I couldn't help feeling the price would be more attractive if the components were reversed--i.e., the house were $50,000 and the studio were $500,000. As a former real estate agent (I have done many things in my long and checkered career), I have a real problem with today's housing prices. Portland (Oregon), which is two hours away by bad road, is one of those expensive housing markets in the U.S., and the Coast is even worse because it's Vacation Heaven. But there aren't the incomes to support those kind of housing prices.

My grandfather used to say, "Never pay more'n $5,000 for something unless it's got a foundation under it." I used to quote him a lot when I looked at houses. Now, I quote him when I look at *cars*...

The Artist Formerly Known as Moonless Joe