Thread Drift

[ny biker]

I've come to the conclusion that a lot of people are just extremely afraid of anything or anyone that is different from what their "normal" is.

I know people who are otherwise welcoming, kind and generous but are terribly xenophobic and anti-any-religion-that-is-not-theirs. They get angry that their neighbors who were born in another country do not have turkey dinner on Thanksgiving. And yet their own ancestors faced similar biases just a few generations ago. I just do not understand it.

[Pax]

So, it's our first winter in Florida, and I can't believe how much fun it is! Sunny and warm, going to the beach in December, can't believe we waited so long to do this.

[ny biker]

So, it's our first winter in Florida, and I can't believe how much fun it is! Sunny and warm, going to the beach in December, can't believe we waited so long to do this.

I envy you!! Please enjoy it immensely on behalf of those of us who are further north.

[Pax]

I envy you!! Please enjoy it immensely on behalf of those of us who are further north.

Will do!

[Xrayted]

So, it's our first winter in Florida, and I can't believe how much fun it is! Sunny and warm, going to the beach in December, can't believe we waited so long to do this.

U suk.

Hahahahaha!!!

[Pax]

U suk.

Hahahahaha!!!

[Crankin]

I am going to be a grandmother!
Found out today.... baby is due end of August/beginning of September. We canceled the family vacation that was going to be the last week in August.
My son sounded overwhelmed with happiness.

[ny biker]

Great news -- congratulations!!

[Pax]

Woo hoo!! Congrats on the soon-to-be new addition.

[emily_in_nc]

Congratulations, Crankin!

[emily_in_nc]

So, it's our first winter in Florida, and I can't believe how much fun it is! Sunny and warm, going to the beach in December, can't believe we waited so long to do this.

Where did you say you were in Florida, Pax (if it's not a secret)? SO glad you're enjoying it. I remember your PMing me about retiring to a tropical locale several years ago and am so happy that you were able to make the break!

[Pax]

Where did you say you were in Florida, Pax (if it's not a secret)? SO glad you're enjoying it. I remember your PMing me about retiring to a tropical locale several years ago and am so happy that you were able to make the break!

Thanks, Emily! We're in New Smyrna Beach. Thanks to your thoughtful advice we reconsidered Key West and are much happier as a result.

[emily_in_nc]

Thanks, Emily! We're in New Smyrna Beach. Thanks to your thoughtful advice we reconsidered Key West and are much happier as a result.

That's great! I love the Florida Keys, but I suspect you are saving a good chunk of change by not being there -- so pricey. And the number of tourists can get very old when you actually live in a place like that.

[Pax]

That's great! I love the Florida Keys, but I suspect you are saving a good chunk of change by not being there -- so pricey. And the number of tourists can get very old when you actually live in a place like that.

We realized we could never afford to retire there, and starting over again at 65 with limited income didn't appeal at all, so we came to the town my folks lived in all those years. It is very affordable and having been here so often visiting them in the past, it already felt a bit like home.

[Crankin]

That is very true, Emily. Even though I live in a normal suburb, it happens to be the place where the Revolutionary War started. Between April and November, sometimes December, we are inundated with tourists in our town center. I particularly dislike the huge tour buses idling by the town green. There have been a few times when DH and I have been sitting on the porch of the Colonial Inn, in our bike clothes, after a long ride, enjoying a beer or glass of wine. We have had people on the buses staring, pointing, and taking our picture! Thankfully, I spend more time in our "other" town center, West Concord, which is artsy and down to earth, and rarely gets any tourists.