We considered Mexico and did quite a bit of research, (30 years worth), we tried RV'ing (admittedly only 4 months) and we looked for houses.
We liked the Villages and toured several homes on several different visits. Then we looked for homes in the Mount Dora area and a few other places in Florida.
Finally we toured several homes in the Seminole Largo area, just South of Tampa. We were looking for 'magic'.
We found it. 'Bag End' is 1861 square feet on a channel leading to the inter coastal waterway. With the right kind of boat we can sail to Africa, not that we would sail to Africa but the thought that we could is intriguing. We plan on starting with kayaks (not for the Africa leg) and moving on to a fishing boat.
I'm certain our traveling days are not over but our winters (hopefully) are going to be spent at 'Bag End'. Every room needs to be painted and the house is without a single piece of furniture. I have 'projects' to keep me occupied for the next few years.
We have manatee, dolphins, pelicans and a plethora of birds and fish in the channel. Of the three bedrooms one has been designated as the guest room with a new queen size bed on the way and a fresh paint job. (My skills as a painter are not up to Joe and Steve's standards and Joel may have to de/bo some minor things.) But 'Bag end' is now open for guests.
Having gone slightly above our original budget to purchase the house we going garage saling and driving through the rich neighborhoods picking out furniture on 'trash day'. You would not believe the cool stuff people throw away.
We have left the trailer with Mike and Kelly and will be picking it up on our way back to Michigan. Otter is due on May 15th and we want to be home in time to welcome our new grandchild to the world so we will be leaving here the first of May.
We thank Kelli, Mike and Colton for putting up with us as we house hunted in central Florida and Valerie, Rob, Heaven and Karma for putting up with us on the gulf side. We have a lot of work to do at the house, but would like to invite family and friends to visit. For now, guests should bring their own plates, silverware and a chair. More later..
