Just be straight with them. Children are remarkably more mature than they are given credit for. How you handle it is how they’ll forever remember. Be calm, not overly emotional, and forthright.

Example: “Kids, I have some difficult news. Your uncle died yesterday. “ And then answer their questions simply and to the point. Treat them as if you believe they can handle it, and they will likely handle it just fine.

Look into Dr. Stuart McGill and his book The Back Mechanic

If I built a piece of furniture I’d be perfectly in my rights to destroy it. But since I didn’t create my life, it’s not ok that I destroy it.

Nope, I’m perfectly fine with bouncing back and forth btw EST and EDT.

I suggest the two areas to look at first are Amherst and Worcester. You should be able to find something affordable within a 30-minute commute of either area. This map might be useful: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1CfjizbRDVX-ZmBnsUJVTpsdQYbA&hl=en_US&ll=42.083819970917894%2C-71.4394416796875&z=9

One piece of advice that I often see for people considering a move is to rent for a year first. This gives you an opportunity to explore areas before you commit to one.

Never buy a brand new car. It won’t make you or your life better; it’s just transportation.

Exercise now and for the rest of your life. You don’t have to work out like your are competing for Mr Universe or an Olympic event. Just get some exercise in. The phrase ‘exercise is for life’ has several meanings.

Only floss the ones you want to keep.

Wear ear plugs EVERY SINGLE TIME that you operate loud machinery: lawn mower, snow blower, circular saw, etc. Damaging noise doesn’t hurt, but once hearing is gone it’s gone for life.

Five of the officers involved have been fired and charged with murder. What other justice are you seeking?

MT Watatic is one of our best kept secrets. It's nearby, a relatively easy hike, and gorgeous views.

Alander Mountain has some nice trails, in the southwest corner of the state; it's in MT Washington State Forest (https://www.mass.gov/doc/mt-washington-state-forest-trail-map/download).

Massachusetts, and greater New England, is a pretty great place to live. People literally fly from around the world to New England just to enjoy what we have in our back yard. We have easy access to the White Mountains and Green Mountains; the Berkshires; the beautiful beaches of Cape Cod, Rhode Island, and the North Shore of Boston; the rocky coastline and wilderness of Maine; six capital cities; over 10,000 lakes and ponds; world-renowned medical, educational, and performing arts institutions; national champion sports teams; historical sites of the original settlers and the American Revolution. We experience four distinct seasons. Our geography is rolling and rocky having been shaped by the glacial Ice Ages. We have lobster rolls, clam shacks, and one of the highest concentrations of ice cream stands in the country. Be sure to visit the Minuteman National Park visitor center at the Lincoln/Lexington line. Wait until September to spend a weekend on the Cape, the tourist crowds will be gone, but it will still be beautiful. Get out to do some hiking, I suspect you won't be too disappointed by the geography. Spend a day and drive the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway (https://coastalbyway.org/). Check out the properties of the Trustees of Reservations (https://thetrustees.org/), they do a fantastic job of preserving natural and historic areas, and most are free. Enjoy.

There's a backwoods camping area near Alander Mountain; check with the Mt Washington State Forest headquarters out there to find out if the sites are open. This is in MA, not NH, it's in the western corner of the state near NY and CT.

everything west of Whusta

Yup, Massachusetts, and greater New England, is a pretty great place to live. We have attractions within a 3-hour drive away, that people literally come from around the world for. We have easy access to the White and Green Mountains; the Berkshires; the beautiful beaches of Cape Cod, Rhode Island, and the North Shore; the rocky coastline and wilderness of Maine; six capital cities; over 10,000 lakes and ponds; world-renowned medical, educational, and performing arts institutions; national champion sports teams; historical sites of the original settlers and the American Revolution. We experience four distinct seasons. Our geography is rolling and rocky having been shaped by the glacial Ice Ages. We have lobster rolls, clam shacks, and fantastic ice cream stands. All of this right here in our back yard.

Thank you for this, I’ve often wondered why the clap sound was necessary

It will be extremely hard to find any place in MA that is hard Red. Even the communities that lean right are still going to be plenty left of Oklahoma, so don't be concerned about that. Also, your price range will naturally put you into areas with exceptional schools. There are very few school districts in MA that aren't very good. I offer as a suggestion looking at towns in the vicinity of Littleton, MA. Look in a radius of maybe 1 and 2 towns away. For the most part, that region has great schools, suburban living, easy highway access.

Zillow and similar real estate websites are a great resource to find price ranges.

Perhaps, also consider the areas around Nashua, NH and Providence, RI. New England states are very small. The distance between Nashua, NH and Providence, RI is like Oklahoma City to Tulsa.