Hey There!
A very active day yesterday. I started doing my laundry almost as soon as I finished yesterday's post, and then got to work editing my podcast. That usually takes about 7 hours, and this one was no different. In the meantime, I had my head buzzed by DW and took the buzzer to my beard for my "no-maintenance" look. I had about 4 loads of laundry to do, which took up the morning. Once I finished and scheduled the podcast, I then set to packing, which did not take much time. It looks like we are set to have hot weather with thunderstorms thrown in here and there. I am not sure, but I think the region is at some level of drought. We haven't had rain in some time now, and none is forecast for the coming week. I should check the drought maps, but I've been noticing the level of brown lawns in the region is increasing. My landscaper didn't come this week, a sure sign something is up.
The big news is that, while preparing to watch the latest episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, I got a text from my neighbor who lives next to a small acreage I have. He is selling his house and 20 acres, and it seems someone inquired about our 20 acres next to his, which is undeveloped and off the grid. I have to seriously entertain the idea of selling should an offer be made. This would be emotionally hard, as I have had land in that area for 30+ years now, and I love it. The view is wonderful, the land is isolated and quiet, and I have a cabin on it that offers a good place to camp and generally relax and get away from people.
But it takes work to maintain it. This year I have managed to reduce the amount of work needed, but still, there is work that needs to be done. One more little space to clear, a shed to clean out, wood to split, trailers to move, trimmings to burn, etc. I have realized that, at 73, this type of work has become more difficult, and I do not have the benefit of machinery to help me out beyond a riding lawnmower. And unless I sink more money into it, it will never be a maintenance-free place. We park the RV there in the spring and leave it for summer use. But as it turns out, hot summer days are no longer ideal for us when it comes to camping. DW is on blood thinners, so she needs to stay out of the heat. There's no A/C up there, and I have no plans to install any. Other reasons abound for selling it, but emotionally, it will mean I no longer have land. So I'm in the classic dilemma - logic says sell, emotions say keep. I know if the price is right I will no doubt sell, and there are many state forests and campsites in the area that I can use in lieu of my own. But the most difficult aspect of this is the recognition that it's one more step towards the grave, one more thing I can't do because of age.
But right now I am sitting in my screened-in porch on a 74° sunny morning, having coffee and writing this post. I have an extended porch as well out in the open. The neighborhood is relatively quiet, and I do have a good-sized back yard. It doesn't suck. I think I can live with that until the time comes to move out of the house. That will be even harder.
'Til We Meet Again!