Two Birds in Paradise | Sea Shells, and Coconut Dreams!

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(Edited)

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Some things are just a dream away…

If you had asked me where I would be right now 5 years ago, it certainly wouldn’t be here! We were living in the middle of the United States, surrounded by Oak trees, Maples and Pines! We enjoyed all 4 seasons in a pretty big way! Wet and cool springs, hot and humid summers, extravagant fall foliage and snowy cold winters! We had a big garden with lots of birds and local wildlife…6 months out of the year! The other six month were spent indoors, certainly not the dreamy “Golden Years” for two aging Birds!

So where would we live? The sky was the limit!


But what would that look like?

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Yes, we knew we would retire someday and just like everyone else, dreamed about it! Our girls married and moved away, starting careers and families of their own. Such a decision to make! Mr. Bird grew up with the mountains of Southern California in his blood. We both love the great outdoors; having the luxury to camp and walk and hike every day! This was a big part of our vision for the future.

A place which would showcase natures beauty!


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We dreamed about having a place for family to gather, laugh and play silly games together. Dreams of Coconuts!


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And so, we began our quest to find that special place.


It was like sculpting a statue within in our minds, carving off the edges that just don't look or feel right. East, west, north and south; we covered quite a few miles over the next 3 years dreaming along the way.

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Nature always showed up, big time!


Like this beautiful Osprey, patiently waiting for our big decision!

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No quick decisions were made…


we weren’t like this black racer; scurrying to find rest. We took our time, kept dreaming!
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Blue skies and warm weather year round…


exploring streams, mountains and valleys! We knew we would find our spot.
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Finally, after 3 years of searching we were finally ready to land!!


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The dreaming tree! Each shell placed with a dream and a prayer.

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Today...


we woke up to 68 degree weather this morning and decided to head for the beach! Yep, blue skies and sunshine; a perfect @wednesdaywalk and a brief glimpse of our little paradise. Thanks to @tattoodjay the amazing host of this weekly gathering, we come together each week to share our walks with one another. After a long refreshing walk we bid this little piece of paradise goodbye…for just a moment.

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As always, nature shows up to bid us farewell!

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I hope you had a chance to get out and take a walk today, perhaps dream a bit too! I promise you’ll be glad you did. We never imagined we would find a place like this, our little piece of Bird paradise.

And as always, blessings to you all!

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wednesdaywalk powerhousecreatives busy steemusa ecotrain nature travel life neoxian curangel
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33 comments
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I absolutely love this post what a way to tell your story with these gorgeous photos :)

Thanks for joining Wednesday Walk :)

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What a lovely way to describe your journey, you and mr Bird are so blessed to have made your dreams a reality my friend, a gorgeous Wednesday walk mrs Bird!

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Thank you sweet friend. It took a bit of time and lots of research. We knew it was right when we found it :) That same place is waiting for you and your hubby too! Can't wait to hear when you make your choice! xx

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Making a big decision took time, your dreams and planning came true @birdsinparadise enjoy the Golden Years, as gorgeous as the surroundings you find yourself in every day.

@tipu curate

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Oh my thank you @joanstewart, it was indeed a big decision. Moving to a place where we had no contacts, but all has turned out well. We've made so many friends, everyone is so friendly and the nature.....well it speaks for itself :)

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(Edited)

You don’t know how torn I am between Eastern Tennessee and the gulf side of Florida, really.

We’ll be back in the states around the beginning of 2021, that’s plan anyway (funny wOrd—“plan”) and, though I spend time most days scoping out property in Tennessee, I always sneak in a few peeks on Florida.

iheart Florida for the weather, obviously, I’m from Southern Ca, as is the mister. But iheart Fla, too, the skies and coast line as you described and I especially love the thunder storms in May.

The business model is in place, I know what we’re going to do to establish ourselves in our new community once we get where we’re going and I’m torn between the two states. Two of the five “retirement friendly” states with tax benefits (tax benefit—epitome of oxymoron) above and beyond the other 48 states. New Hampshire, Arizona, Wyoming.

I’d be lying if I didn’t say this article will weigh heavily on my future decision.

Are you on the gulf side? I’ve spent quite a bit of time between Clearwater and Tampa Bay, stayed in Ruskin for an extended period of time once, too, I have more questions such as sales and property tax, various insurances, etc. but I need to figure out where you are first.

Great tour, @birdsinparadise. Thank you. 👍🏿On the reward.

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It is such a big decision, @dandays but I have to say when you find the right spot you'll know it. When we traveled all around the country this summer we were so glad when we crossed the border back into Florida, lol You'll be starting a business? We live about 2 hours south of Tampa on the Gulf. We're in Naples, about 1 1/2 hours northwest of Miami and 1 hour south of Fort Myers. I would be glad to help with your questions. Our property taxes are a wee bit higher than Indiana, sales tax 6.5% As you know, no state income tax which is nice! Homeowners insurance is not bad, car insurance is a bit higher. We do have terrific thunder and lightening thats for sure! Roofers leave the area when the storms show up, many have been killed by the lightening. We do love it, I mean we don't have mountains which we truly miss but we have the Gulf...nature, and beautiful sunshine! :)

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@birdsinparadise. Thank you. Yes, the new venture I’ve been planning for over a decade, we’re getting all of this travel desire out of our system first.

I might lean on you for more as time permits—thank you in advance! 👍🏿 Don’t do any extra digging or anything but should you know off hand what homeowners is, for example, on say something at 250k vs 500k I could assume calculations from there. Please and thank you very much!

What about produce? Does it compare to Indiana as far as price? Tomatoes, bananas, etc. are they comparable or would you say less than Indiana?

Also, do you have an idea about vehicle registration? That’s a good one to know. For example a 10 year old vehicle versus a brand new vehicle? Sure, extras and 4-wheel drive are higher but just in general? You’re the best!!

How perfect you’re right around the same area of Florida I like so much—ain’t God just the coolest dude in this conversation?

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so many things to take into consideration.... as for the Homeowners Ins, here is a link for averages. Probably similar to Indiana pricing (they have tornados we have hurricanes, lol) https://www.insurance.com/home-and-renters-insurance/coverage/florida-homeowners-insurance
And auto (based upon driving record, number of miles you drive and age): https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/insurance/cheapest-car-insurance-in-florida-fl/
Plates are really inexpensive here. You pay an initial registration of $100 plus up to $46.50 based upon your car weight. It doesn't decline, flat rates. Plates are done every 3 years and licenses are every 8 years, which is awesome! Produce prices are good, definitely comparable to Indiana. We definitely have an amazing variety of fruits and veggies to choose from, which I love!! I know you had that as well in CA. Food prices are cheaper than in CA I think. Gas prices are about the same as Indiana as well. We have found a couple of organic farmers but for the most part all farmers markets are run by those who buy from "co-op's" we were stunned to learn that. Hope this helps!! Let me know if it doesn't make sense, I'm glad to help! Blessings and safe travels!

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This is a lot of help, thank you. I was hoping you had some links. That will keep me busy for a little bit. I’ll lean on you as I think of concerns. Thanks again i really appreciate it.

Cheaper than California? I didn’t know there was anything that is cheaper than California. 😉 I had to get out of there as soon as I hung up my boots.

Thank you, Birds!

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so many things to take into consideration.... as for the Homeowners Ins, here is a link for averages. Probably similar to Indiana pricing (they have tornados we have hurricanes, lol) https://www.insurance.com/home-and-renters-insurance/coverage/florida-homeowners-insurance
And auto (based upon driving record, number of miles you drive and age): https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/insurance/cheapest-car-insurance-in-florida-fl/
Plates are really inexpensive here. You pay an initial registration of $100 plus up to $46.50 based upon your car weight. It doesn't decline, flat rates. Plates are done every 3 years and licenses are every 8 years, which is awesome! Produce prices are good, definitely comparable to Indiana. We definitely have an amazing variety of fruits and veggies to choose from, which I love!! I know you had that as well in CA. Food prices are cheaper than in CA I think. Gas prices are about the same as Indiana as well. We have found a couple of organic farmers but for the most part all farmers markets are run by those who buy from "co-op's" we were stunned to learn that. Hope this helps!! Let me know if it doesn't make sense, I'm glad to help! Blessings and safe travels!

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You always have the best beach scenes!
And I love that image of the seashell! Very professional!

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Well thank you, thank you @goldendawne, what a nice compliment! We truly enjoy these beaches and I know you have beautiful beaches in Michigan as well :)

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What a lovely post. You birds are so lucky to have found your forever home in such lovely place!

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Thank you @riverflows, you're so kind :) We love the outdoors, and we have found being able to spend each day outdoors is such a blessing. There is so much to see and do all around us, we are truly blessed!

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That was such a lovely walk. I am happy for you.

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Thank you @owasco, I'm so happy you enjoyed it :) We are truly blessed to be here, I'm glad I could share it with everyone.

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