I may be insane

RenewableCandy · Post by **RenewableCandy** » 22 May 2011, 22:43

Yes they are and there is, afaIk, a dedicated squadron of people at the CAT, for example, working to eliminate them from the surrounding woodlands so that other things that want to grow there stand a prayer.

vtsnowedin · Post by **vtsnowedin** » 23 May 2011, 10:53

RenewableCandy wrote:Yes they are and there is, afaIk, a dedicated squadron of people at the CAT, for example, working to eliminate them from the surrounding woodlands so that other things that want to grow there stand a prayer.

I'd happily take all the rhododendrons back from you if you will come and collect up all your burdock.

Mark · Post by **Mark** » 26 May 2011, 23:43

vtsnowedin wrote: I'd happily take all the rhododendrons back from you if you will come and collect up all your burdock.

Yes, but we'd also want you to take your McDonalds, corrugated iron, military bases, grey squirrels, coca-cola, Hollywood blockbusters, Country & Western music..........

vtsnowedin · Post by **vtsnowedin** » 27 May 2011, 03:24

Mark wrote:
vtsnowedin wrote: I'd happily take all the rhododendrons back from you if you will come and collect up all your burdock.
Yes, but we'd also want you to take your McDonalds, corrugated iron, military bases, grey squirrels, coca-cola, Hollywood blockbusters, Country & Western music..........

Grey squirrels ? Really did they get from here to your woods and parks? I had not heard that before.

RenewableCandy · Post by **RenewableCandy** » 27 May 2011, 12:06

I can confirm that they do indeed.

Meanwhile, I read in the news somewhere that Vermont has a new more-equitable-looking Healthcare Payment System signed in this week. If it's what I think it is, Congratulations!

vtsnowedin · Post by **vtsnowedin** » 28 May 2011, 13:32

RenewableCandy wrote:I can confirm that they do indeed.

Meanwhile, I read in the news somewhere that Vermont has a new more-equitable-looking Healthcare Payment System signed in this week. If it's what I think it is, Congratulations!

They signed a bill yes but it is more the start of the race then a crossing of a finish line. It sets up the boards and commissions that are to figure out a way to do it and directs them to have it in place by 2017 which at present is the first date it would be allowed under current federal law.
What remains to be seen is how they will treat the insurance that many have worked for over decades and sometimes in other states. They may diminish the value that these prudent people have made sacrifices for to turn around and make whole and equal those that have never worked or worked at jobs for higher pay but without any present or future health benefits.
On top of that tangle of difficulties you must consider the clearly stated intent of many doctors and health professionals to close up shop and move out of state if their pay is cut so much as a dollar so you see it is a long race yet to run and the track is quite muddy.

Totally_Baffled · Post by **Totally_Baffled** » 01 Jun 2011, 20:08

Good news, we are back on track. We have found a different property with a big garden (probably 4500 sq ft again) and south facing. Prices are agreed and we are set to go!

I must admit I am apprehensive. This move does mean a mortgage for another 6-7 years (having finally cleared my existing mortgage), so I need your opinions.

Am I screwing myself?

The dilemma i have is that I could stay where I am debt free, but then I have a tiny (you might as well so no) garden.

I can move, take a risk with some debt for 6-7 years and come out with it a good size garden, some (more) knowledge and a house with with potential for things like solar and wood burners etc.(insulation is already good according to the energy graph thingie)

Help! What would you lot do??

snow hope · Post by **snow hope** » 01 Jun 2011, 22:19

If it were me, I would go for it. Because being able to grow your own food may become very important! South facing is good. What about privacy/security? Whats the area like? How far is it from your work? Are their rail and/ or bus links? Is it flat or hilly? Flat is good for bikes. Are there local shops? Are there local farms?

To be honest lots more info needed to make an informed opinion, but to me anyway, big garden is good.

Totally_Baffled · Post by **Totally_Baffled** » 01 Jun 2011, 22:42

Hi snow

The area is good, privacy and security is good from the perspective of its a nice area with good community and people. Not so good for zombie hoarde scenarios though (but then what is?)

I am about 5 miles from work certainly cycleable, and all shops services within a mile so easily accessable by foot. Also has local railway station.

My nervousness is more around earning enough for long enough to get clear of debt before the UK economy gets really bad!!!

snow hope · Post by **snow hope** » 01 Jun 2011, 23:07

Sounds even better TB.

How close is it to a major population area (chav types)?

So, does it boil down to how secure your job is and how likely are you to
a) maintain it if the economy keeps going downhill?
b) maintain it if the economy suddenly takes an additional downward step?
c) maintain it if things start to get really bad and TSHTF?

Do you have any other access to money - inheritance, assets, close family who might tide you over if you fell on hard times (income wise?)

Catweazle · Post by **Catweazle** » 03 Jun 2011, 00:35

Totally_Baffled wrote:My nervousness is more around earning enough for long enough to get clear of debt before the UK economy gets really bad!!!

If things get really bad can you afford to buy your fruit and veg if you stay where you are ?

UndercoverElephant · Post by **UndercoverElephant** » 03 Jun 2011, 00:45

RenewableCandy wrote:Yes they are and there is, afaIk, a dedicated squadron of people at the CAT, for example, working to eliminate them from the surrounding woodlands so that other things that want to grow there stand a prayer.

They aren't just an invasive species. They destroy the local ecosystem so it will take hundreds of years to recover. There is a myth that they "poison the soil". The reality is that they just wipe out all the local biodiversity, including things like fungi as well as other plants, and the result is that when the rhododendrons are cleared what is left is an almost-uncolonisable wasteland.

There's a long article on it here if anyone is interested:

http://www.slef.org.uk/landm/pdfs/poisons_the_soil.pdf

Totally_Baffled · Post by **Totally_Baffled** » 04 Jun 2011, 11:10

Catweazle wrote:
Totally_Baffled wrote:My nervousness is more around earning enough for long enough to get clear of debt before the UK economy gets really bad!!!
If things get really bad can you afford to buy your fruit and veg if you stay where you are ?

What I am finding when I think about the future at a personal level (and I am sure some of you can relate to this) is that it seems to be almost an "all or nothing" scenario.

In other words, If I keep my current job, or even a minimum wage job I can get by - whether I buy this new place or not.

If I cannot get employment of any sort - I am buggered whether I buy the new place, stay here or live in a box at my local landfill!

At least in the new place, if I am in a poor paying job I can possibly keep myself sane by growing some of my own food, learning new skills and maybe benefit a bit from a well insulated property with solar (if things hold on long enough for me to afford it)

Its tricky to decide! Maybe I am still in denial (in which case is 7 years a record!?

)

One things is for sure - if things do hold on for another 6-7 years or so I Will be kicking myself If I dont take this new place!

Andy Hunt · Post by **Andy Hunt** » 04 Jun 2011, 11:23

That was exactly my logic TB. Sometimes you just have to go for it.

vtsnowedin · Post by **vtsnowedin** » 04 Jun 2011, 12:34

I'd go for it TB. If things go into the dustbin there will be a lot of people in trouble at the same time. If you buy the house and then lose your job it will take much longer for them to foreclose on you and put you into the street then a landlord needs to put you out if you can't pay the rent.