"Three months is shorter and longer than you'd think," comments Festival. "I think that's a wise course of action for the start of things."

He thinks a moment. There are logistical considerations, he decides, worth bringing up. "You mentioned you have work," he says. "That would be no problem; I don't see any reason to interfere with your business. Would you want a signoff on purchasing your own home--or to live in mine?"