taxes here on long island are a thousand a month. then there are all the other bills i.e. electric (one of the highest in the nation), phone, insurances, not to mention food. when you have $2,600 comin in how the heck can you live. ones whole s.s. goes to the real estate taxes. god help ya if something goes wrong. i really liked lake ariel, pa. taxes cheaper. but your in god's country. right now we are still boating in the summer and there is no place better for boating than long island. besides as others have said, the kids and grandchildren are here. what you save in another state on taxes, you pay for in food, housing, gas etc. for now, i have to steal from peter to pay paul.

I am staying right here, mountains of N.Ga. We have the change of seasons, a short winter. Don't think I could ever do another long Mich. winter.

We're planning on snowbirding between Maine and Florida fairly soon. True story: five years ago my sister in law took me to a quilt shop about 45 minutes from their place in St. Pete Beach while we were visiting. She said this would be the perfect place for you both to retire. Furthest thing from our minds at the time but that's where we're going. Three great quilt shops for me, places for DH to fish and beaches to shell on. Can't wait to leave one degree weather and icy driveways behind. We are looking forward to being more active in the winter.

There are so many placed I'd like to spend time exploring. I think we will get an RV and start the adventure. I love the mountains but also love the ocean. No matter where you go there are always pros and cons. Right now we stick close to home and DD and GDs. When they're off to college (2 years) we will probably hit the road.