Venting Post

[TheDude]

Tomorrow will begin one of those new chapters in the book of Me.

I became a home owner in TV last week. That was phase one (picking the house, the mortgage (ugh)). Though the mortgage processor was painful, I was able to close in under a month.

So, tonight (12/16/16), I am at the end of phase two. Within a week I was able to arrange movers, end lease, do all the address changes and getting utilities set up. I am 12 hours from being on the airplane and on the way. Currently it is a real feel of 10 degrees where I am. I'm staying in a flagship hotel with my dog.

Tomorrow starts phase 3 of my 4 phase plan. That is getting to TV, giving everything set up, depending on people for deliveries and services, waiting for the movers, and finding food.

It is going to be interesting. I haven't had a good night's sleep in a month as I have been always on the move; go go go. I think in phase 3 I will still be in go go go mode.

Since i don't drive due to an injury in the military, tomorrow I will be taking the shuttle from Orlando to the golf cart store, renting a golf cart, driving the cart with my dog, and luggage to my house (I will be using the GPS, this will be interesting), then hopefully I get there in time for the 2 service appointments I set up between 3 and 7, and then finding a grocery for food.

Heaven only knows what I have forgotten.

I just had to vent as I am about to go to sleep, am so wired, wake up is at 4am (the final of my favorite TV show is at 10pm, ugh), then dog with me on the airplane, 2 hour flight and beginning of TV life hopefully for many years.

I just had to get it out of me as I have been going nonstop for a long stretch. One day I was up 23 hours (Day I flew down I was up from 3am to 2am the next morning).

How long do I have to go until phase 4 kicks in. Phase 4 is the golfing, the enjoyment, the settling in; how long until that kicks in.

Well, thanks for listening to my rant. I'll probably edit/correct typos/ or delete for privacy reasons in the future.

Thanks for listening. I did it!

:MOJE_whot:

[raynan]

Breathe! You don't want to collapse before you get here.

[kcrazorbackfan]

Trust me, all you've been through to get here will be worth it. :welcome:

[redwitch]

Sent you a pm.

[asianthree]

When you allow yourself to enter into phase four.

[dbussone]

Thank you for your service. There are many of us who will assist you in any way we might be needed.

You will love it here - and make many new friends.

[graciegirl]

Thank you for your service. There are many of us who will assist you in any way we might be needed.

You will love it here - and make many new friends.

I agree with him. I almost always do.

It is VERY hard to do what you just did. In a sense we are pioneers, going to a new place to begin a new life and many of us are not quite as energetic as we once were to see to moving all of our earthly possessions.

It is very stressful to change your life in a major way and to go without sleep and especially in a time when there is tension all around us in this country..some of it good.

This IS worth it. We love it here and although we are getting a bit older and don't dance at the square like we used to, there is so much to do and so many interesting and delightful people to meet, each with an important story of their adventures in life so far.

My family thanks you for your service and welcomes you home. It will be fine. Kindest wishes.

[golf2140]

Thanks for your servive.

1. Take shuttle to your home.

2. Contact Taxi to golf cart rental.

3. Take golf cart ride to restaurant

4. Have a nice meal cold beer

5. Enjoy your new beginning.

[Nucky]

The most important advice is get your essentials and then take a physical break. Mrs Graciegirl told me to chill and breathe, she was correct, I was trying to conquer this new operation in the blink of an eye. There is no rush anymore Mr Dude, you earned being here. Take Care.

[Charlie J]

This is how you deal with all the adversity in your such challenged life. Think of all our unfortunate military folks that come home maimed, psychiatrically challenged or even worse, in a coffin and then your stage 4 craziness will wane. Just a thought. The villages is an ok place to live but not the best. Just ok

[kcrazorbackfan]

This is how you deal with all the adversity in your such challenged life. Think of all our unfortunate military folks that come home maimed, psychiatrically challenged or even worse, in a coffin and then your stage 4 craziness will wane. Just a thought. The villages is an ok place to live but not the best. Just ok

Wow, talk about a Debbie downer. Where, in your opinion, is the best place to live and, why don't you live there? Sure beats the hell out of anywhere in the West, Midwest and Northeast now with all the snow, ice and deadly cold.

[Barefoot]

:welcome:
It took us about three months from our date of possession in 2007 to the chill/enjoyment stage.
Looking back, I realize we could have done the settling in part at a more subdued pace.
We just wanted to get it behind us.
From an empty home to furnished with pictures hung and birdcage built and golf cart purchased.
You will want to proceed at a pace that allows you enjoyment combined with a sense of creating a new lifestyle.
Welcome to The Villages to you and your dog. You will love it here.
Hope to see you at the dog park!

[Bay Kid]

Enjoy every minute, good or bad, because it will all be just a memory in a short time. Thank you for your service and making life in America great for all of us.

[villagetinker]

OP, if you let us know what village you will be living in, you should get some replies from your new neighbors. Also, the golf cart paths can be confusing, be sure to get a golf cart path map as soon as possible. If you use Google maps, select bike paths (I have been told this) and it will show the multi-model paths for golf carts.
Hope the helps, thank you for your service.

[Bonnevie]

there's a Villages app that has maps including golf cart maps for your phone. You will love it here. just realize you don't have to do everything all at once.

[Madelaine Amee]

I agree with him. I almost always do.

It is VERY hard to do what you just did. In a sense we are pioneers, going to a new place to begin a new life and many of us are not quite as energetic as we once were to see to moving all of our earthly possessions.

It is very stressful to change your life in a major way and to go without sleep and especially in a time when there is tension all around us in this country..some of it good.

This IS worth it. We love it here and although we are getting a bit older and don't dance at the square like we used to, there is so much to do and so many interesting and delightful people to meet, each with an important story of their adventures in life so far.

My family thanks you for your service and welcomes you home. It will be fine. Kindest wishes.

This about says it all! You sound like a real nice guy and, if you are, you will find loads of real nice people here.

[marshwon1]

please let us know if we can help in anyway while you settle in. what village will you be in? Can we pick up so groceries for you so you can at least wake up to coffee, etc.?

[patfla06]

Congrats on your new house in T.V.

It was low 80's today and will be tomorrow.

When you get here take a deep breath and remind yourself
everything doesn't have to be done all at once.

Moving is stressful but worth it.
Good luck and welcome!

[DangeloInspections]

Congratulations!!! Relax, and enjoy the process. I think in life folks end up regretting more of what they did NOT to.....not what they did.

For every one who lights a candle there are 10 who curse the darkness. You sir have just lit a candle. Again congratulations!

One can easily eat an elephant if you just take one bite at a time...you have from now on....

Thank you for your service. Many here have taken the same path you are now on and are willing to help.

Respectfully, Frank

[Yung Dum]

Relax. It's almost done. I promise you will love it here. My only caution- Don't buy anything from someone who comes to your door. There will be some landscapers and pest control people at your front door when you move in. They're "bargain" services are NEVER good. Just say no. Welcome to The Villages.

[TheDude]

Hi everyone. Its midnight so I will be short. If you followed the news indianapolis' highways iced over. Crashes, someone died, people were running out of gas stuck in traffic. I was able to get to the airport as my Uber driver took the back roads. Dog and I were in airport, only 2 TSA lines were open because most of the TSA couldn't get to airport. So many people couldn't get to their flights. My flight was delayed 2 hours so I missed my shuttle but got another and got to TV.

My friend in Fort Myers had driven up in a rental car in the morning.

I got to TV after 3pm, so all my scheduled plans were off.

After getting lost with my friend for a lot of the time, I ended up in The Waterfront. Expensive for 11pm until morning, but couldn't leave my dog all stressed out after such a hard day. She is so overwhelmed.

I don't post personal information on the internet because I am alone and don't know who reads everything.

But I am safe, and now starts a new part of my life. Thanks for all who replied. And about my military service, thank you. I'm no hero, far from it, but If I could go back I would.

Well Phase 3, day 1.

(been up for 21 hours so sorry for typos)

[CWGUY]

Hi everyone. Its midnight so I will be short. If you followed the news indianapolis' highways iced over. Crashes, someone died, people were running out of gas stuck in traffic. I was able to get to the airport as my Uber driver took the back roads. Dog and I were in airport, only 2 TSA lines were open because most of the TSA couldn't get to airport. So many people couldn't get to their flights. My flight was delayed 2 hours so I missed my shuttle but got another and got to TV.

My friend in Fort Myers had driven up in a rental car in the morning.

I got to TV after 3pm, so all my scheduled plans were off.

After getting lost with my friend for a lot of the time, I ended up in The Waterfront. Expensive for 11pm until morning, but couldn't leave my dog all stressed out after such a hard day. She is so overwhelmed.

I don't post personal information on the internet because I am alone and don't know who reads everything.

But I am safe, and now starts a new part of my life. Thanks for all who replied. And about my military service, thank you. I'm no hero, far from it, but If I could go back I would.

Well Phase 3, day 1.

(been up for 21 hours so sorry for typos)

Sent a P.M.

[Madelaine Amee]

When you get time to take that second breath, let us know how you are doing and what you need. There are dozens and more, wonderful people who will be more than willing to help in any way .............. and you got a DOG, that is an instant conversation maker!

[Allegiance]

You will love it here, already you surely received offers of various help.

When most of us moved here, our fellow villagers became part of our family.

Welcome home brother. Thanks for your non heroic service. The fact that you would serve again speaks volumes.

There is no better place on earth, doubly so for a non car driver.

Keep us all posted of your progress, we are family.


O... and never ever even think of going into the political forum. :)

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920AZ using Tapatalk

[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).

[Kathrynsews]

Take 10 deep breathes. All will be fine. We were where you are now in August/September. Our mistake, although we knew better, was trying to do it all at once. Believe me, relax, take one day at a time, love your new home, do the things you want to do, explore, let the dust settle, pamper your pet, explore, meet new friends. I promise, it will all work out. Welcome to paradise

[Kathrynsews]

Take 10 deep breathes. All will be fine. We were where you are now in August/September. Our mistake, although we knew better, was trying to do it all at once. Believe me, relax, take one day at a time, love your new home, do the things you want to do, explore, let the dust settle, pamper your pet, explore, meet new friends. I promise, it will all work out. Welcome to paradise

[golfing eagles]

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).

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. (http://thevillages.net). 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:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

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.

[Barefoot]

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).
I'll take Question 5 about furniture and consignment shops. I'll PM the OP some ideas.
I'll also take Question 14 about Vet services for his dog. I'll send the OP some ideas about Veterinary Services.

All other 13 questions, I'll leave up to you!

[Madelaine Amee]

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).

#15: Sumter has public transportation and will do door to door pick up for you. This is the website: Reservations and Routes | Sumter County, FL - Official Website (http://sumtercountyfl.gov/184/Reservations-Shuttle-Schedules). On Thursdays there is a local Recreation News, it lists what will be going on for the next week. Last week's edition had a piece on a club called
Villagers for Veterans the person to call is Marie Bogdonoff 516-220-5068. If this is not the place for you at least Marie will be able to give you some guidance on other Veteran's Clubs. There has to be a group who drive people back and forth to necessary appointments.

If you need help you got to ask, ask and then ask again. People here are happy to help.

[TheDude]

More venting, sorry folks, need to get it out.

Went to VA today and at the start it was great, but it went down hill. When someone tells you not to use your 100% service connection against (?) them and that they had the same injury so they know (however they are working at VA so doubt they have the same type of injury and symptoms I do), well, but the end of the day I was ... well, I have to be a man, right. Tough it out. Then I got 'policy, policy, policy'... ugh. At the end of the day in a phone call I was told I was going to get a PC doctor, but it just seems like a lot. And to be told I have to find my way to Gainesville (I do not drive) for certain appointments, well, maybe I should just tough it out and not use the VA, and when I get sick, just go to the ER. I'd prefer to use the VA but I am not going to fight anyone. When I was being told I didn't know what I did know, and being fast talked, well, I was apologizing because I was just stressed out and I may need this person for the next 15 years.

So basically that was all my daylight hours.

So, that is out.

Now, golf carts and TV app. Lets just say it took 2 hours to get to the VA clinic from home. That, then back with a couple stops... probably 5-6 hours in the golf cart. Got lost so much. I know it gets easier. I even did some driving at night, and well, its tough because you can't really read the signs after leaving the tunnel.

Next, home AC. My house smells like dust. Filter is probably dirty. Munn's put it in and I will call them tomorrow.

Still haven't got lawn done yet. Probably going to use a suggestion someone gave me.

Furniture needs to be sold I guess (since I have two houses full), some thinking still needed. Got till early next week.

Still haven't contacted a vet for dog; my day was taken up. Tomorrow is when I get on things. Its hard since I am on a laptop and not my normal iMac.

Guess I need a mop and tissues for the nose. I keep forgetting them.

Well, that is all for now. Still crazy... 5 days down, 50 years to go.

PS: I bought a GoPro and mounts for cart and bike helmet. I was told people kind of don't act up if they know you are (or aren't maybe) recording them.

[Nucky]

Holy Mackerel, from the Brownwood area to the VA up near Mulberry??? Amazing DUDE. Us regular people have no clue what our service people go thru. You all are truly amazing people. Thanks for your commitment to our country. Don't feel bad about getting lost. If your using The Villages GPS be certain to update the APP after installation or you will keep getting messed up. The first time we found our way back home from Brownwood I got on the ground like the Pope and kissed the ground (no easy operation) I was so happy. Getting settled was very rough because the house we bought was a bomb and I just went through a process to rehab the house and had to make a list to find my lists. Prioritize and believe it or not everything will come together. Even the Geico's and snakes are no big deal anymore. I just wonder where they all went since it got cold??? LOL Merry Christmas Dude Take Care!

[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.