Jim, Allen park is the jewel
of older down river. My sister had an alarm system installed a few years ago. I guess you can't be too careful anyplace theses days. We've had one since 2004. Crooks also stake out nicer areas. I kept finding our exterior garage door remote keypad opened after returning home. Tells me someone was trying to fudge the rolling codes. Now We make sure we also lock the door from the garage to the house. Cameras help also. A large Fed Ex truck backed in our 2 year old drive, and cracked it. All on camera.
I don't consider Brownstown or Woodhaven more desirable because it's newer.
My cousin moved off of Grosse Ille to a condo in Trenton. Too much yard, too much upkeep for a couple close to age 60.
We view our legal marriage as a benefit for power of attorney, when or if one of us becomes aged or very ill. Also health insurance is taxed differently. It's a bit less for mine. I am the dependent now. I've not had my own coverage since 2009.
Also regardless of any living trust, or will, a legal spouse inherits all assets without inheritance tax, aside from any prenup., of course. Of course if inheritance tax is with held from an IRA, annuity, or stock portfolio and the amount is below about a million, most of it is refunded, providing the survivor has no other windfall profit.
Aside form all that, it's what is in your hearts which matters. Congratulations! Be happy, healthy, prosperous! Our rings are 24 years old, don't fit anymore. Joe has an arthritic ring finger. We still celebrate our anniversary on the old date.
I think some younger couples aren't yet mature enough to know that it takes 5 years for most marriages to fully bond. Sex takes a back seat to true intimacy after a long time also. We know one younger couple in their early 30's who used to say they weren't touchy feely after the fun, but now they are, and were married last year.
My nephew met his partner in college at the center for Creative studies near the art institute. They are in their late 20's, living together in Chicago now.
They have two big dogs, a nice place, and seem happy. I don't know if they plan to get hitched. Maybe they won't even tell anyone if they do. Both were raised very religious. My sister in law wrote my mom a note once to keep me away from my nephews. So I obliged her. Now she asks if she did something to make her son gay.
Isn't that a kick in the pants? I forgave her, me being me.
She is something though, even asked why she was excluded form my parents estate.
My brother wasn't. She thinks just because he is on her dads estate, she should have been also on ours. Not really the norm. She even wanted my moms wedding ring.
Peace you two!
Mike.
