"...we part with tender relations stretching far behind us, that never can be exactly renewed..."
Moving is one thing, but being exiled is a whole different beast altogether.
I hate that feeling that "the tribe has spoken," especially when you never chose THEM. A true journalistic report up 'til the end when you gave us vent to your feelings. Well done. I wish you a great drive to Houston and that new beginning. With much life and sunshine all through every bit of it. They are losing you and you will be rid of that.
I wonder what you'll find around this curve in your road.
Mojo,
Exiled? Hadn't quite thought of it that way, but you're right. Thanks for coming by.
Scot
Liz,
Again, another interesting way of looking at the situation: "The tribe has spoken." Boy, has it ever. Talk about putting out everyone's torches at once. Just gather up your stuff and leave. Of course we have the option of staying in the game by paying through the nose. Houston, though, has incredible demographics: above average job opportunities and income, affordable housing for all incomes, and lower taxes, fuel, and food costs. Looks like an opportunity to me, but more than that, a chance to explore a new culture and environment. Thanks for coming by. I haven't been making the rounds or posting as much, but once I'm settled again, I'll be pretty active.
Scot
Scott,
I'm so sorry to hear of your upheaval. Affordable housing is always being debated here in Massachusetts and especially in the seaside town that I live in. They are required now by law to have so many affordable units when they build. I hope that Houston is a good choice for you. I like the expression when one door closes, another opens. I hope it all works out well for you.
rdl,
So true, though in ways I've never fully understood. Thanks for coming by. Your kind words are appreciated.
Scot
I already miss your beautiful descriptions of the NE countryside you drove through on the way to work. Boy, Houston will be a whole new scene to work with, on every level.
What a shame you and so many others are simply aqueezed out. Sad shame.
Best wishes for safe and success in your move. I look forward to hearning about it.
David
Dave,
It certainly will be, as you say, "a whole new scene," but one I think I'll enjoy working with. It's been sometime since I've had an interesting challenge, but I'm excited to be trying something entirely new. Regardless of my change of locale, the writing will continue. Thanks for wishing me well,
Scot
I always laugh when they take apartment complexes and make them "condominiums". They are stil just small apartments in large buildings. I like living in houses myself so I end up renting in some old, rattling sructure where the floors undulate and the walls don't always meet. Apartment complexes always feel like hotels to me, and so if I were going to buy anything, it certainly wouldn't be a glorified apartment.
Good luck in Houston, can't imagine too many other places in the country that would be more different than Maine.
In the 1970's that was the craze around Chicago. Back then you could buy a house for $25,000 and within five years it was worth 140,000 in the new suburbs springing up all over.
You should try life over here. Average house 1.2 million, average apartment 3500 a month, but then average income here is 7,000 a month, taxes at 19% and cigarettes are still 22 dollars a carton for 200 smokes.
So it all balances out.
Ned,
Thanks. Certainly a 360 of sorts, but I'll always be a New Englander at heart.
Scot
Euro,
Crazy, isn't it? That's why I didn't choose Boston, or New York, or Los Angeles. Houston's a world-class city, but its biggest plus is a higher standard of living due to low taxes and housing costs. A similar position in Houston would pay $6200 more a year than what I make now, which for me would amount to a $11,000 a year increase due to no state income tax, lower food and energy costs, and very affordable housing. Without having to worry about the essentials, I just might have extra time for the things I like to do. Thanks for coming by. I did read your article that you asked me to, though because of the circumstances of my situation, I haven't had an opportunity to write a proper response.
Certainly much to think about. The world continues to become a smaller and scarier place to live.
Scot
I envy you your upcoming change, even though it didn't come about in one of the ways we would prefer change to overtake us. I hope you'll continue to write about your experience as you go through it. If only to keep your sanity.
Lorna,
Certainly not the kind of change I had planned on so soon, but I've decided to see this as an opportunity rather than a setback. Regardless of my circumstances though, I'll continue to write, not so much to keep my sanity, but to satisfy my curiosity about things I find of interest. Thanks for coming by. I appreciate your encouragement.
Scot
May your resilient spirit and natural curiosity, as well as the warmth that comes through in your posts make this a new adventure for you and your cat.
I will look forward to hearing the thoughts and reflections of a New Englander in Texas.
All best wishes, Scot.
That really sucks. I wish you luck in your move! -- Jess.
Yep - I live in the area - "peonage" is the word for it! The old back rooms city politics is still alive and well here. 'Watched it for over 60 years - only the names change. (People get on the planning boards do so, mostly, to protect their own turf - and there's been some cozying up to the fellas with the big bucks (I suspicion some falls off and lands in handy places) . Taxes have quadrupled in a short time - with NO matching ammenties. Just arbitrary assessments...no safe guards for the elderly on fixed incomes, for example. Gentrification in name and money only. (Silk purse syndrome?)
Hate to see you leave - but I know it will, in the long run - maybe just the short run! - bring much sunshine into your life - and much shorter winters!
Oh dear! So sorry to hear this. Wish you could consider the Pacific NW, the only place in the country that rivals the beauty of where you are now - and with less harsh winters! 
We have no state taxes here in WA, but real estate is quite expensive. I have heard rentals are reasonable, however, since there are so many temporary contract employees with Microsoft and other dot coms.
My hubby and I love having the Cascades and the Olympics within sight and the ocean right across the Sound. Just amazing beauty in all directions.
Houston is a nice city, but it is in a flat, dry state which lacks the natural beauty of the NE or the NW!
If you go there, I wish you only good luck and happiness.
Patry,
Thank you for your kind words. Although it might take me awhile to get into a regular routine, I'll continue to post. And I'm sure I'll find much to write about since everything will be new, especially in terms of culture and landscape.
Scot
Sky,
Without question, the west and east coast affords some of the best natural beauty in the country, but when it gets to the point not being able to afford living on the coast, it kind of makes it hard to enjoy the the surroundings of ocean and mountains. And so I have surrender to the idea of leaving to live where it is affordable. Maine and the west coast will always be there for visits.
Scot
I got priced out of New England, too. It broke my heart. I'm still looking for a place to live with a congenial climate and affordable housing.
The rich really are getting richer...
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