[CFrance]

Originally Posted by rustyp

Yes best place to be is here when then snow flies up north - have not found better. Many a place is better than here in the summer. Thus a migration. Fact is this is number 2 not 1 if it wasn't for that nasty white stuff. There seems to be a heavy coloration to this being number 1 and folks that can't afford two homes. Just an observation.

Well, I think there's more than just that. In our case, having two homes turned out to be a PITA. The three-day drive to and from Michigan, the fact that we had no house sitters to look after the MI house, the fact that there's a short window of good weather in MI (thus a lot of time on the road for about three to maybe four months of decent weather). Finances did not really enter into the decision to make this our full-time home. Weather and driving did. Although I will admit that we have no grandchildren, and now no more children in Michigan. So the decision became easier.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Rapscallion St Croix

Went to Atlanta over the weekend and saw well over a hundred Canadian plates heading north on 75.

you tube goodbye fairwell auf weidersehn adieu - Bing video

[rustyp]

Originally Posted by CFrance

Well, I think there's more than just that. In our case, having two homes turned out to be a PITA. The three-day drive to and from Michigan, the fact that we had no house sitters to look after the MI house, the fact that there's a short window of good weather in MI (thus a lot of time on the road for about three to maybe four months of decent weather). Finances did not really enter into the decision to make this our full-time home. Weather and driving did. Although I will admit that we have no grandchildren, and now no more children in Michigan. So the decision became easier.

Yes I too understand the PITA part. However I am not from Michigan but have been there and it's natural beauty is breathtaking and by far out ways Florida's natural beauty. Yes I'm thankful for the manmade landscaping we have here but it wouldn't take long for it to look like scrub grass if not maintained. Your Michigan retains it's beauty 24/7/365 without intervention. I will be somewhere else than here when the snow is not flying as long as I am able health and financial wise. I have been here 7 years and you are not going to convince me to stay here in the summer - tried that did not like it.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by rustyp

Yes I too understand the PITA part. However I am not from Michigan but have been there and it's natural beauty is breathtaking and by far out ways Florida's natural beauty. Yes I'm thankful for the manmade landscaping we have here but it wouldn't take long for it to look like scrub grass if not maintained. Your Michigan retains it's beauty 24/7/365 without intervention. I will be somewhere else than here when the snow is not flying as long as I am able health and financial wise. I have been here 7 years and you are not going to convince me to stay here in the summer - tried that did not like it.

And I agree with most of what you say. It was a very hard decision. I'm not a Michigan native (37 years in Pittsburgh, my favorite place in the world), but Michigan is the most beautiful place we've ever lived. And yes, I miss it. And I miss Pittsburgh. And what to do...

[dbussone]

Originally Posted by rustyp

Yes best place to be is here when then snow flies up north - have not found better. Many a place is better than here in the summer. Thus a migration. Fact is this is number 2 not 1 if it wasn't for that nasty white stuff. There seems to be a heavy coloration to this being number 1 and folks that can't afford two homes. Just an observation.

I'd suggest many can afford more than one home, including several homes, bur prefer TV as a permanent base of operations for other venues, such as long cruises or other desirable locations, but expensive trips. Just saying - on behalf of many of our friends.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by dbussone

I'd suggest many can afford more than one home, including several homes, bur prefer TV as a permanent base of operations for other venues, such as long cruises or other desirable locations, but expensive trips. Just saying - on behalf of many of our friends.

That was a consideration for us. It cost a set amount of $ per month to keep our place in MI. We opted to put that into travel instead.

[dbussone]

Originally Posted by rustyp

Yes I too understand the PITA part. However I am not from Michigan but have been there and it's natural beauty is breathtaking and by far out ways Florida's natural beauty. Yes I'm thankful for the manmade landscaping we have here but it wouldn't take long for it to look like scrub grass if not maintained. Your Michigan retains it's beauty 24/7/365 without intervention. I will be somewhere else than here when the snow is not flying as long as I am able health and financial wise. I have been here 7 years and you are not going to convince me to stay here in the summer - tried that did not like it.

The important thing is that you be where you like. My wife and I have lived in many locations, but learned early on that you will enjoy any location if you wish to. We grew up in the Boston area - loved it. Moved to Nashville twice - loved it both times. Lived in Atlanta - loved it, but did not like the traffic. You get it. If you want to enjoy a location, you will. If you don't, you won't. I'm happy you are happy avoiding the snow and whatever it is else you avoid.

Me, I'm just tickled pink to be in TV.

[dbussone]

Originally Posted by CFrance

That was a consideration for us. It cost a set amount of $ per month to keep our place in MI. We opted to put that into travel instead.

Hot damn, CF. I think I just confirmed what you said.

[asianthree]

If you are traveling be safe. Drive up from Tampa last April took us 4 hours. Yuck