.... we have spent our last winter in the Northeast. We accepted a
offer on the house yesterday although it's contingent on the buyer
selling their home. Their house is in a very desirable and "exclusive"
area of our town and the realty agency seems to feel theirs will sell
very quickly. The same agency (and realtor) who has marketed our house
will be listing and selling theirs.

Originally this buyer proposed "trading" houses. Interesting concept
but it didn't address our interests although their house would probably
have been easier to resell, not being an "equestrian" type property.

It appears we also may have a "backup" buyer. A couple who were
interested before just re-emerged and indicated they will be visiting
next week and intend to make an offer as well.

So, Mrs. E. is planning a trip south to look at prospective properties
where she can also have her horses. She has her mind set on somewhere
near where my older son is (who has four kids including 3 year old
twins), so it will likely be in South Carolina
near the Mt. Pleasant area. The situation with her mother will be
coming to a conclusion sometime in the near future. She was transported
from the hospital to a life care center two days ago. For the first
time in many years my wife has become more
relaxed, knowing her mother is getting 24 hour a day supervision and
care for whatever time she has left.

Me? I really don't care where we go as long as it's a warmer climate
and is near the ocean. Part of our "deal" is that I get another boat
and I'll end up spending most of my time on it anyway.

Meanwhile (not knowing the house offer was coming) I applied for and am
being considered for a summer job as an Assistant Harbormaster. Don't
know if I'll be selected but so far it looks promising at least. The
selection will take place in April but I've been asked to get
re-certified in CPR and First Aid including a "First Responder"
certification if possible. I am taking the first two classes next
weekend at a local hospital. They also inquired if I was looking for
just the summer position or full time.

Figure I'll take it a step at a time, if selected. Turns out my Navy
time, boating experience, including the different types and sizes and
the voyage to Florida in the Navigator counts for something as did the
fact that I took the six-pack Captain's license course years ago, even
though I never pursued getting it afterwards.