Why are we going - you ask?

Many people have asked us why we are moving to Florida. Well, there are many reasons. I will tell you some of them in today's Blog. These are not necessarily in order.

1. Michigan economy still stinks. Our government officials are telling everyone that Michigan is on it's way back. The problem is that they are saying it but the people who are supposed to be feeling this new found revitalization know nothing about it. We still can barely pay bills, can barely afford to buy food for our families and are still just above poverty level. Our officials are all getting raises while most of the people I know have had to take pay cuts. even if it isn't better there at least it is a new lie!

2. The Doctor's have basically said I would have a hard time surviving another winter like last year. My heart and lngs can't handle it. I will be locked in the house during cold and flu season and if I do go out I will have to wear a mask. I am not looking forward to that. The Doctor's have said that Florida is a good fit. Cleaner air, warmer climate, OK, I can handle that. They said Florida or Arizona but I don't care if it is dry heat or not 112 is hot! People have said what about the heat in the summer - have you ever heard of air conditioning? I stay inside for months through the winter here, I can still go from air conditioned house to air conditioned car to air conditioned store and back with no snow, no ice to clear from the car and no slush to try and push a cart through.

3. I need a change. I loved California and would go back there if I thought it would be a good fit. When Jim and I talked about this we asked God to guide us in where we should be. Ever since we have been going on vacation I cry through Tennessee because I want to live there. I love the mountains and the beauty of the world. It is peaceful and gentle. I love Florida too. I am always sad when we are leaving to come home. (I don't like Georgia because it feels like you will never get through it - LOL!) Jim started checking on job opportunities and cost of living stuff and we really feel like this is a good fit for us.

4. I always said I would never live in Florida because it is TOO HOT! That was before I lost over 100 pounds. Now I get cold. Last winter was absolutely unbelievable. I have never been so cold in my life. Now they say it is going to be that way again this year????? I am out of here!

I hope that helps answer some of the questions. It isn't all of the reasons but it is the top reasons. Things are chaotic here while we are packing up. We are having a huge moving sale the last weekend in September and I am having surgery on the 29th. I am trying to get as much packed up before then. It is just Mom and I for the most part. Jim helps on weekends but his time is limited. For those of you who have ever been here, my Mom has collected ALOT of stuff in 36 years of living here. Sometimes it overwhelming. I am looking forward to sitting on my lanai and drinking a large glass of iced tea, reading a book or doing school with Stephen in the sunshine that keeps me going.

With all of that said, if you like or need collectibles, tools, plus size clothing, furniture, books, curriculum for homeschooling or any number of other things and live near Redford, MI plan on coming to the moving sale. If not, prayers would be appreciated as we move forward on this journey with a surgery stuck in the middle.

Thank you all for the comments on the last post. Those are older pictures - taken after my biological father's funeral five years ago today. I am posting a couple of ones taken two years ago. I will keep updating until we get to current ones. I will also take some pictures of the chaos in the house right now.

Talk to you all in a few days.