tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36622220960137727322024-03-12T18:02:27.477-05:00Snowbirds LifestyleNetwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567776517775765383noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3662222096013772732.post-55762520029979979802017-02-21T01:35:00.002-06:002017-02-21T01:35:58.190-06:00Sustainable Camping
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As an occupant of this beautiful
Earth, I have become more conscience of the mark I make when traveling.
This is important when it comes to preserving our forests, rivers and streams
for the next generation. </div>
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At one time in my life, I worked
for the U.S. Forestry Service. I was lucky enough to be accepted into a program
called, ‘Young Adult Conservation Corp.’ or YACC. The qualifications required
were, you must have graduated from high school and be between the ages of 18
and 23 years of age. You were accepted into the program for 1 year of service
and we paid minimum wage for your service. In exchange you gained valuable
experience and had a history of working for the federal government. I can’t
begin to tell you how valuable that time was in my life. The hardest part was working
in the cold when it was -20 degrees in a Michigan winter. It was so hard to get
out of that nice warm van and go to work. I do however have some of my best
memories of that time.</div>
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One of the very shameful things I
saw on a regular basis was dumping by people in the forests. We cleaned up
garbage, trash, shingles, tires, building materials and tons of cigarette butts.
I also had the experience of cleaning up camping sites in the state and federal
campgrounds. For the most part people that camped left the sites fairly well
but the microtrash was always over the top. Things like pieces of tin foil,
cigarette butts, small pieces of plastic, cans and bottles in the firepit.
Things like that don’t just go away after the camper leaves, somebody has to go
in and pickup after people to maintain a nice park. </div>
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When I camp, I first inspect the site for any microtrash or outright garbage and clean it up. Get the trash out and make a nice site to enjoy and when I
leave I do the same thing. Before leaving I inspect the site and remove all
microtrash. </div>
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The experiences I had in YACC and experiences in my adult life, I think I have developed a few habits that
I think are good. I am sharing them in hopes that maybe the word will spread and we can start overcoming the trash that blocks and
wrecks the beautiful views our earth has to offer. </div>
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Lately I have been making a habit of
tying a knot in plastic bags, right in the middle. In fact I usually tie
several knots making the bag not flyable. I personally like the convenience of
plastic grocery bags. They are convenient, waterproof and mostly strong. I hate
grocery bags stuck in trees, clogging ditches and rolling across a field. All
it takes it a few knots to stop the bag from being able to take flight. </div>
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I also do not like seeing broken glass
because of bottles. In fact I don’t like seeing bottles glass or plastic on the
side of the road. </div>
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As you have probably guessed I am
from Michigan and if you have ever been to Michigan you know that there is a 10
cent deposit on all bottles and cans. I lived in Michigan when they first began
the deposit law and at first it was a logistical nightmare. Michigan stayed with
it and what happened was all the bottle and cans disappeared from the roads and
the stores figured out how to manage the deposits and storage of the bottles
and cans because they also got a deposit back from the vendor. Today, you drive through Michigan and I challenge you to even find 10
bottles or cans on the side of the roads. If you do I’ll give you a dollar! It
was one of the smartest things they did. </div>
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If we're not careful, we can cause
a lot of environmental damage through traveling. But if we just take a little
time to minimize our presence we will continue to have one of the most
beautiful countries in the world. </div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Netwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567776517775765383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3662222096013772732.post-38020983577017353382014-02-18T03:11:00.001-06:002017-02-20T19:10:58.697-06:005 Ways To Stay Fit, Have Fun, And Embrace The Cold Weather<h3>
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Snowbirds are probably one of the most fit conscious people in society. They have learned to move and have fun moving. Here are some ideas for staying fit even when the weather is -20 degrees.
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<span style="font-size: large;">Would you like to have fun staying fit and make it a game? You cannot change the weather, so instead of resisting, use the cold weather to your advantage to get exercise, to burn calories and to improve your fitness. While your at it you will probably meet a few new friends and build existing relationships.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are five fun and social ways to exercise in the cold.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">==> #1: Have a snowman building challenge
Bundle yourselves up and go for it. The work of rolling the snow, lifting the giant showballs and the constant up, down, and all around is a great workout. Create some challenges by having a contest for the biggest, most detailed, snow woman, or just make a whole crowd of snowmen. Plunge in take on the snow, you will get your walkway cleared, get exercise, and have a good time doing it.
Be careful to not over do it. This is suppose to be fun.
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AFYAUYW/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00AFYAUYW&linkCode=as2&tag=netwink-20%22%3ENintendo%20Wii%20Console,%20White%20(NEWEST%20MODEL)%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=netwink-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00AFYAUYW%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E" rel="nofollow" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U_3kwIx8U2s/UwMeiQ2M9mI/AAAAAAAAASc/rmfxYyQHJV8/s320/wii.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">==> #2: Host a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AFYAUYW/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00AFYAUYW&linkCode=as2&tag=netwink-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wii</a> party
When it's snowing, freezing or foggy outside, bring the party home. Instead of working out in the cold, why not get your heart racing indoors with a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AFYAUYW/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00AFYAUYW&linkCode=as2&tag=netwink-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wii</a> party instead?
You can do it just once, or make it a regular thing. Combine the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AFYAUYW/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00AFYAUYW&linkCode=as2&tag=netwink-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wii</a> party with other physical activities to make it a workout for the whole group. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">==> #3: Do the 100 Push-Up Challenge
There's something about the number one hundred that's inherently appealing - especially when doing a challenge. That's one of the reasons why the 100 push-up challenge was created and one of the reasons so many people took it on.
The 100 push-up challenge is a free online challenge you can take on. They provide a six-week training program designed to take you from where you are now to doing 100 push-ups.
This challenge will help build your shoulder muscles, your biceps, your triceps, your chest muscles and even your back and buttock muscles. It's also quite an aerobic exercise and will give your cardiovascular system a good workout as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> ==> #4: The Speed House Cleaning Party
Have a garage that hasn't been cleaned out in a couple years? Or an attic that needs rearranging? Or maybe you've been meaning to redecorate an area of the house for some time?
Since you're going to be stuck in the house anyway, why not make a party out of it? Invite a bunch of your friends, bring some food, put on some music and have a house cleaning party. If it's a small area, you could do it with just the family.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zUPWOWynKoE/UwMhFEkXvjI/AAAAAAAAASo/tUwvd6FCeJs/s1600/twister.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zUPWOWynKoE/UwMhFEkXvjI/AAAAAAAAASo/tUwvd6FCeJs/s1600/twister.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> ==> #5: Play the game<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000DMBK/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00000DMBK&linkCode=as2&tag=netwink-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Twister</a>. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000DMBK/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00000DMBK&linkCode=as2&tag=netwink-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twister</a> is a fantastic social and physical game that really shines in winter. Invite a few of your friends over, put on some music, lay out the Twister map and let the games begin. Again, you can combine this Twister party with some of the other activities described here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">These are some of the many ways you can use winter time to your advantage. Instead of exercising alone, use winter as an opportunity to get together with friends and work out together.</span><br />
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30 years ago seeing my Grandparents living the snowbird </b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "courier new";"><b><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AsyJkCSoaK0/WKuuNx2d52I/AAAAAAAAAXg/2a2lz_MvXkYwNeHLLG5WDuBCg3dO8np6wCLcB/s1600/Route%2B66%2Bsignage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AsyJkCSoaK0/WKuuNx2d52I/AAAAAAAAAXg/2a2lz_MvXkYwNeHLLG5WDuBCg3dO8np6wCLcB/s320/Route%2B66%2Bsignage.jpg" width="296" /></a></b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "courier new";"><b>lifestyle. </b></span><span style="font-family: "courier new";"><b>Their commute was
between Michigan from June through late August and then to Florida the rest of
the year. </b></span><span style="font-family: "courier new";"><b>They had achieved
this lifestyle through living a life of hard work and my Grandfathers pension
that he earned while working for National Gypsum.</b> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The days of
pensions are pretty much gone for the majority of us. But just to set the
record straight, my Grandparents would not have been able to live that
lifestyle just on my Grandfathers pension. It also require the significant
savings and investments that they had accrued through the years.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The reality of
today is that people do not have the resources to afford the snowbird
lifestyle. What is a person to do? <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another ugly
truth, is that many people never retire. We all know the 401k we were
all 'sold', that was ‘supposed’ to be our ‘retirement’, is nothing more than a pipe
dream. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In my case, I know
that beginning at the turn of the century my 401k had become a 201k and then when 9-11 happened and the twin tower collapse my 201k was turned into a 101k which is
nothing more than a small contribution to Wall Street. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let’s face it,
very few of us have an ongoing income that can provide for living expenses and
orovide a decent lifestyle. Many of the babyboomers have resigned themselves to working some kind of job for the rest of their lives. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If living the
snowbird lifestyle is something that you want to pursue then the first place to
start, is figuring how you can manage your living expenses on less and find a means of building additional income through other means.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The snowbird lifestyle
can be fairly cheap but if you decide you want to belong to exclusive clubs,
your expenses can skyrocket. No matter how you slice or dice it, snowbird
living is pretty hard to do on the cheap.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Your expenses
may include a second home (or rental); travel insurance. taxes and other
legal issues, and daily living necessities. Add to that any entertainment that
you might want to partake at your summer location and expenses are just nothing but one big problem when it comes to living like a snowbird.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The ugly truth is,
you may not be able to achieve this kind of living with your current
circumstances. However, in the age of the internet you may be able to supplement your income through online earnings. My favorite site to learning about ways to make money online is the website, "<a href="https://realwaystoearnmoneyonline.com/" target="_blank">Real Ways To Earn Money Online</a>".</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some snowbirds live their winters in Florida and summers in Canada. If you decide that you would like an international lifestyle then you will need to keep in mind the currency value
change and the tax forms which can be a headache. Even if you stay within the United
States, if you decide to own property, there can still be property tax discrepancies between states.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "courier new";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you have a
home in each location, then you have to be willing to leaving your dwelling
unattended for months. In this day and age deserted homes can be an invitation
to squatters, burglars and thieves. As a homeowner, you need to find someone
that you can trust to keep an eye on things while you are away. They need to
especially pay attention to burst pipes, roof leaking or basement flooding
along with keeping the property groomed and safe.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another consideration is if you have an illness that requires regular medical attention, you can run into issues with insurance across state lines and finding regular medical care can prove to be difficult. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These are the bad
but some of the bad can be overcome by living out of a RV during the summer
months. Which can be pretty nice since every year you can choose a different
location to live or travel around for the entire summer. When summer is over
just take your summer home to your winter home and put it away. I know, easier said than done, right?</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another solution
to this would be live in an area that is designed around summer living. I know where I grew up in Michigan there were resorts that were only open in the summer months. You rented the little resort cabin for the summer months and then returned for the winter. In some places you can become a regular guest and reserve the same place from year to year. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My sister has a
summer trailer that is about 2 hours north from where they live. During the
summer they go there every weekend but when winter comes they shut everything
down and don’t return until summer starts again. There are people in this same
park that live there all summer long and when winter comes they go back south
to Texas, Florida, Arizona or where ever they spend the winter. The homes are
modular and there is a year around attendant that keeps and eye on everything.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Finally, the good
to snowbird living. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Snowbird living
means you spend the winter in the warm, southerly climates and move back to
your "regular home" or at least another home during the spring and
summer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Snowbirds stay
active and the stimulating lifestyle is conducive to having a healthy mind and
body. There is always an opportunity to see new thing and meet new people,
keeping snowbirds engaged in life and learning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you are a
social person, being a snowbird usually means visiting with others. Some
snowbirds overwinter with relatives or friends building memories that will last
a lifetime. Others stay in an area where they will meet new people. However you
do it, being a snowbird can help keep you healthy socially.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am originally from
Michigan and I remember shoveling snow from the driveway just in time for the snowplow to
come by. The driveway that took me 30 minutes to shovel was blocked in 2
seconds by a oncoming plow. I can also remember looking outside, knowing I have
to go to the store and I could not see my car under the drifts of snow. A fifteen minute trip to the store took an hour because 15 to 20 minutes was devoted to clearing off the car and that doesn't include shoveling out the tires if they were snowed in. Obviously, it was not like that every day but I bet it was about every two weeks we would get another snow coming through that required physical removal. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As a snowbird you can put
away the shovel. Snow removal is no longer a chore that a snowbird has to deal
with.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That is the good
the bad and the ugly of snowbird living. If you still want this lifestyle, then
comeback to this blog where I will share more with you about overcoming the
ugly so you just have to deal with the good and the bad.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
Netwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567776517775765383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3662222096013772732.post-14611747237107841902013-01-18T02:24:00.000-06:002017-02-20T23:01:40.824-06:00Why Be a Snowbird? <span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever wondered why some people pack everything up and move to a different place every winter? Do you have neighbors whose homes stand empty all winter, while everyone else decorates their homes for the holidays? Sometimes, those of us who stay put over the winter wonder, why be a snowbird?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There are actually all kinds of reasons why people choose to live the snowbird lifestyle, and you might be surprised by some of them. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Comfort is probably at the top of the heap when it comes to deciding to live this lifestyle. </span><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_BUrFNTNtws/WKvJi0nw6dI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Kwo3OQM3YmklJEcdkyt9w5SnVckHu_VJwCLcB/s1600/ShovelSnow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_BUrFNTNtws/WKvJi0nw6dI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Kwo3OQM3YmklJEcdkyt9w5SnVckHu_VJwCLcB/s1600/ShovelSnow.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">For some people, winter is very unpleasant. They don't tolerate cold weather, and they may find it difficult, impossible, or just plain aggravating to scrape snow off of their cars and shovel their driveways. Snowbirds find warm temperatures and sunshine far more comfortable, and it may be for reasons that go beyond personal preference. For instance, people with chronic conditions like arthritis may really suffer in the cold, as do those who have surgical metal rods in their bodies. And then there are those snowbirds who just prefer warm weather. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Physical Health may not allow for the rigors that come with cold weather and snow removal.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Back in the days when tuberculosis was a significant scourge and there were no antibiotics available, patients were sometimes sent to a different climate to cure their ailment. While most snowbirds don't have TB, many of them do have health reasons for going to a warmer climate during the winter. As noted above, some people have metal in their bodies due to surgery to repair a broken bone, and metal conducts cold and makes for a painful winter. Other snowbirds want to escape the cold and flu season, especially if they have compromised immune systems. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Emotional Health as in not seeing the sun for more than 3 months.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Most of us know about SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder/Depression. This is not something to take lightly - SAD can be debilitating for some people. Moving out of the winter darkness and spending the season in sunshine and warmth is a great remedy. Even if they don't have SAD, some snowbirds just really feel happier and more content when they are in a warmer place with lots to do and people to see. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Need for Change as in change of surroundings and not just change of furniture. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Some people just don't like to be cooped up. They want to get out, meet new people, and have adventures and new experiences. It's sometimes hard to do that when everyone is holed up for winter. Moving to a warmer climate provides opportunities for snowbirds to have cookouts, attend picnics, and go sight-seeing. For elderly folks, being snowbirds means helping keep the mind sharp, too, with new experiences and people to see. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Making new Good Memories. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Do you know anyone who has lost a loved one during the holidays or winter months? Such a loss can make you dread wintertime and the memories it conjures up. Sometimes, a personal loss can occur at any time of year, but the holiday season is too hard to celebrate without that person. So families, individuals, or couples move out of the home and climate that reminds them of their loss and head for somewhere that's not associated with the late loved one.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">These are just a few of the reasons that people choose the snowbird lifestyle. For you it may be something else. Maybe you just want to try out the life on the road in an RV? Maybe you just want to experience life in a different location in the USA? Many people have found they can make a living from the internet. Some are working with Amazon using FBA or affiliate. Some have found employers that allow employees to telecommute full time. In this age of the internet its just up to you. </span>Netwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567776517775765383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3662222096013772732.post-61782306996742334072013-01-17T03:05:00.000-06:002017-02-20T23:10:56.022-06:00Overwintering on a Budget <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F3Uneez-WuY/UPfB7pcRX0I/AAAAAAAAAKs/pM54P26IbUw/s1600/Budget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F3Uneez-WuY/UPfB7pcRX0I/AAAAAAAAAKs/pM54P26IbUw/s200/Budget.jpg" width="142" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Does the snowbird lifestyle - where you spend the winter in a warmer location - appeal to you, but it's just too expensive? Many people are attracted to the idea of getting some sun and warmth during the winter, and for some, it's a health issue. But isn't it expensive to be a snowbird? Isn't that what retired people with lots of money do?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Not necessarily. In this day and age, there are more options for younger and/or less wealthy people to spend the winter in a warm location. If you want to overwinter on a budget, here are some tips and suggestions. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Camping - </span><span style="font-size: large;">Okay, camping may not sound like a luxury vacation; but camping doesn't have to be roughing it in tents, either (although that's fine too, of course!). An affordable compromise is the RV, camper, or mobile home. If you plan to go south every year, consider buying such a vehicle. Check your local classifieds for ads. You might also consider a micro bus or van-style camper. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You can also rent an RV and drive it to your southerly location. You'll need to pay rent for an RV space, but that's generally a lot cheaper than a hotel or resort. And if you have a micro bus or van-style camper, you may be able to get a better deal due to the small size. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Apartments - </span><span style="font-size: large;">If you are willing to look and are not too picky, you may be able to find inexpensive apartments with furniture in your destination of choice. Apartments are usually less expensive than renting a house or condo, and it's far cheaper than buying a place and keeping it up year round. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Less Expensive Locations - </span><span style="font-size: large;">There are locations that are less expensive than others. Here is a partial list of what are generally considered the lowest-cost locations for overwintering. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">* Las Vegas - Yes, you can go West as well as South! Las Vegas is actually considered an affordable destination for snowbirds. Sources say you can find rooms "off the strip" for less than $200 a night. You can also get package deals. Las Vegas would probably be best for snowbirds who are spending short amounts of time away from home in the winter. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">* Los Cabos, Mexico - Especially in December, Los Cabos boasts discounts resulting in as little as $112-a-night rates on some hotels. And daytime temperatures are around 80 degrees.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">* Out-of-the-way locations - If you're willing to do a little research, you might be surprised at the small, "mom and pop" type destinations that are available in warmer climates.</span> Netwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567776517775765383noreply@blogger.com0