Contrarian, I live in Michigan but on Sunday we'll be heading down to Bradenton, FL for the winter. It will be our first time as "snowbirds" but I'm really looking forward to it, especially after reading your post. Half of the back of our Ford Flex (with the seats folded down) is filled with my sewing machine, fabric, and supplies. Hoping to take some quilting classes while down there. The town I live in in Michigan is definitely NOT a quilters Mecca! I don't think Bradenton is very far from your area but I'm not very familiar with the area yet. Looking forward to the next five months