I guess I didn't check to be notified of posts. I didn't know there were any responses until solstice98 on another forum gave me the link. Thanks SO MUCH for all the comments and especially bihai's detailed response to Gainesville (thank you!) since at least we have spent a few days there looking around. It's definitely easier on me to take the heat than the cold. It took me too many years in VA to admit it but all the structural damage seems to occur in winter, so it's best to make the move. We moved here to VA after 18 years in AL (15 of which I had the rheumatoid issue with no damage). I wanted to get away from the heat and humidity of central AL. Oh well .... I enjoy change and I've lived in a variety of states, but always wanting the woods since I can't be in the sun. Sure does make it difficult with conflicting health issues [grin]. Solstice98: Does Lakeland have a lot of forests? When I look on the map, I see lakes and those are generally sunny areas, other than maybe some riparian buffer around the lakes. We're not water folks. Haven't done the beach since the mid-70's since I can't be in the sun. That kinda tosses the coast ideas out doesn't it? Or is the "nature coast" I see pop up on searches a different story? I love the sounds of tropical fruit trees! Would the Ocala area fit more? Or Dunnellon? As far as the "catching the breeze" areas mentioned because Gainesville was so far north. We like the theater and places to volunteer (nature centers, botanical gardens gift shop, etc.) University towns are great for this, although the medical emphasis of Gainesville isn't an attraction. We've used "alternative" choices since the late 70's so have been out of that industry for quite some time, other than bloodwork now and then for thyroid. To answer juniperplants, I had family in Hollywood when I was a teenager and young girl and I remember it as being really sunny. I love the outdoors and like to spend a lot of time walking in forests, so that's where I got the idea it wouldn't be an option. I'm also not a city gal, so I like walking out of my backdoor into the woods - not having to drive to them. With rheumatoid stuff going on, the woods out back are what entice me outdoors for the exercise I need ... but the thought of driving a car would not get me there - mornings are a bit overwhelming at times. We even order our food (other than produce) every 5 months so I don't have to do grocery shopping. I was talking about temperate trees. Neither my husband or I like palms, although mixed into the rainforests of Costa Rica they are lovely. And as far as humidity in Costa Rica ... it depends on the area you're in. It can be in the 70's year round with a cool breeze other than mid-day and early afternoon. International living might appeal to me if we didn't have an FIV kitty that would never be allowed in. And it does seem "odd" not to live in the USA. :-) I love most plants, so I don't mind growing flowers I don't know. It's not that I'm looking for a place to have all my "old friends" and I did see some of them during our visit to Gainesville ... and also some things we had in AL, so that won't be a problem. I did like the mix of trees in the forests there with some saw palmettos on the ground. The list of things grown in Gainesville is a nice blend. Sounds like May through Sept. are the hottest times?? We were down there in June with unusual cool weather in the mornings till about 10:30 and then it cooled off after the rains at 5. That was lovely, but I understand not typical. The student population is something that came up all the time while we were there. Fortunately we work in-house with our own online business, so the traffic problem would not be a day-to-day issue, but it sounds like you don't want to be anywhere near the university or mall area, eh? We also were informed of the high taxes since Alachua Cty is so much Univ. and Hospital that don't pay them. Do you live in Alachua County, Bihai? Familiar with HOA - ended up in a community here because we were going to find land and build, so it would be temporary and fast resale. Oh well ... you know how life takes it's turns. One thing we know is that we don't want HOA again. Gardening choices hasn't been a problem, but brush piles and a few other issues have been. Live and learn :-) The list of wildlife possibilities is very cool. We so enjoy the entertainment that it provides outside our windows and that's where I work, by a window, unless it's nice enough to be outside like now, I'm on the porch. The pools have been an issue when looking online for a home. We don't want one because neither of us enjoy pools anyway. Haven't been in one since a hotel back in the early 80's. Sure is a lot to think about and digest. I want to come back down there end of September to look around more but I know FL is a huge state, so will need to choose a few cities and make a decision. Thanks again ...

I should have done some shopping yesterday and never got around to it. I know this morning I'll have to finish my online purchases so there's a chance they'll arrive in time. Instead I spent the day putting up the tree and spreading holiday decor around the home. DH can't handle large live trees anymore so last year I purchased an artificial one and I do like not having to deal with stringing lights and dropping needles. But I bought a fairly slim one last year because it needed to fit in the corner between the fireplace and the French doors. Now that we've re-arranged the furniture it can go between the windows in the family room where it's visible from the kitchen and the hallway - except now my skinny tree looks a little puny. We elevated it 15" by putting it on a wooden crate and that made a huge difference - except it meant going up and down the stepladder a zillion times. But it's done and I'm pleased (although I'd still prefer a larger, wider tree). Dinner was salad with the last of our garden tomatoes and leftover chili from the night before. Then we both collapsed. Here's a photo of one of my favorite ornaments made by BIL over 40 years ago.

Miles, your plants appear to be doing so well. I have a Paisley Print and I had to go looking for it. It’s just barely up. Also one of my Waterslides has taken forever to show and finally all the mice have also showed up too. Today I will ammonia drench the new ones. Yesterday it was 80 here and when I went to been late it was still 66. But I doubt this weather is around to stay. debra

PS — kathyg, you’ve probably already thought of this, but if /when I am mailing these, I make the colorful cover, and sew the case leaving about a 2” opening so that the recipient can add their own rice with the help on a printer paper cone or funnel. Then they can just hand or machine stitch to close that opening. I use the cheapest white rice I can find, in a large bag at the grocery store. Shipping these empty, withou rice is much easier on your wallet. PS When the rice feels too broken down or toasted, I just cut off the top of the liner, empty out the rice. Wash the liner to remove rice dust, dry liner, then add replacement rice, and stitch the top back up. Bada Bing.