Country Gentleman
By DianneN
@DianneN (247219)
United States
June 28, 2020 9:41am CST
Oh, my grandson also caught a fish! 
Gabbing on FaceTime a couple of days ago with our older son, I told him that he looked at peace, well rested, lord of the manor, and like a country gentleman. He was sitting on the patio drinking a glass of white wine with my daughter-in-law, while watching the kids get soaked jumping on their shower trampoline at their new “country” house.
He told me they love it. The shock came when they both told me they are thinking of moving to Toronto, Canada!
They have New York City movie producer friends and were invited to the Toronto Film Festival, walked the red carpet, posed for photos, and were wined and dined for many days several years ago. My son told us they stayed in a huge home outside the city and loved being close enough to the city to enjoy everything about it, yet be far enough away for $1,500,000. It sounds like a lot of money, but not so in New York City and the suburbs in New Jersey.
So I looked at homes in Canada. I found one that was recently sold at a mere asking price of $359,000, but it was pretty ugly. I couldn’t tell if it was a raised ranch or a split level, but the houses were on top of one another. I’ll let them look for something much grander if and when they decide to leave the USA. That will break my heart, but I did enjoy visiting Toronto and would visit again, especially if they move there.
Gabbing on FaceTime a couple of days ago with our older son, I told him that he looked at peace, well rested, lord of the manor, and like a country gentleman. He was sitting on the patio drinking a glass of white wine with my daughter-in-law, while watching the kids get soaked jumping on their shower trampoline at their new “country” house.
He told me they love it. The shock came when they both told me they are thinking of moving to Toronto, Canada!
They have New York City movie producer friends and were invited to the Toronto Film Festival, walked the red carpet, posed for photos, and were wined and dined for many days several years ago. My son told us they stayed in a huge home outside the city and loved being close enough to the city to enjoy everything about it, yet be far enough away for $1,500,000. It sounds like a lot of money, but not so in New York City and the suburbs in New Jersey.
So I looked at homes in Canada. I found one that was recently sold at a mere asking price of $359,000, but it was pretty ugly. I couldn’t tell if it was a raised ranch or a split level, but the houses were on top of one another. I’ll let them look for something much grander if and when they decide to leave the USA. That will break my heart, but I did enjoy visiting Toronto and would visit again, especially if they move there.47 people like this
47 responses
@much2say (53942)
• Los Angeles, California
28 Jun 20
Well that was a shockeroo. But they are only just thinking for now, right? My world wandering friend moved from here to Toronto like 20 years ago . . . he wanted to experience real winter and boy did he get that! But he has moved since. Well, maybe it is talk for now - there would be a lot to consider in moving to another country, especially now. Such a nice dad and son photo . . . wow, he's gotten bigger!!5 people like this
@much2say (53942)
• Los Angeles, California
29 Jun 20
@DianneN There is still time to think . . . maybe as they do more research on it, they may change their minds - especially since everything is changing right now. My friend ended up not being able to handle the harsh winter, but he also didn't care for the high taxes there - but he whines about everything 
- which is why he can never find a permanent home 
.
Wow, 6'3" - my goodness!
- which is why he can never find a permanent home .
Wow, 6'3" - my goodness! 2 people like this
@DianneN (247219)
• United States
28 Jun 20
A shocker it was. When he mentioned it, hubs and I looked at each other in shock. Hopefully, it won't happen. At least they won't be moving during the virus, so may come to their senses. Now is NOT the time to move anywhere!!!!!
Those winters can be brutal. Glad your friend smartened up!
Thanks. He's tall and skinny and the doctor estimated that he will be 6'3". A bit too tall for my tastes, but at least he will surpass the rest of the men in the family. lol
Thanks. He's tall and skinny and the doctor estimated that he will be 6'3". A bit too tall for my tastes, but at least he will surpass the rest of the men in the family. lol3 people like this
@DianneN (247219)
• United States
29 Jun 20
@much2say Yes, there is time. They have the summer to enjoy first. Hubs will convince them to see the follies of their ways. The taxes in NYC aren't pretty either, nor are the income taxes. Perhaps your friend should move in with my son.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (157676)
• United States
28 Jun 20
Great photo. I want them to be happy; but I would hate them to be separated from you and your husband. I know that would be hard. Toronto is a nice city though; and Canada always impressed me by being clean and fresh.
5 people like this
@DianneN (247219)
• United States
28 Jun 20
Don't forget the rest of the family either. Our DIL has a huge family who would miss her tremendously, too, as well as the kids and my son who they love.
I've only seen Canada as a tourist, but I have no desire to leave my country and live there. I hope the kids come to their senses. At least they ski and bobsled, so that would be fun for many, many month up there, if nothing else.
3 people like this
@DianneN (247219)
• United States
28 Jun 20
@LindaOHio He can work from anywhere, even on vacation. He has two jobs now - attorney and chief compliance officer from the same firm. At least he isn't flying all over the place now due to the virus.
I have a sneaky feeling he and his wife were overly impressed living the high life while there. He did mention how much less expensive the housing market is there compared to the US. More bang for the buck.
4 people like this
@LindaOHio (157676)
• United States
28 Jun 20
@DianneN Does your son have job prospects up there or was he just impressed with all the special treatment?
3 people like this
@m_audrey6788 (58482)
• Germany
28 Jun 20
I hope they get whatever makes them happy. 
Congratulations to your grandson for the fish he caught
Congratulations to your grandson for the fish he caught 4 people like this
@m_audrey6788 (58482)
• Germany
28 Jun 20
@DianneN I understand 
I hope you can tell him your feelings and maybe he change his mind about moving
I hope you can tell him your feelings and maybe he change his mind about moving 2 people like this
@DianneN (247219)
• United States
28 Jun 20
@m_audrey6788 Their only reasons are that they enjoyed living the high life when they were there and the cost of a big, beautiful house is much less than the cost of one in the USA. It will be different once the reality sets in, I'm sure.
Right now, they wouldn't move there due to the virus, so we're good for a long while. His new house in New Jersey wasn't lived in for over 4 months, but they had it sanitized before they moved in.
I don't want them to move away from us to a foreign country of all places.
3 people like this
@Letranknight2015 (51537)
• Philippines
28 Jun 20
I hope you come back once the covid problem is over.
5 people like this
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
28 Jun 20
Oh my word not only moving but to another country. Still I guess it is only a couple of hours by plane. What a shame but I guess good luck to them we can't hold them back can we.
4 people like this
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
28 Jun 20
@DianneN Arr but you are back home at the moment and in the safest place so it seems. I know how it rips your heart out though Dianne. I remember when my daughter went to University in the states it made me cry in front of everyone at work. What a shock. Someone blurted out the news before I had even heard because I was in a meeting and they just blundered in and said it out loud. Can you imagine they never even called me to the side to tell me. How embarrassing was that!
3 people like this
@DianneN (247219)
• United States
28 Jun 20
@garymarsh6 You didn't know your daughter was going to school in the US? That must have been a shockeroo!
Our son studied in Paris, but we knew about it only because we paid the bills.
3 people like this
@sallypup (58196)
• Centralia, Washington
28 Jun 20
I can't afford $359,000. We found our aged Grande Dame at $200,000 and no, its not too close to neighbors. You might like the islands off Victoria, British Columbia. Gorgeous and serene, the folks friendly. Then again, its probably too far from the socialite scene. I can't imagine and don't want to imagine the life of a starlit. Anyway, that's a happy photo.
5 people like this
@DianneN (247219)
• United States
28 Jun 20
They vacationed in and around Vancouver last summer, but staying close enough to family on the the eastish is a priority. I hope they don't go to Canada. They do their own thing and have friends of all kinds all over the world.
Thanks for your input. I've been to Vancouver. It's pretty, but not for me.
4 people like this
@sallypup (58196)
• Centralia, Washington
28 Jun 20
@DianneN Vancouver is too congested and big for me though I used to vacation there- we'd drive up to where there was a sky train stop, park the car for the day and roam around. Those were the days when finding a 20.00 vacation meant the world to us. Victoria, especially its historic downtown and its touristy architecture, sublime. And the outer islands and ferries. Makes my heart beat faster. That beauty has fed me poetry many times. I am about used to the idea that I will have no family near me as I age.
4 people like this
@thelme55 (76480)
• Germany
28 Jun 20
Do you mean that they will move and live in Toronto? That will be sad for you but then, you can still visit them and facetime with them. Just look at the positive side of it so you will not get too sad. The photo is beautiful. I thought that is the princess with your son.
4 people like this
@DianneN (247219)
• United States
28 Jun 20
That's what they said. Hubs and I were shocked, but hopefully they will come to their senses soon. We don't want them moving out of the country. We would even pay for a house for them anywhere they want in the USA. My grandson likes his long hair.
4 people like this
@Butterfingers (66585)
• India
28 Jun 20
Good he's njoying his time and doing really well
5 people like this
@GreatMartin (23675)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
28 Jun 20
If you have a moment go to the New York Post web site and read about the house in Brooklyn or Queens (don't remember) that is up for sale at $800,000+--the ugliest, dirtiest worse listing you will ever see for a house!! It is on a good size lot and anyone who would buy that place at that price hopefully has the money to tear it down and start from scratch--has to be seen to be believed!
Heck, he could have said they were thinking of moving to New Zealand--a beautiful country with a very smart leader!--which is a lot further away than Canada!
4 people like this
@hostessman (11871)
• Tucson, Arizona
28 Jun 20
it would be a very good reason to visit Toronto if they move there
4 people like this
@hostessman (11871)
• Tucson, Arizona
29 Jun 20
@DianneN oh yeah,,,, your just a meanie,,,lol
2 people like this
@kobesbuddy (74875)
• East Tawas, Michigan
28 Jun 20
They are sure enjoying this new home, with all these streams and brooks. And he was happy, catching a fish! My niece lived near Toronto, Canada for three years while Rick was in Seminary. They loved it!!!
3 people like this
@DianneN (247219)
• United States
28 Jun 20
@kobesbuddy I'm sure they were thrilled to be home on American soil. Even when we travel overseas, there's no place like home. Connecticut winters are awful. I can only imagine how nasty they are way up there. Brrrrr! Even today it will be only 58 overnight there. No thanks!
2 people like this
@kobesbuddy (74875)
• East Tawas, Michigan
28 Jun 20
@DianneN Yes, Rick got his first pastoring job in the Thumb of Michigan. Kristi was so happy, to be living on U.S. soil again! The winters in Toronto were awful
2 people like this
@jayanth_77 (7180)
• India
28 Jun 20
you will be missing your son and his family a lot once they move to Toronto , Canada . May be they liked to peaceful life there.
4 people like this
