Sunday, January 4, 2009

TOLEDO*???

****Hubby and I have been considering a move to another part of the country. Even though it is very beautiful here, we feel that it might be time to move back to a city atmosphere where we can walk to coffee shops and take advantage of more cultural activities. There has also been some rather uncontrolled development problems that are making our town look not too pretty.

****The other main consideration is housing cost. It would not make sense for us at our age to sell our home and pour every dime back into another property. The local economy of our destination is not a big deal as we both make our living primarily on the Internet. In addition to his company, LeWalt Publishing, my hubby is much in demand as a guitar, banjo, and mandolin teacher. He also teaches at the local college and runs the New Horizon Music Program at Holy Names Music Academy in Spokane. Those things can be duplicated most anywhere.




****We have been looking at Toledo, Ohio - more specifically the Old West End, the largest neighborhood of late Victorian, Edwardian, and Arts and Crafts home east of the Mississippi. Housing prices are phenomenally low and since we both love older homes it is looking pretty good for a future home.







****I was born and raised in St. Paul, MN, and hubby came from Minneapolis, so it is not too different from anything we know. Neither of us is a stranger to long distance moves. I lived for almost 17 years in Houston, and we both spent 10 years in Sedona, AZ, and 21 years here in beautiful North Idaho. There was a 2 year "stop-over" in Phoenix on the way to Idaho that we are trying to forget as it turned into the longest 100 years of our life.



****There are many famous people from Toledo who regard it with great affection. Notable is Uncle Jim, blogger and remodeler extraordinaire. Check out his latest efforts at his blog a second chance. Simple Sinner over at Black Cordelias is another famous native of Toledo and thinks it is a super neat place. Jay Anderson over at Pro Ecclesia, Pro Familia, Pro Civitate moved to Norwalk, Ohio (not too far from Toledo), and loves the area.
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What do you think????
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P.S. I was going to post on the subject of spiritual directors but Terry over at Abbey-Roads stole my idea and did such a great job I feel beholden to just send you over there. That is - after you weigh in on Toledo.