|
| AUTHOR |
MESSAGE |
|
User no longer registered.
|
Geographic Home
Just talking to Perv this morning, he was telling me how much he loves Tuscon, and I was talking about how much, and why I love Missouri...
Do you love where you live, do you miss someplace you use to live, if the chance came, where would you love to live?
|
| February 1, 2011, 12:42 |
|
User no longer registered.
|
Re: Geographic Home
Let me see.---
Denver was nice. Had lots to offer plus I could take rides and explore the mountain some. One of the really good things was winter. Could get a foot of snow and usually it'd be gone in a couple days.
I lived in Ft Lauderdale and Tampa. Tampa was much less expensive and the people weren't as snooty.
I grew up in central WI. It was ok but never did that well job wise.
I like where I live now. Sure it gets cold and snowy but I like the change of seasons. [one thing I didn't like about FL] The people are friendly and it keeps growing yet staying the same.
|
| February 1, 2011, 13:04 |
|
User no longer registered.
|
Re: Geographic Home
I've been lucky enough to have traveled all over the country and have seen so much local charm and met so many nice people. One of my favorite stories was from when I was in Little Rock. I was there for 4 days and there wasnt a car available to be rented, so I was stuck taking cabs anywhere I needed to go. On the first morning, the ride to the meeting consisted of a typical casual conversation with the elderly gentleman cab driver. "Where ya from? How long are ya here?" That type of thing. At the end of the day, I called for a cab and the dispatcher said "He's already there waiting for you". Yep, the same guy. And every morning, 15 minutes before I had to leave, he'd be outside my room, waiting and there again at the end of the day, ready to pick me up. Not only that, but he would ask if I needed him to take me to any stores, restaurants etc. In fact the one day he turned and asked if I had enough cigarettes before he dropped me at the hotel. I'm sure he's passed away by now, but his kindness has never been forgotten. And I was used to getting cabs in NYC where they take you a block and it's $30. These fares were only $5.
There's other things like the Hotel that recognized my truck when I pulled in and had my favorite room ready before I got through the doors; The Steakhouse where the Bartender would see me walk in and had a glass of wine poured and ready as I walked to the bar.
To Chazzy's point, I'm not very fond of where I live, mostly because of the blizzards and punishing taxes, but we also have no hurricanes, tornadoes or Earthquakes. And in the summer here, it can be downright tropical. To single out any one place that I'd rather live would be tough because so many areas have their own unique and appealing characteristics, as well as downfalls. I guess I should just be a vagabond.
|
| February 1, 2011, 13:43 |
|
newbie1011
62 / female
The Shore, New Jersey, US
|
Re: Geographic Home
I was born and raised in NYC as if you couldn't tell.lol
However my family also had a house upstate NY and spent a lot of time going there and still do.I went on vacation to visit some friends in Tampa Florida and went back home to NY just long enough to pack my stuff and move. I lived in Tampa for 6 months.I have always visited Arizona because I have family there. All that being said I would say I definitely love things about NY but I have no desire to live there any more. I have lived at the Jersey Shore for 24 years and not to fond of it either. They all have things about it that are great. I don't have to tell people about all that NY city has to offer but you can visit all that stuff. The shore is OK in the summer if you can deal with the cost and the mobs of people. Florida was OK but to buggy and humid for my taste. I love Arizona and would love to live there. Now if I could just convince my kids and Kam to move I would be packed in an hour. Upstate NY was and still is beautiful but just not practical for me and way to much snow for me to handle. I will say that during the summer I still love going upstate. But I know the things I love about it I can find in other places with the only exception being the friends and memories I have.By the way the upstate house was 10 minutes away from the Woodstock site so I got to experience that as a kid.Now there is a memory that sticks with you.Cozumel, Mexico is pretty nice too but that's just not practical at all.
|
| February 1, 2011, 13:52 |
|
User no longer registered.
|
Re: Geographic Home
Yeah, I think a lot of people live where they live because of family and friends and if it werent for those reasons, would probably move. One of my favorite places I've been is Orange Beach Alabama. Except for being evacuated from there because Katrina was blowing in
|
| February 1, 2011, 14:08 |
|
User no longer registered.
|
Re: Geographic Home
I love England I have to say. I've been to a few places around the world which are great, but home for me is definately here.
Right now I live in the South in a town that is just a little too big for me, but very handy for where we work and the things we enjoy. Later in life the North of England will be our home - around the Lake District with luck
|
| February 1, 2011, 14:21 |
|
Grandelf
64 / male
Northern, Michigan, US
|
Re: Geographic Home
I have been in Northen Michigan all my life. Have lived all over the state but usually the north where there is forest, lakes, room to breathe. I love it here, am well used to the winter so it doesn't bother me for the most part. It's beautiful here, the state being very diverse as along the great lakes there is the maritime lifestyle, old lighthouses..much history. Where I live, many rivers and lakes of all sizes, I live on the largest inland lake in the state. As time has passed though, I love the beauty of winter, but we have bouts of bitter cold that I'd like to see less of. So somewhere with a shorter winter would be great and is a plan for the future. Somewhere similar in nature to Michigan's northland..I'm an outdoor, forest, small town kind of guy...
" Well I was born in a small town
And I can breathe in a small town
Gonna die in this small town
And that's prob'ly where they'll bury me"
|
| February 1, 2011, 20:49 |
|
kamarel
60 / male
Alexandria, Louisiana, US
|
Re: Geographic Home
The northern burbs if Detroit has always been my home. Lots to do and not hard to be away from everything as is your wish. Hard winters suck, as do hot muggy summers. But cool summers and warm winters aren't hard to suffer through. Very few things that can harm you and lots to look at and capture interest. I like Vegas alot. But its not green and not much water.
|
| February 2, 2011, 00:37 |
|
Iwant2kssuallovr
62 / female
Bendover, Florida, US
|
Re: Geographic Home
I've spent all but one year in Florida. I was born in Miami, and our parents kept us busy with the little blow up pool, and swing set.
We moved to Orlando, a big house and lot on a lake. Only 4 houses and the last one was haunted. I spent many days playing with the neighbor boys in the lake, playing football, or having orange fights.
We moved to a small town in the center of the state, and I couldn't wait to get out of there. Okay if you want to hog hunt, mud bog, frog gig, air boat, and gator hunt, etc.
I've shared this next location with some. My favorite so far being a little island on the most northern part of Florida.
The area was first inhabited by the Timucuan Indian tribe. Known as the "Isle of 8 Flags", it had the following flags flown over it since 1562: France, Spain, Great Britain, Spain (again), the Patriots of Amelia Island, the Green Cross of Florida, Mexico, the Confederate States of America, and the United States.
I would spend my evenings sitting on the front porch swing of an old Victorian home, and watch the magnificent sunset on the St. John's river. This home was built in the 1860's by a river captain for his wife. In 1988, the house was painted pink and was used as the "Pippi Longstocking" house. Or, I could wake up to the sunrise coming up on the horizon of the beach.
And, there is much, much more. There are State Parks, Fort Clinch, Victorian homes used as B&B's, and many historical areas. It is also the location of the first Black beach, called American Beach. Many famous people entered their doors. Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, Hank Aaron, Joe Louis, actor Ossie Davis, and James Brown.
When I moved there, I become caught up in local bar scene. We were all from someone where else, yet, meshed together in friendship . The beach during the day. Then, late nights, lots of alcohol, dancing, and music. Lots and lots of great music. And, not just on the weekends, it was every night! One famous pub was The Palace Saloon.
We had the run of the place, and we survived.
|
| February 2, 2011, 03:00 |
|
Grandelf
64 / male
Northern, Michigan, US
|
Re: Geographic Home
LOL, We played one bar for six months out of the year for five years straight..and I have to add the fun times fill the memory as there were SO many, but like you..I must say "we survived"...huge crowds, "controlled insanity" we called it. The bar owner was a huge guy, a big old teddy bear, but if someone got out of control he could set them on fire with his eyes. If that didn't work I saw guys literally airborne as the were shipped outside. You were very blessed to live in such wonderful places! I have been too, in a very, very different way. But your upbringing, homes all sound magical.
|
| February 2, 2011, 05:02 |
|
User no longer registered.
|
Re: Geographic Home
i'm Minnesotan, born here, most likely gonna stay here. (when i win that damn lottery, i may have a vacation home someplace.) there are good things and bad things about being a Minnesotan, mostly it's the weather, but that's an issue no matter where one chooses to live. the good thing about being from here, the people are fairly nice. hence the term "Minnesota Nice" 
|
| February 2, 2011, 05:14 |
|
newbie1011
62 / female
The Shore, New Jersey, US
|
Re: Geographic Home
Is there really a term "Minnesota Nice?" lmao. I never hear that about us here in NY I am highly insulted! We really are nice here. OMG I was going to type something that I just know would have pissed off most people but see how nice I am? I erased it!
Kam,I swear if you say what I think your thinking you might have a colder winter than you thought!
|
| February 2, 2011, 06:00 |
|
hardandwild07
65 / couple
Harrisonburg, Virginia, US
|
Re: Geographic Home
I was born and raised here in the Shenandoah valley of Va. Blue Ridge mtns 3 miles south, Massanutten mtn 1 mile North,and Appalachians 30 miles west. The mtns stop or slow most storms. Hurricanes die before they get here, the mtns diminish the snow and rain, so we really don't get any extreme weather right here. All 4 seasons but all are mild compared to most places. Tornadoes don't come near and no earthquake threats either. We are only a few miles from many Civil War battlefields,and Skyline drive, a 90 mile road that follows the top ridges of the Blue Ridge.I hate the cold , but overall, one of the best , safest places to live in the US, so I guess I'll stay a while longer. There are woods and national forest all around ,plenty of camping ,hunting,fishing.What isn't mtns is farmland hopefully mostly organic, as we don't eat chemical laden processed and fast "food".Great weather for growing most of our own.  She can tell you about growing up on the south Jersey Shore.
|
| February 2, 2011, 20:35 |
|
perveman
111 / male
Tucson, Arizona, US
|
Re: Geographic Home
As I believe most of us can agree, we all get used to, or aclimated(sp) to, is about the best place to live. (of course Tucson really is, lol) Even though born and raised in Washing state, have been here many years now, used to it, already here, can't be bothered to move. Just easier (lazier) to just stay put. I.E. Already here, stay. Major good point is, void of natural disasters, and screwed up whether. Except, and it's true, about half the year, it's HOTTT!! Live here long as I have, dealing with it becomes 2nd nature. Everyones gotta be somewhere.
|
| February 2, 2011, 21:22 |
|
hardandwild07
65 / couple
Harrisonburg, Virginia, US
|
Re: Geographic Home
I like living in Virginia for all of the reasons Hard stated, but I miss South Jersey too. We can't buy decent bread here, there are no Italian bakeries. There are no Italian butchers, no deli's like I grew up with, no regular custard stands, and the Farm Stands are so few and far between you may as well just go to the Farmers Market on Saturday morning. As much as I love the mountains and hiking, I still miss the ocean. We try to go up every year in the summer, just to recharge.
The people in South Jersey realize that you are either a tourist (one who contributes to the economy through state taxes, therefore helping us keep our taxes down) or you are family. In either case you are family. You can walk in any store anywhere and someone will just start talking to you as if they'd known you and your family for generations!
Now the shore is something entirely different. The expanse and power of the ocean any time you want to just sit and absorb all that energy. It's right there waiting for you through every season. You haven't experienced the ocean until you've sat on the beach in the snow and just watched the waves continue to roll in. And of course, there is the Polar Bear Club! I swam with the Polar Bears 5 years before I moved to Virginia!
In the summers, we would head down the shore to the boardwalk on many, many evenings. Lots of tourists, lots of people in general. The beach is crowded all day, the boardwalk is crowded all night and it's fun. Everyone is happy and laughing and polite and just having a good time. And it doesn't have to cost anything. There is no admission charge for the boardwalk. You can walk all day and all night on an even surface and never spend a penny. Or you can bring your bicycle and ride the boardwalk in the early morning, go and sit on the beach until the sun goes down and then walk the boardwalk the rest of the evening, and the only money you would have to spend would be gas to get there and maybe a snack. 
|
| February 2, 2011, 22:00 |
|
hardandwild07
65 / couple
Harrisonburg, Virginia, US
|
Re: Geographic Home
In the Shenandoah Valley we have a Water Park and Ski Resort within 3 miles of us here. Hiking trails, the Appalachian Trail, Skyline Drive, Civil War sites, mild weather. It's a slower pace here, a nice place to relax and unwind.
|
| February 2, 2011, 22:16 |
|
User no longer registered.
|
Re: Geographic Home
Hey Wild, I know what youre talking about. I'm in Western New York and was talking with a friend of mine who moved to Florida about 20 years ago. We both cook and he was asking me how I make certain things (I know, a real manly conversation! lol!) and I would say "you need this or you need that". And his response was "We cant get that here". And yes, they were all things for making Italian dishes. We're pretty lucky in New York and New Jersey to have access to those types of items. Where I live, there are Italian restaurants all over the place. Where my Buddy lives, if you want Italian food, you go to The Olive Garden. Thats like wanting a good NY Strip Steak and going to McDonalds because theyre both beef. Anyway, I love Virginia too, but I sympathize with you for all the good things that you cant get there.
|
| February 3, 2011, 20:22 |
|
GG317
60 / male
Bowl of Granola, Massachusetts, US
|
Re: Geographic Home
Do I love where I live?...That's a tough one, I'm used to it and it's like an old pair of sneakers, comfortable but really in need of being left behind...
I do miss the place I used to live, "Gloucester Ma.". Every now and then I miss the smell of the ocean. If I get near the beaches up here it always brings me back...
There's always a spot I would like to move to, but I've never been there or had the chance. Australia, is the place I'd like to be for obvious reasons. One right now, "NO SNOW"... 
|
| February 4, 2011, 05:14 |
|
newbie1011
62 / female
The Shore, New Jersey, US
|
Re: Geographic Home
Hey Wild. I had to laugh when reading what you wrote regarding the Jersey shore. I live at the Jersey shore. My sons work at a few places that deal with "Fun at the Jersey shore".Of course many people have seen the moronic show Jersey Shore. I live in the same town as that show is taped and both my sons have booted those idiots out at some point. Two of the show participants actually moved here but not to Seaside where most of that is shot they moved to where I live.I will say if my kids acted like that I would kick their asses I don't care how old they are. What you see in that show is what the tourist are to most of us. I know you said you are treated well. I would think it has more to do with the fact that you are being nice and people are reacting to you. Most locals hate the people that come down here and refer to them as "Bennies". I have no idea what the meaning of the word is or how it started, but it is a negative, that much I do know. As for not having to pay to spend the day at the boardwalk. Where do you go because I know everything from Belmar to Wild Wood or Cape May is freaking expensive. No you don't pay to step on the boardwalk but you pay for parking to the tune of $20 to be in a private lot because there is almost no chance of finding a parking spot in the township after 9am at a meter and it is almost all metered these days. Only private parking is free these days. A bottle of water on the boardwalk will run a minimum of $2-3.That's about the cheapest thing you can get. If you plan on stepping on the beach you might as well take a second mortgage on your house. If your a resident you can get a discounted seasonal pass but they are expensive. There are some sections of beach that are for resident that have Free days . Good luck trying to get on there they are normally full by 9 or 10 and closed after that. You can't bring food or drinks on the beaches anymore But they do let you at times if you don't have glass. But most will spend a fortune eating and drinking at the boardwalk or go back to the car where they keep a cooler and that can be a mile away.The cops have been so nasty for years down at the beaches that they have been charged in more abuse cases than I can count. They arrested Bob Dylan either last year or the year before because he didn't have a wallet to show id.No they didn't recognize him because most of the cops there are part time summer only and are about 12 I think. Yes they will just walk over and say lets see your id and ticket or arrest you if you don't have it. I have seen it or I wouldn't say it. Oh yes its a joy living here. Did I mention that all the prices in every store gets jacked up to ridiculous in the summer but especially on Thursday Just in time for the Bennie's to come. We have so many accidents because they let these kids get so drunk that they can't walk never mind drive. They will rent a one room apartment to 15 kids and good luck if you live next door even all year. I would never live at the beach for that reason alone. It's intolerable in the summer they party all day and all night and have no regard for property . That's why people charge $2,500 a week to rent an apartment for a week.I will say its really nice about September when most tourists go home and things are still open but the prices drop and the beaches are free (but have no lifeguard then, so you do have to be careful)Yes the Jersey Shore is wonderful. Oh, they have free fireworks all summer!
|
| February 4, 2011, 13:28 |
|
|
