Florida- our new Adventure begins!

So we arrived at our destination, Jacksonville, Fl. Came in from St. Louis Thursday afternoon. Had reservation at an extended stay, for a week to allow us to check out area. Goy up today and looked at several apt. around area. 1 had caught my attention when looking for a place here, it was about the only short-term, meaning 3 month lease I could find.

With the new job, inspecting for an energy company in Jacksonville, 1-2 days a week, I wanted us to not be locked in to anything to soon. See if job works out, they like me, etc. So need some time for that to develope. So the question is; how do we accomplish that? Short term is of course more expensive, about 30%. But being stuck in a 12 month lease; w/o knowing anything about area, neighborhood, kingdom hall, where work is, traffic etc etc.

So after looking at several apt options, and visiting the short term place, which was really nice, safe, clean, we thought about it, and decided to ask the extended stay, what there long term rates were, for a month. That would allow us time to explore, not tie up finances in a long lease, and see if job works out. And we have done that before when we have been out of town on work assignment before. The difference this time is; Elaine will have to put up with me 3-4 days a week more! The rate was less than the short term apt, they have 1100 units. unfurnished. The hotel has a full kitchen, 2 beds, and living room, plus its furnished, cable, etc. No extra $ for those items apt would require.

So we have decided at this point to try the 1 month here, give us time to explore, check out, see traffic patterns, and look in local paper/online ads for a place. The main thing is to see how long project is, and do we want to stay in area after the project is over? Being this far north, its not as warm as we like, as in Jupiter/ Port St. Lucie- but also it will not be as hot during summer months. The beach is the beach- the benefits are equal, either place, it appears. If you aren't living within walking/biking distance, then it is the same. drive there, carry chairs, towels etc,m and lug back. On beach or very tangential, is too expensive for our budget/retirement. I can find work now, but will I want to work more just to live closer to beach? Good question. If we get a place a little farther, we can get an extra bedroom for company, you all to come & visit. So many things to weigh in on.

As we have moved here for our health & lifestyle betterment; started our effort at eating cleaner- healthier; eliminating easy carbs, processed food, sugar, etc. I know what you're thinking, "no way Jose, Tom can do that" but I did in 2006 after heart scare/ and stent. stayed off all those things for over a year. Lost 40 lbs, got down to a 40 waist, felt strong, and lost all that craving for the Bad. 10 years later, I hope to do it again.

Leaving our wonderful family & congregation isn't easy, but is necessary if we want to achieve our goal. This system is temporary we know, but we have 5 grandchildren, 2 small ones, that we would like to see for a long time.

 Nothing man plans is definite or permanent; But the Bible also tells us to learn lessons from the ant, planning, work hard, prepare for the future. Thats what this is. Our plan when we moved to Mexico, was a 4-5 year plan. Economically live in an area that allowed us to pioneer, serve, etc until we had a better financial situation. when my pension kicked in. That got derailed with new heart condition, afib, so we had to adjust. Got to be around grandkids and kids extra 4 years. Now health issues dictate to try to destress, eat right, exercise and enjoy a less rigorous schedule. Will it work? Unknown. But is it allowed for us to try? Absolutely. Jehovah lets us serve him in any way we want to. He accepts our worship, no matter where we are. When we can take the long-range view, it can help us to work good even to ourselves. At least thats the goal.

So our 1st official meal tonite was this:

Spaghettis squash, cold, with parmesan, butter, tomato sauce, heated on top. Then I had something called; Tile Fish, fresh caught at 400-600 ft, similar to grouper. lemon, butter, salt & pepper to taste.
Fish was great, Elaine only had a bite of fish, spaghetti squash, was ok for me, she loved it.

So after a 4 year hiatus, I may try blogging some. If you don't like it, or takes too much time don't worry. File 13, or tell me to take you off blogger list.

Love to all,
Tom & Elaine.