I agree wholeheartedly with Johnny, Ronda, Nonie, etc. Here's to the "rose colored glasses".
FYI, I've never been accused nor do I look at the world through rose colored glasses. I'm a realist. And here's what's real to me.
I am completely happy and content with my home. (I'm a bricklayer's kid and believe me I know it's well built!) When we moved in (6 mos. ago) and had to make any service calls, which is usual with new construction, not only did they call back right away, the repairs were practically done before I could hang up the phone.
The rec centers, pools, golf courses, country clubs, the list goes on and on, far exceed standards of other communities. (And we looked at quite a few.)
When I drive around, I see nothing but beauty. Everywhere I look, by any standards, The Villages is absolutely breathtaking. I keep wanting to pinch myself because I still can't believe what a glorious community this is and that I really live here.
In Illinois, we paid $175 a month in association fees and all we had was a retention pond that they called a lake.
As far as the people go, be they snowbirds or frogs, I've never ever come across such a wonderful, friendly, welcoming group in all of my life. It actually took me by surprise and warms my heart everyday.
When I wake up in the morning, I thank God that my husband and I are living here and the joy we feel is overwhelming.
As far as the Morse family goes, I think they are brilliant, creative people who deserve every penny they get. And I don't give out compliments easily. They have set up something here that staggers the mind. Is anyone or anything perfect? No. But, I have to say, The Villages is as perfect as you can get.
I come from an advertising background. I was a member of the "Gold Ring" at Ralston Purina. This is a group of creatives that would meet in St. Louis and brainstorm to create new product ideas. I'm telling you this, because I look at things with a critical eye. What can be presented in a better way? What can be improved? What can be added or subtracted to make this product close to perfect.
If there's something missing in The Villages -- I haven't found it. And believe me, I've been looking.
So BRAVO to the Morse family! :#1: May you all continue to improve this planet for generations to come.