I always find it strange to travel around the world to places that I expect are going to be a certain way and then are not, from a weather perspective. You might not like the weather you're getting now, but I have to say...That house and the snow...Looks pretty idyllic to me. Although here in Australia I've never had to deal with snow, so in reality the novelty may wear thin quickly.
@galenkp, I really loved my house in Maryland but it was way too big for just me, my dog, and my cat. It was on 1/3 acre in a historic district and it took me the entire time I was there just to terrace and build up eroded portions before I moved.
Oh yeah, I guess that's smart though...No need to have a house that's far too big for ones needs, although that tends to be what everyone wants these days...More. Consumerism at its finest.
The main thing is to be happy with what one has, and work around a need-based ethos rather than its ugly cousin the want-based ethos.
Seems like you've landed in a situation that you're making the best of now.
Thanks for replying.