^ I'm 49, not out. Dropped out of the rat race early, damn lucky to be able to after an expensive divorce, a financial crisis to weather, and various other crap. You don't need to be rich to live comfortably in provincial Thailand, but you certainly shouldn't attempt it on a shoestring budget either- that can be a real horror story. So keep that shoulder to the wheel for a few more years, you're yet young.
Some final piccies in the Doghouse-
There will be a fishing rod or two dangling there one day.
And some beers consumed here- had my first farang guest over about a week ago, for the christening-
Mrs says l'interieur is a bit dark, and thinks maybe we should plasterboard it:-
I'm keeping the option open, but am inclined not to. With some white or at least light furniture, and some whiteish Balinese paintings I've currently got hanging in the house down near Pattaya, I think it will set things off nicely- we'll see. Can always change my mind, but I'd like to stay with a rustic, local style if I can- given that the main house is anything but that.