It's a gloomy, wet day in rural north-central Indiana. I'm not sure what my plans are. I have bigger concerns and decisions.

#1:
Already this morning, I wrote an acceptance to rent my Florida vacation house that I've stayed in for two weeks the past 2 years in late January, early Feb. Then, for some strange reason, I suddenly changed my mind and deleted the message before I hit "send"! Perhaps it's too early to think about winter in Florida. Plus, there are other extenuating circumstances.
If the place is still available later, I can re-decide.

#2
Yesterday, I drove down (45') to see my daughter Emily, Nate and Little Johnny. I played with my grandson some. But mainly, the trip was to talk about "The Big Plan".

As I've mentioned before, Nate and Emily want to move their farm market operation to my farm land (now in cash rented corn and beans). I'm all in favor of this--actually excited about the prospect!

Here's the scoop, as briefly as I can put it. They have secured the old farm house they want--FREE for the taking! Just fill in the hole. However, they have to move it two miles to the farm. They need a foundation, drive, well, barn, etc., etc. And they don't have the money.

They can get a loan or mortgage if they have land equity. So, they've asked me if I would "sell" or gift them a minimum of 15 acres (out of 120). I balk at saying yes, the risk being I could lose it. But then again, when I'm dead, it won't matter, will it? I have no need for it. They'll likely inherit the whole farm anyway. So I said yes.

I may have to loan them more money until they get the bank to fork over mortgage money. Another sleep depriving risk!
But I've always been somewhat of a risk taker, so what the heck. Next step is go to my lawyer to discuss the idea and transaction. And hope the zoning commission approves the house location. Plus, I need to change my will. Ugh.

Nate would like to move the house this winter, across fields, over frozen farm ground. But a foundation is necessary first. So this is why I think it's best I stay at home all winter to oversee this whole operation. Besides, the cost of renting a vacation home would be better served spent on surveyer and attorney fees. Priorities and reason dictate.

My father will be kept in the dark about all this. He's already expressed his negative viewpoint. While I respect his caution, I disagree with his pessimism. I'm excited about the prospect of the whole "shootin' match"! And a 5' drive from my house to their's will be snap.
Wish us all luck.