Tell that person on the Island to visit my world! If they like what they see, I'll move over there and create along with them for room and board!

I read about all your cold, ice and snow with some wonder but also with some happiness that I am not there. Having grown up in the tropics, I even find the subtropics difficult sometimes because of the cold. There is lots of space over here. All are welcome. I am unsure what the government red tape is like in trying to come here. But plants I can give you aplenty.
People pay big money to arrive here in rust buckets and unseaworthy ships as 'refugees' - tens of thousands of dollars. You read about the awful deaths when some of the boats sink. It is a political hot potato. I am not sure where they are housing boat people at the moment but usually in detention centres on islands. But they keep coming and coming and the Australian and Indonesian governments are at each others throats over it.

I grew up in Philadelphia,Pa and then lived in Buffalo, N.Y. The only time I miss snow is on Christmas. And driving on wet red clay is every bit as bad as snow.

Your refugee story reminds me of Florida Glen. Haiti, Cuba, Columbia, Nicaragua;..................And on goes the list.

And should give an idea of what the red tape is like to get in there...

Grew up in Rhode Island! Can't tell you how many times I went to the bus stop in 'blizzard' conditions!
I'm now in North Florida…Got sand in my shoes…And I'm never going back!!!

We are having a wonderful winter here aren't we Debra? lol I enjoyed the snow, but most of all the freezes have my Hostas coming up gangbusters! I am from Florida, but I loved Connecticut!

Forecast is calling for a high of 2 and a low of -10 for the first of next week...😖

Raised in Conn. lived in RI just across the Pawcatuck River from my home. Moved to central Fl. 44 years ago. Don't enjoy long periods of heat but sure don't want to go back to cold country. Between AC and pool I make it through summer.
Have a sign out in my garden that says it all "Bloom where God plants you". Being contented wherever you are is key to happiness.
I do appreciate being able to have both summer and winter gardens. Also, have koi ponds and raise black angus cattle so never at a loss for something to do. Hope all in cold country stay safe on the roads.
Bonnie

For those of you in the path of this brutal arctic blast of cold air, keep in mind that IF you are storing your tropical plants in an unheated garage or attic, you may lose most if not all of your plants. Three years ago, I lost dozens of plumeria stored in the garage and attic (placed on top of heating ducts!) when we had similar temperatures over a two-day period. I am talking about lows in the teens or even single digits and highs in the teens and 20's. Your garage and attic will get down to about the same temperature as that outside.

Thanks for that Ken! I'm spending today making sure all are well hydrated and moved in/covered. I was also thinking that might not be enough for some of them! Guess I'll be keeping my fingers crossed! Right now "they" are saying lows of anywhere from 18* to 27* for a couple of nights! Brrr!

Before we moved to sunny southwest Florida, snow was only allowed to be referred to in our house as 'the S word' since I detest it with a passion. It induces instant hibernation in me.
I am so glad that we now live where it never snows!

@Swayback - real estate here is still cheap (but going up so don't wait too long to make the move!)