Yes, we are staying local.

MR ITW will be working full time to make this happen. He's happy with the job he has now so why rock the boat.

That is wonderful news, ITW.

My plan is to buy land and move our manufactured home. Hopefully we'll stop paying rent on 436 square feet of land by this time next year. I'm looking on-line first. Next week I'll call a realtor and start by stating my needs and concerns.

I found the dream lot. It sits up above the Hudson River with waterfront footage. Hopefully that won't be a high dollar problem with homeowner's insurance.

So happy for you.

We still need to dig another koi pond so we can transfer the fish we've been caring for here.
It will be wonderful to putter around putting my hands back into soil I own. We planted lots of perennials and shrubs here that I'll move before the house is moved.
(details, details, details )

I have 2 alternate lots on my list if the one I described doesn't work out.

One of my challenges will come at the time of the move. We will be temporally homeless while the move takes place. Doesn't sound like a problem right. But we have 3 large parrots and flock of canary sized doves to keep safe as we relocate. Plus, I'm a worrywart: I want to watch my house being taken apart and rejoined.

Four years ago I became depressed (which never really went away) because I thought the only way outta here would be in a pine box. Now I'll have a reason to smile again.

Stay calm. It will all come together.

The Hudson River parcel is being sold now for 3/4 of the original purchase price 10 years ago. The last owner cleared a building site and even put in a concrete pad to build on.

I wonder if drilling a well was the reason they stopped construction.

Most land doesn't have water or septic.

I found one parcel with a well that produces 8 gallons of water per minute. I need to take a closer look at that one.

This will be our last year with trick or treaters.

I can't wait for the house warming party.

My family has land near there. It's a hoot.

After the landlord insisted that I move a decorative set of steps the critters were using to reach food on my deck (for the past 4 years) I decided the landlord was being a dictator. So that was the last straw. We're moving by cracky!

I already miss the young squirrel with only 3 feet. We named her Lefty because her rear left foot is missing. I put one of those plastic outdoor chairs where the steps were but no Lefty yet. No bunnies either. I also put a plank on the other side of the deck but none of the critters wanna walk the plank to reach an abundant supply of dried corn.

But I can sure understand.