Revelations

Life here has turned up side down.

Real estate assessments, searching for acreages, condos on the island, talking to the accountant about tax implications, it sure sounds like leaving the farm to me.

Scared senseless, more like.  I waffle between excitement and horror.  I don't think anyone can do one job for 35 years  and not feel panic at the thought of having to learn to do something else, especially in their fifties.

In an ideal world we wouldn't have to work after we sell, but interest rates being what they are even a million dollars in the bank will only make you at best 25,000. per year....and they say it takes about 3500-4500 per month for a couple to retire comfortably. that comes to nearly 50,000. per year....a long, long way from 25,000. so we hope to only have to have part time jobs so we have lots of time  to spend together. Old age pension is a few years away.

Actually in an ideal world, we would be able to make a living here the way were able to ten years ago. But the fact is, government wants to squeeze out the small farmer, and have big corporate farms working in tandem with the packing plants, they've done it to the HOG guys and their are decimated.  Financially, the writing is on the wall for us, but our hearts are telling us we're not ready to quit yet.  It's the land, it's hard to tear yourself away.  It's worked its way into your lungs, bone and sinew, until the thought of leaving it feels like ripping a limb off without anesthetic.

This coming year will be the teller.  But hold onto your hats, cause it's gonna be a whing-dinger.