For years I worked at a busy law firm in Virginia while raising three kids on my own. Now that my children are grown, and with children of their own, I have retired and moved to Florida with my longtime companion John.

Life is good here, sunny and warm, with an abundance of flowers and blooming bushes and shrubs. We really enjoy ourselves; we travel, we go out to eat often, and we frequently socialize with our neighborhood friends. But when the temperature starts to rise, many of our neighbors take leave to the northern states to escape summer’s warmest months. We’ve too now, have joined this trend.

Last year we spent the summer in Ashville, NC. We had a terrific time visiting the various tourist destinations in the area, as there is truly so much to see. This year we are traveling a bit farther north, heading to Vermont. Like last year, I absolutely expect these months away to be a wonderful chance to experience and learn about a different part of the country. But unlike last year, I hope to make a few more friends in our “temporary” hometown.

No denying it, I am a very social person. John says that I could talk to just about anyone, and he is right. I truly enjoy getting to know folks, and learning about their lives. So, although I look forward to our summer retreats, last year I found myself a bit out of sorts without more gal pals around.

I was really excited when I stumbled across SocialJane.com, and thought, “This is exactly what I am looking for!” Although I don’t know a soul where we are headed, I’ve already gotten online and connected with a few girls from up north. Since we are still a few months out from our arrival date, I haven’t physically connected with any of the women with whom I’ve started a correspondence, but we’ve tentatively set up lunch dates once I arrive. And, these gals have been a wealth of information about great places to see, fun things to do, and general information about the state.

I feel very fortunate to have joined SocialJane.com, and to have met some great ladies who have already helped me to feel at home in our new summer home.

Fran is FranfromFlorida on SocialJane.com. Check out her profile here.