I find myself at a crossroads. The ascension of Trump provides me, perhaps, with an opportunity that, had Trump been otherwise, I would not recognize. I have assets that, if liquidated in an orderly fashion, might, after taxes, break seven figures. I am a relatively healthy 78, no heirs, no obligations, no debts. T…
I find myself at a crossroads. The ascension of Trump provides me, perhaps, with an opportunity that, had Trump been otherwise, I would not recognize. I have assets that, if liquidated in an orderly fashion, might, after taxes, break seven figures. I am a relatively healthy 78, no heirs, no obligations, no debts. The 100+ acreage I own on the Inner coastal range of Oregon ensures that I will not be impacted by the outrages soon to come. I have the largest machine shop in the county, and a good well, and 90+ producing fruit trees of all types suitable for the area. I am 20+ minutes driving at 40 mph from any small town. I have built this place for the obvious troubles that will eventually fall upon us all.
My question? Should I sell out, move to Reno, rent a furnished apartment, and spend the remainder of my days wallowing in the fleshpots of the area? They have a good library, several venues that spread poker games of various sizes, and some decent food at restaurants in the Casinos and otherwise. I am not a problem gambler...poker only, and I usually play at a break even level, at least. Sooo, what to do? I have been responsible all my life, and this would hardly qualify as responsible.
Hunker down for the remainder of my days, or Hookers and Blow (only without the hookers and blow)?
Do you have a loyal and reliable crew to help you defend all that acreage and ideally turn it over to when you're gone? That should be your priority. Get that and stay where you are.
Does the Reno lifestyle even appeal to you? If so, that would likely be less headache, but even so... You can't take it with you into the hereafter either way.
As renowned mythologist Joseph Campbell was famous for saying: “Follow your bliss. If you do follow your bliss, you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while waiting for you, and the life you ought to be living is the one you are living”
Oh, and as a practical matter, suppose you do convert all those hard assets to soon to be worthless $US cash and then the usual suspects crash the economy and convert everything to CBDC for pennies on the dollar, and there you are stuck in Reno with a bunch of other losers. Where are you then? Easy decision to make, I think.
90+ producing fruit trees of all types!! Sounds like a little piece of heaven. It could be transformed into a therapy ranch where people could come to help take care of the land and the fruit trees and everything and get away from the stressors of life. The scary thing is that someone could try to develop it into a parking lot or like a gross series of bargain hunting strip malls.
You're so crazy Ron lol. I looked up that highest and best use definition and it says that "It does not take into account social or historical value, or non-financial benefits like open space." So you may have to make some tweaks to please the county land and historic preservation committee. I'm the committee chair lol :-). Yep! I'm here so its a good New Year lol. <3
You're bringing up a tray of food and drink that's getting cold/warm to Lugh's condo. The cafe-patio-to-balcony pulley system isn't working. The cafe is a cooperative, everyone is staff. Get off the internet and back to work. I'll take the envelope now, Ron, thanks... What's in it? While you're here, could you take a look at Lugh's building's pulley system, please?
This doesn't feel like cooperative language to me. The internet is within the universe of my occupational duties as i sometimes need information to complete my tasks. I've never. To think that I labor so much to be so uncooperatively displaced.
Well, you can review the books again because i've been making lots of sales. And sweat is not an appropriate thing in a place of business and where food and beverages are being served. And of course a sale is not simply a transaction. If i've brightened someone's day that is a sale. They may be encouraged to patronize our establishment again in four days time and bring friends out the wazoo too. iow i'm investing my equity into each moment.
Zazzy, I didn't want to implicate anyone, so I just addressed the envelope to "Historic Preservation Committee Chair". So, I guess you could take it. At least split with Dreamy though, otherwise, Elysianfield's project will never get approved.
Everything gets split depending on revenue and sweat equity, etc..
If you're in contact with elysianfield, let him know that we attended, out of curiosity and some time ago, an information session at Mike Nickerson's home regarding the formation of an ecovillage. We were part of Transition at the time.
elysianfield might do well to consider turning his 'historic preservation' into something like it and/or consulting Mike, the Transition Network and/or the Permaculture Institute, and/or the like, along those lines.
He happened to be on the panel of JHK's video posted on his old CFN site with that Club Of Rome, Canada Chapter gang. Do you remember? Did you see it?
Here's part two with Mike (beard, bald, glasses, suspenders) chatting with Jim in the immediate segment:
Who knows. The chair may be seized from me as well. But don't you worry. I'll fix em lol. I brought you an espresso martini so you have energy for all of your business deals today. Now, if you'll excuse. Apparently i'm filling in for the pulley today.
What we can do is make a double-paneled sign with suspender ropes that allow it to be placed on your shoulders so that one panel is at your back and another is at your front, sort of like if you were begging for work in some era like the Dust Bowl.
Then we bring the chair to our busy downtown street corner and set you standing upon it to advertise all our specials, menus, new arrivals and whatnot.
After some weeks, the chair will probably have to be fixed, but if Ron is going to periodically pop in and drink up all our profits in espresso martinis, he can also fix the chairs.
I should be ok if you want to add a fine print at the bottom of one of your panels that says, "My stuff isn't selling, that's why I have to do this.". <3
Exactly who do you think you are. You act as if this is a common place of business. No. This is an establishment. We are the heartbeat of this town. Everyone knows where its happening and its right here. Now if you'll excuse me. I am so busy i can't even see straight right now.
Stay where you are and bring "Reno" to you. This sort of follows a business model that's been rattling around in my head. You're handy, build a three-story structure, maybe 50 x 50.
Now, where do strippers get "all over" tans? Probably tanning salons, right? But that gets expensive. The flat rooftop of the building is designed as a "sundeck" for strippers - a perimeter wall, so people can't peek in (freely), you know, if they climbed adjacent trees - pesky perverts.
The actual third floor is living quarters for the strippers, sort of dormitory-style or like a hostel. They can hang out up there, when they're not tanning or "working".
The actual second floor is a poker parlor, outfitted with tables and maybe some video poker machines, but they're so impersonal. Camaraderie and social interaction are just as important as the game, I think.
The actual ground floor is your living quarters, arranged however you like. The only design constraint is that your personal master bedroom has to layout beneath the pole.
Dammit, I almost forgot. All vertical access going up and down for poker patrons, is by an interior set of stairs. but the vertical means of access coming down for the strippers, is by a 3-1/2 story brass pole, that starts at the rooftop sundeck and bottoms out in your bedroom.
Are you picturing this? In the poker parlor, there is a fire alarm, and when someone pulls it, all the strippers tanning on the rooftop sundeck and in their rooms, run and slide down the brass pole.
There's an indicator telling them which floor the fire is on - either the second-floor poker parlor, in which case they all pile off there, and start dancing for the poker patrons, or the ground floor, in which case, they slide all the way down, and all pile off in your bedroom.
Now here's the innovative part - call it unconventional if you want. At the turn off from your main road - a 1/4 mile if I remember, build a small building, maybe 25 x 25, single-story, outfitted with 10 video monitors and rent drones, by the hour.
The drone rental patrons, on lower budgets - the poker parlor beyond their means - rent drones and buzz the naked strippers on the rooftop sundeck, dropping dollar bills to their favorites.
I have to admit, during the hysteria of Covid, while everyone else was freaking out, and the capricious definitions of essential businesses (strip joints, being one, but for some reason, not recognized as such) I tried to think of a way strippers could still make money, guys could still enjoy their talents, all while complying with the "social distancing" foolishness.
So, the genius of drone-dropping dollar bills to strippers on rooftop sundecks was born.
The revenue streams are thus. The poker parlor is self-supporting, because the house always wins. The meager winnings from the patrons, goes to the strippers during second floor "fires", so they can pay you rent on their third-floor accommodations. Finally, the drone rentals are additional passive income.
There you go. You can do this E! You're already a legend, but if you develop this visionary model, you'll go down in history. It's sort of mash up of Hefner's hedonism, Musk's visionary talents and some Meyer Lansky mixed in.
Joy in life entails two elements: Peace of environment, and peace of mind.
It sounds to me, that if you had your freedom, you would be knocking on the door of nirvana. Have you considered a life estate?
Build a caretaker dwelling on your property (or a house for the new owners), positioned in such a manner that the new owners would oversee (and perhaps maintain), and provide security for your dwelling by default. Then, whenever you got the bug, you could fly the coop on a moments notice.
I would think that there ought to be a couple of childhood sweethearts, around 60 years old, a machinist, who would be ready to ditch the rat race and embrace the country life. Make sure that they are on the same frequency, politically and otherwise, essentially family that you could live with, where you could establish a variety of tag team "milk runs". Paint the picture of an apprenticeship program where over a years time you teach them your routines for managing the place and business, so that you provide them with a good foundation to make a go of it.
If money for the buyer is an issue, perhaps you could sell-off the timber and orchard acreage (and do a similar apprenticeship program for each of those if you had an interest).
If you go this route, let me know how you find your target.
Thank you for your post. Unfortunately, age weighs heavily on my options. I do not dwell on death, but recognize it as a close neighbor. I do not feel that there is enough time and energy for the various options you outline. Three years ago I built a small residence on the property, and was actively repairing diesel tractors, etc., which were purchased as projects. I currently still have dozens of projects, but no desire to finish them. Zero.
The last two years I have committed unheard of indulgences...just sitting on my ass, reading at least one book a week, watching YouTube documentaries, playing internet poker, and cooking. This is not a depression, but rather a recognized choice that I never chose when younger.
My life was defined by work and creativity...I retired from business when I was 39...and then went to work. Built two houses. Indulged in many avocations, mostly productive...the scope of these activities I cannot begin to account. Whatever I wanted to do I did, and I wanted to do it all. I still marvel at my audacity to tackle complex projects...successfully. It was always upward and forward, until my son died, and I realized that all the work would eventually go to someone I could care less about. I am not whining, not a victim, but rather hold a pragmatic understanding of my situation.
The question of change only arises as a result of Trump's victory, and perhaps a positive change in our society...probably a false hope. If the Marxist Globalists won, there would not even be a question of a change of personal direction. I spent my years building for that eventuality...
I've paid for the ticket, and now will take the ride....
After my wife was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer of the liver she gave up all physical activity, and in short order she no longer had the strength to stand without assistance.
If this is anywhere near the case, then you need to get your "big black ass" out there and tackle one of those diesels. Pick a simple easy one, so that you get that spark that keeps life alive.
The Globalists wear two faces, Capitalist and Marxist. One is real, one is not, or rather, a lesser identity for dealing with the masses who will own nothing and be happy.
I am hopeful that a Trump administration can implement radical positive change, that essentially drains the swamp, and points the US back in the direction of fiscal responsibility, but I foresee difficult times ahead, no matter his level of success.
It sounds like you don't anticipate significant problems in the next 4 years.
Armstrong posts the following. Do you care to share your thoughts on how things will play-out over the next 4 years?
"However, the election of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has exacerbated the situation, making it increasingly bitter, violent, or unpleasant – hence the peso’s rocky ride. In addition to this frustration, there are fresh tariff threats against Mexico, which sends around 80% of its exports to its northern neighbor. I oppose this because it will create an economic depression outside the USA, which is dangerous for the world economy and would drag the United States down, as what took place with the Great Depression.
Many emerging markets issued their debt in US dollars to raise money in NYC. As the dollar rises, these emerging markets will suffer major currency losses on top of an economic depression, which will only come back to haunt the world economy, including the USA. Whoever Trump is listening to has clearly no international experience or expertise in this field."
My situation is not one of loneliness, but rather to remain cautious, or roll the dice hoping for satisfaction in what would become a dissolute lifestyle. ABSOLUTELY no interest in a new mate.
My wife's dad had a saying to describe the "it rains 80-100 inches a year"- "If its wet outside, that means its raining, and if its dry outside, that means its going to rain.".
Hang in there, in 4 months things will be looking better.
Or, have Lugh come and babysit the place while you bug-out for the winter. Winter is the best season for hunting big foot.
Try this to avoid snap decisions you will regret later.
Is Reno a passion? Does the carefree urban lifestyle appeal to you right now? Now imagine how long that feeling will last, imagine your feelings six months after the move, a year?
Trial period? Lock up Oregon and Airbnb a place in Reno for three months. How long do you think you will last?
Change your current situation. Too much responsibility? Subdivide and sell off part of your 100 acres, to people you know and can trust to be good neighbors. I can relate, I am 77 and want less and less responsibility. Think ten years from now, you will want no part of 100 acres.
If you want a lifestyle change, why not into the sun belt, no more cold and snow? Las Vegas?
Reno. Made dozens and dozens of trips to Reno when it was vibrant. Now it is something of a shit hole, but still blue collar. Never liked Vegas. No snow here, but it rains 80-100 inches a year. There is always a winter depression, and I recognize it. Hate the heat, still prefer cool weather. Responsibility is not burdensome. I understand the false appeal of Reno as an escape from my boredom. Yet, I continue to mull it over. My worldview hasn't changed, so no snap decisions, unless I become addled.
Why not leave it to me in your will? I will use it as a base to pursue Bigfoot. Recently two Bigfoot seekers died in Western Oregon or Washington, supposedly of exposure. Who is to say they weren't murdered by the Beast? Have you had any experiences? Heard their uncanny howling?
Plan B. Why not take an apprentice and teach him your the use of your machines. Did you teach your son? Or did he have no interest?
Can you recommend a book or website on the art of poker?
Anent our discussion last week: It is said that to the elderly, life begins to take on a dream like quality, at least for some. Maybe this is what you experiencing. Or could it be too much isolation?
Plan C: Just take a break every winter. Go to Reno for a few weeks to play poker. Maybe find a nice hooker who gives the "girlfriend experience". An illusion? What isn't? How many of them really ever love us more than our cats or dogs. As long as they purr and wag their tails, right?
Will the place be safe with you gone? Do you have a neighbor you trust?
I thank you for your considered comments. My situation currently, and in the foreseeable future is that I am entirely alone, save for a neighbor across the river, whom I've known for 35+years...I would not be comfortable leaving the place vacant. My son was a trained journeyman machinist/welder...the shop was legacy, as was the orchard, and the 80+ acres of second growth timber. I do not suffer when alone, I am not lonely. The mental exercise I am experiencing, is the result of...boredom.
I spent 30+ years withdrawing from our culture and humanity in general. Our county has little in the way of cultural diversity. Living 20 minutes driving time from the nearest quart of milk means that it takes a lot of effort for criminals to "crim". I am self-sufficient beyond most expectations.
I garden, maintain the orchard and vineyard, and can maintain all facets of the home repair, as I built the house myself with one hired carpenter.
I feel that the issues in our country will be considerable, but I also feel that my lifestyle would not be impacted nearly as much as others, if at all. I have peace of mind.
The problem is one of age. In 6 months I will be 79, and then onto a Lincolnesque four score. I have lost interest in maintaining the property, and do not have an income that would allow me to hire another to do so...I always did everything myself in any case, so probably would not hire anyone if the income provided. Selling out has some superficial benefits, but would put me back into the belly of the beast I spent my life avoiding...I will probably remain on the ranch.
Bigfoot? I'd rather put stake into belief in the female orgasm. Big cats in the woods scream. Poker book? "Supersystem" by Doyle Brunson. The book shows the "how" to play, but it takes years to understand the "why".
Have the trees cut for lumber. Use the proceeds to install a state of the art security system. Inform your local sheriff and go on a two week vacation in Reno.
Money is not an issue, and I bought this place 35 years ago as a "stump farm". Had it replanted. Have a security system of sorts in place. Had a Woodmizer, and sold it last year. Little law enforcement patrol in my very remote area and cannot see the house or shop from the road, 1/4-mile driveway through the trees up to the house. I can secure the driveway, no issues.
I am not looking for a vacation or temporary break in my routine...it would serve little purpose.
Oregon is an interesting state geologically speaking.
Pick up a new hobby.
Currently trying to understand aspects of geology to help with my "gold" mining hobby.
Takes up a lot of free time and the best part is geology happened in every corner of the earth so I'm constantly looking at rocks, mountains and deserts trying to figure out what was/is going on.
There are a million hobbies to keep one occupied and entertained.
As I suggested, maybe reduce your local responsibility by shrinking your domain. Sell off parts of your land and make your current domain fit what appeals to you now.
You are sensing the change in “ambition” that aging brings on, follow your heart with this.
As others have suggested, use some of the liquidity you may achieve to spend off-seasons in warmer climes. I lived in Denver 20 years ago and wanted no part of that climate there, any more. I have no desire yet to leave Phoenix, no matter how hot the summers are.
Well, ladies and germs;
I find myself at a crossroads. The ascension of Trump provides me, perhaps, with an opportunity that, had Trump been otherwise, I would not recognize. I have assets that, if liquidated in an orderly fashion, might, after taxes, break seven figures. I am a relatively healthy 78, no heirs, no obligations, no debts. The 100+ acreage I own on the Inner coastal range of Oregon ensures that I will not be impacted by the outrages soon to come. I have the largest machine shop in the county, and a good well, and 90+ producing fruit trees of all types suitable for the area. I am 20+ minutes driving at 40 mph from any small town. I have built this place for the obvious troubles that will eventually fall upon us all.
My question? Should I sell out, move to Reno, rent a furnished apartment, and spend the remainder of my days wallowing in the fleshpots of the area? They have a good library, several venues that spread poker games of various sizes, and some decent food at restaurants in the Casinos and otherwise. I am not a problem gambler...poker only, and I usually play at a break even level, at least. Sooo, what to do? I have been responsible all my life, and this would hardly qualify as responsible.
Hunker down for the remainder of my days, or Hookers and Blow (only without the hookers and blow)?
Do you have a loyal and reliable crew to help you defend all that acreage and ideally turn it over to when you're gone? That should be your priority. Get that and stay where you are.
Does the Reno lifestyle even appeal to you? If so, that would likely be less headache, but even so... You can't take it with you into the hereafter either way.
As renowned mythologist Joseph Campbell was famous for saying: “Follow your bliss. If you do follow your bliss, you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while waiting for you, and the life you ought to be living is the one you are living”
Oh, and as a practical matter, suppose you do convert all those hard assets to soon to be worthless $US cash and then the usual suspects crash the economy and convert everything to CBDC for pennies on the dollar, and there you are stuck in Reno with a bunch of other losers. Where are you then? Easy decision to make, I think.
90+ producing fruit trees of all types!! Sounds like a little piece of heaven. It could be transformed into a therapy ranch where people could come to help take care of the land and the fruit trees and everything and get away from the stressors of life. The scary thing is that someone could try to develop it into a parking lot or like a gross series of bargain hunting strip malls.
Dreamy, see below, I think this is what they call "highest and best use" in RE development jargon. Hope you had a Happy New Year. <3
You're so crazy Ron lol. I looked up that highest and best use definition and it says that "It does not take into account social or historical value, or non-financial benefits like open space." So you may have to make some tweaks to please the county land and historic preservation committee. I'm the committee chair lol :-). Yep! I'm here so its a good New Year lol. <3
You're so gracious. I have a big, fat envelope for you, should I drop it off at the Cafe?
Please do. And tell the staff to find me when you arrive. I hate not to at least have a quick chat with my fave customers.
~ Incoming-Recipe Pulley System ~
You're bringing up a tray of food and drink that's getting cold/warm to Lugh's condo. The cafe-patio-to-balcony pulley system isn't working. The cafe is a cooperative, everyone is staff. Get off the internet and back to work. I'll take the envelope now, Ron, thanks... What's in it? While you're here, could you take a look at Lugh's building's pulley system, please?
This doesn't feel like cooperative language to me. The internet is within the universe of my occupational duties as i sometimes need information to complete my tasks. I've never. To think that I labor so much to be so uncooperatively displaced.
If your crystals and incense are not going to sell as much, then it's sweat equity for you!
Well, you can review the books again because i've been making lots of sales. And sweat is not an appropriate thing in a place of business and where food and beverages are being served. And of course a sale is not simply a transaction. If i've brightened someone's day that is a sale. They may be encouraged to patronize our establishment again in four days time and bring friends out the wazoo too. iow i'm investing my equity into each moment.
Absolutely!
what books?
Zazzy, I didn't want to implicate anyone, so I just addressed the envelope to "Historic Preservation Committee Chair". So, I guess you could take it. At least split with Dreamy though, otherwise, Elysianfield's project will never get approved.
Everything gets split depending on revenue and sweat equity, etc..
If you're in contact with elysianfield, let him know that we attended, out of curiosity and some time ago, an information session at Mike Nickerson's home regarding the formation of an ecovillage. We were part of Transition at the time.
elysianfield might do well to consider turning his 'historic preservation' into something like it and/or consulting Mike, the Transition Network and/or the Permaculture Institute, and/or the like, along those lines.
He happened to be on the panel of JHK's video posted on his old CFN site with that Club Of Rome, Canada Chapter gang. Do you remember? Did you see it?
Here's part two with Mike (beard, bald, glasses, suspenders) chatting with Jim in the immediate segment:
https://youtu.be/zkrYz3AgS6k?si=ZG_rYLwKDO9f4C_L
Who knows. The chair may be seized from me as well. But don't you worry. I'll fix em lol. I brought you an espresso martini so you have energy for all of your business deals today. Now, if you'll excuse. Apparently i'm filling in for the pulley today.
"The chair may be seized from me as well." ~ Nova
What we can do is make a double-paneled sign with suspender ropes that allow it to be placed on your shoulders so that one panel is at your back and another is at your front, sort of like if you were begging for work in some era like the Dust Bowl.
Then we bring the chair to our busy downtown street corner and set you standing upon it to advertise all our specials, menus, new arrivals and whatnot.
After some weeks, the chair will probably have to be fixed, but if Ron is going to periodically pop in and drink up all our profits in espresso martinis, he can also fix the chairs.
I should be ok if you want to add a fine print at the bottom of one of your panels that says, "My stuff isn't selling, that's why I have to do this.". <3
Exactly who do you think you are. You act as if this is a common place of business. No. This is an establishment. We are the heartbeat of this town. Everyone knows where its happening and its right here. Now if you'll excuse me. I am so busy i can't even see straight right now.
E - I've got you on this.
Stay where you are and bring "Reno" to you. This sort of follows a business model that's been rattling around in my head. You're handy, build a three-story structure, maybe 50 x 50.
Now, where do strippers get "all over" tans? Probably tanning salons, right? But that gets expensive. The flat rooftop of the building is designed as a "sundeck" for strippers - a perimeter wall, so people can't peek in (freely), you know, if they climbed adjacent trees - pesky perverts.
The actual third floor is living quarters for the strippers, sort of dormitory-style or like a hostel. They can hang out up there, when they're not tanning or "working".
The actual second floor is a poker parlor, outfitted with tables and maybe some video poker machines, but they're so impersonal. Camaraderie and social interaction are just as important as the game, I think.
The actual ground floor is your living quarters, arranged however you like. The only design constraint is that your personal master bedroom has to layout beneath the pole.
Dammit, I almost forgot. All vertical access going up and down for poker patrons, is by an interior set of stairs. but the vertical means of access coming down for the strippers, is by a 3-1/2 story brass pole, that starts at the rooftop sundeck and bottoms out in your bedroom.
Are you picturing this? In the poker parlor, there is a fire alarm, and when someone pulls it, all the strippers tanning on the rooftop sundeck and in their rooms, run and slide down the brass pole.
There's an indicator telling them which floor the fire is on - either the second-floor poker parlor, in which case they all pile off there, and start dancing for the poker patrons, or the ground floor, in which case, they slide all the way down, and all pile off in your bedroom.
Now here's the innovative part - call it unconventional if you want. At the turn off from your main road - a 1/4 mile if I remember, build a small building, maybe 25 x 25, single-story, outfitted with 10 video monitors and rent drones, by the hour.
The drone rental patrons, on lower budgets - the poker parlor beyond their means - rent drones and buzz the naked strippers on the rooftop sundeck, dropping dollar bills to their favorites.
I have to admit, during the hysteria of Covid, while everyone else was freaking out, and the capricious definitions of essential businesses (strip joints, being one, but for some reason, not recognized as such) I tried to think of a way strippers could still make money, guys could still enjoy their talents, all while complying with the "social distancing" foolishness.
So, the genius of drone-dropping dollar bills to strippers on rooftop sundecks was born.
The revenue streams are thus. The poker parlor is self-supporting, because the house always wins. The meager winnings from the patrons, goes to the strippers during second floor "fires", so they can pay you rent on their third-floor accommodations. Finally, the drone rentals are additional passive income.
There you go. You can do this E! You're already a legend, but if you develop this visionary model, you'll go down in history. It's sort of mash up of Hefner's hedonism, Musk's visionary talents and some Meyer Lansky mixed in.
BTW, looking for a GM position. :-)
Ron,
If you ain't rich, you should be....
E - I've been rich for a long time.
To wit:
"He who knows he has enough, is rich." ~ Ancient Chinese Proverb
(I guess...it was in a fortune cookie I got many years ago. It was "me", so I saved it and use it often.)
About that GM position...
Joy in life entails two elements: Peace of environment, and peace of mind.
It sounds to me, that if you had your freedom, you would be knocking on the door of nirvana. Have you considered a life estate?
Build a caretaker dwelling on your property (or a house for the new owners), positioned in such a manner that the new owners would oversee (and perhaps maintain), and provide security for your dwelling by default. Then, whenever you got the bug, you could fly the coop on a moments notice.
I would think that there ought to be a couple of childhood sweethearts, around 60 years old, a machinist, who would be ready to ditch the rat race and embrace the country life. Make sure that they are on the same frequency, politically and otherwise, essentially family that you could live with, where you could establish a variety of tag team "milk runs". Paint the picture of an apprenticeship program where over a years time you teach them your routines for managing the place and business, so that you provide them with a good foundation to make a go of it.
If money for the buyer is an issue, perhaps you could sell-off the timber and orchard acreage (and do a similar apprenticeship program for each of those if you had an interest).
If you go this route, let me know how you find your target.
Ian,
Thank you for your post. Unfortunately, age weighs heavily on my options. I do not dwell on death, but recognize it as a close neighbor. I do not feel that there is enough time and energy for the various options you outline. Three years ago I built a small residence on the property, and was actively repairing diesel tractors, etc., which were purchased as projects. I currently still have dozens of projects, but no desire to finish them. Zero.
The last two years I have committed unheard of indulgences...just sitting on my ass, reading at least one book a week, watching YouTube documentaries, playing internet poker, and cooking. This is not a depression, but rather a recognized choice that I never chose when younger.
My life was defined by work and creativity...I retired from business when I was 39...and then went to work. Built two houses. Indulged in many avocations, mostly productive...the scope of these activities I cannot begin to account. Whatever I wanted to do I did, and I wanted to do it all. I still marvel at my audacity to tackle complex projects...successfully. It was always upward and forward, until my son died, and I realized that all the work would eventually go to someone I could care less about. I am not whining, not a victim, but rather hold a pragmatic understanding of my situation.
The question of change only arises as a result of Trump's victory, and perhaps a positive change in our society...probably a false hope. If the Marxist Globalists won, there would not even be a question of a change of personal direction. I spent my years building for that eventuality...
I've paid for the ticket, and now will take the ride....
Two years?
After my wife was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer of the liver she gave up all physical activity, and in short order she no longer had the strength to stand without assistance.
If this is anywhere near the case, then you need to get your "big black ass" out there and tackle one of those diesels. Pick a simple easy one, so that you get that spark that keeps life alive.
Ian,
Good advice.
Here is a favorite that I can relate to, as my wife's grandfather planted trees for a fence, in my semi rural paradise, as described.
Message of the Maples
https://www.jpmlifeinnovations.com/articles/2014/6/19/message-of-the-maples
Hey, its a sunny day. I can go out and work on my own "diesel".
The Globalists wear two faces, Capitalist and Marxist. One is real, one is not, or rather, a lesser identity for dealing with the masses who will own nothing and be happy.
I am hopeful that a Trump administration can implement radical positive change, that essentially drains the swamp, and points the US back in the direction of fiscal responsibility, but I foresee difficult times ahead, no matter his level of success.
It sounds like you don't anticipate significant problems in the next 4 years.
Armstrong posts the following. Do you care to share your thoughts on how things will play-out over the next 4 years?
"However, the election of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has exacerbated the situation, making it increasingly bitter, violent, or unpleasant – hence the peso’s rocky ride. In addition to this frustration, there are fresh tariff threats against Mexico, which sends around 80% of its exports to its northern neighbor. I oppose this because it will create an economic depression outside the USA, which is dangerous for the world economy and would drag the United States down, as what took place with the Great Depression.
Many emerging markets issued their debt in US dollars to raise money in NYC. As the dollar rises, these emerging markets will suffer major currency losses on top of an economic depression, which will only come back to haunt the world economy, including the USA. Whoever Trump is listening to has clearly no international experience or expertise in this field."
Mexico 2025
https://www.armstrongeconomics.com/international-news/mexico/mexico-2025/
No interest in finding another mate, a young widow right around your age, to make a run for the finish line with?
Ian,
My situation is not one of loneliness, but rather to remain cautious, or roll the dice hoping for satisfaction in what would become a dissolute lifestyle. ABSOLUTELY no interest in a new mate.
My wife's dad had a saying to describe the "it rains 80-100 inches a year"- "If its wet outside, that means its raining, and if its dry outside, that means its going to rain.".
Hang in there, in 4 months things will be looking better.
Or, have Lugh come and babysit the place while you bug-out for the winter. Winter is the best season for hunting big foot.
Try this to avoid snap decisions you will regret later.
Is Reno a passion? Does the carefree urban lifestyle appeal to you right now? Now imagine how long that feeling will last, imagine your feelings six months after the move, a year?
Trial period? Lock up Oregon and Airbnb a place in Reno for three months. How long do you think you will last?
Change your current situation. Too much responsibility? Subdivide and sell off part of your 100 acres, to people you know and can trust to be good neighbors. I can relate, I am 77 and want less and less responsibility. Think ten years from now, you will want no part of 100 acres.
If you want a lifestyle change, why not into the sun belt, no more cold and snow? Las Vegas?
John,
Reno. Made dozens and dozens of trips to Reno when it was vibrant. Now it is something of a shit hole, but still blue collar. Never liked Vegas. No snow here, but it rains 80-100 inches a year. There is always a winter depression, and I recognize it. Hate the heat, still prefer cool weather. Responsibility is not burdensome. I understand the false appeal of Reno as an escape from my boredom. Yet, I continue to mull it over. My worldview hasn't changed, so no snap decisions, unless I become addled.
Why not leave it to me in your will? I will use it as a base to pursue Bigfoot. Recently two Bigfoot seekers died in Western Oregon or Washington, supposedly of exposure. Who is to say they weren't murdered by the Beast? Have you had any experiences? Heard their uncanny howling?
Plan B. Why not take an apprentice and teach him your the use of your machines. Did you teach your son? Or did he have no interest?
Can you recommend a book or website on the art of poker?
Anent our discussion last week: It is said that to the elderly, life begins to take on a dream like quality, at least for some. Maybe this is what you experiencing. Or could it be too much isolation?
Plan C: Just take a break every winter. Go to Reno for a few weeks to play poker. Maybe find a nice hooker who gives the "girlfriend experience". An illusion? What isn't? How many of them really ever love us more than our cats or dogs. As long as they purr and wag their tails, right?
Will the place be safe with you gone? Do you have a neighbor you trust?
Lugh, Dis, Ben, et al;
I thank you for your considered comments. My situation currently, and in the foreseeable future is that I am entirely alone, save for a neighbor across the river, whom I've known for 35+years...I would not be comfortable leaving the place vacant. My son was a trained journeyman machinist/welder...the shop was legacy, as was the orchard, and the 80+ acres of second growth timber. I do not suffer when alone, I am not lonely. The mental exercise I am experiencing, is the result of...boredom.
I spent 30+ years withdrawing from our culture and humanity in general. Our county has little in the way of cultural diversity. Living 20 minutes driving time from the nearest quart of milk means that it takes a lot of effort for criminals to "crim". I am self-sufficient beyond most expectations.
I garden, maintain the orchard and vineyard, and can maintain all facets of the home repair, as I built the house myself with one hired carpenter.
I feel that the issues in our country will be considerable, but I also feel that my lifestyle would not be impacted nearly as much as others, if at all. I have peace of mind.
The problem is one of age. In 6 months I will be 79, and then onto a Lincolnesque four score. I have lost interest in maintaining the property, and do not have an income that would allow me to hire another to do so...I always did everything myself in any case, so probably would not hire anyone if the income provided. Selling out has some superficial benefits, but would put me back into the belly of the beast I spent my life avoiding...I will probably remain on the ranch.
Bigfoot? I'd rather put stake into belief in the female orgasm. Big cats in the woods scream. Poker book? "Supersystem" by Doyle Brunson. The book shows the "how" to play, but it takes years to understand the "why".
Thank you all again for your comments.
Have the trees cut for lumber. Use the proceeds to install a state of the art security system. Inform your local sheriff and go on a two week vacation in Reno.
Lugh,
Money is not an issue, and I bought this place 35 years ago as a "stump farm". Had it replanted. Have a security system of sorts in place. Had a Woodmizer, and sold it last year. Little law enforcement patrol in my very remote area and cannot see the house or shop from the road, 1/4-mile driveway through the trees up to the house. I can secure the driveway, no issues.
I am not looking for a vacation or temporary break in my routine...it would serve little purpose.
Man, that sounds like a little slice of heaven.
Oregon is an interesting state geologically speaking.
Pick up a new hobby.
Currently trying to understand aspects of geology to help with my "gold" mining hobby.
Takes up a lot of free time and the best part is geology happened in every corner of the earth so I'm constantly looking at rocks, mountains and deserts trying to figure out what was/is going on.
There are a million hobbies to keep one occupied and entertained.
As I suggested, maybe reduce your local responsibility by shrinking your domain. Sell off parts of your land and make your current domain fit what appeals to you now.
You are sensing the change in “ambition” that aging brings on, follow your heart with this.
As others have suggested, use some of the liquidity you may achieve to spend off-seasons in warmer climes. I lived in Denver 20 years ago and wanted no part of that climate there, any more. I have no desire yet to leave Phoenix, no matter how hot the summers are.
Good ones, Lugh.
Keep the Oregon spread and still do this plan minus the apartment.
I suggest some trips to places like the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia.
Dude, go for the gusto and the Pleasures that the Flesh doth surely hold. (Hat tip, springsteen)
You ain't livin' long enough to see the Miseries Foretold, nor to enjoy their aftermath if they ever do.
Kunstler is a peddler of false fates and prophesies. Live life; look passed the nattering nabobery of negative Nellies and nonsense nimrods.
Well done, sir! You are in the cat-bird's seat.
Please make room for two-I like your game plan. Ahhhh sweet Reno….hope to see you soon Elysian!