[lovsthosebigdogs]

I saw that chart that compared PA with FL and it looked pretty much even, however that took the whole state into account. I was from some strange inexpensive pocket of PA that was very cheap to live. I shopped in Amish/Mennonite markets that had fruit and vegetables at insanely low prices and I was very grateful that I could get fresh food at such a low price. I knew food would be more expensive here but I wasn't prepared for exactly how much more it would be and yes, it was a HUGE shock to see how much more I had to pay for it. That doesn't mean that I'd rather go back up north and deal with all that encompasses. I am full time and love it here, however I don't have to love the higher prices and I don't have to have a 'love it or leave it' feeling that is 100% in ever aspect of TV. I can miss the lower prices, especially since my household income is drastically reduced in retirement. I am still grateful for how wonderful life is here in all the sunshine and fun. Doesn't mean I don't find ways to compensate and find less expensive food choices. Doesn't mean I don't miss the 25cent packages of organic spinach I used to buy or the $2.99 lb fresh made cheese I used to find back home.