." She was obviously thinking outside the box

Relaxing

1000 sq ft (unfinished). That's bigger than our entire condo, yo

We snuck out the side entry to avoid Mr. Pushy Realtor. Do we look like we're ready to plunk down $3 million? Though I guess when you're trying to move a $3 million property, you can't afford to judge anyone.

Just for reference, this was the Orchard's downscale next door neighbor

No dawdling in the back, people. Two more to go.

Again, this one I'm calling the Heritage, which is actually the realtor company name, but what can I do.

I always love rounded doors

This was a fabulous outdoor living room

Loved these doorways

First of the stepdown family rooms we saw. We both had one growing up and approved of this making a comeback

And that's it for the Heritage. As you can tell, not very impressive.

Last but not least (for today), the Shadow Hills house (street address, not actual name)

Before we get to the house, look at these two teenage girls:

I thought the first one was a freak with no muscles anywhere on her body. Then I saw the second. Is this the fashion nowadays? Limp Noodle Girl?

Here are the specs on the house. Take a gander at that price tag

Another stepdown family room. Deb and I have always hated the fireplace/TV off-center combo

Another view of my neighbors. For that price, you'd better throw in some privacy fences

I like the lengths gone to to display a fake plastic strawberry tart

Don't say I didn't warn you about the zebra

I thought this was a picture of some worms

The master bedroom had a lovely balcony; unfortunately, with no awning or protection of any kind, it was like stepping onto the face of the sun

This is MY idea of a workout room, crazy Orchard lady

Evidently _____ Hills was a neighborhood theme. I so want to live on Silent Hills Drive

Also of note, and I wish I got a photo, there was actually a posted speed limit of 31 mph on this road. Fancy schmancy community, gotta be different in every way, don't you?