Montreal:

Energy costs: $4000/year. Comparable to current house. Door drafts can be dealt with. I am looking at keeping heat costs down - close off rooms not in use, if possible. R has considerable experience with all manner of buildings. First major will be new shingles but we are assured roof does not leak - yet! Windows would, obviously, be frightfully expensive but maybe someday. The fireplace is open and, of course, a heat escape which can be managed. We could not find the damper; will look again. I reached up inside but felt nothing in the way of a lever. The owner may be able to help. He is a surveyor and may well have some ideas to share.

I would be concerned about 9 foot ceilings; R loves them. Need a bathtub in main house but see way to do that efficiently, adjacent to powder room on 2nd floor.

Doing airbnb will help with expenses and I enjoyed it the last time I could do it. A good garden will be a big plus. Might even share pottery studio with a couple others. But R is not concerned.

R points out: airbnb will be helped by being adjacent to Mohawk reserve, to Ile St. Bernard refuge, boat ramp down on the river, and 20 min to Montreal. And I only have to do it when I feel like it.

I am looking forward to the de-clutter of: having room for things, an amazing pantry in hall between K and big DR, having a guaranteed place to park, room for company for supper, for overnight, maybe even for house concerts, picnics in the back yard, the "real life" that has been missing from this derelict house. And visits to the wonderful nature preserves, walks in the woods, meeting new people in the area...

Of course, today R is working on re-storing hot water! So, I am hanging in to provide food at intervals and encouragement as needed. There is quite a pile of dirty dishes so far! There is very little around a house that R cannot do himself and he loves doing those sorts of things. Thankfully, he would not try to roof this house himself!

Once again, or as usual, my life has the "Arkansas Hard Luck Blues" feeling of: "And the only reason I'm hanging around is to find out what the heck is going to happen next." Starting over once again and thankful that Beaver is there to actually live in, in the meantime. And, once again, had to ask neighbour to stop in and water plants. Next trip, I will bring them here so I don't have to ask again.

That editing job sounds horrific! will be thinking uplifting thoughts for you, Charmion.