Checking Out the Housing Market

   Nothing much happening here. I went out for a brisk (as in cold) walk this morning and saw that a house on my street, which is up for sale, was holding an open house this afternoon. Being nosy, I went to have a look and was quite surprised, given its dilapidated condition, that the asking price was almost $1 million! It really needed a coat of paint throughout. They will probably get their price, if not more, given the current state of the housing sector - more demand than supply. Another house on my street went for $1.28 million recently.

   I read an article in the newspaper yesterday that claimed the housing bubble is about to burst and we homeowners should all sell up and rent. I think not! I plan to hang on here until I can no longer look after the house. Rents in a half decent building here are exorbitant, anywhere from $2 to $4 thousand a month! The mind boggles.

   Made carrot and lentil soup for lunch today but it didn't hold me and I started nibbling - nuts, dried apricots, tortilla chips - not good! Maybe I need to have a more substantial lunch. Dinner is chicken stew and cabbage which I will have around 7:00 p.m.

   I finished my current Ruth Rendell book this afternoon - excellent ending! It would have made a great movie but now I am on to a P.D. James book and gradually reducing the pile of books by my bed. Once the weather warms up I will be busy outdoors and only reading at bedtime.