Although the Griffiths shared the research and writing, speaking with the media about the 341-page book that includes an interactive CD and spotlights 50 communities in 21 states has fallen to Mary.

“Arthur is an old radio broadcaster. He did it so long, it’s work, but for me it’s play,” Mary said of the interviews. “He used to tell me I’d talk to a fence post and he’s not too far from wrong.”

She is talking to more than fence posts since the book was published by The Career Press, Inc., of Franklin Lakes, N.J., earlier this month.

“It’s been written up in nine different cities, including Las Cruces, Tucson and Bozeman,” Mary said.

Las Cruces — with “absolutely enchanting cultural entertainment, which gives you a recipe for the good life” — Tucson — “a city nestled in a beautiful desert valley ringed by mountain vistas” that is “a cosmopolitan mixture of cultures, architectural styles and social events” — and Bozeman — where “no one is a stranger, and all are welcome at suppertime” — are included in the book’s table of contents.

So are three Alaska communities: Anchorage, Homer and Palmer.

Anchorage, according to the book, has “gorgeous scenery, close encounters with wildlife and great hunting, fishing and trapping. Also, (there is) the shock on the faces of your loves ones when you announce and discuss your plans to move to Alaska.”

Homer offers “spectacular scenery, lots of privacy, great fishing and hunting, strong arts community and a great senior center, and free community college opportunities for seniors.”

Palmer is a good place to retire because of its “fantastic scenery and wilderness adventures. This is the place to grow a great garden during the endless summer.”

In addition to Alaska, Arizona and Montana, the Griffiths’ list includes communities in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Vermont and Washington. Nine additional locations rate honorable mention.

With cities across the country to choose from, how did they make their selections?

“Here’s our thinking,” Mary said. “Our population is so diverse in the United States and what is good for you might not be good for me. Someone may not be able to live in Alaska, or may not be able to live in a high desert in Arizona. So we tried to put something in there for everyone.”

The Griffiths had personal favorites among those selected, such as Ruston, La.

“Ruston is a jewel,” Mary said. “Every time I think about it, I think green, verdant, weeping willows and beautiful Spanish moss. It’s a college town, sort of vibrant, but a bit slower than a lot of places. People were so nice to me when I was there. There was a feeling of ‘fabulous’ about this place.”

The ‘fabulous’ factor is important.

“There’s enough stuff to hit (retirees) in the face that we don’t need to tell anyone they have heart trouble or their bones will get brittle,” Mary said. “What we tried to do was speak to the heart of individual people who are thinking about moving. It is all about adventure. It is for me. You’ve got to turn the page and move on.”

Numbers provided a bottom line in deciding which areas were included in the book. For each one chosen, the Griffiths include data on climate, utility costs, taxes, real estate, income, available medical care, senior services, continuing education, crime, safety and transportation. They also provide information on recreational and cultural opportunities, annual events and what to do when the grandkids visit. There also is contact information to find even more data.

In 1992, the Griffiths, former residents of Dallas, Texas, were looking for a place to vacation where they could get away from a climate that was too hot and sticky.

“(Arthur) said, ‘If money were no object, where would you like to go?’ I remembered Grandmother was a friend of Jack London’s in San Francisco and she used to always talk about Alaska. I said I would love to go see Alaska. He got all excited and said, ‘You know, me too,’” Mary said.

Acquaintances urged Mary and Arthur to visit Homer. A planned one-night stay at Bay View Inn, owned by Dennis Novak, stretched to three days at which time Mary had “to pry Arthur out of here with a shoe horn.”

In 1998, they relocated to the Kenai Peninsula, settling into a new home on Anchor Point’s North Fork Road, from where they researched and wrote the third edition of “50 Fabulous Places to Retire in America.”

Already planning their next writing adventures, the Griffiths will continue to write under the same roof, but are considering separate projects.