[RavenRose]

Okay, you guys have been so great in alleviating my fears over funky critters, I had to go ahead an ask another question.

I've lived in Florida all my life, with some brief periods in Pennsylvania, so all my life has been spent in wetter climates.

My question is this: Is there anything I need to know about living in a dryer climate? I'm actually kind of looking forward to it, but I want to know if there's anything in particular that I need to be aware of.

Thanks!
~Jayne

[BUGBULLY]

Dry skin. If moving into a home I suggest having a water softener. I don't know if the wind has a lot to do with it, but my skin gets really dry. I keep a bottle of lotion in my purse, car, living room, bedroom, and bathrooms!

[RavenRose]

Sounds about right. I get that here in the winter (our "dry" season, lol).

[photobuff42]

You don't really need a clothes dryer. You will also need sunscreen. Have a purse big enough to carry a water bottle. You'll love it!

[radraja]

Just keep hydrated.

[Buzz123]

You will think you aren't perspiring...you are. It just drys so fast you don't realize it. Drink lots of water. The soft water thing is true because the water here is so hard the minerals stick to your skin...sometimes...not always.

You will get Vegas throat. Be prepared for it. You may be able to avoid it by taking some precautions. When you first arrive in the desert your mucus membranes need to get acclimated to the dry air and the air conditioning. They dry out, and possibly (probably) will cause a throat infection. You'll have a cold in other words. One thing you can try is to add some humidity to your home. Another thing is get some honey and keep your throat coated with it, or chew ice all day...and I mean ALL day. Check with a health food store. They might have a better solution. Or go online and see what you come up with.

Go to Fantastic Swap Meet and in the very back of the place is a booth that sells the world's best windshield shades for your car. Guy's name is Avi. These shades are mounted permanently on each side of the windshield and pull toward the middle where they connect with Velcro. Also get your car windows tinted.

[MR77]

You may miss the rain, but on the flip side you will be able plan any outdoor event with never a thought about "what if it rains".

I got a few nose bleeds when I first moved here. Just during the first few weeks. Also, all of my allergies stopped when I moved to the desert UNTIL this year. I must be fully acclimated now because this year they came back with a vengeance.

The sky here is such a deep crystal blue on certain days it is really impressive. Back East the sky always seems white with haze or high clouds. Seems to be quite windy especially lately. We need some wind farms built here. Seems like a waste not to harness it.

[BUGBULLY]

You mknow my allergies seem to get worse every year. The last couple of years we have had little rain and a lot of wind. We had a thing that if it rained that my Mother in law would make cookies. Lets just say I am sick of making cookies!!!

[dynimagelv]

I can't even remember what rain looks like...... and I LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[hippichiclv]

I have dry cracked heals and sometimes get nose bleeds. It is really bad on your nose. The cracked heals....I deal with that by moisturizing my feet and then putting socks on. I carry lotion in my car and my purse. You will be fine. It sounds a lot worse than it really is. No one everdied from dry skin.