This has nothing to do with politics. It has everything to do with freedom.
In 2005, I fell ill, lost my job as a result of the illness (companies must minimize their risk exposure, after all). By mid 2006, I was bankrupt, and nearing homelessness. All this after 20 years of paying my mortgage religiously. I was at the headwaters of the housing bubble.
I found a company that was willing to pay me a salary that equaled my experience and talents, and moved here to Western New York. I've been here since. My family has been miserable since day one. We went from a life in the woods, to a life in "town".
As we rebuilt and regained our footing, we have been looking at homes we could buy with cash, (I will NEVER have a mortgage again). We have looked at 12 or so in the last year that we could buy out-right, and found all of them wanting for one thing, freedom.
More below.....
Most were in-town, a building lot, maybe 1 acre. We have come to the conclusion that after 20+ years living among 9000 acres of forest, we cannot adapt to In-town life.
Yesterday, during my lunch hour, I made an offer and down-payment on 14 acres of undeveloped land with a direct view of the Lake. I will be surrounded by Amish folks, so I plan to tap their knowledge, and productivity to build a new Homestead for my family.
This will be an experiment in sustainability, efficient design, and freedom of expression in the design of a home. It seems we need elbow room, as my entire family is completely on board with building this new reality. 14 acres might be enough to fulfill those objectives.
As this goes forward, I plan to post progress reports, (I offered more than they were asking, so I think it will go forward). I welcome any tips, ideas or even way-out there suggestions. My wife has already located where my shop and forge will be located on the property. I caught her sneaking seeds into her grocery purchase tonight. This should get exciting if it goes through.
Cross your fingers for us.
Millrat