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I couldn't pedal my six miles fast enough on the stationary bike this morning. I was rarin' to write this article...I was ticked.
I live in a beautiful retirement resort community. It is a paradise located in Florida but most of the community is made up of retirees from other parts of the country. I'm guessing 99% of these wonderful people are not bashing Florida, but the other one percent...well, just let me explain.
On my morning walk this morning with other women, we began talking about crime. Of course, right away, Mrs. X states "there is more crime in Florida than any other state."
I quickly retaliated with "that is because most of the people in Florida are from other states. It is not necessarily the Florida Residents that are into crime. Although, like other states we do have our percentages."
Mrs. X then replied, "I just don't think you have the police force working as hard in Florida"
That really got my ire up. I said, "I disagree with you. That is not true. Just 2 days ago, I heard the sheriff from Pasco County (Florida) speak about how the force had spent many, many hours and perhaps even days on the latest case of a child being kidnapped."
Then Mrs. X tried to smooth things by saying, "Oh, I didn't mean anything by that. I just meant you know, the swamps and all...they are all hiding out in the swamps."
I then said, in a much more emphatic voice. "I have never heard of that. I think a pedophile would be more interested in locating in a more populated area, so that he can prey on children." (The "swamp" ----exactly where is she talking about?)
Just a week ago I had heard Mrs. X refer to lawns in Florida as "swamp grass."
Last summer, while exercising in the pool with Mrs. X, she stated that Florida just didn't have "separate bakeries" like they have up north. I told Mrs. X that first of all, we are in a rural community, but if she went to nearby Tampa, St Petersburg or even Tarpon Springs, she would have her separate "bakeries." Secondly, times have changed not only in Florida but "up north", also. Many grocery stores house wonderful bakeries, though not in a separate building. I don't know how long it has been since Mrs. X has been up north, but I am betting the same thing is happening.
That same day Mrs.X referred to Florida soil, as just "sand" that would not produce good vegetables. Different parts of the country have different types of soil for their own unique produce..that I do know. Florida has wonderful strawberries and blueberries, to say the least.
I would hope that Mrs. X gets her facts straight, instead of just talking without any knowledge of what she is talking about.
Plato once said, "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something."
I have heard it all (about Florida). I have heard the "Florida Bashing" that is tiresome.....all the way from bad pizza, crazy drivers (most of the drivers are from another state) to having to wait too long for appointments with doctors. (Doctors are very busy taking care of all who move to Florida from other states.)
One lady even said to me one day that she was sure her husband would be alive today, if she hadn't moved to Florida.
So this is for all the Mrs. and Mr. X's out there who bash the very state (Fla) that they are now languishing in..the state that provides sunshine, warmth and beaches.
Mrs.X - the road that goes wherever you hailed from goes two ways. If you don't like where you are, I suggest you head back!
Francine Larson:
Co-Author of Character Keys to a Bright Future.
She is currently writing for The Pasco Shopper (Fl.) and The Highlands at Scotland Yards. Also writes poetry and short stories.She has a new personal web site:http://thedragonflylady.com/
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