[Bonnevie]

this is something I ponder all the time. I know people who have waited to retire and within a month of doing so have a stroke or heart attack and die. I think Nora Ephron said it best:

“Here are some questions I am constantly noodling over: Do you splurge or do you hoard? Do you live every day as if it's your last, or do you save your money on the chance you'll live twenty more years? Is life too short, or is it going to be too long? Do you work as hard as you can, or do you slow down to smell the roses? And where do carbohydrates fit into all this? Are we really all going to spend our last years avoiding bread, especially now that bread in American is so unbelievable delicious? And what about chocolate?”

I personally think you are doing the right thing...the heart attack was a warning and if you want to retire and can do it, then you should.

[beachgirl]

We got a map of the entire villages from a realtor here when we were looking. By ourselves, we rented a golf cart from the Villages Golf Car store for a day, took our map, and rode all over the Villages to see which neighborhoods/areas we liked best. This really helped us get a feel for where we would like to live.

[gomoho]

Originally Posted by hope2soon

this is something I ponder all the time. I know people who have waited to retire and within a month of doing so have a stroke or heart attack and die. I think Nora Ephron said it best:

“Here are some questions I am constantly noodling over: Do you splurge or do you hoard? Do you live every day as if it's your last, or do you save your money on the chance you'll live twenty more years? Is life too short, or is it going to be too long? Do you work as hard as you can, or do you slow down to smell the roses? And where do carbohydrates fit into all this? Are we really all going to spend our last years avoiding bread, especially now that bread in American is so unbelievable delicious? And what about chocolate?”

I personally think you are doing the right thing...the heart attack was a warning and if you want to retire and can do it, then you should.

The LUCKY ONES find the right balance.

[california dreamer]

I just KNOW that we are doing the right thing. A lot of these replies brought tears to my eyes, we have been through so much, so thank you all.
I plan on posting our first impressions of TV, as we begin the journey.
And we'll have to get the guest room ready in our new home as all the naysayers will want to come visit us as we drink the Kool-Aid!

[Chaumper]

Congrats! The wife and i are planning to move there next year. What part of calif. Are you from? We're in san ramon, 60 miles from s.f.

[california dreamer]

We live in Central Valley, Modesto/Turlock area, that has been hit very hard with this economy. I grew up in the Bay area- San Leandro, also lived in Hayward, Castro Valley. San Ramon is beautiful.
We are in Orlando at my daughter's right now, will be in TV for first time this afternoon.
Have checked CA for retirement communities, there is nothing like TV in CA!!
Plus, no state income tax in FL. Gas is cheaper here.
Will be posting first impressions of TV. Happy Day!!

[Chaumper]

Small world. We both grew up in san leandro. Pacific h.s. '73' and marina h.s. '78' for my wife. It would be funny if we new each other. We're coming back to tv in feb. For another look. Greg and nancy

[california dreamer]

No Way!!! I attended Marina High in late 70's then moved out of state, so didn't graduate with my class, attended college out of state. I guess you can say I have been moving ever since. Lived in 4 other states, Believe Florida to be the last.
Small world indeed!!