I think about it. I think about how much more we could get for our money in another place. I think about what life would be like here if none of my children were here. I think about the possibility of being some place where tourists don't flock in and take over, and where we could afford to actually take a vacation once in awhile.
I always finish those thoughts with the flip-side. I think about the community here that I love, the places I love to go, the people I love to be with and the beauty that surrounds me here. I think about my ancestors and the lives they lived here. I think about my memories and the history we've made. I think about all the trade-offs it would mean if we left and I know I can't do it. Some things just aren't worth money and this is one of them. Of course times change and I can never say "never". But for right now, I'm perfectly content to be here in East Hampton, sitting on a lot of equity I'll never use because I'd rather live in it than spend it elsewhere.
2 comments:
As I'm sure you are aware the money thing is all relevant. Unless you have a good amount stockpiled somewhere when you move you quickly find out the average wage in the area will barely support you. It is the same everywhere,believe me.
You may make 25.00 an hour in East Hampton being a butcher but in Greensboro Maryland you would be lucky to make 15.00. All relevant.
15 here is real good money.bet it isn't up there.
Ben, between the two of us, we made nearly $30 per hour there when we left. We did fine, but we're not people who need a lot. We moved to an area,bought a house that's 3x what we had on twice as much land,pay half the taxes, Food costs less,gas is less, our power bill is less and we're living comfortably in our retirement. We could never do that in EH. We'd be working 'til we expired! It wasn't what we wanted, especially since we found it hard to adjust to the crowding and the changes in EH. Just our opinions,and each person must make their own choices. I fault no one for theirs, and ma grateful for being raised 'back home.'
I always will love EH..what it was when I grew up, as well as the beauty, but I took my history,and my roots and memories with me.
All things ARE,indeed,relative,and to us,peace of mind is priceless.
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