Monday, December 21, 2015

We've Made a Big Decision!

(Avon Park, FL) Hi 82  Lo 61 -- There comes a time for everyone on the road to make the decision to hang up the keys and settle down into a permanent home. That time has come for us. We've been to all 48 states during our six years of full timing, and we KNOW Florida is the state we want to live in permanently. There's no single reason that caused us to make the decision to end our full time travels, but an accumulation of many things tells us it's time. It all came to a head this past summer while visiting my nephew in Indiana. We mentioned we plan to eventually settle down in Florida. He said his in-laws plan to sell their place in Auburndale, Florida after this winter, and the more he described the place the more interested we got. We made plans right then to see the place when we arrived back in Florida in for our winter stay. The owners weren't down from the north yet when we got to Florida at the end of October, but their daughter showed us the place.and we immediately fell in love with it. Fast forward to this past weekend. Jim's mom, sister Sharon, and Sharon's boyfriend Jimmy came down from North Carolina for a visit. Jimmy has been in construction all his life, and he used to be a house inspector at one time. Jim and I took them to see the place, and we got to meet the owners. Jimmy gave the house a quick inspection and determined everything was in fine shape. In fact, he joked to the owner that if we didn't buy the place, he would. :) The house is a 1,500 sq ft double wide with an added screened in porch. It's in a 55-plus community and is right on a beautiful lake. Here's a few photos:

This side of the house faces Lake Juliana.


This side is on the street.


The view of Lake Juliana from our yard.










This is the wet bar with places for wine bottles and a sink, even enough room for a small wine cooler.


We've always wanted a place on the water, so we're very excited! The park it's in is called Lake Juliana Landing in Auburndale, just south of I-4 and about an hour north of us. It's right between Lakeland and Winter Haven, and Tampa and Orlando are both only 45 minutes away. The park has many amenities, with activities year round. (Here at our current park, Adelaide Shores, everything shuts down from May to November.)

We'll continue with the blog until we transition into our home, which will be around the end of March. (I'm planning on having knee replacement surgery prior to that and I want to get it done here in Sebring before we make the move.) Once we get moved in we plan to sell our RV and truck. If you're interested, or know anyone who's interested in a 2010 Carriage Cameo 36FWS (full wall slide) and 2007 GMC Sierra Classic 3500 diesel dually, let us know by email (our email addresses are at the right of this page).

We'll get back to our normal blog this Friday. See you then.

19 comments:

Dizzy-Dick said...

I guess I am not the only one who is thinking about giving up the RV.

KarenInTheWoods said...

Wow.... So much room! You n Jim are gonna get LOST in there! I like that island with the cooktop, and you will have a dishwasher!!!! Your view is fantastic and the location seems right foot you two. Congrats!

Ruth said...

Congratulations! Looks like you will enjoy your new home and all the extra room that goes with it.

www.travelwithkevinandruth.com

Unknown said...

Yay! Congratulations on your new home and the new life chapter. Living on the water sounds wonderful!!

owensontheroad said...

I'm always kind of sad when I hear our friends are coming off the road. I'm sure it can be a hard decision. You've had a lot of good times, now you begin a new chapter! Lovely place, and what a view!

Nancy and Bill said...

Looks like a wonderful place for you to begin the "Next Chapter!!" We wish you both every happiness there. Seems to me you pick a good spot in the middle of the Snow Birds so you will still see RV friends winter;o))

Mark from Missouri said...

Congrads on your decision. I'll miss reading about your travels.

Mike and Terri said...

Congratulations!!! Timing is everything, and it all came together at the right time for you two! It looks like a beautiful place and a great location.

Cori said...

Congratulations on the news!! What a nice Christmas present!!

Unknown said...

Congrats to you two and the next chapter in your lives. Another new adventure. I have read your blog now for about 3 1/2 years and have enjoyed being with you on your travels. You have given me many tips on areas of the country and hope to put them to use here in the near future. Thank you for all of the hard work on keeping up your blog as I am sure we the readers all appreciate you. Good Luck and Merry Christmas. Rick and Jenn

Gary Wood said...

I am saddened too, when a fellow blogger "hangs up the keys". Maybe because it signifies and end to something that I too will have to do at some point.

Congratulations on your new adventure. Sounds like a really nice place. I hope when it's my turn to start a new adventure I can find a place as nice as yours.

Gypsy said...

It's hard to believe you've been out there for 6 years. You've had some great travels and I think it is a good time to switch gears. The house looks beautiful, and I think you are going to enjoy all that space, being near the lake, and getting some permanency back into your life.

Roadrunner Chronicles said...

Congratulations! Looks like a very nice place. Merry Christmas too!

Phyllis said...

I think we all know when it is time. Congrats on everything falling into place so easily.

Bob and Jo said...

Congrats, both happy and sad. Happy for you and sad for us losing a fellow blogger and Carriage owner.

Gin and Syl said...

Sometimes things fall into place for a reason. Looks like a great place to start the next chapter in life. Hope the knee surgery goes well.
Syl

Bruce and Laura said...

Congratulations, happy for you. It is a great location!

Meandering Maddi said...

Very happy for you and Jim. Million dollar view!!! !!!

Meandering Maddi said...

Very happy for you and Jim. Million dollar view!!! !!!

St. Patrick's Day - Council Meeting - Concert

 Shalimar, FL   (Hi  63  Lo 47)    I'VE BEEN ASKED THAT THE FONT IT TOO SMALL. JUST DO A CONTROL +  AND IT WILL ENLARGE. CONTROL   -(min...