Around six years ago, my husband Ned and I retired from our jobs.
Ned and I had enough of the harsh temperatures and snow of the Winter months up north.
We’d sacrificed enough time and effort to shoveling, plowing and layers of sweaters and wool coats. Ned and I invested in a Winter house down south and now split our time. Our plan is to take advantage of the best weather in each spot. Ned and I usually stay up north between Easter and Thanksgiving. We then head south for the rest of the year. We’ve learned that keeping up with two separate homes is a challenge. While we’re living at our home down south in the winter, we worry about some malfunction with the furnace leading to the water pipes freezing and bursting. While we’re enjoying the house up north, Ned and I worry about high winds and the potential growth of mold and mildew in the event of an air conditioning issue down south. For both residences, there’s the fear of a break-in or fire. For peace of mind, Ned and I spent some money on a home automation system that links to an app on our smartphones. The home automation system bundles together a wireless thermostat, smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, automated door locks, motion sensors, surveillance cameras and more. The greatest feature of the home automation plan is the security element. The security system is monitored. Should any of the alarms get triggered, the proper authorities are dispatched. Whether Ned or I are on the premises or on the other side of the country, the house is secure. Plus, we’re never out of touch. I am relieved at having the ability to monitor real-time video footage and check that everything is OK.