It sure felt like the first of September with all the extra beginning of the month chores I had at the office. Instead of letting it pile up for a few days, I dug right in and started working on it. Being determined I was going to get a letter out today, it still didn’t happen because of the number of interruptions, so I’ll be sure to get it out early tomorrow morning before the phones start ringing.
Weather-wise, I’d say it was one of those weird days where the air felt different and almost like there was a heavy humidity, yet not. Fortunately the wind came up and dispelled that closeness.
I have closings already in the hopper for the month of September, and several of them are supposed to close in less than two weeks. I’m not so sure one of them is going to happen on time because of how slow the appraisal process has been, but we can’t make anyone do something that’s out of our fields of expertise.
My last showing of the day took me out to the acreage I have listed at 541 – 250th St. that’s just south of Thornton. It was my first encounter with that delightful young couple, and I’d say we were there for nearly an hour. They asked all the right questions, and seemed more interested after getting a good look at everything. They haven’t yet been to the bank to see where their finances are, but I’d say they should be fine considering they both have good jobs. I’m still in love with that property’s barn!
I was also impressed by the wife’s knowledge regarding acreages, and not surprised when told she grew up on a farm. What I’ve found to be an almost given, is if one or both spouses grew up on a farm or acreage, their likelihood of staying on that acreage would be a noticeable number of years longer than if both were city folks. Yes, there are exceptions to the rule, but even with those exceptions there’s always another driving force that compels them to remain.
One couple I’m thinking of right now, were generational dyed-in-the-wool city slickers who were “yell bent” on getting out in the country. They both received college degrees in their areas of expertise, and one of them went on to become a midwife who does a great deal of traveling.
After twenty plus years, they’re still on that acreage which they nearly built from the ground up, and what keeps them there, is their deep love of any and all things natural. They even have a bachelor friend of theirs who lives in a small cottage they built on their 40 acre parcel who helps with the gardens and animals. After having spoken to them several times over these long years, I’d say they’ll be there until they’re carried out in body bags. Now you see, there are exceptions to nearly every rule.
I believe anyone who’s truly connected to nature, and more than willing to shed their daily work routines once they pull into their lanes, are the ones who in spite of the extra work, upkeep, and wear and tear on their vehicles, consider it more than worth it due to their self-created sanctuaries they’re able to enjoy on a daily basis.
Whenever thinking about the struggles of living out in the country, I’m carried back to thoughts of my child-less great aunt who lived alone on her farm for over twenty years after my great uncle died, and fully enjoyed it. She had her cats, her chickens, and her private study when she’d go to read and write in her private journals. The few times I was around her, she always had a quiet, yet deep understanding of it all. She died alone and peacefully on her parlor chaise, and there’s no question that’s just how she wanted to go. No hoopla, no emergency medical teams, and no wailing and crying. Just a painlessly peaceful death nap.
Just this afternoon I heard a horrific story about some recent happenings with an elderly relative of a client. While she was telling me about all the stress, confusion, and near death, I started getting goosebumps. I can only imagine what was going on in the mind of that poor soul who was being subjected to such medical craziness. I’m sure those happenings were branded into the minds of that person’s family members who were there helplessly looking on.
I’m putting out an all points bulletin tonight. Holtz Realty needs listings! I’m glad a number of my office listings are under contract, but we do need to replenish our inventory.
Once again, I’m truly thankful for the business Mason City and North Iowa has given Holtz Realty over these 75+ years. We do work hard at maintaining our level of service which is befitting the number of years we’ve been going strong. Thank you again.
Tonight’s one-liner is: An army of principles can penetrate where an army of soldiers cannot.
