I think we sold the house. We're holding our breath. Not sure if I'm happy... This went really weird. After four months we took the house off the market, planning for April to put it back on sale. Apparently this family, the second family that came to see it last June, checked on the internet every few days to see that it was still available, and they panicked when it disappeared off the listings. So, even though they haven't sold their own house yet, they want to rent it until they sell their other house. DH and the realtor are cooking up a legal document to make this work. But, said the realtor, you don't have a place to go? As it happens, a week and a half ago we got a big RV. So we do have a place we can move into. Not big, but comfy. And, did anyone ever hear of an RV with 1 1/2 bath? *giggle* The permits for septic, driveway and dock are in the application process and it can take another 5 to 7 weeks. We COULD still get the septic system going before the ground freezes. Otherwise we'll go to a year-around campground until after Christmas. Which is when we'll take of for our two-month trip to sunny California. We'd go longer, but the DD in Boston is expecting #2 in early December! Can't be away from the new baby too long! To do list for now: go through everything in storage to sort for RV/not RV; bring half of the lilypots up, drive them to South Newbury, and sink them in large plastic tubs into Gillingham Pond; and make sure everybody knows the mobile email and phone #s. Find a year-round campground, just in case. Read the RV info. All this after the current batch of relatives leaves and the bone spur is removed from my elbow . It seemed like just the right moment for that - until the realtor called... Sigh. Excitement! Sigh. Excitement! etc.

This all sounds very familiar! We bought our first business when DH was 57 years old! We put everything on the line and then some! We had both run businesses before and actually were working in the business we bought, so there were no surprises. We too were appalled at how badly run were so many small businesses. DH has a talent and track record for turning around failing businesses that he immediately applied to our own. We have never looked back though there have been times of extreme stress and anxiety. Owning a business is very different from being employed, and it's like having a family, you can't leave it behind at 5pm every evening! On balance though it has been great for us, and still is. It sounds as though you have considered this move very carefully but here are a few of my own thoughts for what they are worth. I always caution prospective business purchasers to make sure the accountant they use for due diligence is independent in every way from the seller. In your case you and the seller both have a relationship with your accountant. If you have complete trust in him/her then you may not need to get an independent due diligence. Having the seller hold a note is absolutely the way to go and you should make this note a significant value. Your contract should detail under what circumstances payment of the note could be withheld. Right now it will all seem amicable but things can, and frequently do, change very quickly! Because of your ages, take great care not to over extend to develop the business. Your DH will reach the stage, sooner or later, when he wants to quit working. If you have over invested in your business it may be difficult to sell. I can't stress enough how important it is to have a clear exit strategy from day one!! All that said, this is both a scary and exciting time for you. Owning your own business can be fulfilling in ways that employment never can be. It can enrich both your lives. As long as you have always pulled together in difficult times rather than fought, you should be fine. You have to decide what life is about for you, playing it safe but possibly risking DH being frustrated and unfulfilled, or taking the leap with all its attendant upsides and downsides. We took the leap and don't regret it! I wish you both the greatest success.

sanman12-"We have a 25 yo son. He is a constant flash point in our marriage. I think we still want to be together. I am overwhelmed with the thought of him living with us indefinitely." You've done your job of raising him to adulthood. You and your husband have provided him with all the tools (good education) he needs to be a productive member of society. It is time to grow up. If he were my kid, I'd rent him an apt. Pay ahead for 6 months (in HIS name) plus the deposit. Have him put the utilities in his name. Help him move in and then change the locks on the house. Tell him he cannot move back in and that if he doesn't want to stay (and pay for) the apt, he will have to go live with a friend. Time for the buck to stop. Tough love has to start somewhere. You and your husband have paid your 'dues'. Now the rest is up to him. Good luck.

Wow! Can I hire you? :) So creative. Everything came together nicely. And what a far cry from my first digs. Love your window treatment using a drop cloth. I had slipcovers made using drop clothes for two Ethan Allen chairs that my friend's neighbor was planning to leave out for bulk trash (cat peed on the seat cushions, but I had new cushions made). Now I just need some colorful pillows for them - how much do you charge for pillows? ;) Maybe your daughter will eventually have the desire to learn to sew. My mother was very talented when it came to sewing but despite her efforts to teach me when I was younger, I had no desire. A few years ago I bought my dd a sewing machine so she could fool around making pillows and costumes, whatever else. A friend who sews told me she'd help me make panels for my living room. With her guidance (I did all the work) I made four lined panels for my living room windows. My mom almost fell over when she saw how nicely they turned out! She couldn't believe that *I* had made them! I now am interested in taking some sewing classes but so far, haven't had the time yet. You are very talented!