NEW FLORIDA RESIDENT BLOG

Welcome to paradise. Two nights ago, my 8 year old son called me to the backyard where he was playing, to watch a rocket launch.  Launches are rare enough so they are always great fun to watch and downright thrilling if we don't have to set an alarm to partake.  This was a Falcon Heavy cargo rocket raising above our house on a perfect night; we all stood there grinning at it. Fun! I know people in other states have good times too but, being able to watch a rocket lift off and spend nearly every day of the year outside with your friends doing an activity you love is (hopefully) the best childhood you can imagine.  My favorite times are actually when our son is having the best time with his friends and I'm close enough to get a shot of him smiling........ Fun in Florida....            Our Website

Welcome to Paradise. I grew up across from the Cairn where John Adams and his mom watched the cowardly British shell downtown Boston.  (Sidebar:  My wife reminds me that was a long time ago and I should stop referring to all Brits as cowardly; but old habits die hard.)  In any event, many things including my elementary school were named after Adams and he was pretty amazing.  The way he defended the Amistad mutineers and the (Cowardly) Brits responsible for the massacre literally give me goose bumps to this day.  But he was never my hero. I was always a Henry Knox guy.  Probably because I identified with a nerd that felt the call of duty to save a new nation and defeat a tyrannical overseas King.  Seriously, the guy owned a bookstore and defeated the most powerful military on the planet.  He lead men, and was not a leader.  He was the best strategist Washington had and was also brave beyond measure and committed to just causes. All in all, I ...

 Welcome to Paradise. Believe it or not, we are not a beach family!  Our son does a fair amount of surfing, skimming and boat activities but, we actually spend more time at skate parks and on lakes.  When we do go to the beach it's usually a beach that not a ton of people know about that you need a boat to get to (don't message me, I'm not saying where it is...). Of course, company always wants to see Siesta so, to keep things interesting we go on non beach days, park at "point of rocks" or visit the "keyhole".  The family joke has always been it should be called point of 'no parking', not rocks.  But if you can go when the water is cold and the wind gust are over 45mph I think you can have a great time!  At least we do..... My Website

Welcome to paradise. In our neighborhood there are just over 30 lakes, some natural, some man made and some for irrigation but, every one of them contains and supports wildlife.  That's good and can also be concerning.  My dog and I were recently pursued by a pack of coyotes and ended up essentially running for our lives.  I've had much better days - and my poor Cur Hound has too. The thing that really does concern our family is that our adventurous 8 year old loves to explore and loves all things in the "animal kingdom".  Those are great values unless they could lead to severe injury or worse, which they can.  So we usually have a big adventure at least once a week when we plan for hazardous situations and how to conduct yourself when you come in contact with alligators, coyotes, biting ants or poisonous spiders.  It's typically a fun family day we all enjoy except there is one bit of training that Rocky's Mom always skips..... Welcome to snake day!  ...

Welcome to Paradise. I was talking to my friend in my hometown and I said that I could not believe it was raining so much in New England, it seemed weird to me. And his response was "What are you talking about?   It only rained twice!  The first time it rained for eight days and the next time it rained for 23!" Funny.  Kind of. But I do remember long stretches of days were we had slowly soaking storms that dragged on seemingly endlessly, (which explains part of the reason I moved).  That's not good nor funny.  Here's the deal, it rains a ton in Florida but only for minutes per day.  So if you are looking at a forecast with rain every day for a week, it might just be 7, half hour storms.  No big deal, at all.   So, I usually suggest that people find fun things to do when it gets a little soggy out. Our Website

Welcome to Paradise! The first home I ever built for myself was in New England and was a Salt Box Reproduction with onion lights, service stairs and a brick foundation.  It looked great and fit in amazingly well plus, I only had one obnoxious neighbor.  I mean I liked the guy and spent a little time with him but, he commuted to work via a Sea Stallion Helicopter and his security guys NEVER knew who I was.  So obnoxious. However, looking back I realize that the house only looked good in that neighborhood.  It had low ceilings to conserve heat, a hilly yard and a quasi-private road that was impossible to ascend when it snowed (six months per year). That place would be D*U*M*B in Florida. We like high ceilings, lots of light colors and some cool hidden nooks for reading or what not.  Plus we spend 12 months per year outside having fun so, a yard that's not good for activities probably wouldn't work here.  And, although there are many, many Spanish Revival home...

Welcome to Paradise. When you (finally) make the decision to move to Florida, chances are that every one of your friends and family may not be able to make the move with you.  What do you do?  I moved to Florida 20 years ago this December and didn't know another person in my town when I got here. Not a big deal, between working and meeting clients I got to know a ton of people and made some good friends.  In fact, I thought it would be interesting to see how my son made friends as he started elementary school.  Up until now, we picked his friends but, wondered what would happen when mom and dad were left out of that loop. Honestly, I thought it would be pretty easy for him to make friends, he's kind to other kids and has a million interests, so we weren't very surprised when our son made a bunch of friends in first grade that were quality kids.  He has his skateboard friends and his wakeboard friends plus school and church - excellent kiddos all the way around....