We've been talking around the house about a move. My body is telling me that I work much too hard around here, and the garden is more work than i can do as nicely as I like. A milder climate might be better for me. Less hot in summer and no more freezes or snow. It's only talk right now, no actual plans. I've been looking online at realtor postings in Oceanside, California. I love the ocean, so that's appealing. The weather there is very gentle - a suburb a bit north of San Diego. It would be quite a move, and it's more expensive, but our needs are fairly simple. Not much gardening will happen if we move. Maybe a few containers. There are 266 sunny days a year. Some of the house listings have citrus trees and palms in the yards. Who knows? We might not do it at all. Meanwhile I will continue the downsize and accessibility improvements here. I'm still planning on tomatoes, chilis, onions, garlic, and possibly some sweetcorn this year, plus plenty of fruits from the remaining trees.
Moving is never easy. So what I am able to share, is an experience of someone I know. That family moved from a very comfortable place, which they had for decades. Everyone was happy. But the move was mainly for status, they decided to move in a bigger place, and in a posh locality. Everything looked fine in the beginning. But something totally unexpected happened... Head of the family, father in his late 80s, who otherwise was completely fine both physically and mentally, also was above average active for his age - Now suddenly started exhibiting signs of dementia. Took him back to the old place for a visit, (new residents were friends so they didn't mind) - And big daddy was fine again... However he could no longer stay there. So this was something completely unexpected. The physiologist too confirmed it. That the move must have brought it on. He actually might have already had the condition of dementia. But being in a familiar place, the symptoms never arose. However now irreversible damage had occurred. He would take out the phone book, and try calling some old friends, only to be told that such people passed away years ago. He would walk outside, and suddenly be overcome with anxiety. Wondering where he was? As this wasn't his old locality. And so pretty soon his health and quality of life took a sharp nosedive. Few months later, he passed away, worried, scared, and never sure about where he was. His widow now keeps on saying, that if only they hadn't moved... Now I seriously doubt if such a thing is common with everyone. But that incident seems to have stuck in my memory. As something completely unforseen.
Move to Georgia by me !! Doesn't get higher than 98 in summer and we do get a few nights in the 20's. Normally no snow but very occasionally we get a couple inches. Gas is cheaper than the national average and utilities are not high.
S-H I'm sure those things do happen. I hope that doesn't happen to me. One issue is whether my health insurance and records transfer readily. My medical history is complicated. We would not move into a high status area. Just normal people. The culture would be quite different from here. For one thing, the percentage of Mexican heritage people is high, because that area borders Mexico. Finally a chance to learn better Spanish! Plus I love Mexican food. The area also has senior centers and communities for seniors. There are a few friendly neighbors who I would miss. We are isolated here, and in a town I might have some more social interaction. @Anniekay, thanks for the invite! But Georgia is even further away than S. California. And I don't know if my health insurance would transfer there. Oh - on utilities, my car is electric and I much prefer convection cooking over gas. Some houses have solar. It all would depend on the house.
OK! Let's talk about Mexican food! I recently seem to have developed a very strong craving for Chipotle Sauce! Maybe you'll be growing Jalapenos with Habaneros. Might even come up with a new type of chili after cross breeding them both.
Daniel , Sounds like a good plan. It takes time to put all the pieces together, moving is a big decision . Downsizing is not always the answer to adjusting to a less stressful environment. I get it. California has nice weather year round. It’s a differnt lifestyle and could be just what is needed. Maybe summer stay at a hotel whatever and tour a few areas you like and just see if the lifestyle suits you. Whatever you decide I know you will due research . I’ve been thinking about the same thing would like to be closer to my family. S-H tonight I just made a burrito casserole black beans, beef, cheese , jalapeño peppers, cheeses, onions , tomatoes, rice ,garlic , salsa and toppings of Mexican sour cream and guacamole. On Layers of flour tortillas Like lasagne but Mexican dish.
I'm imagining @Daniel W in a semi desert environment, at dusk, cooking marshmallows over his backyard fire pit!
