We relocated five years ago - but not for retirement. DH and I took a job transfer after both the kids had flown the nest.

It was truly an adventure. We met great people and had a great time. But, when it was time to retire - we came back home. We still had family - kids, parents and extended relatives - and felt that that was were we should be.

We have just moved into a detached condo on a golf course. We plan on travelling this winter (getting out of the snow belt.)

It's hard to be away from loved ones. You always think that everyone will visit - but the truth is that if you want to see them - you pack up and go to them. We had a wonderful home in the south that we wanted our friends and family to enjoy. But, outside of sending our kids airline tickets - we were alone. Only one couple that we have been friends with since high school days made the trip.

We couldn't fly back for every holiday and so we spent most of them alone. I do think it made our marriage stronger - because we only had each other - but if your marriage isn't on solid ground to begin with, I think it could be a disaster.

For us, this will be 'home' for now. In time, if the kids move out of state, my parents are both gone, MIL is 80 and still independent but for how long?? There still might be one more move left in us - to a place with warmer winters. But, for now, we'll just hunker down here, follow the sun when we've had too much snow.