Bret,
I'm sure you are a lot happier doing what you are doing. No way I would be sitting on my butt watching TV, either. I, too bought
into a country place, in my 60s, although not a real farm, but the mowing and maintenance takes a good bit of time, too. I could be in
a condo in Fla but that isn't what I really want, either. Rather be here, doing things, keeping busy. As far as the "good with
money" part, that is a lot of good luck in finding a shooting buddy who was a good financial guy. And after I knew him for years
as a friend, I decided to let him show me how to manage money. He was a whole lot smarter that way than I ever was. The
main smart thing I did was trusting him. I had figured out the pay the mortgage off early thing, that sure helps, if you can make
the extra payments.
Wife has spent a half a year away from home this year taking care of a sick relative, and I have been back and forth, keeping this
place up, doing it all myself, and then getting to Fla to help there, like cutting up trees from the hurricane, splitting and stacking
that wood, they heat with wood there. I know what that is like. At this point, all the previous generation are gone, so some of that
responsibility is over. People have obligations, and they have to be satisfied, although some push it off.
Intheshop - I could have propane heat in Colorado, but I didn't want to spend the money, choose to keep it all wood heat. I like
needing to go and cut and split and haul wood, build the fire and keep it going during the day. Those are chores that are work,
and when it is below zero I kinda wonder some days, but wood heat requires me to be out in the cold, working in snow, but
exactly like you said -- it isn't the easiest way, but it is a good way, and a simple way. BIL in Fla heats with wood, too. Keeping
up a house built in 1890s in Fla was taking a bunch of my time this year, too. BIL is partially disabled, needed help with cutting up
the downed trees, splitting and stacking, maintenance on the house. I won't shirk family responsibilities that way. We did a couple
of cords while we were "vacationing" in Florida.
Best wishes, Bret.
Bill