Our front porch is getting a facelift.

It’s a very loved and used spot in our home. Sometimes it’s a quiet retreat to read or watch people walk by.

Weekly, women of all ages, races and specialities sit, have coffee and discuss many of conversations. #coffeehour

Jack joins us sometimes and is a fan favorite at coffee hour

Friday morning, I was priming some new boards that had been replaced on the porch floor. There’s more to fix cause old houses have old rot.

Paint can and brush in hand, looking a hot mess, a couple walked by our home and made a comment about how big our hone was and how we must paint ALOT.

Yes, it’s big

Yes, we had it painted last year and the conversation led to how we came to Ocala, how we live with so many people, the history of this old house and some interesting facts about the historic district we live in as well as traffic, new sights in our town and how downtown is such a fun place.

They are a newly retired couple moving to Florida from Minnesota. They were visiting different cities and were walking our historic district this afternoon.

“We just started walking down some of the streets and so many people are so friendly. We love it here.”

I replied “I know many who can’t handle the Florida heat and complain about so many things. Florida is my home and I’m staying put.”

Later that evening, we walked downtown for dinner with friends. The weather was beautiful, we sat outside (we had to move under roof because it started to rain), we enjoyed just a coupon hours of relaxation after a busy and sometimes stressful week.

I remembered my conversation with the nice couple from Minnesota and will continue to speak highly of our town.

Perfect? Absolutely not

Every town has his problems. The weather is usually warm and sometimes hot but this is my home and I love it here

Love,

The Florida girl