Serious question: Is it time for me to go home? I think it might be.

[Redstone]

We didn't make it to Canada last week, but we did spend a few days in Vermont and New Hampshire.

We found a house. It's in a town in New Hampshire that's only eight miles from the town in Vermont where I grew up. It looks like this:



There's more information on the house here:

http://www.pwpre.com/open-realty/listingview.php?listingID=137

So, folks, should we make the move? Here are the reasons we think we should, in no particular order of importance, except for the first one:

1) The town park (which includes a swimming pool) is right behind the house, and the town Rec Center is next door. If we lived there, I can see our ten-year-old son doing what I did as a kid during the summer; heading out the door at 8 in the morning to run around with his pals, instead of playing video games.

2) The business district of the town is only about three blocks long, but includes all the stuff you need (banks, post office, grocery store, movie theater, three restaurants, and a bar); all literally within a five-minute walk from the house.

3) If we wanted to buy crap, we could make the 25-minute drive to the next town south, which is on the interstate and has whored itself to all the national chains, so it has walmart, Staples, Home Despot (not a typo), and all that shit.

4) In that rarest of finds, the owners of the house have kept its original character, but updated the important stuff; for example, it has modern 200-amp electrical service which I need for my office.

5) My business is portable. As long as I have high-speed internet and Express Mail, I can operate from everywhere. And the distance from there to my largest customer is the same as it is from here.

6) It's so FUCKING peaceful and quiet. Yet Boston is only a 3-hour drive away.

7) It's my home. If you didn't grow up in northern New England, you can't understand how strong the draw to Home is. Or maybe you can. In fact, I'd bet that many of you can.

8) We can sell our house here for twice as much, or more, than we'd pay for that house. And the property taxes (a big concern in that state) aren't too bad.

9) I've reconnected with my cousins up there over the last few years.

10) That means being able to go home. And have family there when I do.

11) The town in right in the White Mountains, and we'd have plenty of room for visitors. That means you. All of you. We could take you up Mount Washington, canoing on the Connecticut River, fishing for native Brook Trout, whatever, then in the evening we'd sit on that nice front porch, howdy the neighbors, and relax.

12) I'd be going home. After over forty years.

13) Mrs R has wanted to move there ever since the first time I took her there.

Downsides:

1) Mrs R would make a lot less money with her bookkeeping business, because the businesses up there would not be able to pay her the same rates as she can get in Connecticut.

2) It gets damn cold in the winter.

3) I'd have to kiss Missy goodbye, because she'd be a wildly impractical and expensive extravagance in a place like that. But hey, I'd be able to buy a dodge Power Wagon and go boondocking on the dirt roads. Even some stump-jumping.

I would REALLY appreciate your opinions, even though we're 90% committed to doing the move. There's a lot of emotion involved with my decision-making process here, and I would very much like it if one or more of you wonderfully wise people would be able to point out a downside that I might be missing.

There are many other factors that I'm considering as part of the decision-making process, but I've typed enough for now.

Thanks in advance for your responses.

Redstone

[Gormy Cuss]

1. As another Northern NE native, I say go.

You talk about the Northeast Kingdom with such love and if Mrs. R is game, why not?
I will PM you an anecdote that I hope will be helpful.

Home is where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.
-Robert Frost

[Redstone]

8. I've thought of that Frost line quite a bit recently myself.

But are you sure it isn't a Benchley or Mencken line?

Nonetheless, thanks for your input. You've been a good friend for me here on DU.

Redstone

[Gormy Cuss]

20. It's quintessential Yankee thinking, regardless. n/t

[GOPisEvil]

2. If the intangible benefits you mention are not outweighed by the tanglible

loss of income for Mrs. R, I'd say do it. Hell, even if you have to take a slight reduction in income, can you put a price on home?

I grew up a military brat. My parents did not own a home and we didn't stop moving until I was 12 years old. Even though my parents still live in that house, it holds no permanence for me. To me, what you feel toward this area is something about which I can only dream. I'd have done it already.

Edit - cleaned up some language.

[Redstone]

11. "Can you put a price on home?" What a beautiful and touching question.

No, you can't. Furthermore, Mrs R and I both grew up poor, and we struggled big-time financially for the first five years or so after she first moved here to live with me.

We could do it again if we needed to, and not mind a bit.

Thank you.

Redstone

[LynzM]

3. We'll miss you guys terribly...

But you know that means we'll just have to come take you up on staying up there. I Loooooove the mountains up there, extra o's on purpose.

It's beautiful up there, and I agree about the pace of life, and not being able to understand until you've been there.

Personally, the only downside I see is walking away from whatever social network you've established at this point, but it sounds like you'd walk into one as well. And the change in income might be offset by difference in prices of the houses, no?

[Redstone]

9. Hey, you like climbing mountains, don't you? We got your mountains,

right here.

Although I'll never be able to walk to the top of them again, YOU could. We'd be only too happy to have your daughter hang out with us while you did.

Truth.

Redstone

[LynzM]

49. That would be excellent....

And sit around all tired out at night, have some food and some of those famous mango marguaritas. Good deal. I think it's a good move for you, if you guys are ready. :)

[MissB]

4. You'd have to give up your Volvo?

Man, tough choice.

Do it. Sounds like a lot of positives, including being a wonderful place to raise your son.

[Redstone]

14. But I could always buy a cheap used Miata for the Convertible Urges.

Cars come and go. Home is, well, home.

I think we need to do this.

There's both DSL and cable Internet, so I'd not lose you or my other DU friends.

And you all would have a strong reason to visit, yes?

Redstone

On edit: There's a damn BARN attached to the house. Plenty of space to store a Miata during the winter.

[MissB]

21. A barn?

I'm green. Green with jealousy.

Guess your chicken(s) would have plenty of room! And your guests. :)

[Redstone]

24. We'd have room in the house for the guests. They wouldn't have to

sleep in the barn.

And I could pick up some side work, after we buy a truck, plowing snow in the winter. for some reason, I've always thought I'd enjoy doing that.

Guess I'd have to get used to not wearing a tie, though.

Redstone

[Redstone]

5. Oh, I forgot the most important thing:

The library is a three-minute walk from the house.

And another important thing: You can still smoke in the bars up there.

Redstone

[RevCheesehead]

6. You already know the answer.

So let me just respond to your misgivings:

1. Money cannot buy happiness, peace of mind, nor, especially, home. Also, your cost of living is going to go down dramatically.

2. That's why God gave us furnaces, fireplaces, and someone to cuddle with.

3. Who or what is Missy? I hope it ain't the chicken.

Good luck on your move!! :hug:

[Redstone]

23. You don't know Missy? Here she is:

I'd miss taking her out for the occasional spanking, which she demands, but life is transitory, isn't it? And home is forever.

You know that. And we would EXPECT you to put the White Mountains on your list of vacation destinations.

The cost of living would indeed go down some, thanks to no sales tax or income tax in New Hampshire (though the property taxes are high) and increased heating costs, though that would be balanced by lower air-conditioning costs (a necessity for my office).

But hey, this is the kind of place where people wave at you when they go by, driving the other way. Who can put a price on that?

Redstone

[bluethruandthru]

7. You've got to go!

It sounds wonderful...the house is beautiful ..and the porch swing seals the deal! If I had a portable career...that's just the kind of place I'd choose to live.

[driver8]

12. I agree. Sounds like the perfect place for children.

If my job was "portable", I would be right behind you.

Good luck on the move -- the house looks great!!

[Redstone]

26. You saw the porch swing. So did Mrs R, when we walked up to

look at the house.

Is there anything more American than a front porch with a swing?

Redstone

[bluethruandthru]

31. Sitting on a porch swing after dark

in the summertime...listening to crickets...and having a beer! Ahhhhh ..the good life! :beer:

[Redstone]

35. There isn't much better than that, is there? And howdying the neighbors.

It's the true heart of America.

We have to do it. Thank you so much for contributing to this thread.

Redstone

[LeftyMom]

10. It sounds like you've already made up your mind.

Go be happy. It's a very cute house.

[Redstone]

36. We'll go. We'll be happy. That house was a B&B, "The Three Gables,"

twelve years ago.

We'd not run a B & B there, because that would cut down on our room availability for visitors.

And visitors are more important than customers.

Visitors such as yourself and and a certain southern guy.

Friends. Yes?

Redstone

[LeftyMom]

56. I'll do my best to get him up there to visit.

I doubt he'd take much convincing. :)

[graywarrior]

13. Where in NH? I'm in Gorham, near Mts. Madison & Adams

Come here!!!!!

[Redstone]

28. Holy shit! We'd be NEIGHBORS! You're right down Route 2 from

Lancaster! Dang, this is looking like a better move with every post.

Damn! We were through Gorham twice over the weekend. Wish we had known that's where you live. Would have visited.

Redstone

[graywarrior]

29. No shit!!! Course I was up on the mountain...but..hey I PM'd you!

[Redstone]

33. And I got it. Do I get to see the duck, duct-taped to your wall now?

Nothing like being able to view the original.

Redstone

[graywarrior]

34. That and a few other strange captures.

[greatauntoftriplets]

15. I love that house....

And to me, who paid not a whole lot less than that for a condo in the Chicago suburbs a couple months ago, the price is great.

[graywarrior]

16. Holy shit, you'd be 15 minutes up the road from me

I'm on route 2 on the Randolph/Gorham line.

[progmom]

17. Rev Cheesehead is right.

You already know the answer.

And it's what I would choose too. :hug:

[greatauntoftriplets]

22. Given the enormous curb appeal of that house....

I might well snap it up first. Except that my job is not portable, damnit to hell!

[progmom]

27. it is really inviting, isn't it?

i hope he decides to get it! :bounce:

then we can all visit him there!

[greatauntoftriplets]

30. It really is....

And I miss living in a house....

Unless I win the lotto and buy a big Frank LLoyd Wright place in the town just east of me. :) That'd be closer to the damn job.

[Redstone]

40. And you had damn well better. All at once, or one at a time, makes

no difference.

We'll always be at home for any and/or all DUers.

And that's a promise.

Redstone

[Redstone]

38. It's a house that visitors to town notice. I've been noticing it myself

for years when we've stayed at a nearby motel and I've taken walks in the evening.

Redstone

[Redstone]

37. She speaks wisely, yes? As do you. The deal is done. Now all that's

left is for you and yours to come visit.

We'll be at home.

Redstone

[YellowRubberDuckie]

18. I love the idea of your son being able to get out...

and fart around with his friends all day instead of playing with his friends. That's awesome. Moving would be great. If I had the opportunity, I'd do it in a second. I need an adventure like that.
Duckie

[Redstone]

41. Thanks, Duckie. It's for the kids..

Redstone

[evlbstrd]

19. Do it.

Based on the facts presented, you'll be coming out ahead. Especially in the Quality of Life category.
And, that's the same color scheme I'm putting on my house right now (a Craftsman bungalow). Well, it'll be finished when the heat breaks.

[Redstone]

43. The QOL factor is a given. And, as it turns out, the financial part is

favorable, also.

You have a Bungalow? I like that style. Deep porches, good living spaces inside. Eminently liveable, a Bungalow-style house is.

The New Hampshire house has real shutters on hinges that can be closed against storms. Your place?

Redstone

[evlbstrd]

45. No shutters.

It used to have the old wood frame screen and storm windows you had to switch every year. The metal hangers are still on the house. It's since had aluminum storms installed. But all of the oak wood inside is unpainted and I have old wavy glass in the most important windows. And, yes, a huge stone front porch and a whole-house attic fan. There is no AC in this house. And let me tell you, it's been damn hot.

[Redstone]

54. You can put in AC that has little outlets that fit between the studs,

and doesn't alter the character of an older house.

It ain't cheap, but the cold-air outlets are not very conspicuous.

Redstone

[evlbstrd]

61. The big fan, along with judisiouly placed small fans,

keeps the place somewhat tolerable. I can't afford the addition or the added electric costs, either. All investment into the house at this point has been to bring it back to its roots. We took out bad wallpaper, linoleum and carpets, installed in the fifties, made the baths period with hex floor tile and wainscotting, and repaired all kinds of half assed shit in the plumbing. Maybe next year I can have the floors sanded and refinished. Every house is a money pit in one way or another. I've lived in this pit for twenty years. It's where I raised my kids. I know exactly how you feel about home.

[knowbody0]

25. when you are called, you MUST go.

what pulls at you is from the heart sound of your childhood. I'm betting you and your family will feel like you're home, and it sounds as though you didn't quite finish "exploring" before you left.

My only question to you would be whether the cold (straight to the bone chilling marrow)would affect the pain you often have to endure.

Good Night and Good Luck - Full moon, good time for clear thinking.

[In_The_Wind]

32. Follow your heart, Redstone. If it feels better to go than stay, do it!

Your own gut will tell you the right choice. There are pluses and minuses to every change. Remember things like Missy are only possessions. It's the warm fuzzy feelings that'll see you through the coldest darkest nights the best way. If it already feels like you're going home you're already half way there.

[Redstone]

47. Joanie, you know about that, living where you do.

Few minuses in this situation.

We're gone. Gone home.

And thank you.

Redstone

[In_The_Wind]

55. Congratulations & best wishes!

I'm sorta moving too. I looked at a place in Fort Lauderdale and rented it on the spot for 6 months this winter. I'll be happy if I never see another real snowflake!

Also think about it this way ~ How much colder is New Hampshire than Connecticut? When it's in the teens, does it really matter if it gets down to zero and below. It took 19 years for me to figure that one out.

You're welcome Redstone. I'll still be around to give your son a ride on my trike some fine summer day before too long. I've never seen New Hampshire.

[samplegirl]

39. The house is simply beautiful

and crying for you to come home and stop yearning.

[Redstone]

48. Damn, that made me get a bit weepy.

"Come home and stop yearning."

Thank you.

Redstone

[merh]

42. I say go for it

The home is where your heart is, and it sounds to me like your heart is telling you where it wants to be.

The most important positive you mentioned, your son gets to play outdoors and be a kid. :D

I'd go for it sugah, walking distance to town, quiet, friendly environment and such a beautiful house!

:thumbsup:

:hug: :loveya:

[Redstone]

51. Yes, my heart is there. But will you come visit us?

I hope you would, if you could.

Funny, 26 years in Connecticut, and I've never felt entirely at home here.

But there, I would.

Thank you for responding. This is a big deal for me.

Redstone

[merh]

64. There will be time to visit, once I get my footing here.

I'll be due a vacation and I would love to bring you a house warming gift for your new home, back at home.

I love the pool so close by - I spent most of my summers growing up swimming all day long, playing alligator go, marco polo, racing underwater, messing with life guards by breathing in the air pockets formed under the ladders and staying underwater far too long for their comfort. :D

I think it is perfect for you and MrsR and your son.

As a matter of fact, isn't swimming thearuptic for your injuries? Just relaxing weightlessly in the pool. Such peace. The only true peace I've ever know was in the water, its very healing.

I know it is a big deal for you and I am so happy that it means so much, that you will be going home.

As long as you have a guest room for crazy southern visitors like me, I'm all for it, dear friend.

:hug: :loveya:

[lost-in-nj]

44. GO for it!

The house is beautiful. Have you thought about rocking in a chair on the porch waiting for company to come? Have you thought about where you would put the christmas tree? I say DO IT! Follow your heart. You already know the answer...... :)



lost

edit because I forgot a word.....

[Redstone]

57. You deserve some kind of award for that being your first post on DU.

You'll be an asset to this place.

And you have my personal thanks and loyalty from here on.

Redstone

[lost-in-nj]

78. Every Time

I see this picture it whispers home. You better snatch it up before I do! :)
It is truly a "one of a kind" .
I can smell the chocolate chip cookies baking!

thanks


lost

[politicat]

46. Why can't she move her business with her?

With a telephone line, a fax machine, email and a fortnightly trip to where her current clients are, she can work anywhere. If your costs of ownership go down by more than half (it sounds like) then it won't cost her much to reserve a midweek night hotel room and drive down on a morning, stay overnight, meet with more clients, and come back the next evening. I do remote payroll for several companies, and I do all of them from home. We could live anywhere I can get a cable modem or a DSL line. Hell, with Fedex and overnighting, there's no reason even for her to go into the city more than once a month. (Since I'm firmly of the opinion that all mothers need the occasional night off, this would be good for everyone.

I don't know what Missy is, but it sounds like a vehicle. There are millions of vehicles. You've had some fun with it, and you'll have fun with others in the future.

It's cold everywhere. Give it a few more years, and it won't be so cold anymore - global warming is really kicking the pants out of winter.

It sounds like a good thing for everyone involved, and it's a lovely house. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[WCGreen]

50. You know, I do almost all my bookkeeping business

via the internet...

Mrs. R could do taxes, payroll taxes and what not that can be transmitted over the net...

With PC Anywhere, she could literally keep her clients...

[Throd]

52. Can't she take her business with her?

I moved from Los Angeles 9 months ago to the Sierra foothills. I still have all my LA clients. Everything is done via e-mail, FedEx, or fax machine. In fact, they have kept me so busy that I haven't had much time to look for new clients up here.

I say go. Besides, that is one beautiful house, make it your home.

[Broken_Hero]

53. As a

Pacific Northwest man...I say go for it. My wife and I are somewhat on the same path that you have mentioned, albiet you are on the way there, and my wife and I are currently starting on the road, to eventually have a big move to Alaska.

I cannot explain the pull of home, or the environment of SE Alaska, where I grew up, to me there is nothing like it. I have been to over 30 states, and I have never found a place to match SE Alaska's beauty. My wife has been up to my hometown and loves Alaska greatly.

We plan on moving up to Alaska within the next 20 yrs. My wife's career is the centerpiece of why we are staying in SW Missouri, everything else, our bills, mortage, and what not, are a non-issue essentially. My wifes potential at her job, is pretty damn great, and I dont' want to stop her career, because of my selfish reasons, nor keep her from helping people....

So, I say, go for it...enjoy it...and I love the look of your house, beautiful....

[Nicole]

58. Enjoy your new home

It sounds your spirit & heart are already there, it's time to move the rest of your body & stuff home.

I grew up like you in that we headed out the door early in the morning to meet up with friends. Back outside after dinner until darkthirty. It's a great gift to give to your son.

That is a beautiful house. I envy you the beautiful older homes in New England. Hell this state, Oklahoma, isn't as old as that house.

The porch swing & the kitchen stove would have sold me. :)

[Dangerously Amused]

59. It's time to come home, son.

It's time to come home.



:hug:

[Broken_Hero]

60. best response on the whole thread....nt

[Dangerously Amused]

63. Aww, thanks.

A hug to you, too.



:hug:



:hi:

[Redstone]

66. You have a talent for getting right to the heart of the matter.

You do.

One of the reasons I like you so much.

Redstone

[redwitch]

62. Why are you hesitating?

The house is beautiful, New England is wonderful, small town life is the best way to be a kid, reconnect with family AND you make out financially on the deal???? Dude.Go for it! I am excited for you!

[Redstone]

65. I cannot thank you all enough for the wonderful, thoughtful, and

unremittingly positive replies. (Though I'd not have expected any less from you.)

Tomorrow we get the appraisal on this house; if it looks realistic, the house goes on the market immediately.

I'm so goddamn excited, I can't stand it. I gave Mrs R one last chance to veto the move just now, and she said "no way."

We are SO gone!

Redstone

[bigwillq]

67. The pros outweigh the cons

I say go for it.
It seems like you guys are ready for a move.
It seems like you've been considering it for awhile.
Since you went ahead to make a pro/con list, it seems like you have given this some serious thought.

I say move.

Good luck. :hi:

[Redstone]

70. Yes, it's time to go. And we'll always be "at home" for any of our DU pals

who want to take a vacation in the wonderful White Mountains.

Summer or winter, we'll be there.

redstone

[mad-mommy]

68. you have to but that house, i'm in love with it

[NC_Nurse]

69. It's beautiful!

Sounds like you already know what to do...:-)

[Whoa_Nelly]

71. Redstone, I have only one response for you

Go home, dear Redstone! Go home!

[Redstone]

72. And I'll take your sign with me, and put it up in the hallway.

And I'll think of you whenever I look at it.

Redstone

[hippywife]

73. Sounds totally idealic!

Go for it!! I love the house!

[flvegan]

74. Hmmm...let us see what we have here...

First, numbers 1 through 4 are a given. You are making your own argument.

5. So is mine. It goes where you go. Another good reason to be where you want.

6-12...come on. I was born in Plymouth, MA. Had I the chance, I wouldn't even ask, sir.

13. Amplify my response my 10. Yes, turn that up to 11. Mrs. R is more important than most anything, yes? Her wants, together with what you, sir, can do?

Downsides:
1. You don't know that, do you? You're assuming and projecting.

2. It gets damn cold everywhere in winter. Working from home, not so much a big deal. Shit, I'm in Florida, and it gets cold here. Nonissue, to me.

3. Missy...I can understand the loss of a car. I gave up my Corvette to move to Florida. Remember, the Missy of today can be the Missy2 of tomorrow. She'll understand. For real stump jumping, you'll need to bring me out there with my Gary Fisher Sugar.

I think you know what you good folks want. Pull the trigger...

[Redstone]

75. Trigger's been pulled. The offer will be made tomorrow.

Mrs R and I agreed for about the 110th time, just ten minutes ago, that it's the right thing for us to do.

No turning back. No second-guessing. I'm going home.

And Mrs R said during that conversation just now that she thinks the move will bring us even closer to each other. As if you could slip a sheet of paper between us as it is.

Oh, yes.

Redstone

[flvegan]

76. *applause* I'm very happy for you good folks.

Even closer to each other? What a plus!

Go home, sir. Your homecoming awaits...

[Redstone]

77. That it does.

That it does, indeed. It will be a quiet celebration, but an enjoyable one nonetheless.

I talked with my cousin who lives across the river on a farm in Vermont, and she was deleriously happy about the news. More for the prospect of being near Mrs R than being near me, of course, but still...

Fuck everything else, I'm going HOME! Oh, yes.

Redstone

[flvegan]

79. There you go, brother.

Your last statement...sums it up, eh?

Again, congrats to you, Mrs. R and the whole family.

[Redstone]

80. Thank you, my friend. I may not be around DU much in the next few weeks

as I work through the details and logistics, but you all will be not far from my thoughts.

Redstone

[flvegan]

81. Hey, before you leave...business matters at hand.

PM me about your pending title insurance (your owner's policy and the costs related thereto).

[Redstone]

83. Done. I'd rather do business with a friend than with a stranger.

Redstone

[graywarrior]

82. I'm hoping like hell you get the house, Redstone.

[Redstone]

84. It's looking better by the minute. We had the two top real estate

agents in town in to look at the house today. They both expressed a willingness to kill for the opportunity to sell it.

Hey, as you know, I'm not gonna be hiking up any mountains, probable ever. But you'll take Mrs R and the Little guy upslope, won't you?

I know you would.

Redstone