I'm addressing this initially to Mustang who is weighing her options of home accommodation for her new job. But anyone here can weigh in with an opinion.

I've done something even more radical, I bought a home. And will be moving soon. Dearie is helping me move some stuff where I am now. Rest is still in Vancouver. Not a big deal to me now. So mortgage at this time again in life...I did have one years ago but paid off, sold home, etc.

So I will have 2 homes (no I don't own 2.) to travel between. I decided that necessity means for me to have a job and work away for awhile. So I don't want to pay rent ...


My attitude is: see how things evolve jobwise. If something goes really wrong, I sell it and move back.

I know that this is a radical step. But actually deareie is thrilled for me. So am I since I like the new place than where I am now. I just have to pay off mortgage as quickly as I can.
It's near a bike route.

Buying an affordable home on a bike route sounds like the perfect solution for you, Orchid. Good for you!

Orchid, I've been meaning to respond to this for days now, I'm so sorry for forgetting. I agree with Anne - it sounds perfect and wonderful for you! Congratulations and I look forward to hearing how much you enjoy moving in. Do you have a backyard for planting a garden?

I agree with you, Eagle Heart, planing a garden is something I hope Orchid can do. I am beginning to think that all of us need to find some plot of ground somewhere - either in our yards or in a community garden - and start growing our own veggies. Flowers would be nice, too. I haven't made the time to do this for decades. Will have to push myself... Or else continue to do what I have been doing and frequent a friend's produce stand. She loves gardening, me not so much!! I just like to eat food I know is safe and healthy.

Admittedly I'm not much of a gardener.

But most interestingly, I will have 2 separate balconies...one off from the kitchen. And the other off from the bedroom. Not that I was looking for 2 balconies. So most definitely I should buy at least 1 small outdoor eating table chairs set.

The closest would be container herbs. Actually dearie likes doing that type of minor gardening. I seem to forget to water plants. Calgary has way more sunny days than Vancouver or Toronto. But shorter growing season.

Congratulations to your new home, Orchid. If I could, I would bring you a loaf of bread and a cup full of salt. That is a German tradition, wishing a new neighbour that he will prosper and never go hungry.

I love that tradition, Edelweiss. When I lived in New Orleans, it was customary to leave a bottle of wine and a loaf of bread in an apartment for the next tenant so they would have some sustenance while moving in. I just love hearing about those kinds of traditions!

It would be so great if there were common welcoming traditions like that! We've lost abit of some common rituals...

I think some of them are regional - like the New Orleans 'lagniappe'- and as people move so much, they get lost with the new people who don't know them.

We moved a lot when I was a child. The early moves were military, and after that, we moved due to my father changing jobs.

I recall that whenever we moved the neighbors would come over with welcoming gifts: a meal, flowers, a list of recommended local services complete with addresses and directions, etc.

Sadly, this practice seems to be lost. No one has ever brought me a welcome gift - nor have I brought one to a new neighbor.

So I'm glad to hear he practice of welcoming neighbors isn't totally lost!!