Bittersweet Goodbye: My wife and I have had a vacation home in Punta Gorda Florida. Even though I never did any real fishing there we and the kids love it. Plan was to retire there.

mistred64 Loc: Grayslake, illinois

My wife and I have had a vacation home in Punta Gorda Florida. Even though I never did any real fishing there we and the kids love it. Plan was to retire there. Then grandkids came and now another on the way so the plan to retire to Florida changed. Unfortunately maintaining two homes has become too expensive so we've sold the Florida house. Got a good price and the buyer wants all the furniture. Heading down tomorrow to pack and ship personal items home. Gonna spend Christmas there, close on the 27th, and then come back north. The pool heater is on. I just hope the air temp is good enough to use the pool for the last time. I spent half the day in that pool when we were there.

Best fishing ever Loc: So California

Well I know what it means to have two houses to maintain. I still have my NM house but the differents is I rent it out.

ghaynes1 Loc: Strawberry Plains, TN

mistred64 wrote:

My wife and I have had a vacation home in Punta Go... (show quote)

I would have retired in Punta Gorda after selling the house in Illinois and told the kids to bring the grandkids to Florida to see their grandparents. I know, easier said than done. I've known people who have moved or stayed put to be closer to grandkids. In some cases, they don't see them anymore than if they had moved away. Good luck with your Christmas in Florida.

Catfish hunter Loc: Riggins idaho (Paradise)

mistred64 wrote:

My wife and I have had a vacation home in Punta Go... (show quote)

That’s sad to hear. Things are ALL getting way to expensive to hang onto any more. We had to do the same thing with properties we invested in for retirement. Just wasn’t planning on having to cash them out quite this soon.

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

Best of luck with the sale and Merry Christmas!
I hope you get that last swim in, too!

Able Man Loc: North Coast (Cleveland, Ohio)

I'm hoping it all works out the best for you, mistred64... I also would have been "leaning towards" relocating to Punta Gorda; but... I'm guessing you're property there, is not much above sea level... Maybe Illinois will provide a safe and sound "retirement environment"! (Best of luck, with it all!)

Bob F

Where in Punta Gorda? My parents lived there 25 years ago. My dad started the Punta Gorda Boat club and was also commodore at Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club.

mistred64 Loc: Grayslake, illinois

ghaynes1 wrote:

I would have retired in Punta Gorda after selling the house in Illinois and told the kids to bring the grandkids to Florida to see their grandparents. I know, easier said than done. I've known people who have moved or stayed put to be closer to grandkids. In some cases, they don't see them anymore than if they had moved away. Good luck with your Christmas in Florida.

Thanks G

HenryG Loc: Falmouth Cape Cod Massachusetts

mistred64 wrote:

My wife and I have had a vacation home in Punta Go... (show quote)

Don't forget to bring a fishing rod with ya maybe you at least can get a few cast in you won't be getting the chance for awhile

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

mistred64 wrote:

My wife and I have had a vacation home in Punta Go... (show quote)

Sorry to hear that Ed, I think I'd be with G on the choice subject. But you gotta do what's right for you. Have a safe trip, and I hope there's plenty of pool weather. Have a Merry Christmas, and maybe try the local fishing before the final exit.

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

God luck no matter where you retire. We love seeing pictures of fish from Illinois also.

mistred64 Loc: Grayslake, illinois

Bob F wrote:

Where in Punta Gorda? My parents lived there 25 years ago. My dad started the Punta Gorda Boat club and was also commodore at Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club.

PGI, Via Seville. Between Coronado, Aqui Esta & Marion.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Well now that's a bugger...but I completely understand your motives! Enjoy the Christmas season in FL and have a great New Year ahead in 2022 as you dig roots deeper up North!

mistred64 Loc: Grayslake, illinois

HenryG wrote:

Don't forget to bring a fishing rod with ya maybe you at least can get a few cast in you won't be getting the chance for awhile

I have a couple rods there as we're on a channel. Never had a bite casting. My son caught the only fish on a shrimp.

mistred64 Loc: Grayslake, illinois

Fredfish wrote:

Sorry to hear that Ed, I think I'd be with G on the choice subject. But you gotta do what's right for you. Have a safe trip, and I hope there's plenty of pool weather. Have a Merry Christmas, and maybe try the local fishing before the final exit.

Thanks Fred.