[KathieI]

Hi Mr. Pilot.... I lived 30+ years in Los Angeles in various locations and the last was 1 mile from the Pacific and 1 mile from LAX. I had the same dilemma and sometimes still do.

1) The weather - first of all, you will never find better weather than southern CA so it goes without saying that I struggle with the humidity and summer heat and the cold winter weather (which thankfully doesn't last long) but for us with thin blood, its hard to cope with below 40 degrees (sometimes colder) for even a few days.

2) Bugs - they are horrible here. 2 months during the year, we have love bugs which I loathe. Otherwise, lots of mosquitos, no see-ums, red ants and blind mosquitos. I must admit I'm getting used to them but lovebugs do make walking outside almost impossible just don't wear white.

3) A/C - didn't have any in my last house in LA but I thank God we have it here cause I couldn't live without it, it also helps with the humidity in the house. It runs for probably 8 months of the year but believe me, the cost of electricity in FL is no where near as expensive at CA.

4) Let me lessen your concern about having no one to take care of you in the event of illness, let me assure you as one single person to another, there is nothing better than the friendships here in TV. We have a network of married and single friends that are there for you MORE than your own family would be. When we hear of folks in need, esp if they are single, its almost like a network that goes out to everyone that this person needs help. I had an operation last year and between my single friends and married ones, I was NEVER in need of anything, they were totally there for me. Have no fears where this is concerned.

Let me bottom line it, I still have thoughts of returning to LA but when I do a list of pros and cons, I wouldn't have the wonderful network of friends I have here, I wouldn't be benefiting from a lower cost of living, I wouldn't have the opportunity of so many things to do whether its daytime or nighttime activities (I'm a nighttime person), and I still can go see the ocean or gulf in a day's trip.

I agree with others, which is what I did, I rented houses 6 times before I moved but after the first two times I knew this was home. I still took more visits to be sure because it is such a difficult decision and I haven't regretted it (except during lovebug season), LOL.

Come on over here and get in touch with me and I'll have a meet and greet for ya so you can get to know as many people as I do, and that's a lot of people... You can't beat the friendships and the life style.