[Retiring]

Friday night I checked into the Waterfront Inn, went to Sonny’s for dinner. The next morning started with Toojays for breakfast, from there I went on the trolley tour given by the sales office. Lasted about an hour. Arlene, our guide, was very nice.

Later I looked at some models with a salesperson. We looked at a few Premier houses and neighborhoods in the Brownwood section. Still quite a few lots available. Lot premiums seem to be all over the place and EVERY lot has a premium. On a bright note, TVs definition of a retention pond is different than what I lived near in Daytona. TVs retention ponds are large. Not the tiny snake infested, mosquito-ridden rp you see in Daytona or Orlando. However, when TV sales calls them “waterfront” – that’s a stretch in anyone’s book. Most of the homes we looked at were on postage stamp lots. Houses are VERY close together. Sadly, that is a trend nationwide.

I looked at a few homes in different stages of construction. They’re built a bit different in FL than other parts of the country. Not saying that in a bad way, just different. And there is definitely a take it or leave attitude with these homes. You would think they would accommodate any customization your checkbook allows, I guess not.

Today (Saturday) there was a big gathering with the FL Lottery at L. Sumter, not sure what that was all about. Got a haircut at Cal’s. Went to mass at St. Timothy’s, it’s a beautiful church. Dinner at Bravo’s. Drove over to Spanish Springs, it’s a nice square.

Tomorrow (Sunday) will go see friends in Ocala and Daytona.

Haven’t decided if I’m leaving Monday or Tuesday. I think I would like to see more of Brownwood on Monday. If you have any suggestions, please share.

Everyone I’ve encountered on this trip has been very friendly. I realize the sales people are “required” to be friendly but I think it was genuine.

Lastly. I now understand why so many here (TOTV) have said rent first. TV is just too big to get a feel for the area in a short visit. At a minimum, I think a one-month rental is necessary. I’m still 10 mons away from 55 and I’m told that may be a problem. Still not sure how they enforce that rule. Anyway, sometimes it’s better to ask forgiveness than permission.

I plan to return in couple months to look at more areas. Possibly will look at a few resales. Next time I’ll do the lifestyle package with the golf cart. I’m still in the window-shopping stage, but if I end up here, it will probably be Brownwood.

BTW, are golf cart’s exempt from stopping at stop signs? Saw that a whole bunch today.