Negative Return

Suzy and I finished up our first paint job on that first visit, in summer of 2000, in just a few days. The results were worth the effort and our kids (Stephen, who was 11 and Katherine, who was 13 when this was taken) were even impressed with the transformation.

However, I had second thoughts about buying the property. I realized that we sacrificed a family vacation and a lot of money for a place that was still unsuitable for occupation. I anticipated having to repeat this many times in the years to come.

Our simple paint job not only improved the cabin's appearance but it changed my attitude towards the place. With a few more visits, and a lot more effort, perhaps we could tolerate an overnight stay or two. Maybe we didn't make a mistake.

On the other hand was this really worth the effort? Did it make sense to sink our time and money into this place? The Adirondacks can be a brutally harsh place: the weather, the insects, the lack of utilities, the feeling of getting in over one's head and not knowing what to do next. The North Country challenged us, and it took a while to learn the value of patience in responding to nature's provocations.

Regardless of what I thought or learned, Suzy wouldn't consider selling the place. In the rocket launch business, that's known a 'negative return'.
Our only choice was to persist and prevail.