[redwitch]

As you've been told, slow, deep breaths. It will get better. Truly it will.

Can't say much about the VA. They are what they are. Like any government agency, they always know better than you. Oh, heck, you know the drill. You've had to suffer through it a time or two. Even it will get better as time goes by.

For a vet, I'd go with Buffalo Ridge since you don't have a car. They're relatively close to you and do a good job.

Once you start finding your way around TV, you'll find it much easier to use the cart. I can make it from Brownwood to Mulberry in under an hour, going about 21 mph. Yes, I know that's over the speed limit, but still considered an acceptable speed. However, if you can afford it, I'd take a taxi. It's a long ride, regardless. If you live in Lake County, you can still make arrangements with Sumter County Transportation. Just have them pick you up at a mail station in Sumter County.

I believe the VA has shuttles to Gainesville. At least they used to. No easy answer for that one other than the possible shuttle, relying on friends and neighbors for rides or paying someone to take you.

Lawn service -- take a look at neighborhood lawns. Which look the best? Ask who maintains their lawns and use the same services. Pest control, go with Dean's or Massey's, whichever gives you the best rate. Be sure to get both interior and lawn pest control. Personally, I don't like one company for all services. They rarely do a good job on everything, but it is a personal preference.

Golf cart and rain. I drive with passenger flap down, driver side open. Have a towel handy to put on lap and I'm usually pretty dry. If I get wet, no biggie -- I dry off pretty quickly. Just please don't drive around when there's lightning. Golf carts do not offer the same protection a car does. For the windshield, best thing you can get is the solution planes use for their windshields. Rain sheets right off. Alternatively, Rain-X works okay. Always carry a can of Fix-it Flat in your cart. Has saved me and a couple of strangers a few times over the years.

You have my number. Give me a call if I can help. I know most of the contractors here and can at least steer you away from the bad guys. Don't try to do too much right away. You may discover that you'll change your mind as to what you need and want after you've been here awhile.

Btw, if your furnace has the larger filters (think all of the newer homes do), order the filters online. Much cheaper than purchasing them here. Just be sure to use the exact measurements on the filters, not the approximations.