Quote:
Originally Posted by TheDude
Hi everyone, I'm a couple days in and I wanted to tell you my thoughts (more venting). Thanks for all the posts and good wishes.
First, everyone in TV has been really nice (not a vent)
Second, Very tired.
Third, don't have a clue about pest control or lawn and weeds (and I am afraid of being taken advantage of).
Fourth, house is dusty (nothing the seller did, just wasn't lived in, home is great), and I don't know what to do, if it the vents or something. I need my vacuum.
Fifth, furniture coming, and I have a fully furnished home; what to do? I donate a lot and don't want to donate all my possessions.
Sixth, I saw a guide on how to take care of my home (filters, etc), again, no clue.
Seventh, which country clubs sell golf clubs?
Eighth, Florida License & ID place in TV said my DOD ID card, and even having the VA service officer in the next room, wasn't good enough for them to put a V for Veteran on ID. They only want a DD214. I can get it somehow, just seems too strict. They also wanted my birth certificate (?) or passport, no other ID is okay (and I have federal ID). I do have a passport, just I wasted a couple hours to have to go back again. Because of this, I cannot get my tax exception on my home.
Ninth, Lizards and dead bees? Ugh
Tenth, Have no clue what I am forgetting to do.
Eleventh, still don't know how to not have contractors take advantage of me. Some say get many quotes, but I need things done. At least once to get me started. Don't want any contracts in any way.
Twelve, is getting xfinity security overkill?
Thirteen, how do you drive in a golf cart in the rain. Too hot to be zipped up. Windshield hard to look out of.
Fourteen, I need a veterinarian southeast villages, who and where, and what about emergencies.
Fifteen, same for me, what do I do if I cannot get to VA clinic and need emergency care or even if I have a small problem. Its a 10 mile golf cart ride to VA clinic. No plans, just logical guesses.
I'll stop at 15 for now.
Again, thanks all for the good wishes. I can't give out my location because its on the open internet (hope everyone can understand), but I am near Brownwood area).
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Welcome to TV!!! Your new life is just beginning. Like the Navy motto (sort of) says---it's not just an address, it's an adventure!
Don't stress over your "laundry list"---you'll get it done. I've been here 3 years, full time over a year, and my list is far from complete.
So, I'll tackle your list as best I can---there are plenty of people on TOTV that know more than I do and I'm sure you'll get a ton of replies:
1) I agree. It's hard to run into a nasty person, there are very few around. We are lucky--our neighbors are the best. Two months after we moved in my wife became seriously ill. Even though we hardly knew them, they brought me meals, asked about her daily, and even visited her at the hospital. It's just amazing.
2) Rest. You've been through a lot. Moving is stressful and both physically and emotionally draining. Just don't try to do everything at once.
3) Pest and lawn---it's like restaurants, everyone has a different opinion. My philosophy is to stick with a larger, reputable company. Dean's and Massey's are probably the two that come to mind. Avoid year long contracts. There are a lot of "little guys", some get great reviews, but anyone with a lawnmower can call themselves a lawn service. It's also convenient to have a company that handles both lawn and pest. I've used Dean's since day 1 and am very satisfied, others have fired them, so opinions vary.
4) There are many housekeeping services. Maid to Shine, 352-751-3355 does a great job, they come to my house every 2 weeks, but will do a one time cleaning as well
5) If you want to keep your furniture , but have no room for it, I guess mini-storage is an option, there are plenty of them around
6) They have a version of the home care guide online at
TheVillages.net - Login - Email, tee-times, computer support - serving The Villages, Florida and the Tri-county area.. Pretty self explanatory
7) There is a large selection of clubs at the Sarasota practice range, Palmer Legends has a good selection as well. There is also a golf shop on 466 and 101, just in front of Crispers, where the monthly TOTV gathering takes place.
8) Florida DMV just as much a pain in the butt as all other states. You can order your birth certificate from your state of birth if you don't have a copy, just look on line (fair warning---NY City and NY State have 2 different offices for this)
9) The lizards (mainly geckos) are harmless--I have a family living on my lanai. You can also pack them up and send them to Nucky, he just LOVES creepy crawly things. Haven't seen many bees, but dead bees are better than live ones. I'd show it to your pest company when you get one
10) I've forgotten more things to do than I've actually done
11) I don't have any experience with contractors since I bought new. I've used the people who built the house in general--Pike's for electric, Mike Scott for plumbing. etc. and have been satisfied
12) If that is their home security package, I would do whatever makes you feel comfortable. TV is still one of the lowest crime zip codes in the country
13) Yes, and it's even worse at night. Like all driving in sub-optimal conditions, be careful, go slower, and watch out for the bozos. If you feel it is necessary, you can get windshield wipers on your cart. As far as the side curtains go, you can get wet from rain or wet from sweat. Some people put air conditioning in their cart.
14) I also live near Brownwood. We use Buffalo Ridge Vets in Pinellas Plaza. In case of emergency they may send you to their main location on 466.
15) I believe the nearest urgent care is on Old Camp Rd. in LSL
Phew!
Last but not least, thank you for your service. You put on the uniform so you ARE a hero, not to mention your injury. Be proud of what you have done for the rest of us. Good Luck, Merry Christmas, and hope to see you on the golf course.