Things I am tired of hearing

[salpal]

Moving to TV in 3 days and a wakeup. Saying goodbye to loved ones is difficult, but I must say, I am tired of hearing:

Better take alot of bug spray

You are going to hate the summer (I hate the summer here in Northeast)

Florida has lots of snakes

They have pythons now in Florida because during hurricanes they escape from pet stores

After you are settled, you will be bored and miss your friends

You are going to be surrounded by nothing but old people, doesn't that bother you?

You will not like it there, you will be back in a year

After hearing all of this over and over, I got to the point of just agreeing with people to shut them up. I will miss our friends dearly, but enough already!

I try to explain what TV is like, but most people look at you in disbelief, as I used to. It is one of those things you have to see for yourself, once I did, I drank the koolaid.

[Lynn222]

Are you glad you drank the koolaid?

[kb8tpw]

Just completing our first month on the ground in the villages, I know what you are talking about, we heard the same, and all we have to say is don't look back, you will LOVE IT - we do... Ray and Barbara

[Bogie Shooter]

...drinking the koolaid......always reminds me of Jonestown.

[mokey]

We all heard the same thing. Unless people have been here they don't understand. In Va. the weather is hot and humid also. We have never regretted it and I am sure you will not either. Enjoy!

[graciegirl]

I might have thought some of those things, but wouldn't have said them to a real friend. I really never liked Florida. My folks retired to Venice and there just didn't seem like there was much to do but drink and hang out at the Elks club which my folks seemed to enjoy.

I didn't like Florida other than to vacation on the beach and take the kids to Disney World.

Boy was I surprised when I fell in love with The Villages. It is really impossible to describe. I always thought I was a tiny bit articulate but my friends just kind of back away from me after I launch into my spiel.

Funny thing is I haven't seen any bugs in my house but spiders, all clean houses have spiders.(My grandmother told me that) From the car I saw an alligator sunning himself. I don't see any old people...maybe they all got to be my age. I find them interesting and compassionate. I don't think any of us get through five decades of life (the minimum to be here) without experiencing some sadness, pain and disappointment and that usually changes people and makes them a bit more patient and kind.

I don't know how you could get tired of all there is to do ....for a long time.

If you get tired or bored, come over to my house and I will cook you something comforting and I will invite PTurner and some of my other new friends and they will make you laugh.:wave:

[pooh]

I might have thought some of those things, but wouldn't have said them to a real friend. I really never liked Florida. My folks retired to Venice and there just didn't seem like there was much to do but drink and hang out at the Elks club which my folks seemed to enjoy.

I didn't like Florida other than to vacation on the beach and take the kids to Disney World.

Boy was I surprised when I fell in love with The Villages. It is really impossible to describe. I always thought I was a tiny bit articulate but my friends just kind of back away from me after I launch into my spiel.

Funny thing is I haven't seen any bugs in my house but spiders, all clean houses have spiders.(My grandmother told me that) I saw an alligator sunning himself driving by in the car. I don't see any old people...maybe they all got to be my age. I find them interesting and compassionate. I don't think any of us get through five decades of life (the minimum to be here) without experiencing some sadness, pain and disappointment and that usually changes people and makes them a bit more patient and kind.

I don't know how you could get tired of all there is to do ....for a long time.

If you get tired or bored, come over to my house and I will cook you something comforting and I will invite PTurner and some of my other new friends and they will make you laugh.:wave:

Well said, Gracie. Unless someone has been here, they only imagine what it's like....probably envisioning gray haired men and women, shuffling to the shuffleboard court...lolol. Boy, is that soooooo far from the truth!

All communities should be so well planned.

[macro]

I might have thought some of those things, but wouldn't have said them to a real friend. I really never liked Florida. My folks retired to Venice and there just didn't seem like there was much to do but drink and hang out at the Elks club which my folks seemed to enjoy.

I didn't like Florida other than to vacation on the beach and take the kids to Disney World.

Boy was I surprised when I fell in love with The Villages. It is really impossible to describe. I always thought I was a tiny bit articulate but my friends just kind of back away from me after I launch into my spiel.

Funny thing is I haven't seen any bugs in my house but spiders, all clean houses have spiders.(My grandmother told me that) I saw an alligator sunning himself driving by in the car. I don't see any old people...maybe they all got to be my age. I find them interesting and compassionate. I don't think any of us get through five decades of life (the minimum to be here) without experiencing some sadness, pain and disappointment and that usually changes people and makes them a bit more patient and kind.

I don't know how you could get tired of all there is to do ....for a long time.

If you get tired or bored, come over to my house and I will cook you something comforting and I will invite PTurner and some of my other new friends and they will make you laugh.:wave:

I'm curious how that alligator got his driver's license and how he could afford a convertible? Thought the Florida DOT was stricter than that! :1rotfl: Hope he's a better driver than our deer up north.
On the subject, I too thought there were no redeeming qualities in movig to FL until I realized that TV, like Disney World, is not really part of FL. Besides, TV is soooo much closer to the cruise ports than WI & IL and an annual pass to Disney World trumps a season pass to 6 Flags Great America anytime.

[graciegirl]

I'm curious how that alligator got his driver's license and how he could afford a convertible? Thought the Florida DOT was stricter than that! :1rotfl: Hope he's a better driver than our deer up north.
On the subject, I too thought there were no redeeming qualities in movig to FL until I realized that TV, like Disney World, is not really part of FL. Besides, TV is soooo much closer to the cruise ports than WI & IL and an annual pass to Disney World trumps a season pass to 6 Flags Great America anytime.

Nailed again.

Are you an English major too??? Sigh.

The alligator was driving a '57 Plymouth Fury. (The best defense is a good offense) lol

[macro]

Nailed again.

Are you an English major too??? Sigh.

The alligator was driving a '57 Plymouth Fury. (The best defense is a good offense) lol

Not really, (let's not make cruel accusations here :cry: ) just that I had to read that line a couple of times to figure out who was driving. LOL Would've thought he would be driving a '65 'Stang. :coolsmiley: Besides, I was a minor when took english. (so there)

[Yukon Joe]

Moving to TV in 3 days and a wakeup. Saying goodbye to loved ones is difficult, but I must say, I am tired of hearing:

Better take alot of bug spray

You are going to hate the summer (I hate the summer here in Northeast)

Florida has lots of snakes

They have pythons now in Florida because during hurricanes they escape from pet stores

After you are settled, you will be bored and miss your friends

You are going to be surrounded by nothing but old people, doesn't that bother you?

You will not like it there, you will be back in a year

After hearing all of this over and over, I got to the point of just agreeing with people to shut them up. I will miss our friends dearly, but enough already!

I try to explain what TV is like, but most people look at you in disbelief, as I used to. It is one of those things you have to see for yourself, once I did, I drank the koolaid.
Hey Don't forget the Alligators as well........We Know what we have here in the Villages...Sometimes when I mention it to people, they react as if It's To Good To Be True! Fine, Deal with the snow, taxes, and "Rude People"..... I'm a pert timer, but counting down the days........

[petenj]

Well said, Gracie. Unless someone has been here, they only imagine what it's like....probably envisioning gray haired men and women, shuffling to the shuffleboard court...lolol. Boy, is that soooooo far from the truth!

All communities should be so well planned.

Hey, I learned to play shuffleboard on Monday. Its a great activity. Today I took pickleball 101, another great activity. I am working my way thru all there is to do with golf as a goal.

[pooh]

Hey, I learned to play shuffleboard on Monday. Its a great activity. Today I took pickleball 101, another great activity. I am working my way thru all there is to do with golf as a goal.

I'm very proud of you....shuffleboard isn't as easy as some imagine. I've played only once and wasn't all that good at it, but it was lots of fun! Pickleball is really enjoyable for many, I'm not a tennis type person, but so many here are and the courts, tennis and pickleball, really get used. Enjoy all your activities. Hope you get to golfing really soon.

[Pturner]

If you get tired or bored, come over to my house and I will cook you something comforting and I will invite PTurner and some of my other new friends and they will make you laugh.:wave:

:pepper2::crap2::a040::0000000000luvmyhors

:beer3:

[kit9240]

SalPal - I'm in the same boat. My retirement date is Sept 1 and I'll be driving down shortly after that. I'm moving down from Connecticut and I will be a frog!

Here are some of the comments I keep hearing from family and friends:
- You are going to be soooo bored being retired
- Florida is sooo hot in the summer you have to stay inside most of the day
- How can you move to Florida and not be near the ocean
- Of course you'll be back in CT for Thanksgiving and Christmas (why do I want to come back for snow, sleet and freezing temps?????)
- How can you move so far away from your family??? (Grandchildren can't wait to come and visit!)

I've stopped trying to explain that I will probably be so busy having fun and meeting new friends, and learning new things that I never had a chance to before. I just say you're probably right! I'll be bored and lonely......right!!!I'm sure if any of these naysayers visit, they will see what I have been trying to tell them for years. Of course, that could mean that they will want to visit more often........maybe I should rethink those invitations!!!

Kathy

[babynurse]

My brother bought a house in TV, and kept trying to get us to come visit. There was no way I wanted to go to the retirement community for my vacation! Finally DH convinced me that we should at least visit, afterall it was my OLDER brother and I didn't know how much time the old guy had left! Needless to say, we drank the Koolaid, and on the 4th trip, we bought our own piece of paradise. And the old guy, well he keeps getting younger by the day!! We just returned home from a wonderful 10 day stay in TV, and are counting the days until we too are officially retired. Won't be long now!!

[MelZ]

We transform from NY tadpoles to FROG's in 23 days.

[Pturner]

:wave: Salpal,
I know how you feel about those comments-- and how wrong they are.

The problem with hopping down to TV whenever we can is, there are not enough hours in the day to see everyone we want and do everything we want. We're so busy that I blink and times up. Then I have to come back to... the heat, humidity, snakes and bugs in Atlanta. lol

I'll miss my friends here sure, but I can't wait till we can move to TV full time! I'm glad your time has come!

:welcome: and all best wishes!

[Tweety Bird]

Here are some of the comments I keep hearing from family and friends:
- You are going to be soooo bored being retired
- Florida is sooo hot in the summer you have to stay inside most of the day
- How can you move to Florida and not be near the ocean
- Of course you'll be back in CT for Thanksgiving and Christmas (why do I want to come back for snow, sleet and freezing temps?????)
- How can you move so far away from your family??? (Grandchildren can't wait to come and visit!)

Yes, Florida IS HOT during the summer, but when I lived on the Canadian border in Minnesota, man, the winters were COLD and LOOOONG. The salts and slush were hard on my car and it always looked dirdy. So, you heat your house in MN and stay indoors OR, you AC your house here. It's just a flip. One thing though...when you do a quick jaunt outside your walls, you don't need to wear the coat, boots, heavy socks, scarf, gloves, face mask and all the layered clothing underneath. AND...I love jumping into a Village pool and guess what? I don't need to fill that big tub up with water, buy chemicals for it or worry about any maintenance. Did I have that in cold Minnesota? NO! And, when I go on my cruises, I don't need to get expensive round trip tickets and I don't need to worry about a snow storm. My long lost friends? Heh...now you've got a good place to visit, but don't stay longer than three days. If my old friends can't be positive, take a hike. hahahaha, no...I love them dearly. :cold: - Good bye cold. Good bye to shoveling, plowing and slipping on the ice.

[N'awlins Lady]

...drinking the koolaid......always reminds me of Jonestown. :mademyday: Me too! Which is why I cringe everytime I hear the Kool Aid joke.

For the record, I did NOT drink the Kool Aid and I still want to live in TV!

Now their Vodka? Hmmmmm... ya think? :loco:

Trudy

[ljones190]

I am tired of hearing from my family and friends that I will return to New Jersey within a year of moving full time to TV. Does anyone know if this happens frequently?

[redwitch]

[QUOTE=salpal;269510]Moving to TV in 3 days and a wakeup. Saying goodbye to loved ones is difficult, but I must say, I am tired of hearing:

Better take alot of bug spray Yup, Florida has bugs. TV has little, cept for the dang love bugs. Hey, I work outside a lot and rarely get bit by anything and I rarely remember to spray. Even so, I gotta give the naysayers this one.

You are going to hate the summer I hated the summer in California -- over 100 was typical in the East Bay. I do hate the humidity and I'm not convinced I'll ever get used to it, but it is survivable. Besides, I LOVE driving my golf cart everywhere.

Florida has lots of snakes. So does California and there's a lot less risk of getting bit by a poisonous snake here as long as you stay away from the water (rattlesnakes are very common in California).

They have pythons now in Florida because during hurricanes they escape from pet stores Um, semi-right. We have pythons because pets get too big and people just dump them. Every state has that problem. The difference is that the weather is tropical enough for the pythons and boas to thrive, especially in the Everglades (so, stay out of the Everfglades if that's an issue).

After you are settled, you will be bored and miss your friends Bored, NO. Miss my friends, YES. But I've made new ones and still talk to my old ones.

You are going to be surrounded by nothing but old people, doesn't that bother you? Old is a state of mind and the state of mind here is pretty dang young.

You will not like it there, you will be back in a year It's been almost three years and I still love TV.

The one thing my friends were 100% right about is that I truly don't like Florida. I love mountains and that is in small supply (like, um, none!) in Florida. However, TV really isn't Florida -- it is a bubble in the middle of nowhere that is truly idyllic. So, a frog I be, a frog I will be and I'm willing to bet that if my friends would ever leave their bubble in Northern California and come visir here, they would understand. So will your friends once they come to visit.

BTW -- Being from the SF Area and having lost a few friends in Jonestown, I agree the phrase can be painful. I prefer to think that we all drank the water (but I do understand if you got confused and thought the water was so good that it must have been flavored with a magical Kool-Aide).

[getdul981]

I've been retired for almost 9 years now and so far I've been so busy I don't know how I had time to work. I just know I'm gonna love it in TV. As far as it being so hot in the summer, I agree it's just gonna be a trade of from staying in out of the cold or staying in out of the heat. I used to say that I could do things to keep warm when it's cold. I now know that I can't. When it's hot, I can still do things, I just have to slow down and take my time. It really is going to be nice to not have to put on all those heavy clothes every time I have to take our dogs out in the winter too.

[skip0358]

We became frogs here last Sept.We were told about the heat. My comment I don't have to shovel heat. I saw a couple of gators sunning themselves, they sun by the pond I sun at the pool. As for bugs god did we have bugs on Long Island. As for OLD people there aren't any here. Everybody is a lot more active then they were up north. I've invited a few of my old friends, I think they're afraid to come down, must have heard about the kool aid. My 21 year old niece came down to visit over spring break she had such a good time she wants to come back in July.I have no intention of moving back to NY.TV is my new home and already we've made many very good friends. In fact we share all the Holidays with our new found family in TV. To those that don't come YOU DON"T KNOW WHAT YOUR MISSING.I was told Florida was God's waiting room. If that's true all I can say is this is one hell of a waiting room.

[Shirleevee]

I am tired of hearing from my family and friends that I will return to New Jersey within a year of moving full time to TV. Does anyone know if this happens frequently?

I, for one, doubt that. I will NEVER miss the cold icy winters in NY.

[kentucky blue]

You really need to delete that phrase from your vocabulary, it makes you all seem like a herd of sheep, with no direction or mindset of your own, because you hear that phase over and over again describing TV.I know better than that, but to any outsider looking in, "drinking the kool aid" does not denote a positive image.Why would you want ANY association with Jonestown? Just a thought. :censored:

[N'awlins Lady]

You really need to delete that phrase from your vocabulary, it makes you all seem like a herd of sheep, with no direction or mindset of your own, because you hear that phase over and over again describing TV.I know better than that, but to any outsider looking in, "drinking the kool aid" does not denote a positive image.Why would you want ANY association with Jonestown? Just a thought. :censored:

Amen! Your post should be made into a "Sticky" note! :clap2:

Trudy

[Pturner]

You really need to delete that phrase from your vocabulary, it makes you all seem like a herd of sheep, with no direction or mindset of your own, because you hear that phase over and over again describing TV.I know better than that, but to any outsider looking in, "drinking the kool aid" does not denote a positive image.Why would you want ANY association with Jonestown? Just a thought. :censored:

Oh come on. We're not talking Jonestown. Although adapted for Jonestown, the phrase was in use before then. It originated from an iconic Tom Wolfe novel.

Not a positive image? Geez. Some people have no sense of irony. We're making fun of ourselves, dude. If you can't make fun of yourself, who can you make fun of? :cool:

Come on over. I'll poor you a glass.

[kentucky blue]

Sorry, beg to differ, ask anybody about the phrase "drinking the kool aid" and nobody will bring up Thomas Wolfe, but they remember Jonestown.I've got a great sense of humor and have always beat to a different drummer, but any association at all to Jonestown is not funny.By the way, i find your post insightful and thought provoking, but we will have to agree to disagree on this topic. You all need to hear the opinions of people outside "the bubble" and take them as constructive criticism.

[salpal]

Did not mean to offend anyone, instead of drank the koolaid, let me just say I fell in love with TV immediately. I actually was attempting humor, but apparently I need to be more careful and politically correct.

Like others, I too hate Florida, wanted no parts of it, particularly since I do not care for the sun (I do not tan, I just burn). But beside the lovely golf courses, trees, flowers, etc. within TV and all the activities, the thing that put it over the top for me was how friendly everyone was to us. I will learn to adapt to heat and sun to be around pleasant, fun loving people.

Sold the snowblower, snow shovels and gave away several winter coats to Salvation Army. All of which felt great!!! Now I just cannot wait to live in TV, only dreading the long drive to get there with my doggie in the back seat. The Great Fumar will be thrilled, another dog in TV.

[ssmith]

Well we first visited the Villages as a "joke" while vacationing in Florida. It was a rainy day and couldn't go to the beech. Boy were we surprised!!! We loved it!!. We had known several people who moved there and we were just curious. Now we dearly do want to move.

You see I hated Florida (ok to vacation but not to live) and was very resentful when my In-laws moved there 30 years ago. They left the grandkids and us. They did not move to TV and it does seem VERY boring where they live; but then TV is not Florida...to me they are 2 very different places :)

Yes, we too have heard all the same reactions to TV. My brother, who is retired, even mentioned all the STD's from the book Leisureville, of course. I just can't wait for him to visit some day. He has a Winter home in Virginia Beech and a summer home in the mountains of West Virginia...which is great for him; but we already lost our hearts to TV.

Our problem is...we visited too early. My hubby is only 56 now and was 53 when we first visitted. There is no way we can move there currently. You see, his job is the type that cannot be found in or near the Villages; so we wait and vacation there and dream and pray. Oh Woe is me!!! He has checked out some jobs in Florida; but jobs are in short supply you know. So I remain a constant reader of TOTV and wait knowing GOD is in control not me.

BTW, I do understand the sensitivity of the term "drinking the Kool-Aid" and Jonestown....I believe most people make that connection; but I have heard that reference used many, many other times not in relation to TV. To me, it means I am "all in" like in poker., all is on the line..putting all you have on the table/hand. Weather it is liked or not, I believe it is just a slang term that has been adopted into our language. That's just my thoughts on it. Sure wouldn't want to offend anyone.

[graciegirl]

This is not the first time that the phrase "drinking the kool-aid" has come up for continued discussion on this forum. I believe most people on this forum do not want to hurt or aggravate anyone. The posters here are well traveled, cultured, educated people with most having a wonderful sense of humor. I agree that the phrase has been integrated into our language and it doesn't have an emotional reaction to me, but several people in the past have vehemently objected to it.

It shows that we are not a cookie cutter group. We certainly do not all use the phrase and probably do not think of ourselves as a group other than that we all live in The Villages.

One of the things I like most about this place is the respect most people have for the differences of others. With age comes wisdom and tolerance. I am still working on both of those. I have the age part handled.

[salpal]

GracieGirl,

You are always the diplomat and say the right things! You should run for mayor of TV....OMG, can you hear the remarks now for me just making that statement? Just kidding folks, I know there is no mayor and do not explain how TV works to me, already know. Thanks.

[getdul981]

We became frogs here last Sept.We were told about the heat. My comment I don't have to shovel heat.

I love that line. I'll have to remember it when people start talking about how hot it is.

He has a Winter home in Virginia Beech and a summer home in the mountains of West Virginia...

I know the coast of VA is supposed to be nicer that in the mountains, but I would NEVER have considered that for a winter home. It's still cold there and they do get snow. I can't see that as much of an improvement.

[Pturner]

Sorry, beg to differ, ask anybody about the phrase "drinking the kool aid" and nobody will bring up Thomas Wolfe, but they remember Jonestown.I've got a great sense of humor and have always beat to a different drummer, but any association at all to Jonestown is not funny.By the way, i find your post insightful and thought provoking, but we will have to agree to disagree on this topic. You all need to hear the opinions of people outside "the bubble" and take them as constructive criticism.

:wave: Kentucky,

In re-reading my post, I see it was argumentative. I agree that your criticism is constructive and your viewpoint valid. I'm good with agreeing to disagree.

[carm310]

I had not heard the term "drinking the kool-aid" for some time and have seen it on occasion since joining TOTV. I more or less knew what it referred to but never gave it much thought. I can see though how it can be hurtful to some, especially since it refers to an awful event in recent history.

I thought I would look up the meaning and most everything refers to Jonestown, though there is history before that event as PTurner pointed out.

What struck me though is dictionary websites also refer to the term as blindly following someone, a belief, philosophy, etc. without thoughtfulness behind doing so.

In my humble opinion I must say those who decide to live in TV are doing so with much thought and intention...don't you think so? As many have said, you really don't believe it until you come and experience TV that it is all everyone says and so much more!

So going back to the original message - about being tired of hearing all the negatives from family and friends - maybe the term applies more to them than TV'ers - they are blindly making a judgment without even experiencing TV - or they may be feeling threatened by the thought of "losing" a friend or family member and they deal with it by focusing on the negatives - whether real or imagined.

I must admit I am counting the days until our next visit...41 and the days until we can move there permanently...1100. Some days I can make myself roll out of bed at 5AM, make the 1 1/2 hour commute to and from work, pay bills on two households because we are working towards a goal and a longtime dream. I would say that is intentional and thoughtful. No kool-aid here! : D

[graciegirl]

PTurner? I know that you are not supposed to make personal remarks about any poster, but I have to say that in my mind you are PERFECT. And you are nice to old ladies too.

[Pturner]

:o OMG. Check's in the mail, Gracie! ;)

[TrudyM]

Ok I have been bitten by the TV bug. Infected with the idea of living among you guys.
I have been influenced by the warmth of the people I met when we visited for a week but more by the warmth of the people on this forum.
And unlike "drinking the Kool-aid" which implys a blind following; financially the numbers work. Bang for the buck. Even if it is a little pricer than the rest of florida, if you factor in the cost of golf and recreation I think it is very doable.

The #1 repsonse I get to we are favoring the Villages in Fla. is
"You arn't retireing home to Hawaii??" :shrug:

I would rather be living in a nice courtyard villa with activities to attend than in a studio apartment with nothing to do but drive to the park and look at the ocean. The living in TV is much more economical by my estimates than living in alot of metro areas. Bank rate puts central florida at 21% less than metro Seattle and 41% less than Hawaii. (25% less than metro Boston) Did I mention FLa has no inheritance tax.

[batman911]

It could be that some people cannot move to the villages (or other places) because of financial, medical or family issues. They may try to discourage you because they do not want to loose a good friend or family member to TV. Just a thought.

[kit9240]

Charm - I think you have pinpointed some of the real reasons behind the negative attitudes some of us experience when leaving family and friends to move to The Villages. In my case, most of my friends are happy for me and promise to visit, some family members will miss my not being there to help. I set their expectations by always being there, and now it is hard to accept that I want to move away.

"So going back to the original message - about being tired of hearing all the negatives from family and friends - maybe the term applies more to them than TV'ers - they are blindly making a judgment without even experiencing TV - or they may be feeling threatened by the thought of "losing" a friend or family member and they deal with it by focusing on the negatives - whether real or imagined."

One of the reasons (and there are many) that I love being in The Villages is that when I am there, I love being with people my age. I love the music, I remember all the words to all of the songs and I am singing them for weeks after I am back home. But reminiscing with people who grew up in the same era is wonderful. We all have a lot in common and have many stories and experiences that we can all relate to. Happy memories of good times in our lives. And having the opportunity to create new memories with so many new friends is wonderful. I would never meet so many new and wonderful people if I stay up north.

Kathy

[Pturner]

Even if it is a little pricer than the rest of florida, if you factor in the cost of golf and recreation I think it is very doable.

Hi Trudy, TV is pricier than the surrounding area of rural, middle Florida. It's quite a bit less pricey than the southern coastal areas.

[laurie91423]

And we are not deterred. In fact, God willing, we will be closing on our house in Pennecamp on August 12th.

We're moving from Los Angeles. :plane: You cannot imagine how stupid people think we are! How can we move from "perfect" southern California to sticky, humid Florida?

Well, four years ago I saw a sponsored golf game... (we don't play golf either) and TV looked like a happy place, so I sent away for the DVD. The video was nice, but a little white bread. 2 subsequent DVD's arrived and the people looked a little more diverse. So, my husband and I came for the visit in July 2008. (I wanted to be in Florida in the hotest, stickiest, buggiest weather.) My best friend of 35 years from Boston flew down to meet us. I had the best time in my life... I was 16 again, riding around in the golf cart, whooping it up like a high schooler.... dancing in the center of Lake Sumter Square. We had too much fun. I felt lighter than air for days. The weather... well... it rained every afternoon and the air smelled clean and green. No smog. No brown hills. The landscaping, the flowers, the Spanish moss. I don't have to play golf to love the color green. What bugs? I love the gekkos.

The houses were so pretty and so much more reasonable than life in So. CAL. I am so tired of taking my life in my hands just to get a quart of milk. A wrong way driver nearly creamed me at the Post Office 2 years ago {he was in his 20's trying to take a short cut, angry at me in HIS way} I was shaken to the core for months. I want to drive the golf cart to my Mahj game & the market. I want to install neon under the golf cart, too!

My friend has been back 6 more times and kept scouting out houses for us. She finally put her house up for sale. Alas, we can only lease ours out, but that isn't stopping us from moving. TV is around 65% Republican but even that won't stop me. Opening the webpage with Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck and trying to explain to my friends that I can co-exist was kinda hard. I found the Synagogue, I'll find the Democrats, too. :thumbup:

So.... to heck with them all. I'll turn on the fans. I don't have to live near the beach. I don't live near a beach in Los Angeles either. We can go to the Caribbean now that the airfare is cheaper! :2excited:

Laurie

NYC, CT, CA, Pennecamp (Aug)

[dizz42]

Whenever we would talk to someone about our move to TV, we had an aconym - HHBL. Until we were alone, we would whisper "HHBL". It meant that one of us just endured the "Heat, Humidity, Bugs and Lightning" speech. We too just stopped trying to convince people how wonderful TV is and, instead, would just tell them to come visit. :D

[salpal]

dizz,
You sound like hubby and I, we just "take it" now but love the HHBL shortcut to one another. We just say, come visit us! We know they will see it for themselves.

I confess I said all the HHBL stuff to my cousin when they moved to TV two years ago and were trying to convince us to visit. It took me about three days of being in TV on a LSV to start looking to buy a place, bought one three days after that.

[bkcunningham1]

Instead of using the term "drinking the Kool-Aid," my husband and I say we swam in the pool from the movie Cocoon. The water in the pools is from the fountain of youth.

"Well I'll tell ya, with the way natures been cheating us, I don't mind cheating her a little," Ben Luckett, from Cocoon .

[carm310]

Instead of using the term "drinking the Kool-Aid," my husband and I say we swam in the pool from the movie Cocoon. The water in the pools is from the fountain of youth.

"Well I'll tell ya, with the way natures been cheating us, I don't mind cheating her a little," Ben Luckett, from Cocoon .

Great idea! :laugh:

[brostholder]

I don't know who you are, but I like you already!!!! Well said.

[BaylorBear]

I don't know who you are, but I like you already!!!! Well said.

She's a real charmer, that Gracie Girl!!

We are from Austin, TX and we are moving to TV to get out of the heat!! Every summer we will have temperatures over 100 degrees for 30-45 days straight with 80%+ humidity. It is unbearable!! We will happily take low 90's and the humidity is only really high early in the morning!! TV will be our forever home in 2014. In the meantime, we will visit twice a year -- will be there in just 12 days and then back for Christmas!!

Hope to run into some of my TOTV buddies while we are there!!:a040:

[dizz42]

Instead of using the term "drinking the Kool-Aid," my husband and I say we swam in the pool from the movie Cocoon. The water in the pools is from the fountain of youth.
"Well I'll tell ya, with the way natures been cheating us, I don't mind cheating her a little," Ben Luckett, from Cocoon .

Perfect! :thumbup:

It took me about three days of being in TV on a LSV to start looking to buy a place, bought one three days after that.

Hahahahaha...us too! But we got cold feet and backed down. :( However, one year later almost to the day and here we are...playing in that pool bkcunningham1 mentions above! :D

[Junebugs]

Can someone explain the reference to becoming "frogs"?

[Bogie Shooter]

Can someone explain the reference to becoming "frogs"?
Here till you croak.

[Pturner]

Whenever we would talk to someone about our move to TV, we had an aconym - HHBL. Until we were alone, we would whisper "HHBL". It meant that one of us just endured the "Heat, Humidity, Bugs and Lightning" speech. We too just stopped trying to convince people how wonderful TV is and, instead, would just tell them to come visit. :D

The HHBL Speech-- I love that! :laugh:

[senior citizen]

Hello all....I was searching for the appropriate place to ask my question which will seem very mundane......but considering the northeast has been suffering through a tropical heat wave, perhaps I will be forgiven.

How does one cope with the relentless heat and humidity of a Florida summer?
Other than using the early morning hours to do ones chores and errands.
With retirement looming in a few short months, we have flipped back to TV as our most likely destination to choose a home.

Then along comes our New England heat wave. Tourists have literally been coming into our business (which is airconditioned) saying, "GOSH IT IS HOT AS HELL OUTSIDE"......they were from Florida near the Villages. Is it really cooler? I just checked and it was 90 to our 95. I know your sun is more intense..........but do you learn to deal with it and get used to the heat?

The Floridian tourists said, "Yes it is hot in Florida but everything is airconditoned".

We live in very very green, cool Vermont so this is an abberation of sorts. I know my husband will come home and change his mind all over again.

Question: How many Villagers truly stay through the Florida summer?
How many leave for a cooler destination?

The TV home would be our primary home, so we'd appreciate honest answers. In my own mind, I would just flip the seasons and whereas we are confined during the long cold frozen winter up here.......it might be somewhat similar, but not as bad in the heat of a Florida summer.

Thanks in advance for any answers forthcoming. People are really NOT dealing well with this heat wave up north. In Vermont you will literally see people putting on shorts and bathing suits to sunbathe at the end of winter if it hits 60 degrees with sunshine. So, 60 to 70 is a nice temp to us....however, we've gone over all the pros and cons of retiring to TV with the pros winning out.

[jdsl1998]

we always looked at the places we visited as a place to live after retirement. Judging each and every one....we loved Spain, we loved Tucson, we loved every place....the only thing we ever said was...."We love a lot of places and could go anyplace, all over the world, BUT, we will NEVER live in Florida" and guess what? Have a home in The Villages and LOVE it! Can't imagine ever pick ing anyplace else.....so when you say never, you may just be saying, you never know!

[graciegirl]

Hi there Senior!

I hadn't heard from you for awhile and I was afraid you had given up on us.

We G's are here for a couple of weeks. It is hot and humid but I just was reading on the lanai with the fan on and there is a little breeze, and it was pleasant. Dear daughter and I walked before eight this morning and it was still in the 70's.

Sweetie has golfed almost every day but he doesn't admit it rains on a golf course either.

It doesn't seem any hotter than it is in Cincinnati right now.

We are having the best time!!

[jdsl1998]

Yes, Gracie, I spoke to mom earlier today and she went out for Red Hatters in Columbus and she said it was beastly hot! It is SO nice here. Would not want to be any place else. We brought our youngest down with us. He loves sports and hopes to find a few tennis players. He just went out with hubby to the links. It IS a beautiful day in The Villages! I'm off for shrimp. Hope to find some corn, tomatoes and peaches too.....yum! Then home to finish the last few pages of "The Help" and make dinner on the lanai, life is rough!

[senior citizen]

we always looked at the places we visited as a place to live after retirement. Judging each and every one....we loved Spain, we loved Tucson, we loved every place....the only thing we ever said was...."We love a lot of places and could go anyplace, all over the world, BUT, we will NEVER live in Florida" and guess what? Have a home in The Villages and LOVE it! Can't imagine ever pick ing anyplace else.....so when you say never, you may just be saying, you never know!

Hello.......it does appear that you've found your place in the sun.
Thanks for the speedy response.

I just read hubby all the older posts which were in reply to the original.........the one from Minnesota near the Canadian border we could really relate to as far as the cold vs the heat.

Florida does seem a lot simpler in ones later years as far as not dealing with all the grief that winter can bring. So, it's apples or oranges.

[senior citizen]

Hi there Senior!

I hadn't heard from you for awhile and I was afraid you had given up on us.

We G's are here for a couple of weeks. It is hot and humid but I just was reading on the lanai with the fan on and there is a little breeze, and it was pleasant. Dear daughter and I walked before eight this morning and it was still in the 70's.

Sweetie has golfed almost every day but he doesn't admit it rains on a golf course either.

It doesn't seem any hotter than it is in Cincinnati right now.

We are having the best time!!

Hi Gracie.......nope we have not given up on The Villages....just concentrating on other things as our son is getting married in Colorado next month.

Our daughter, son in law and the three grandchildren are leaving soon for an entire month's vacation in Colorado; then we will follow for two plus weeks. The wedding will be at 9,000 feet altitude so that should be cool enough.
Personally, I prefer sea level.........but we have been to Colorado before and know to stay hydrated and acclimate before going from Boulder or Denver up to Tabernash.

By early next year we will be ready to visit TV. It does seem like the best bet for our retirement years. You've always been a big help with your positive attitude.

Actually, in checking the daily weather, New England has been hotter than Orlando area for quite a few days.....but we do recall the white hot intense sunshine down there in Florida. We are early morning people, thus would get our chores done in the cool of the day.

Enjoy your vacation; you have the best of both worlds. I just hope our home sells when the time comes. Thanks for writing.