Possibly retiring to Tulsa area (Shawnee, Ada: apartment, rent, mortgages)

[Joe from Wisconsin]

Yeah, okie1962, I hadn't given thought to being trapped in there for a day or two, suppose it's very possible. I think I'll have to put together a "storm kit" to take with me into the shelter...flashlight, radio, extra batteries, saltines, water, candy bars, air horn etc. Probably wouldn't be the worst idea to have a cheap sleeping bag along as well. All the small stuff in a backpack, sleeping bag and water close at hand for a quick dash outside.
The critter situation has had me stumped...I had envisioned the steel door as not being an especially tight fit, in fact, rather loose to allow oxygen to penetrate. Considering a series of 1/2" holes over the face of it to allow O2 and daylight in. Just dawned on me tho that I'll have to buy a sheet of treated plywood, half of which would be used to plug up the end with the dirt over it. I could use the other half to cut a snug fitting plug for the open end, with a couple of cheap handles screwed to it, a couple of inches inside the steel door. Just remove it and toss it aside and climb inside. That should keep out all but the tiniest creatures and a can of spider/wasp spray in the storm kit should do the trick on anything small enough to get past that. Probably be wise to open it all up a couple three times a summer to check things out and dry out any condensation...

[Joe from Wisconsin]

Well folks, I may just have to change my mind on the location of my move to Ok. The only decent house on the market in Pawnee, which I've had my eye on, has been sold. Seems the only things for sale there now are either run down too much, overlook the local trailer park, were built in the 20's or 30's or are way too big and expensive. The place I had my eye on was 1100 sf, large double lot, $42,900, relatively newer having been built in the 70's, lotsa updates inside...carpets, vinyl and ceramic flooring, central air and heat...pretty nice really. Had been on the market for 2 years as a foreclosure...they dropped the price to $36,800 and it was snatched up in less than a week. Oh well...
So....started looking at a little town 1 hour due north of Tulsa called Nowata...similar to Pawnee in size but, seemingly, a little more modern and less run-down. Downtown's not as picturesque but cool nevertheless, golf course, river and lake for fishing...Will Rogers birthplace a few miles away, Bartlesville 20 or 25 minutes due west for larger stores when needed. Have found 4 homes for sale there that meet my wants and needs. I am getting pre-qualified, presently, for a mortgage so that I can jump on a home quickly if needed. Found out my credit score was MUCH higher than I anticipated...was worried because ex had run up some bills in my name that were just taken care of a year or so ago...759 and in the excellent category so I should be good to go. Have had the same accountant here in town for 25 years or so...he's agreed to handle sale of property etc in case I have to leave sooner than expected...for a very reasonable fee I might add...pays to hold on to friends and business associates.
Well, from discussions of storm shelters to home buying and different towns...never boring here...LOL
Anybody been in or through Nowata? Would love to hear your impressions of the area.
Thanks,
Joe

[teakboat]

Why not have a look at the town of Eufaula? It is in a pretty and hilly area, is right on a pretty lake with generally blue water and sandy beaches, and the place has a fun, recreational vibe on the weekends in summer. It is a fairly busting little town, more interesting in my opinion than Nowata.

It's a place where "where all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average." haha

[Bass&Catfish2008]

Originally Posted by teakboat

Why not have a look at the town of Eufaula? It is in a pretty and hilly area, is right on a pretty lake with generally blue water and sandy beaches, and the place has a fun, recreational vibe on the weekends in summer. It is a fairly busting little town, more interesting in my opinion than Nowata.

It's a place where "where all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average." haha

Ain't no way that water is generally blue. It's almost as red as Dirty Bird. I was at Eufaula just a few weeks ago. Everything else you're spot on.

[okie1962]

Bassy, the lake has been pretty clear this year, unless you're on the Deep Fork arm. I see it almost every day. Until my accident I was walking around Belle Starr State Park every day.

[okie1962]

Lake Eufaula is a great place to live. It's the largest lake in Oklahoma and still has a lot of inexpensive land around it. It's about an hour and a half to Tulsa and about two hours to OKC. I-40 and US 69 Pass over the Lake. The two main towns are Eufaula and Checotah. Eufaula is more charming than Checotah but Checotah is a lot more charming than Nowata. Both towns are about the same size, 4,000 or so folks. Eufaula sits right on the lake. Why live in Nowata when you can live in Lotawatah Village on lake Eufaula! LOL yes, there is really a place down on the lake called Lotawatah. LOL they are NDN names, neither one has anything to do with water. Lotawatah is on the Deep Fork arm and it's almost always muddy. If you have any other question just ask me, I was born and raised down there and still spend most if my time down there.

[Rubi3]

What is NDN?

[Howest2008]

Originally Posted by Rubi3

What is NDN?

NDN - What does NDN stand for?

[Rubi3]

Originally Posted by Howest2008

NDN - What does NDN stand for?

Howest, you are full of...............................information. lololol

[teakboat]

Yeah Bassy, you are off on this one, the lower end from Crowder through Eufaula and up by Porum is rocky/sandy and is usually blue. The upper river arms can look like chocolate milk. It is 3 or 4 lakes in one due to its size and long river arms.

Incidentally, I saw a full grown mountain lion down below Eufaula dam early this summer. It was in the Younger Bend area crossing a dirt road beneath that large mountain north of the river. He hopped across the road in about 2 lunges.