There was ice on the windshields this morning. I sure enjoyed our three days of fall. That said, I took a nice 630-mile drive yesterday. I drove through the mountains of New Mexico and the Taos area. It was just beautiful. I went over two 9k+ mountain passes. No, I didn't get out for a walkabout.

Yup, couple of days of fall hitting us too.  Balmy 39 this morning with 32 predicted for tomorrow.  But all is not lost, looks like mid to hi 60s for Thanksgiving week/day.....

So far ,. the weather here has been ok.. yesterday and prior.... 52.
but today 39 and ice in the morning.

We have been in our new home since Oct 1, and started building the shop/Studio right away.

Hoping to pour the floor within days and the framing starts next week.

Our home is a B I G downsize.... 1250 Sq.Ft..... really love it.... very tired of maintenance ..... But its a traditional and completely renovated century home that was built in 1910... and the yellow brick homes are known in this area.
Anyhow.... the shop will be 42x30 with a second floor.... lots been done in 30 days.

So tough to pull the trigger on down-sizing but I am so glad I did it before I had to.  It has been a fast 10 years and all is good.  If I had waited until now, I wouldn't have the energy to pull it off.

Meanwhile...I am trying to upsize...

Is that large area in front of your shop going to be asphalt? also this maybe a dumb question but where is Palookaville?

Neat little house, Jeff. Keep us informed on your garage progress........the one you just left was awesome!
I'm looking forward to your answer for 57Chero's question.

Quote from: gasman826 on 2024-11-21 16:41So tough to pull the trigger on down-sizing but I am so glad I did it before I had to.  It has been a fast 10 years and all is good.  If I had waited until now, I wouldn't have the energy to pull it off.

Gary..... it was the HARDEST thing we have ever done..... and you are correct.... 
big home, big property equals BIG cost.
We are done with that.
The last 6 moths were very hectic and nerve racking..... selling, buying and downsizing.We sold off 60% of our stuff collected over 35 years of Marriage....
I simply don't want to cut and maintain 4 acres of cutting grass.... the gardens, the upkeep and maintenance ... 

it was a personal choice  and very happy to do so.

your right... If we would have waited another 5 years.We simply could not have done it.
Our life has changed dramatically.. and now with a Grandchild.... life is very much different.

Quote from: mustang6984 on 2024-11-21 16:48Meanwhile...I am trying to upsize...

hahahahah

Quote from: 57chero on 2024-11-21 17:38Is that large area in front of your shop going to be asphalt? also this maybe a dumb question but where is Palookaville?

Yes.... asphalt or Concrete..... again.... I am concerned about cost.... and maintenance .....
The upside is I can cut the grass in 10 minutes...... sold the tractor and all that stuff that went with it.

Palookaville?..... it's just an endearing term that is for all hardworking men and women in small towns through out America and Canada..... 

Quote from: RICH MUISE on 2024-11-21 21:13Neat little house, Jeff. Keep us informed on your garage progress........the one you just left was awesome!
I'm looking forward to your answer for 57Chero's question.

Thanks Rich.... yes..... we loved our last home..but as I mentioned.. the up keep and cost was getting out of hand.
the Taxes were approaching 10k alone... as compared to 5 when we originally bought.
And.. we were getting physically tired just trying to keep it so.

As for the shop...I am pretty excited about it.... it's the first time I can plan a shop and studio the way I want it(within reason!)
Really love this new little town.... we moved to the big city Rich!
we have a traffic light and a hardware store.
hahaha
the population is about 1100 people.... hope I can handle that.



My shop will have my 2 57's, a studio and storage.... and all my tools..... Right now I have all my stuff in 2 40 foot Sea Cans.... and the cars are stored at my buddys shop until all is settled.

We kinda did the opposite when we retired, we moved from a small house with a 1 car garage in a large city in British Columbia Canada (680,000 people), to a larger house with a 1500+ sf garage in semi rural Nova Scotia, about 10 minutes from a town of just under 10,000 people. Our closest neigbors house is 500 feet from ours. We have 8 1/2 acres, but most of the property is trees and brush, so only about an acre of actual lawn to cut, and with the lawn tractor, takes less than an hour. we love the peace and quiet, and with our house 900 feet from the road, it is almost like living in our own park. I wish that I had this garage (48 x 30 foot, with a full length car port on the side, so I can park my race car trailer underneath), when I was younger, but I guess later is better than never. Hopefully we can enjoy this property for quite a few years to come, at least as long as I have this "silly car phase" in my life!

Quote from: Jeff Norwell on Yesterday at 06:17hahahahah

I meant the house. I have lived in one house in my life that was big enough for my stuff. I enjoy having it out and available. Books and music having their own place in the house would be nice. And bedrooms that are big enough to move around in without bumping elbows would be pleasant.
Have the land, and only mow what I want to, letting the rest go natural to attract wildlife. We have 7 acres and I keep about 3 or so of it mowed. The rest is home to deer, possums, armadillos, a bobcat and some turkeys. Coyotes wander the area as well. We rarely see any of the coyotes or the bobcat, but I see their scat around now and then.
One neighbor is within sight, about an acre away. the rest are 1/4 mile away. We have a nice mix of pasture and forest on the property. I mow with a zero-turn and take about 3 hours to do so. Slap on the headset and listen to a radio show on Sunday afternoon and ride around.
I made my move from WA state to MO in '20 at the young age of 67...it was a bit of a chore. LOL!!! My taxes here are less than $600 a year, and that is with a 1400 sq. ft, home and 2,000 sq. ft. shop. I live in the country, nearest towns are 10 miles north and 10 miles south. One is probably about 1,000 people, the other is around 5,000. I am about 45 minutes southwest of Branson MO.
Wish I had done this 20 years sooner. Peace and quiet is great.

gotta love sea cans!

Down sizing for us was a +. We went from a 4 level home and 75 acers to a 1 level home and 1 acer. The house is right at 1800 sq. ft. with a 4 car attatched garage. I built my shop 32X60, but now as I am selling things, it is to big. I would have to say that one of the things we love most, is NO steps anywhere. Even though I can't see much any more,I still am able to mow the lawn and keep things looking good.