Dust Storms and Gardens

[Okiefirst]

Chicrae- Thanks for the kind remarks. I am not sure what retirement is. I am a retired Army Reserve COL and retired from TN employment but work full time, if you call 40-50 hours week full-time. I plan on working 3-4 days a week from home reading microscope slides and consulting and spend my spare time working on a book, hiking, photography, etc. Overnight express mail, high speed computers, and excellent computer software make it possible for me to work at home in locations that I would otherwise not be able to live. Fortunately for me, toxicologic pathologists are in short supply and a number of companies are willing to contract work out rather than doing it in house.

[justamere10]

Originally Posted by Okiefirst

I grew up working on a cattle ranch and wheat farm in Northwestern Oklahoma and I vividly remember the spring dust storms of the 1950s and 1960s when the wind and dirt would blow for days. I am a veterinary pathologist and my wife is a Nurse Practitioner. We are nearing semi-retirement - neither of us want to fully retire as long as we are in good health. Both of us like the outdoors and photography--my wife likes people and I like outdoor scenes. I have am considering moving to Utah because of the scenery and because of the smaller numbers of smokers because both my wife and I are extremely sensitive to tobacco smoke. Because of my experience with dust storms in Oklahoma and I have a problem with dry eyes, I am a bit concerned about dust storms in the desert. Can anyone tell me how frequent dust storms are in the Saint George area and how long the storms generally last.

I like to garden. What is the likelyhood that one could have a garden there?
Thank you.

I've lived in St. George, Utah for quite a few years and can't remember ever being in a sandstorm here, though there is some wind occasionally.

Check out Paradise Canyon unless you're wanting to buy a mansion. There are lots of homes for sale here and many retired physicians and other professionals. The desert is right on the edge of this subdivision with seemingly never-ending walking trails. You'll see rabbits, desert tortoise etc.

My wife gardens many months of the year but admittedly it gets real hot in the summer days and daily watering is required. She's doing "square foot" gardening this year. (Summer lasts about five months.)

Someone told me that Chicago has about 60 days of sunshine a year and St. George has something like 300, so if it's sunshine you're after...

[Okiefirst]

Thank you justamere10. Yes, I'm looking for lots of sunshine, few trees and lawns. I thrive on hot, dry weather and my wife has always been happy everywhere we have lived. Though the current Adminstration in Washington considers us wealthy, we don't view it that way. We live somewhat frugally by American standards, my wife drives a 1992 Honda Accord with 200K+ miles on it and my 1998 Mazda Protege has well over 100K miles. We are not looking for anything anywhere near a mansion, neither of us worry putting on an aire of material wealth. True wealth comes from within--my humble opinion. Could you give me a little information on the price range of homes in Paradise Canyon? The prices may be out the range we are willing to spend on a residence. Any information you have on reputable builders would be welcome. Thanks again.

[justamere10]

Originally Posted by Okiefirst

Thank you justamere10. Yes, I'm looking for lots of sunshine, few trees and lawns. I thrive on hot, dry weather and my wife has always been happy everywhere we have lived. Though the current Adminstration in Washington considers us wealthy, we don't view it that way. We live somewhat frugally by American standards, my wife drives a 1992 Honda Accord with 200K+ miles on it and my 1998 Mazda Protege has well over 100K miles. We are not looking for anything anywhere near a mansion, neither of us worry putting on an aire of material wealth. True wealth comes from within--my humble opinion. Could you give me a little information on the price range of homes in Paradise Canyon? The prices may be out the range we are willing to spend on a residence. Any information you have on reputable builders would be welcome. Thanks again.

Prices have taken a dramatic drop so it's possible to get a house in this area previously valued at $800,000 for around $490,000. But you can also find houses as low as $350,000, it all depends on what you want of course. Other areas can be as low as $250,000 for a newer or even new house.

[toby04]

There are plenty of homes in other nice areas in the 200,000 range. I know a great contractor in Cedar City, just north of St. George. I am a painting contractor and have done several homes for him.
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