Koko et al:

I understand from year-round Floridians that due to the breezes, the Gulf
Coast _is_ considerably cooler in the summer than elsewhere in the state. I
congratulate those who had the knowledge and/or foresight to choose the west
coast. That said, I am glad we chose DeLand, as it has considerably less
concrete and traffic - and more trees - than St. Pete.

I lived in Central Florida through four summers, and if it weren't for the
gator-free pool at DeLeon Springs, I think I would have committed suicide.
I'm from Wisconsin; I don't like to be hot (our 1924 stucco house is not
air-conditioned, nor, until recently, were any of our cars; we don't have a
garage or even a carport for shelter from the rays). My husband is
originally from St. Pete; he doesn't like to be cold. Therefore, the
snowbird life. What we save on heating up here and air conditioning down
there pretty much paid for the mountain house.

We'd be happy to host a gathering in DeLand in January - we entertain a lot
anyway. One of the old-timers told us that during Prohibition, ours was THE
party place. You'll see why if you come visit.

There are currently 9 boxes in and around DeLand; when I get back there will
probably be that many more...

Lucy



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