[h0kie]

Anyone who knows me, knows I HATE change. Always have.

So this weekend, we cleaned out my basement. All the old stuff my grandparents kept is gone. I'm not sad at all about this...lol, it was a LOT of stuff (I have a dumpster full of stuff). It's such a relief to not have to avoid the basement. Heck, I'm on a roll now. Pack rat no more! Anyway...

Last week we learned that the quarry next door will be digging up the field across from my house. In the end (years from now) we will have a lake there. So it's kind of nice looking forward to that. It still makes me sad.

But yesterday, my cousin dropped a bombshell on us/me. Well it seemed like that. He said they got an offer they couldn't refuse and are moving out of state in the summer of 2008 (when his son is out of high school). His brother and sister are there as well as his mom's side of the family.

The thing is...if he goes...so does the farm. While I don't want to farm (it's a rough life), I love living on the farm. I don't want new neighbors living right next to me. I don't want to worry if I am on someone else's property. I don't want to live in the city. I want to mow the lawn for hours at a time. I love where I live now. Close enough to be at a store or restaurant in 15 minutes...but far enough away to still live in the country. Where neighbors take care of each other.

Its not a suprise...but it is a disappointment. I also feel so guilty for thinking of myself...but I don't want my life to change. If they move away...we won't see them much if at all anymore. Just wanted to share.

I don't want things to change!!!

Sweetie, none of us do. Change is difficult for everyone. I'm sorry that you're going to have to make a change, but if you're going to have to buy a house, why not find a small piece of land in the area? One that's not as much as a farm, but that's big enough to give you that country feel? Maybe 5 or 10 acres? Then you could mow to your hearts content and still have all those other things you love about being that far out from the city. It's just an idea. And you've still got a few years to think about it and look for the perfect place. The good thing is that you have some time to save for a nice downpayment. I realize that a nice house and some land isn't your cousin and his family and I know that this comes as a shock but if you can, try to look at the things that could be positive.

Ry

[h0kie]

Luckily, Ryan, I won't lose my home. My parents own our home and we are safe on that front. Someday, it will be my home.

I just don't want new neighbors moving in. We've already had 3...I just don't want more. Heck, I don't want the 3 we have. (I'm such a nice neighbor...lol)

Thank you for caring though. It means a lot that someone can empathize with me.

I guess I am mourning the farm loss...I enjoy having the animals around...especially since I'm not the one doing lamb checks at 2AM or chasing loose cows. I actually enjoy baling season where we're out until 10 bringing in hay bales...and taking dinner to the guys working.

[Mahali]

I can empathise with the loss of the farm. Our family farm is now being rented by strangers. I can't imagine what the sale would do to me.

You are in my thoughts.

Take care.

[vacantangel]

I'm sorry you're going through this. I don't think anybody likes change. Maybe the new owners will let you help out on the farm? I know, I know, you don't want new neighbours. I'm assuming that there is nobody in your family who can afford to buy it?

(((((((( 1day ))))))))))

[h0kie]

Its not officially up for sale yet. May never be. My cousin said that his folks still consider this place home.

Trust me...I've considered going into even MORE debt to purchase it. Hopefully, in 5 years when I have decent credit again, that will be an option. Only time will tell.

They started digging up the field across the street. Gonna take some pictures tomorrow...before it's even more different. Forever.

Erin, I think that getting yourself set up to buy the place is admirable and very smart. Have you listed the ultimate goals and the steps necessary to get there? That's what I do when I've got a big goal that I'm working towards. List what the main goal is. List all the steps that must be taken along the way. Then take each step and write down what must be done to complete that step... like an outline. Make side notes for all the possible setbacks you might encounter and include the ways you might be able to avoid them. Then get to steppin. Just a thought. I pray that everything works out for you. Much love.

Ry

[h0kie]

Good idea Ryan...ok.

Goal: Buy farm if it ends up for sale.

Steps to get there:
1. Get a full time job. I'm working on it. Next year, considering branching out to another district or two.

2. Save money each month (which I already do...15% of my check goes right to savings...go me). If I get a permanent job...my 15% will go up a BUNCH!

3. Get "good credit" again (according to our credit report..2010).

To me...those all seem contingent upon each other and out of my hands at this time. I don't like that. Trying to make them more in my control.

[LMo]

Could you find a tenant for the land and then use the new lease as "income" when applying for the mortgage?

This story makes me very sad. I've only lived in or near big cities, so having land and animals sounds like a dream to me!

I think Lee Ann's idea is a pretty good one. Wirth checking out.

Ry