Julie, I'd say a move for the better...

While I was growing up, Ft. Lauderdale was the "big city" - we used to go shopping down there because they had DEPARTMENT STORES when there were none up our way - can you believe it?

I now know several people who have moved to the Ft. Lauderdale area and all have said that, despite its big-city reputation, you find that your neighborhood is a small, friendly place. (I'm quite up on this because one of my childhood friends may be moving to that area within the next year because of her husband's business and she's concerned about leaving family and friends - so we've been trying to bolster her spirits with all the positives.) I sure do hope that you find this to be true, and so far you're off to a great start. I'd say feed the new neighbors those mango daiquiris to cement these budding relationships!

I've never had the chance to live in a place that was only mine from the beginning - I've always thought that it would be wonderful to be the first person to live in a place, but I have to admit that I wouldn't want to go through the hassle of dealing with the builders. Think what an expert you'll be after enough repetitions of this!

I'll keep good thoughts for you and if there is anything I can do for you please let me know.

Janet

(Betsy has my e-mail address; if you'd like to get that from her to correspond with me directly, please feel free!)