Italy is great, I have family there but travelled all the way from Naples to Venice. My wife went to Iceland with a friend and wants mw to go there with her, not that expensive either.
07 sucked too, 18 inch pack on Christmas Eve down to bare ground Christmas day. I remember going to my BIL's on Christmas eve in the pouring rain carrying gifts.
Wasn't there a guy looking to move into the Worcester area and wanted a good spot, I'd target Paxton, I've been in rain and when I get to Paxton its frozen in April so not surprised they get more and it's not too far from Worcester.
In a down market you'd be surprised how many people have two mortgages for a spell, some up to a year. They find a house they really want but takes a awhile to sell the house they were currently living in,.