This encore post is from August 16, 2016.
I've been thinking about the subject ever since and am finally
in a place to share my thoughts ... and even some decisions.
But before I do that in next week's posts,
I thought it might be useful to go back to the beginning.
***
Can we talk?
Something’s been on my mind for months, and I sure could use some advice.
I need help figuring out the rest of my life.
The Ranch will be paid off in a little less than five years (1,795 days to be precise).
I will be 66 when that happens and able to retire if that’s what I feel like doing at the time.
As much as I want to live here forever, I’d have to be crazy to think I could pull it off.
Taking care of this place requires a lot of physical work. The chores are easy for me to do now,
but when I’m 70 or 80, maybe not so much. And hiring help isn’t a practical option,
given the ranch’s remoteness and the 11 miles of dirt road to get here.
Which brings me to the realization that I need to develop the 7MSN Ranch version 2.0.
It should probably be a little closer to somewhere than nowhere (5MNS?),
or at least on a paved road.
The question is, where?
That’s where you come in. I’m thinking if I crowdsource the answer
among people who know and understand me, surely we’ll be able to identify options
for my forever home. Five years seems like a long time to figure this out,
but by the time I research, visit, and agonize over the decision,
it will likely be time to put up the for sale sign on this place.
So ... here is what I’m looking for:
1. Utopia
Got any ideas?
I kid, but not really.
My wish list is lengthy:
1. A place with wide open spaces where my animals can live as naturally
as possible and there won’t be a neighbor in sight – rural but not remote.
2. A place where I won’t live in fear of natural disasters, including but not limited to:
floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, forest fires and severe drought.
3. A temperate climate – not too hot, not too cold, not too wet, not too dry.
4. Within a few hours’ drive to an airport – not that I plan on traveling,
but I do love having houseguests.
5. Reasonably close to a thriving small town with charm and a grocery store
(sort of the opposite of Mountainair, New Mexico).
Ok, so maybe the list isn’t that long, but items 2 and 3 sure do narrow down the options.
Might you or someone you know live in a place like this?
Have you vacationed or visited somewhere and said, “this is heaven and I want to live here.”
I realize that no place is perfect and I may have to compromise on one or more of my wishes,
but with all of you helping me look, I’ve got to think almost-utopia is possible.
And with any luck, one of you already lives there and I’ll know someone when I arrive!
