I Guess I Didn't Realize What "Snowbird Season" Meant

[Villages Kahuna]

Maybe we were too buy getting settled in our new home this time last year. But this year I'm coming to know what "snowbird season" means. (All due respect to those readers who are snowbirds!)

After New Year's the traffic in TV picked up perceptably...going to the country clubs for dinner without an hour wait? Forget it...my wife and neighbor tell me they have to go at least 30-45 minutes early to get into the attendance-limited yoga classes...there's a line at the pools half an hour before the scheduled water aerobics classes...all the good movies sell out early...trying to get within 2-3 blocks of Lake Sumter Landing when Rocky & The Rollers are performing? Oh my...tickets for good performances during "the season" from the box offices? Better get there during the first couple of days the tix are on sale...and then there's the golfer's lament(s)...even the plop-plop sound of the pickle ball games in the morning seems to be getting louder.

I guess maybe it's this way all over Florida during January-February-March. Now I know why the old-timers around here gently complain about this time of year and can't wait until it gets warm up north and TV empties out a bit. I guess I'll join them and work on the unread book pile.

Not complaining...just kvetching.

[redwitch]

Sure you don't want to say you're just complaining and not kvetching?

kvetch (kvch) Slang
intr.v. kvetched, kvetch�ing, kvetch�es
To complain persistently and whiningly.
n.
1. A chronic, whining complainer.
2. A nagging complaint: "a rambling kvetch against the system" Leonard Ross.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Yiddish kvetshn, to squeeze, complain, from Middle High German quetzen, quetschen, to squeeze.]

But things do seem a little more difficult to do now. Personally, I'm enjoying the more people. It may make some inconveniences but it also gives me more people watching and a chance to meet more people. Seems like a good tradeoff to me.

[Hope2b]

This is the time of the year that we stay home more. When going out to eat we go at unpopular times like between 3pm and 5pm. Have not had a problem getting tee times on the Evecutive course but we do give a long stretch of time that can be chosen from. One time I only gave an hour and a half window and did not get the tee time but that is the only one. We have a group that gets together for cards at one of our houses. We try to leave the car at home and use the golf cart. We survive but are happy when things calm down.

[cabo35]

While I agree that the snowbird migration creates some inconveniences, the alternative would be a harbinger of unpleasant significance. Snowbirds reinvigorate the off season economy, add vibrancy and life to the downtown and to a large extent, underwrite facilities and benefits of scale we enjoy in and around the Villages. How much fun would Rocky and the Rollers be with a crowd of six?

Snowbirds help spread the word about the Villages to insure its prosperity for decades and let's not forget that their limited presence helps pay the bills for the amenities we enjoy year round. Another positive reflection would be those off season perks we just love to enjoy. Reduced golf fees, uncrowded restaurants, cruising Buena Vista with nothing to worry about but the occasional radar trap.

Hey, without the snowbirds, the Villages might still be beautiful, pristine land with pure natural water, gently rolling cattlegrazing pastures mixed with watermelon fields, horse farms and no exhaust fumes. Hmmmm.

[nhsnowbird]

Thanks cabo35 ... I'm a snowbird and I thank you for your kind words. We really are not here to make life more difficult for Villagers, we're just here to enjoy for a little while what you Villagers get to enjoy all the time.

[Beltlady]

I am finding that the more restrurants and things are built the shorter the lines and waiting times. Even though our population will grow, aren't we about 75% full. Look at all the land in Buffalo Ridge to be filled in and the new Crossroads Shopping center and 466-A and 44. Lots and lots of room. And think what your house will be worth when we are all filled up and people have to wait to get in.

[Villages Kahuna]

...I should have looked up the definition of "kvetch". I surely did not intend to say that I'm "persistently complaining and whining". Everyone is welcome for sure. And everyone, even the temporary visitors, are faced with the same minor inconveniences. I'm certainly not so badly inconvenienced as to temper my enthusiasm for "Florida's Friendliest Hometown"!

[noleguy]

It has its advantages. I do get alot more reading done now that we stay at home more.

[villages07]

..and, let's all be thankful that this is such a golf cart accessible community. Can you imagine what the traffic would be like if everyone had to use cars to get everywhere?

[nONIE]

Kahuna,

I come from a long line of Kvetch's, and I found your use of the term very amusing.

I think it was used appropriately.LOL

[Muncle]

I have no problem when the snowbirds, or �seasonal residents� as they are more PC known, arrive. One trick is to eat at really lousy restaurants. Sure there�s a crowd, but it�s not that bad. :barf: And there is an abundance of bad places, both on and off campus. You want Country Club dining, try Havana. There�s never a line nor will you ever get a snooty or inattentive waiter. You might want to bundle up on colder evenings, but the view can be breathtaking. :2cool:

Tired of the crowds on the squares when Rocky or another popular group is playing? I�ve found if you arrive any time after 9:15 or so, you can park just about anywhere you like. And there�s all the room you want on the dance floor. :beer3: And it is much quieter.

Getting a tee time is difficult if you insist on playing a specific course during a real tight window. That�s understandable if you unrealistically expect to play in daylight on an actual golf course. I�ve found that even the best courses in the community are just about empty after 7:00 PM during the winter. You can almost walk right on. And if you have this thing about daylight, just be a bit creative. Sure the recognized courses are crowded, but look at those wildlife preserves. Hate doglegs? No problem, you create your own holes. And what practice playing from the rough! And you don�t get any of those pesky points. :cop: (Beware of gators. They have no sense of humor, but will let you play thru.)

Some people complain that even the churches get packed during snowbird season. I find that preposterous. I get out every morning at sunrise, go to the grove, and worship the Horned God and there�s never anyone around but me (and some squirrels, feral cats, and sand hill cranes). No parking problems and I can go straight from there to Cracker Barrel when they open for a big breakfast. There is a bit of a crowd at Winter Solstice and I expect many more worshippers this Friday for Imbolc. (We may sacrifice a virgin, if we can find one. :yikes:)

So, all in all, snowbird season isn�t really that bad if you�re flexible and plan ahead.

[bamafan]

Having not experienced this phenomenon yet, can some one explain the season. When do the birds start arriving and when does the tide start to fall. We will be full time villagers beginning Saturday afternoon, so I guess I will be arriving at the peak of the season. I look forward to meeting everyone I can before they leave. Yes, I would hate to have to drive a car with the kind of crowds you are describing.

[Peggy D]

I can appreciate the comments concerning the crowds in the winter. Living in a resort shore town it's just the opposite. Dead down here now, but June, July and August, "THEY" come--beach tourists--in bathing suits (sometimes not a pretty site),and the worst--drunk college students on their sumer off! You don't even want to go there!!!

It can get ugly

[gingersmom]

I can always tell when the "Season" has arrived. That's when I have to sit through the light at El Camino and Enrique drive 4 to 5 times on my way home for lunch from work on 441. During the rest of the year I can make it home in ten minutes.

[TomH]

Make room for a few more on Friday. We are in tv for the month of February and promise not to bother any of you "full timers"

[chuckster]

Sorry to see the somewhat negative replies to "snow birds". I call them "seasonal residents" and welcome my many friends arrivals every winter season. It creates a buzz and upbeat feeling in the activities here in the villages. You are always welcome by the majority of us and thanks for returning each an every winter season. I like seeing the hustle, bustle and increased activity at local businesses and recreation facilities. You are a big boost to our local economy and don't listen to anyone who says otherwise. :welcome: :welcome:

[redwitch]

To all snowbirders or seasonal residents (I really like that term!), just be sure and join us at Crispers on the 15th at 3:00 pm. NO EXCUSES!!!!

Oh, I have another reason for appreciating snowbirds -- it means more $$ for my daughter in tips. Remember, go to Applebee's off of 441 and ask for Jessica P and be sure and tip well. (She usually has Wednesdays and Fridays off, works evenings most day.)

[nONIE]

Red,

Applebees is one of our favorite restaraunts, good food at reasonable prices.

We will be sure to give your hard working baby girl a very generous tip! Should we ask for Jess?

[redwitch]

There's two Jessica's, that's why you have to use the last initial (P). Just don't tell her mom sent you. roflao

[Skip]

To all snowbirders or seasonal residents

Most of us FROGS refer to THEM as "Snowballs".

Skip

[golfnut]

OK Skip, what's a snowball?? Nice Yenko Red.

[nONIE]

Whats a FROG?

[golfnut]

A frog is someone who stays in TV full time (they are here until they croak).

[The Great Fumar]

I had a friend who worked at a hair tonic factory until he fell off a catwalk into a vat of lanolin and softend to death...However at the viewing he did look very nice....

slick fumar ;D ;D ;D

[bamafan]

Fumar, Didn't know you were a double 0

[chuckinca]

A frog is someone who stays in TV full time (they are here until they croak).



that sounds more like a tadpole, frogs croak all the time

[lm01]

Come on Spring !!!!!

[MikeH]

As A FROG I recognize if everyone who owned a home in The Villages lived here year around it would always be as busy and congested as it is during "Snowbird Season". So part of the year we have to wait a little longer for some things. Is that so bad when you consider we're enjoying warmth and sunshine rather than enduring the cold and shoveling snow?

[Barefoot]

Sorry to see the somewhat negative replies to "snow birds". I call them "seasonal residents" and welcome my many friends arrivals every winter season. It creates a buzz and upbeat feeling in the activities here in the villages. You are always welcome by the majority of us and thanks for returning each an every winter season. I like seeing the hustle, bustle and increased activity at local businesses and recreation facilities. You are a big boost to our local economy and don't listen to anyone who says otherwise. :welcome: :welcome:


Chuckster - I cannot thank you enough for your positive and upbeat comments. :-* I must admit that after reading Kahuna's post and some of the comments, I was feeling pretty dejected. So nice to get some positive feedback. :bigthumbsup:

Also, thanks to Muncle for the tips - :a20:

[nanci2539]

Maybe I'm not getting it but where was Kahuna's remarks negative? He's stating a fact well known to both snowbirds and permanent residents. I didn't take his post as a complaint at all.

Most parts of FLA are congested in the winter months. I have half dozen friends who go to FLA Jan, Feb and March and when they return home, it's the first thing they say, really nice but too crowded!

[jerseygirl008]

I did not interpret Kahuna's post as a bit negative, either. I don't even live there yet and I feel almost every poster has an appreciation for the snowbirds. Actually, my thinking is that most f/t TVers can't wait for the snowbirders to arrive. Otherwise, it would be like being in Vegas, or "down the shore" in Jersey, or at a Giants football game, with only 50% of the people there. The people create the tone of the environment, the excitement. People WHO NEED PEOPLE, are the luckiest people . . . in the world. Geez, did I really type that?

[nONIE]

Jersygirl,

I guess you felt a song comming on! I agree :agree:, TV and all of its great people both seasonal and permanent are something to sing about! :bigthumbsup:

[another Linda]

Nonie -- Are you there yet? Are you helping to make "Snowbird Season" the wonderful experience it truly is? Can't wait to do my part. In the meantime, back to work. No more of the TOTV addiction! Self control. I can do it.

[LovinItAtTheVillages]

Ive been here in September and really didnt see that much difference
I own a home here but choose to spend summers at my Cape Cod home
Talk about crowds...try living on Cape Cod in summer
we have long lines everywhere too......so I guess thats why I dont notice the so called snowbird crowds here
IMHO... it wont matter what time of year it is soon...if they keep building more and more places just outside of the Villages (eg.condos)
and those people come and use our town squares and chairs..and fill seats in the restaurants..

[garsha]

My mom and I came in January and did notice the crowd. I don't live in it all the time, but it seemed exciting and full of life. Came home to go back to work, commuting at 0-5 MPH for 1 1/2 hour makes me only more excited to be full time with or without the snowbirds. Soon I hope.

[l2ridehd]

Does anyone know what the % of full time vs snowbirds really is? I have heard everything from 80/20 to 20/80. And both of those were from RE agents. My guess is about 50/50 but does anyone really know?

[Sidney Lanier]

We have a good friend in south Florida who goes even beyond 'kvetching' or 'complaining' about snowbirds. He is positive vitriolic! When he pauses for breath, I generally interject (quickly), 'Aren't these the people who pay twelve months worth of taxes on their condos or homes and utilize the services of the community for only three or four months a year?' Not that it helps....

When my parents retired to Florida in the early '70s, I looked around and thought, 'What a great option this is for seniors.' And now 'I are one'--and a snowbird at that, here in TV!

'-)

[redwitch]

Sidney, I think I'd tell your good friend to sit on it and twirl. Sorry, I stand by that snowbirds make TV interesting. It is fun at all times, but the snowbirds add some youth, vigor and joy. Sometimes I think the year-rounders take TV for granted when they've been here awhile. The snowbirders are thrilled with the weather, the things to do, the friendliness and they're fun to watch as they become accustomed to not wearing all those layers of clothing.

[MMC24]

What snowbird season means to me.

1. Eat home more often.
2. Longer waiting lines in popular restaurants
3. Pray when entering a TV traffic circles.
4. No parking in any of the town squares
5. Harder to get tickets to live performances.
6. Have to purchase movie tickets several hours in advance.
7. Hard to get good tee times.
8. No available exercise machines at Health Club.
9. Club activities filled to capacity.
10. Pickle Ball courts booked
11. Golf lessons time slots filled.
12. Traffic everywhere.
13. Best of all many of our friends are back for the winter. Ya gotta love TV!!!!

[twynsmom]

:dontknow:
We own a home in TV AND are "seasonal". Not trying to start a war here, but....we pay the same taxes, same dues, same fees as full time residents. We only use all the wonderful facilities part of the year, while the full time residents enjoy them all year long. We do so willingly. TV is a wonderful place and we wouldn't trade it for anything.

[chelsea24]

Snowbird. What a wonderful word. Yummmmmm! But, I digress. I think they're great! Meeting new friends, sad when they leave though. Yes I guess things are a bit more crowded, but being from a big city I'm used to it. Waiting in line, just a part of life. Afterall, what's you're hurry? Now, I had never heard that term "Frog" for the full-timers. I am a full-timer so I guess I'm a Frog. But a happy frog! Definitely now sitting around waiting to croak. >:( Rather jumping from lilypad to lilypad, playing, having fun, and loving every minute of living here. :welcome: Snowbirds. The more the merrier.

[redwitch]

MMC, love your number 13!

[Rokinronda]

I call them snow FLAKES, cause they go back north!! ;)