Where there is smoke...

Several of you have asked if we are near the wildfires. We are about 30 minutes away from them. So far they have not impacted us other than smelling smoke in the mornings and hearing many helicopters overhead.

May is when wildfires are the most prevalent in FL. We finish up wildfire season just in time to prepare for hurricanes. Some places are harder to live than others and FL is definitely on the list of Not Easy.

Our next door neighbor is new to the area and watching her struggle to conquer the living in FL learning curve reminds me where we were a year ago. (Our one year anniversary is less than 2 weeks away). Hurricane preparedness, sprinkler systems, wildfires, pool maintenance, bug control, weed control, and FL's governmental rules are all overwhelming.

As much as I am enjoying living here, I am sure, positively sure, that I do not want to live here forever. I need seasons, and more moderate temperatures and a place where the living is easier. I also miss the songbirds. We are too close to the ocean for songbirds - herons, cranes and ibis are our norm along with an occasional mockingbird but cardinals, sparrows, hummingbirds and chickadees? Nope.

The point of all of this being - we are fine for now, thanks for asking.