[redwitch]

I used to run an online bridge group. Due to personal reasons, I had to leave California. I ran a post and simply stated that if anyone in the South was interested in meeting me up close and personal, I would happily spend a day or two with them.

I hopped on a plane to Miami, rented a car and did a whirlwind tour of the South -- over 5K miles in 30 days. Had a ball. Met some truly wonderful people and visited some great sites. Obviously, one stop was in TV. Liked it so much, I managed another stop on my way back to Miami. When I got back home, I weighed my options -- choices were North Carolina; Atlanta, TV.

TV won for many reasons -- (1) I would be younger than most so wouldn't be aged out of the job market; (2) the people were incredibly friendly; (3) I could play bridge 7 days a week if I so chose; (4) the people were really nice; (5) it was affordable; (6) I really, really liked the people I'd met. Florida had two cons: a state I've never particularly liked; I could never imagine living in a retirement community, especially since I was nowhere near ready to retirement.

I've never regretted my choice. I love TV and I was 100% right about the people here. They are truly the greatest, most generous of spirit people I've ever met. The only downside is that I truly miss California and the Bay Area. I think I'll always be homesick and that would be true wherever I landed.