My parents both retired almost two years ago. They have a fairly large house (~1,800 sq. ft.), and a fairly large lawn to maintain (~1 acre). Since retirement, they have spent Jan. and Feb. in Florida, and have had to pay to heat the fairly large house.

They decided to put their house on the market. They listed with a Realtor last December, before they left for Florida.

They agreed to an offer to buy their house last Friday. The couple that will be buying is Amish. Mr. Buyer has a bad back, and can no longer milk cows with his father. He hopes to start a furniture business at their new home. He'd also like to grow some vegetables for sale. He's in negotiations with the neighboring land owner to buy or rent some of the adjoining farm land.

My folks will be putting up a manufactured house just to the west of our maple woods. They have been living about 0.2 miles from us, and will be moving to about 0.1 miles away. I sure am glad DW gets along with my mom.

I think that by the time they get the house moved and assembled, plus new drive way, plus new septic, well, electric hook-up, lawn establishment, etc. they will be about even money, with a smaller house.

They are selling my childhood house. I guess there is some emotional attachment there for me, but I'm not feeling it yet. Maybe, when I drive buy and see other people living there. But I'm sure that will fade quickly. All in all, my folks are happy, so I am happy for them.