@taci

I wish your friends well on their new adventure to sunny Florida. There are many perks to living here. However, Home Insurance can be nasty and Flood Insurance is recommended by many companies even if you live in an area that is not designated a flood zone. I was a snowbird until Hubs had some problems and thus have been here for a few years. I hope we can return North in the spring. I will need to see what hubby is able to do before I make the final decision. One step at a time.

@taci

As promised, here are the towns that have taken up a resistance to hurricanes.

Babcock Ranch. This area is all solar powered and all electrical is underground. The homes here are built to withstand hurricanes.

Leesburg has never had a tropical storm or a hurricane. Not saying it would not happen in the future.

Most Florida towns and cities are now taking precautions to enable homes to be more hurricane proof. However, the above two are a lesson to learn from.

I hope this helps you in some ways.

@sheba2011

I do not know what is going on with the posts. Right in the middle it seems to vanish into thin air. I have no idea the cause, but will say it is becoming very frustrating.

The weather here is picture perfect with temps in the high 70s and lows in the mid fifties. Good sleeping weather. This is our fall. It also means no rain chances.

I did not see hubby today. I received a phone call from the rehab this afternoon stating they are having a meeting and asked that I attend. I will try to get there in time for lunch and will remain until after dinner. So no work will be accomplished tomorrow. Meanwhile I did hear from the renovators thru email. They actually sent me a picture of what our bathroom will look like when completed. However, they showed me a different tile sample and a vanity that looked like a square box. Not to worry. I did tell them what I thought and what I would like. We shall see what they come up with in a day or two.

@taci

I forgot to mention in yesterday’s post that there are no basements in Florida due to the high water table. But what is really interesting is that the new builds will be able to withstand 200mph winds plus. The one thing I do not enjoy in a fifty five and over community is not permitting your children to visit for any length of time. There are many rules and regulations which you will need to know prior to purchasing. The newer communities also have jogging and hiking paths. I also look at the HOA fees and what they include.

@Sheba011

I am home and now getting ready to say goodnight. So sorry to hear the scores tonight. Game must have been exciting. I kept thinking they were playing tomorrow.

I saw hubby today. He was in bed with layers of clothing. The Rehab was icy. Thank goodness I was prepared. I brought some dessert for hubby and me a salad. I did make a brief stop at Aldi. I checked my email and found a note with a picture of our bathroom and made a few suggestions. I never expected this firm to not only show a blueprint, but what the room would look like when completed. I was mesmerized. I will use my cell tomorrow to show hubs.

Will any of your children be joining you for turkey day???? Our weather will turn a bit cooler starting Wednesday.I’m all set. Some winter things are in today’s wash so I should be OK. My back and knees were a problem today. I suspect the weather is changing prior to mid week. So what else is new???? I just go with the tide until I get up from a chair. No fun with climate change. On that note, I think I will say good night and hope you have a great Monday.

@taci

I am not that familiar with the Villages. Suffice to say that it is a 55 and over community that is gated. They have their own stores, physicians, dentists, hotels/motels, etc.. There is always something going on to keep your mind going. If this is an area you are looking at, then take a look at their sightseeing trips and staying in that area for a few days or so. Staying there will give you an idea of the housing and costs as well as some of the activities. There are many agents throughout Florida that make a stop in the Villages.

Another area is one I have been looking into. This is Lakewood Ranch which abuts both Bradenton and Sarasota. This area is for all age groups. Their hospital is up and coming and has a friendly atmosphere. This where I go for my mams and where hubby al most had the reconstruictive surgery on his knees. It is easy off and on to Interstate 75. Costco is there and so is Target. Whole Foods is now buiding in the same area. Just down the road you have many places to stay and eat. They are not near the beach area, but it is easy to get to. There are some new builds for 55 and over. However, I like being with all age groups and doing whatever.

There are a couple of small towns that have not been hit by a hurricane. I will try to get that info to you. The hurricanes in 2024 were huge. However, the first one I was able to find a room at the Quality Inn which was 4 miles west of hubby. There was a tornado with this one, but it didn’t hit us. However, the next storm, two weeks later was not a miss. We did have a tornado, but no rain. Demolition looked like a bomb had hit us. Thankfully, our shelter was OK and so were the vehicles in the lot. However, my home and all those on our street sustained some damage. Some more than others. Essentially, we are about miles East of the Gulf. We were without electricity for a week.

I do like where we are in Florida. In some respects it reminds me of the Northeast and the Cape. However, it does get cold there and they do get snow and sometimes more than they asked for. But the taxes are high. Florida is a bit easier on the wallet. We do get a change in seasons with the oak trees. Very few maples where I am. I think we have one maple tree that turned red this year. So, in respect, I had a small taste of the other homes.

I will get back to you on the other towns. Welcome home.

@sheba2011

I know you are concerned with the rest of your tests. Not to fret after receiving the results of the lab work. However, I do know how you feel about this last one. No matter how good the labs are, this last one will tell the entire story. Just take it easy and this also will pass. Keep doing what has worked for you and the rest will be history. Have a wonderful day and then some.

Cannot wait for you and hubs with friends and family to try out the new restaurant. I enjoyed reading shoelady’s post on this subject. I am still laughing. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

@sheba2011

I did not lift a finger today except to begin this post. I am pooped and besides I am dealing with an outbreak of eczema. At least it is on my back and legs, which are covered. I will be starting the many projects tomorrow. Thankfully, the weather will be in my favor. Temps in the mid 70’s and no humidity. Another cold front Wednesday.

I am concerned with our lanai and den area. I forgot to mention that there is also a question with the den. I have tried contacting the roofer we used to no avail. My emails have gone unanswered and the voicemail has yet to be a call back. The business seems to be opened and about ready to report the issue to BBB. I noticed the problems from day one and mentioned the problem to him while he had work within our community. Tried email and phone calls to no avail. His website seems to be up and running.not to worry. This too, shall pass.

@Sheba20011

I am completely wiped out. It has been one of those weeks. I did meet with the Property Manager. What a nice person who took his time with me. We sat at the outdoor table and showed me pictures of our outside area. I am having problems with our new roof from the hurricanes last year. I liked the contractor I used, however, there are some areas on our lanai that leak when it rains. Hubs enjoys our lanai and loves to sit outside watching the birds on the lake along with an alligator when there is one. I just do not want him sitting in the rain and not being able to move fast enough. I knew what needs to be accomplished. However, it is a price point. He has scheduled a meeting with the owners and will get back to me on that issue. He also showed me the pictures on his computer on what our new bathroom will look like. I will be emptying the two hallway closets completely (the contractors will take care of the top shelves for me). I also need to remove everything from the carport. I think the cars can stay put, though I’m not so sure at the moment. This I will start to do tomorrow morning. I will then sweep and wash the area. I’m hoping to finish the job by Sunday. I will also be doing the same to our entry steps and the front door. The only thing I asked the Project Manager to do is to give me at least 48 hours notice as to when the people will be here to start the work. On the days that they are here, I will not be visiting hubs. Their work starts at 7:30/8 AM and they work until 5 pm in the evening. Hubs cannot wait.

I am now really tired. I was able to remove things blocking the inside of our front door. I was like a kid in a candy store opening box after box. The rubbish and recycle bins are now full. I keep forgetting that Monday is our pickup day for everything. This also includes the garden weeds and the flowering plants that will need to be pruned back so that the new growth can begin in our early spring (probably wishful thinking on my end. LOL).

Have a great evening. Sweet dreams.

@taci

I do enjoy Heidi Daus. However, that necklace, though gorgeous, is too ornate for me. I could visualize my mom (RIP)wearing something like that. She enjoyed wearing something that was over the top. And to think she was %’@” and weighed 90lbs, Me. I am complete opposite with her taste in clothes and jewelry. Yes, I enjoy making a statement, but that type of necklace is one I would look at and not purchase. However, sometimes those items do pull at my heartstrings and I will make a purchase and call it great artistry and show it another way.

@sheba2011

Guess we are both doing this and that. I did not visit hubs today. I have the Project Manager from the Renovation project scheduled for tomorrow morning. I did some work in the carport which included emptying packages which included a poodle statue for outdoors. That statue is so lifelike. Hubs will flip when he sees it.

Today was the best day yet for getting things done. Nothing like having someone to check on the bathroom. Now I will again return to the KP in the kitchen. Oh, before I forget. The necklace looks better on Heidi than the model. Beautiful piece, but a bit too heavy looking for me. I have a feeling that you have an eye on that one. I also noticed that there is a pre TS on one of Heidi’s pieces. Wonder if she will be returning for that TS. And speaking of sales. “Clean Boss” has been reduced. I purchased the four when it was a TS several weeks ago. I’m debating….

The temps were in the low 70s today and mid 50s for the nighttime. So good to feel the warmth of the sun with very little wind. It’s supposed to be a clear night and I hope I will be able to say hello to the moon and the starlit sky. Have a great evening. Back to work for me.

@Sheba

It was very cold this morning. Temps were in the 40s and I had to raise the heat. Found that getting out of bed was very difficult with the layers of quilts. I missed an appointment with the Project Manager which wasn’t my fault. They were supposed to contact me before arriving. I thought I heard the phone ring around 8 am, but couldn’t move. However, I did check the phone calls and there was nothing. It was as if I didn’t hear the phone ring. Go figure. We now have an appointment for Friday. Over the weekend I will be undoing the two hallway closets.

Due to the weather, I phoned the rehab and said I was staying in. The wind last night nearly knocked me off my feet and it was still gusty most of the day. My blood must have thinned out from all the years that we have not travelled North (LOL).

I’m really excited about the new bathroom. I am now looking at wheelchairs that can go over the throne. This will make traveling a bit easier for hubs and also staying overnight at various hotels/motels when we are able to travel North or to take a cruise. Yes, we do have a commode for the overnights and it will travel with us.

No shopping today. I was shivering at the 40 degree temsp. Me, who could withstand the below zero temps. (LOL…..

I hope your t ests come out A++. Sorry you are not feeling well. Try some soup or some tea with my Manuka honey.

-@TACI

Welcome home. Missed you. Cannot wait to hear of your travels.

@sheba2011

We met with the owner for the bathroom remodel. Hubby was impressed with this person especially when he could actually show what the bathroom would look like when completed. This owner has family with him and behind him. They all have their expertise and licenses. I will need to box the linen closet and the one with light bulbs, candles and tools. Rather than make a decision of what stays and what goes, I will box everything and label. Decisions will be made following the renovation so there will be no hold up. All work will start next week beginning at 8am and end about 5 pm. The bathroom will take about two or three days depending upon what is found behind the walls. Hopefully, I will still have two closets. Maybe a little smaller, but a much larger bathroom. So I will start moving tomorrow morning and before seeing hubby will make a stop at the Farmer’s Market. Hubby will be getting intensive physical therapy once everything is in place. I am happy with our selection. They have everything from soup to nuts. In other words, I will not need to make a trip to either Lowe’s or Home Depot. Both of us enjoyed the way this thing works and how it all comes together.

It is cool here as I type with the temp at 60 degrees. This will soon fade to the 40s and from what I read, the temps will probably set a record for November 11th. By Wednesday we will be back to the 80s with the low in the 60s. Have a wonderful evening.