The deal has been signed.

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It took longer than I suspected and seemed shorter than I would have thought, somehow. The gentleman directing the event covered a number of areas, costs, balance sheets regarding closing, and such. Along with that I asked several questions. There is no water rights with this land. How the crops are watered, I do not know. There was one very large surprise, and not a happy one.

Fifteen minutes before I had chosen to leave, so as to arrive early, while reviewing my phone messages, I heard that I needed to have some money, in the form of a cashier's check, for the closing. I called my broker about this. I needed a little over a thousand dollars, quickly. To say I was a little terse would be about right, or that is how I may have sounded. That was the tip of the iceberg. I certainly did not say what I wanted to say. It turns out this money is the interest on the loan until payments begin in August. And, as I was driving to my bank to pick up the check, I calmed and just told myself that this is the last thing and almost has to be the last negative surprise I will need to handle. I think, pray, hope that I am correct. I honestly do not think they can change anything else, no one involved, at this point.

The sellers, however, have not signed. The owner, the Mr., was not in town. He, or the Mr. and Mrs., will be signing tomorrow. I suppose they could refuse to sell. I doubt that, at this point, but who knows on this deal. When the keys are safely in my hand I will be less dubious. When I arrive at the property, unlock the door, go in and put my first load down, I will know.

I tried to give my hosts a bit but they thought that was an awfully lot, so asked for less. I know my frequent hot showers and computer are no light demands. Their austerity seems to work in all manner of how they live. Live and learn, and to some degree, so I shall. As a thank you to my broker and the brokerage, I plan on something. I am not sure what... a cake, a minor catered snack for the office, something. And a number of thank you cards, once I am firmly in place. You know, a thank you card some time after the event means more than almost any reasonable monetary gift. People do not necessarily want to do work of the nature they are doing in helping, they are doing it for you... or me in this case. I know, no one had to help, some had financial inducements, others had this or that, but... they did help.

Oh, I do not think the problem with the loan was what I thought it was. After speaking to my broker, I heard the shavings of some suggestions. And, should I ever contemplate moving up or out a bit I will certainly be speaking to him or his office first. I think they could lead me to a much cleaner and quicker sale. Live and learn, again.

So be it. I will rest easier this night. I am fairly sure of tomorrow. After that the world of home ownership, my finances, and my imagination (plus some practical physics, biology, engineering, and such) are the limits to what I can do. I will be taking pictures of the place for my mother. Depending on how my computer handles this now, or not, I may have to purchase a disposable camera and simply work that way. Once done, whichever way works, I will try to put a few pictures up. The good and the bad, what needs to be done and what has been (and beautifully) done. The garden as I create or develop it will be included. Well, what appears here will be dependent upon on how any particular picture succeeds.

Good day:)