Monday, March 12, 2012

“YA-HOUIE LOUIE”….IT’S A DONE DEAL, WE GOT THE GHOST TOWN ROAD HOUSE & ‘ALL’ THE PROPERTY THAT GOES WITH IT:))

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IT WAS 10:10 A.M. MONDAY MORNING MARCH 12TH WHEN WE GOT THE CALL…KELLY’S FACE SHOWS THE STRAIN

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WE WERE AT PETER & BEA’S RIG FOR BREAKFAST NEAR VULTURE PEAK WICKENBURG, ARIZONA

Noticed a few more eeks & squeaks this morning when I crawled out of bed but that’s OK, it’s for a good cause:))

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KELLY HELPS PETER BRING BREAKFAST OUT 

We hit the decks a runnin this morning & by 8:45 we had Pheebs in the Jeep & off to Wickenburg.  First stop was Safeway for groceries.  Of course that filled up the back of the Jeep so Pheebs had to sit on Kelly’s lap while we drove out Vulture Mine Road.  A left turn onto a bouncing sandy Vulture Peak Road road took us a short distance looking for a big gray Class A Motorhome on the left.

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PETER

We were soon at Peter & Bea’s rig from AMERICAN TRAVELLER.  Bea was away in Germany visiting so unfortunately we missed her.  It was our first time meeting Peter & their wonder dog Molly.  Of course Pheebs & Molly hit it right off.  Peter turned out to be one of those happy go lightly kind of guys with a sense of humor & a positive outlook.  He had an outside table all set for breakfast & 10 minutes later we were chowing down some delicious scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese, slices of ham & turkey plus breakfast rolls.  Coffee & a jar of Hodge Podge Jam rounded out our great brekky.

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PETER COOKED US UP A GREAT BREAKFAST 

It was while we were eating breakfast under a clear blue Arizona sky that the call came in.  It was precisely 10:10 a.m. when Kelly’s phone rang & I heard her say, “Oh hi Randy,”  It was our Real Estate agent calling from Prescott & this was the call we were anxiously waiting for today.  Freddie Mac had accepted our offer on the house…..and it included the severed piece of property giving us nearly an acre of land with a completely livable house on it for $29,100.  Yaaaaaaaaaaaaay:))  That house by the way includes a refrigerator, stove & dishwasher.  Maybe we can trade that dishwasher on a washer & dryer:))

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PHEEBS & MOLLY CHECK OUT THE CAMPSITE PERIMETER

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Well, of course that positive phone call started another round of paperwork which required a printer on our side.  We do not travel with a printer but Peter was quick to jump in & offer us his.  We all moved inside his Motorhome & he soon had the printer hooked up & rolling.  All told we had to print out 13 sheets, which we later faxed to our Realtor for free from our newly opened Bank of America branch in Wickenburg.

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KELLY HEADS INTO THE BANK TO FAX A HANDFUL OF PAPERWORK 

A big thanks to Peter for letting us almost clean him out of printer paper.  Said the paper was old & he needed some new stuff anyway.  Peter & Molly are moving in a couple days down to Ajo’s Darby Well area & will drive to Phoenix from there to pick up Bea flying in from Germany shortly after March 20th.  Thanks again Peter, much appreciated…and, great breakfast:))

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KELLY ON THE PHONE WITH REAL ESTATE AGENT RANDY DOUBLE CHECKING THE FAX NUMBER

A quick stop at the Bank to fax all that stuff & we were back out to our peaceful desert existence just before 2.  We have our fingers crossed for a closing date of March 20th but it may be longer.  When we have the house keys in our hands, then, & only then will I feel confident the house & property are truly ours.  Again, it was Kelly who had the multitudes of patience to handle all this stuff.

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THAT PHEEBS IS SUCH A CLOWN

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NEW PALS:))

We plan to move in the morning.  We’ll stop at North Ranch to dump our tanks & take on water.  From there it’s over to our Ghost Town Road house & property to get ourselves set up until we pull out for home around the end of the month.  Oh dear, that is going to be a sad day indeed.

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PHEEBS MAKES HERSELF RIGHT AT HOME WHEREVER SHE GOES

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I remember just over a year ago when we were trying to figure out a way to buy an empty little Ranch house we were boondocking at for a week or so near Elfrida, Arizona. (the Lazy W)  Some questions from commenters at the time wondered if that would be the end of our traveling days.  Would we just spend our entire winter in one place.  My answer to that question at the time is the same as my answer to that question now.  ‘No way Jose’!!

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INITIALING FRESHLY PRINTED COPIES WE LATER HAD TO FAX TO THE REALTOR

We came to the conclusion several years ago that if we wanted to ensure our continued winters away from the frozen North we would have to have ourselves some kind of home base in a warmer southern climate.  With the skyrocketing price of fuel & the fact our Motorhome will not last forever, we wanted a permanent home we could reach ‘one way or another’ in year’s to come.

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The Congress/Wickenburg area is central to all areas of New Mexico, Arizona, & California.  At some point we hope to base our Motorhome here at our new place & do the long trek back & forth to Ontario in a more fuel efficient vehicle.  This should extend the life or our rig by a few years enabling us to do shorter trips around the southwest during the winter months.  From Congress we can be just about anywhere here in the Southwest in a couple days & it would spare us that grueling long distance fuel expensive trek twice a year between Ontario & Arizona.  Also, because we purchased this house & property so cheap we also look at it as an investment.  The property alone is worth more than what we paid for everything.

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The house needs a lot of work & we will be busy with all that next winter but our plan is to intersperse that work with two week periods of travel here & there to some of our old favorite haunts along with new explorations as well.  We also plan to leave Ontario sooner & stay in Arizona longer.  Well, that’s our reasoning anyway.  Certainly not everyone’s way of thinking but it is definitely ours.

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YES, WE DO HAVE NEIGHBORS ON BOTH SIDES, BEHIND & ACROSS THE ROAD OUT FRONT, BUT BASICALLY, THIS IS IT…….

A recent commenter wondered about my ‘Hitch-Itch’ problem which I suffer so badly with during our long summers sitting at home in Canada.  As long as I have a project under my belt to keep my mind occupied, that ‘itch’ to be on the road traveling is satisfied.  With our plans to intersperse our Congress house project with traveling, I will be just fine with that mix.  I totally understand that old saying, ‘variety is the spice of life.’  Anything to get away from long boring daily routines works just fine for me…….10-4:))

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BACK YARD      

New Blog Follower SARA has joined us on our travels & we welcome & wish Sara well with her upcoming retirement plans & future RV travels in 2013:))

And, commenter Anne asks…" We are fairly new readers and are wondering how long you are planning to stay in Arizona each year - if you go down in the fall and return in April, aren't you over the 180 day limit?”……. There has been a recent change in that & the newer requirement is as follows… Ontario allows you to be out of the country for 212 days (seven months) and Newfoundland for eight months without risking loss of your medicare benefits…..For most provinces, that requirement is six months plus a day (183 days) spent at home. The exceptions are Ontario—which requires you to be present for only five months (153 days) and Newfoundland and Labrador which requires only four months (122 days). The remainder of the time you can be out of the province or out of the country.

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NOW, DON’T LET THE PHOTOS FOOL YOU…THIS HOUSE NEEDS A LOT OF TLC & IS DEFINITELY A FIXER UPPER, BUT WE’RE KINDA FIXER UPPER’S OURSELVES SO WE ARE ALL A GOOD MATCH….:))

GROANER’S CORNER:((

Q: I’ve heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that’s it… don’t waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that’s like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.

- And, did you know, A fool and his money are a girl's best friend.

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- Tourists see the world, travelers  experience it.

- Home is where your pet is:))

- The only thing better than right now will someday be the memories of right  now...AL.
stargeezerguy@gmail.com

75 comments:

  1. Wonderful news! You will have to change your name to Bayfield/Congress/Wickenburg Bunch :)

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  2. New Arizonans! Very nice, Al and Kelly. And now Miss Busybody Knowitall is going to make a suggestion for long-term: Work toward putting in some kind of shade protector for your motorhome when you have it just sitting in the desert sun. That wonderful winter sun is no problem but the summer sun...ouch. Eats tires and roofs.

    Emjay

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  3. I am SO happy for you and Kelly, and I really like the interior of the house as well as the outside. That looks like my kind of place - something to work with, but it looks very livable while you are fixing it up to your own preferences. I also think making the trip in a more fuel efficient vehicle is a great idea. The only thing is that you will either have to set up a tent or stay at motels along the way, as I'm finding with my travels. In many ways I find it a lot easier.

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  4. Al and Kelly we are so happy for you, what a good deal for you. You are going to have such a great time fixing it up.

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  5. Congratulations Bayfield Bunch! We know this is something you have wanted for a long time. House looks awesome!

    Just a note about time spent out of Canada. I did not do the numbers but the problem is the U.S. does not want us here longer than 6 months.

    It was difficult waiting for you to finally post tonight! So Happy for all of you.

    Sharon & Ron

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  6. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  7. Congradulations !


    the hermit

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  8. Sorry, I was so excited I posted twice (re. the removed comment above).

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  9. Congratulations on your new house! It looks like it is in good shape inside. It will be fun to see what changes you have in mind.

    Are you going to bring your motorcycle to Arizona?

    We got a nice cover for our fifth wheel off an ad on Craiglist, maybe you could do something like that to protect the motorhome. It's amazing all the good stuff that you can get from there.

    Thanks again for sharing the good news.

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  10. A HUGE congrats to you. You landed a fabulous deal! It was clearly meant to be!
    Nina

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  11. Congrats Al & Kelly-- that looks like one fine house and property you just bought. If it needs fixing up, it sure doesn't show it...looks really clean and ready for a new family!
    ]
    Bet you can't wait to take measurements and begin sketching out and planning all the home and landscaping renovations! Have fun!

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  12. Congratulations Al and Kelly. We are so happy for you. What a deal!!!

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  13. WOOHOO! Very exciting! And, you can close pretty soon, right?

    I'm curious about things like water. Like, got any? Is it delivery, or a well, or what?

    What a price! Way to drive a bargain.

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  14. WOW, You Bayfields conquered!
    Congratulations and all the best
    to you. You made it happen so
    quickly. Can't wait to see what
    you do with the place.
    Thanks for sharing.

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  15. Like I said this morning: I shoulda bought that bottle of champagne!
    Congratulations again! And many thanks for visiting today. It was fun to have you and the Pheebs here!

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  16. Congrats...I know you will be happy and enjoy your new digs.

    Rick

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  17. Congrats on becoming AZ homeowners, and welcome to the neighborhood. You did get a steal of a deal. Maybe I should be looking down there instead of up here. So Sue looses a neighbor tomorrow.

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  18. congratulations to you and Kelly!...glad to hear that everything went as planned!..now onwards to the new adventure of being Arizona homeowners!!

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  19. Congratulations! So exciting that the sale has worked out for you guys! Have fun planning! :)

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  20. Al is the pad in the back yard big enough for you to park your Motorhome on? Nice looking place.

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  21. Great News!! Congrats

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  22. Holy Cr*p! I was getting a little excited when I read the first part, but after seeing the price (are you kidding me? I spent way more than that on my last pick-up truck!) I'm afraid I was too discombobulated to read the rest of your post. Just skipped on ahead....

    That's just awesome.

    I'm sure I use that word way too often, but here I mean it. Really.
    Congratulations.

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  23. Congratulations Al & Kelly! Great location and great deal on the property - wow! Really happy for you and looking forward to seeing what you guys do with the property, bet it will be fantastic.

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  24. I am sooooo happy for you guys! This sounds like a great solution for your wants, needs and lifestyle. Seeing the swamp cooler at the back of the house brings back some memories, I tell ya! Love the house interior and I look forward to seeing it become "your" place. Again, so very happy for you all and hope you enjoy it for many, many seasons!

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  25. Congratulations on your offer being accepted. Looking forward to seeing how you make the property "yours."

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  26. Wow!! Let me add my Congratulations!! You got yourselves a bargan...

    Way to go! let the fun begin......

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  27. Well CONGRATULATIONS!! It looks like a really cute home and what a steal, wow.
    Good luck to you in the coming months with all your 'fixup' jobs.

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  28. Congratulations on your fixer upper, gotta love those kind of projects. And an excellent price. Also nice that you got to meet Peter we meet them at Hot Springs BLM back in January.

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  29. Congratulations to you both! What a great place it is and what a deal you got. All you need now is a hot tub out back and a washer/dryer and you are good to go. Don't get rid of the dishwasher.

    Virginia

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  30. Congratulations on your winter home ~ sure does look nice!!!
    Have fun & Travel safe
    Donna

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  31. YaHoo!!!HooRayyyy! We are happy everything worked out for you and what a great price!!! The interior of the house looks great! Good choice guys! Many happy days are ahead!

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  32. That is just the greatest news!!! Maybe we will eventually be neighbors! Congratulations guys, enjoy!

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  33. Congratulations!! We're excited for you and haven't met a better couple to have nearby :-)

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  34. We're so happy to hear your great news and it looks very nice, too!
    Doesn't look like you need too much TLC!
    That is such a good price! You can't get a new motorhome for that!
    Congratulations
    Kathy & Grant

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  35. What can we say that hasn't already been said? Congratulations! Now give us an address we can pop into our GPS, and all of your many fans will converge on you at one time, and you'll have to feed us breakfast! We definitely will want to get out there and see the place, but probably not while you are still there this year. Might drive by one day in the summer, as that's when we'll be able to put two or three days together away from here.

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  36. Glad to see all of your stars were in alignment. Congratulations to you all!

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  37. Congratulations to the Bayfield Bunch, Arizona homeowners. Have fun with the new property.

    Stay Safe

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  38. Way to go Bunchies! What a great deal on your dream! I have a feeling it will be a long summer for you back home in CA, but you can spend the time planning and gathering up what you'll need to get all the plans taken care of once you return!

    Have FUN!

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  39. Congratulations on your new house! It sure does look to be well taken care of and has everything you need to live in while you make it your own.

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  40. Recently "found" your blog...been enjoying reading all you share. Your Pheebs is so much like our last dog. Maybe same breed lines. I think you have gotten an awesome deal on the house/land!! How exciting!!
    Elizabeth in NC

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  41. I am SOOO excited for you guys!! Congratulations...the house is adorable!!

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  42. It will be interesting to see if he cows can figure out a way to follow Peebs into town. An exciting time for all four of you.

    The Desert Scruff

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  43. Congratulations Al and Kelly! How lucky are you to enjoy "the spices of life" at its best.

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  44. Congratulations Al and Kelly! How lucky are you to enjoy "the spices of life" at its best.

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  45. Congratulations Al and Kelly! How lucky are you to enjoy "the spices of life" at its best.

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  46. Wow, what a deal! Our deck will cost that much. Congratulations and welcome to Arizona!

    Pat and Nancy

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  47. ZIPPIDEE DO DA!! you can't buy a good car for that!!!!

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  48. Way to go guys! Looks like it fits you well...

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  49. Congrats on getting the house.
    Boy the photos look likes its in great shape. and what a barain price...here that would get you 1 out building and not even the land it came on.
    Pheebs is like Riggs he likes other dogs.

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  50. Miss Lazee Has a good point Al when she said:"Just a note about time spent out of Canada. I did not do the numbers but the problem is the U.S. does not want us here longer than 6 months."

    A regular tourist visa will only give you 180 days. Starting in September 2011
    Agents were running overstayed-visa files through multiple security, immigration and law enforcement databases.

    You might consider, which Kelly probably has, getting a K-1 visa. I would hate to see you bared from entering the USA to visit your new winter home. You really, really got a DEAL!

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  51. Congratulations. Wishing you many happy winters in your new home.

    http://travelinglongdogs.blogspot.com

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  52. butterbean carpenterTuesday, March 13, 2012

    Howdy Kelly & Al,
    Congratulations on your purchase!!
    I told Joyce yesterday that it was probably worth $30K, but you can't buy land in AZ for that much less a house. I guess Kelly showed me!! It really looks livable as is, but you'll have it looking like that
    one in ON before too long.. Give Kelly a hug and both pups pats..
    You're still on the prayer list for the kidney rock!!

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  53. Woooo hooo!! Congratulations you two, it looks wonderful.

    Got RV parking? ;) xoxo

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  54. Congrats guys, that's awesome news!

    MnM

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  55. Congrats Al and Kelly...Welcome to Arizona!

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  56. Glad to here you got the property. Rest up over the summer because you'll have some work ahead of you next winter. Isn't it nice of Ontario to let you stay south longer? KEEP the dishwasher...love my dishwasher!!

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  57. Mark & Nancy WessingerTuesday, March 13, 2012

    AZ will be a better place now that we get to keep the Bayfield Bunch (aka Arizona Bunch) for 200+ days a year! We are so happy things worked out!

    Mark W.

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  58. well, Al, 61 comments and running, but I still have to say how excited I am for you. As a long time reader, I watched your disappointment last year, then the loss of your babies, and how hard the last season in Ontario was for you. I get all teary thinking about this, but I am just sooo dang excited for you. Perfect!!! Speaking of HitchItch...well a different version anyway....I tried again and sure enough I am up there now and hopefully getting enough votes to stay on the site. Thanks for your discussion about this and your comments. Happy Home to both of you!!

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  59. Congratulations!! WOW! What a deal you made on the price.

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  60. Wonderful for all of you.

    Now you are the Arizona-Bayfield Bunch!!

    Happy Tails and Trails, Penny, TX

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  61. So happy for you. I hope to fall into a piece of property like this at some time in the future, but have no idea where I want to be. I'm sure you will work out all the details about your Canadian insurance and traveling and stuff.

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  62. Way to go, Al and Kelly. Terrific news.
    Your old Buddy Jim Hagarty

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  63. Congratulations on the house! I'm happy for you guys!

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  64. Way to Go Al and Kelly what great fun you will have making it yours!!!! Congratulations!!

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  65. Great news!!! Was hoping I would log on and read this today!

    Nice little place, lots of room for "visitors" with RV's :)

    Cheers!

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  66. Woo Hoo; How exciting! It is beautiful inside. (And out with a little work and aches and pains) Our favorite thing to do.

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  67. WOW, so happy for you guys! I remember last year - I could feel the pain in reading your blog the day when you walked away from the other property. We'd like to add our CONGRATULATIONS - may you enjoy your new home away from home - now comes the fun part - ENJOY every minute of it!
    Connie & Barry in PA

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  68. Congratulations on your new Arizona home. We have purchased a place in Arizona this year too. It's only a winter place but we have fallen in love with Arizona.

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  69. Congratulations! That's going to keep you busy.

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  70. Wow!!! Looks like an amazing deal. Congratulations !!!

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  71. Congrats Al!!

    I'm really happy for you and the Bunch.

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  72. Congratulations on your new home! Sorry I am so late in commenting, but my Internet has really be sporadic and finally catching up on your travels.

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