posted on August 2, 2005 09:22:42 PM
After this season, we are going to start slowing down. Posting on 3 auction sites, and keeping up with 4 major web sites is getting a bit much, oh yes, and a brick and mortar store - I am just getting tired. We are already seeking property in a different State, and plan on making that our final home. We hope to be in semi-retirement in less than 2 years.
We had thought for years that we would make our final home in Florida, but with more age and maturity, and the fact that if we lived in Florida we would only want to live there if we could be on the water, we finally realized we don’t want to have to go through a re-build should we be hit by a hurricane. Anywhere away from the water, there is a mosquito problem, and I am highly allergic to mosquitoes and have to stay inside during the summer months, even here in South Alabama.
Therefore, we have reversed ourselves and are now looking at property/house, whatever in Mid to North Georgia. I lived in Atlanta for 25 years and never met a mosquito! We do not want to live in Atlanta or any large city, but far enough north in Georgia to get beyond the mosquito problem. Our preferences would be on one of the North Georgia lakes, streams, or somewhere in the Blue Ridge Mountain area. We cannot live in a development, since we have 7 dogs, and we treasure our seclusion.
We actually started in this type of business 14 years ago, in the Flea Market days; then moved up to specialty shows, and then went on line in 1995. I have been in this business long enough.
We will be selling our brick and mortar antique shop, liquidating product down to the items, which are easy to handle and ship, and take some time to enjoy life before I get too old to do such. We will continue to sell on the internet, but at a much slower pace, one which the two of us can handle easily and still have time to enjoy life.
It's been a GREAT ride, but it is time to slow down. Good wishes to the newbies coming on board.
posted on August 2, 2005 09:31:20 PM
This is a really big step for you two--and I applaud you. One question about North Georgia, though: if you're on a lake or stream there, won't there be mosquitoes? Or is Georgia just plain a mosquito-free zone?
Whatever your decision, you're smart to be thinking it through. We went through this decision four years ago this summer and have never regretted moving to the Southern California mountains.
A wise friend reminded me once that we can never run away from our problems--that wherever we go, we bring ourselves with us. If you generally get along well with people and with each other, you'll be fine wherever you go. Bear in mind that the two of you will be IT for each other for a while, perhaps a few months, before you really settle in and get to know your new area and people. If you have a good relationship, you'll be fine!
posted on August 2, 2005 10:23:29 PMRoadsmith I have not lived south of Atlanta, but Atlanta and north, water or no water is basically a mosquito-free zone. I never met a mosquito in Atlanta or north of Atlanta, I don't know why, but they just don't seem to like North Georgia. Most likely it is because most of the water is moving, not stagnant.
So glad your move worked out for you. We are basically reclusive, so being alone isn't a major issue for us, plus in Atlanta, we have old friends, and I have one son and his family living there.
We've been married 22 years, and worked together 99% of that time. That is we have been together 24/7 for about 20 years, so we do well alone, and make friends easily.
It isn't exactly time for my husband to "retire," he is 47, 18 years younger than me, and if we are going to continue to enjoy things together, I need to cut back on the work, and take time to enjoy my husband and our "fur babies." I'll be 65 next month.
Congratulations to you all for your decision and so glad it worked out for you.
~"It does not matter what I think, it does not matter what you think. The only thing which matters is: What is the TRUTH!"~
posted on August 3, 2005 12:10:13 AM
jwpc
well thought out & very nice to look forward to.
I specially like your idea of seclusion.
I live in a secluded area too because of 7 cats & 1 dog. I love it & am only 2 miles from a large shopping area. I don't think I would like to be in the middle of nowhere, it's perfect here & yet I would really like to do something like your doing. Just get rid of everything & move to a different state, retire & at the same time sort of start over.
Your future sounds wonderful & exciting, you sound like a very together couple, & it is so right to enjoy it by making major changes as you two are doing.
posted on August 3, 2005 02:22:52 AM
I live in Ringgold, which is about halfway between Dalton and Chattanooga. I hate to say it, but we have mosquitos like CRAZY here.
It may have something to do with the fact that we only live a few miles from Chickamauga Creek, which, although it's moving, is veeeerrry slow. There are also small ponds all over the place.
Whenever DH mows the grass, he always comes back in with welps all over his chest and back where the mosquitos gobbled him up.
I don't know about the mountainous areas in northeast Georgia, but in Ringgold the mosquitos will practically pick you up and carry you away!
[ edited by thedewey on Aug 3, 2005 02:23 AM ]
posted on August 3, 2005 07:24:20 AM
jwpc what a wonderful choice of location !! We've also been looking into moving to the same area. We spent a week at Blood Mountain Cabins again this year.http://www.bloodmountain.com/ and your right about the no mosquitoes or very very few mosquitoes plus it's beautiful up there ! It's really close to larger towns but no neighbors for miles. Property is very reasonable also.Heres a good link to look at houses and land http://www.mtrealestateinga.com/featured.htm
Most likely it is because most of the water is moving, not stagnant.
