From the Bronx to Buffalo, cities and towns in New York have been plagued by what are commonly called zombie properties. These are homes that residents abandon -- often after they have received a foreclosure notice -- which then languish, uncared-for, until the foreclosure process is complete.

When we see a home left vacant for decades, we usually just register what's on the surface -- incredible architecture, moldering wallpaper and the odd personal trinket or two.

One blogger revisits the home of her great-grandparents and comes back with a poignant story of time passing.