And so it goes.

Back here again - pondering choices about the land, a move to the land, what we want on the land, and on and on. The house plans are done essentially, at least are almost ready for the handful of builders I've gathered to bid on and likely dash our dreams of building. Because of the size and scope of the project, as it's currently drawn on paper, we're both certain this has gone beyond anything reasonable for us to consider. In anticipation of ridiculously high numbers, we've gone back to the drawing board, so to speak. It's not that building is definitely untenable, it's just that once again everything is back on the table.

This means that I'm back to considering some pretty ludicrous options for permanent living arrangements. The imagination is capable of twisting just about anything into an attractive opportunity. I explain these "opportunities" to friends and colleagues who generally smile politely, or cock their heads sideways and squint their eyes - really trying to imagine what I could possibly be thinking. (EX: Telling someone you want to cut a huge old house into four pieces, haul it across the county and patch it back together - but then also conduct an extensive re-model to said house doesn't sound too cost-effective - because it's not). Thank you all for patiently listening, by the way. Just bear with me a little longer.

It's not so simple, you know? This isn't just a question of building or buying a residence on a lot in a neighborhood. The purchase of this land demands that some expansive life questions be answered more prematurely than expected. Do we want to take on a traditional mortgage since it's not just a house we need to pay for - but the land - not to mention the development of many goals we've set in place for the land. Not to mention a kid or two, you never know. And when is the right time to make the move? The wrong time? NOT TO MENTION: there are approximately 150 options - none of which we've completely ruled out.

(Jenna beats head against wall)

We never really discussed all this stuff before getting into the whole rural property business. We were too enamored with the view to consider such things.

And its promixity to the city.


The ridiculous farm creatures.



And the quiet, the space.

In the end, we got the most important decision right. We got the land. This isn't a pressing situation by any means but probably one that's worth some creative thinking. Turns out I'm pretty good at that, and Jeremy's gotten pretty good at being one of my politely smiling audience members.

Ever sit around and wonder where you'll be, this time next year? That's me but maybe 10 times. Each day. I'll probably still be sitting here at my computer browsing Craigslist for a mean deal on a dilapidated farmhouse. No house but still the land. That could be enough.