Happinow Update

[Happinow]

Hi all. Wanted to update you on our progress. We had a very busy day as you might expect. We met some of our friends on TOTV, Jim and Pat, and they were so welcoming and gave us some invaluable info. We went to look for a new master bedroom set and haven't found anything in Whites, Kents, or Rooms to Go. (They did have tons of furniture for other rooms though) We need to concentrate on the master so we have a place to sleep once the house is finished. Looked through a catalog at Southern Lifestyles and found a couple of possibilities. We still need to go to Babbetts in Leesburg to look for bedroom furniture. I found a guest bedroom set that I loved at Southern Lifestyles. Will purchase before we leave. We also bought a golf cart....a "model A" yesteryear Hot rod with half doors and rally wheels. Way too cool! My husband liked it so we bought it. Red and silver. Tomorrow we will meet up with our realtor and go through the homes once again to refresh our minds. Then we will make the home choice. It's so tough...we like some of them all! We are staying at Waterfront Inn. The rooms are nice but the parking is a nightmare! They do not own their parking lots,TV does, so there are no reserved spots for guests. You could very well have to park down by TV sales offices. We got lucky and there was literally one spot at the hotel and we took it! Anyway, We are having a ball. More updates to come!

[Schaumburger]

Hi all. Wanted to update you on our progress. We had a very busy day as you might expect. We met some of our friends on TOTV, Jim and Pat, and they were so welcoming and gave us some invaluable info. We went to look for a new master bedroom set and haven't found anything in Whites, Kents, or Rooms to Go. (They did have tons of furniture for other rooms though) We need to concentrate on the master so we have a place to sleep once the house is finished. Looked through a catalog at Southern Lifestyles and found a couple of possibilities. We still need to go to Babbetts in Leesburg to look for bedroom furniture. I found a guest bedroom set that I loved at Southern Lifestyles. Will purchase before we leave. We also bought a golf cart....a "model A" yesteryear Hot rod with half doors and rally wheels. Way too cool! My husband liked it so we bought it. Red and silver. Tomorrow we will meet up with our realtor and go through the homes once again to refresh our minds. Then we will make the home choice. It's so tough...we like some of them all! We are staying at Waterfront Inn. The rooms are nice but the parking is a nightmare! They do not own their parking lots,TV does, so there are no reserved spots for guests. You could very well have to park down by TV sales offices. We got lucky and there was literally one spot at the hotel and we took it! Anyway, We are having a ball. More updates to come!

Sounds like you are having fun! Can you post a photo of the golf cart? I stayed at Waterfront Inn last July the night before my rental started. Such a difference in the parking situation between high season and low season.

[Happinow]

Schaumburger, I took a photo of the style Of our cart with my cell phone and don't have the proper cords with me to plug into the computer to transfer them. They are custom making the cart to our colors so it won't be ready until we get here in May. It is cute though!

[VillagesFlorida]

Hi all. Wanted to update you on our progress. We had a very busy day as you might expect. We met some of our friends on TOTV, Jim and Pat, and they were so welcoming and gave us some invaluable info. We went to look for a new master bedroom set and haven't found anything in Whites, Kents, or Rooms to Go. (They did have tons of furniture for other rooms though) We need to concentrate on the master so we have a place to sleep once the house is finished. Looked through a catalog at Southern Lifestyles and found a couple of possibilities. We still need to go to Babbetts in Leesburg to look for bedroom furniture. I found a guest bedroom set that I loved at Southern Lifestyles. Will purchase before we leave. We also bought a golf cart....a "model A" yesteryear Hot rod with half doors and rally wheels. Way too cool! My husband liked it so we bought it. Red and silver. Tomorrow we will meet up with our realtor and go through the homes once again to refresh our minds. Then we will make the home choice. It's so tough...we like some of them all! We are staying at Waterfront Inn. The rooms are nice but the parking is a nightmare! They do not own their parking lots,TV does, so there are no reserved spots for guests. You could very well have to park down by TV sales offices. We got lucky and there was literally one spot at the hotel and we took it! Anyway, We are having a ball. More updates to come!

Did you happen to check out Kane's furniture in Ocala? They have a big showroom and lots of styles and price points...

[Happinow]

Did you happen to check out Kane's furniture in Ocala? They have a big showroom and lots of styles and price points...

We went to kanes and whites and both have lots of furniture but hardly any bedroom furniture. I was disappointed. We will probably purchase our other furniture at these stores though. Nice selection. Didn't look at sofas, chairs, dining room. Just bedroom.

[graciegirl]

Don't forget Bargains and Treasures. If you wanna go I can take you tomorrow.

Can't wait to wish you welcome and give you a hug.

[tainsley]

I have to ask...are you happinow? We searched for furniture when we moved down in December and ended up buying our set at Showcase Direct (the last place we looked). I love it and it was priced right. What I love about it is the king size bed has two drawers at the foot of the bed that are wide and deep for more storage. I am glad you are here and I wish you even more happiness in this place we call home!

[RichieB]

Enjoy that warm Florida weather !

It is currently 17 degrees where I live, about 50 miles north of NYC, and 9 degrees where you live.

BRRRR......haven't even been outside for the paper yet.

[spk7951]

We went to kanes and whites and both have lots of furniture but hardly any bedroom furniture. I was disappointed. We will probably purchase our other furniture at these stores though. Nice selection. Didn't look at sofas, chairs, dining room. Just bedroom.


Did not see it in your list of stores but you might also want to try Blockers in Ocala. Decent selection of furniture with reasonable prices.
Shop Furniture in Ocala, Florida - Blocker's Furniture - Ocala, Gainesville, High Springs, Hawthorne, 34471 (http://www.blockersfurnitureocala.com/)

[keithwand]

Your golf cart sounds great! We'll wait to get one until we get there in July or so.
Did you go with gas or electric? I still can't decide.
Street Legal or not? ditto here too.
Enjoy your time there.

[Happinow]

It's official. We chose the gardenia model to build. After touring several models we came right back to the one we originally picked. It's funny how that happened. To answer one of your questions, we bought a gas, not street legal yesteryear "model A" golf cart. Seemed to fit the bill. A bit pricey (18,000) but it's a yamaha, fuel injected so we splurged! Red and silver.

Thank you all for your good wishes it means a lot to me. It was a very busy day today but we managed to make time to
meet new friends and see how they decorated their home. I'm so impressed with the sense of decor that I'm jealous! In fact, as a compliment, I'm going to use some ideas I got today for my home. Another busy day tomorrow getting more things together. We are having the time of our lives and we are tired!

Once again, I want to thank everyone today for a lovely get together. You made me smile and gave my mind a rest. You are the best!

More updates to come.....thanks for listening.

[Happinow]

Did not see it in your list of stores but you might also want to try Blockers in Ocala. Decent selection of furniture with reasonable prices.
Shop Furniture in Ocala, Florida - Blocker's Furniture - Ocala, Gainesville, High Springs, Hawthorne, 34471 (http://www.blockersfurnitureocala.com/)

Thanks for the link....

[Happinow]

I have to ask...are you happinow? We searched for furniture when we moved down in December and ended up buying our set at Showcase Direct (the last place we looked). I love it and it was priced right. What I love about it is the king size bed has two drawers at the foot of the bed that are wide and deep for more storage. I am glad you are here and I wish you even more happiness in this place we call home!

I'm most always happy but I will be more happy in May when the house is complete and we can start living the life full time! We did find a bed at Southern Lifestyles, finally! Went totally different than i thought. Went in for cherry finish and ended up with a white set. Go figure!

[Happinow]

Enjoy that warm Florida weather !

It is currently 17 degrees where I live, about 50 miles north of NYC, and 9 degrees where you live.

BRRRR......haven't even been outside for the paper yet.

Richie, I'm not bragging about Florida weather as yet. I feel like I'm still up north! It was in the 20's here this morning and it may have hit 50 today but windy. Tomorrow a bit better and Tuesday it will start to warm up nicely to 70's and on to 80 by late week. But we froze for the past 3 days. We had jeans on and the floridians has shorts on!

[thistrucksforyou]

Your golf cart sounds great! We'll wait to get one until we get there in July or so.
Did you go with gas or electric? I still can't decide.
Street Legal or not? ditto here too.
Enjoy your time there.

Can a street legal drive on cart paths and golf courses ?

[Bettiboop]

It's official. We chose the gardenia model to build. After touring several models we came right back to the one we originally picked. It's funny how that happened. ......... More updates to come.....thanks for listening.

Cool! I know you are happy to have that decision behind you! Sounds like you had a busy day and got a lot accomplished! I'm so "happinow" for you!! :a040:

[Happinow]

Can a street legal drive on cart paths and golf courses ?

Not sure if street legal can ride on both. Best to contact a cart store. FYI! Street legal has to have insurance on it like a car and has to be registered. This means more $$$$$$.

[Cynbod]

I have enjoyed reading all of your posts. It must be one of the most exciting times of your life. Keep posting all the day's events. By the way; congratulations. :bigbow: :popcorn: :popcorn:

[Happinow]

I have enjoyed reading all of your posts. It must be one of the most exciting times of your life. Keep posting all the day's events. By the way; congratulations. :bigbow: :popcorn: :popcorn:

Thanks CYM od.

[nitehawk]

I have enjoyed reading all of your posts. It must be one of the most exciting times of your life. Keep posting all the day's events. By the way; congratulations. :bigbow: :popcorn: :popcorn:

Today I mowed my lawn - cleaned the driveway - put air in my car tires
Will keep you updated as I go from day to day --- Hope everyone is happy for me thnaks

[Happinow]

Today I mowed my lawn - cleaned the driveway - put air in my car tires
Will keep you updated as I go from day to day --- Hope everyone is happy for me thnaks

Oh nitehawk, I'm happy for you!

[graciegirl]

Today I mowed my lawn - cleaned the driveway - put air in my car tires
Will keep you updated as I go from day to day --- Hope everyone is happy for me thnaks

In Ohio where I grew up, consideration for anothers viewpoint, interest in seeing that others were doing well and being joyful for their happiness was considered a very good thing.

In other parts of the world, I stongly believe that some kids were taught that attitude was a weakness.

Still learning about stuff.

Gracie

[Happinow]

I think nitehawk was being sarcastic. Or maybe tired of hearing from me. I post my events for two reasons....one is because I know that some of you are following me on here and are interested in my progress. The second reason is because I think posting what it's like to come to TV and build is very valuable info for the next people who will do the same. I just may post that I did something that they forgot to do and I hope that would be helpful. It's a long and sometimes stressful process, so if I can help anyone along that's my goal. Plus we are just so darned excited that we just can't hide it! :a040:

[RichieB]

Keep on postin' Kathy ! :coolsmiley:

Your experience WILL help other future TVers.

[tainsley]

I think nitehawk was being sarcastic. Or maybe tired of hearing from me. I post my events for two reasons....one is because I know that some of you are following me on here and are interested in my progress. The second reason is because I think posting what it's like to come to TV and build is very valuable info for the next people who will do the same. I just may post that I did something that they forgot to do and I hope that would be helpful. It's a long and sometimes stressful process, so if I can help anyone along that's my goal. Plus we are just so darned excited that we just can't hide it! :a040:

I enjoy reading your posts...keep posting! I have only been here for six weeks now and still feel that same excitement. I can't wait to get up in the morning. Now if I had to get up and mow the lawn, clean the driveway, etc. I might not feel the same way! Keep us up to date!

[keithwand]

Happi- I've heard if you go gas the new Yamaha with EFI is the best.
Better MPG, less smell and less noise.
You'll have to update us when you get it.
Did you get the pool from the builder?
This will be our first pool and have decided after talking with friends with pools in FL to go regular water and not salt as I first thought.
Going with solar too.
9 out of 12 friends in various areas of FL (Naples, Punta Gorda, Ft Myers, New Smyrna Beach...) suggested it this way and also suggested (for pools) that a South exposure was best followed by West.

[jane032657]

Congrats on choosing! I think your posts are great and I knew you would be posting yesterday to share your final decision, I was looking for it! You thought long and hard about what would work best and I am sure others lament on this decision just as you have. May you always ne happy, healthy and blessed in your new home and enjoying every minute of designing, planning and furnishing!

[Posh 08]

I think nitehawk was being sarcastic. Or maybe tired of hearing from me. I post my events for two reasons....one is because I know that some of you are following me on here and are interested in my progress. The second reason is because I think posting what it's like to come to TV and build is very valuable info for the next people who will do the same. I just may post that I did something that they forgot to do and I hope that would be helpful. It's a long and sometimes stressful process, so if I can help anyone along that's my goal. Plus we are just so darned excited that we just can't hide it! :a040:

Are you going to be checking on availability of sink hole insurance while you are there?

[jane032657]

We got sink hole insurance for $30 when we took out our new policy for our Hacienda at Mission Hills CYV. It was offered to us, no problem. I think it was about $3 for content coverage for damage from a sink hole on top of the $30.

[2BNTV]

I am happy now for you as this is a good kind of stress to have but an exciting time for you.

This is useful for us wannabees as it gives us an idea of how things will be when first arriving in TV. It could make one's head spin with things to do but it will get done.

I'm sure you will be "happinow" when you are finished and wake-up with a cup of coffee, a relaxed mind and decide what is the fun thing you are going to do that.

Best Wishes. :)

[Jim 9922]

I think nitehawk was being sarcastic. Or maybe tired of hearing from me. I post my events for two reasons....one is because I know that some of you are following me on here and are interested in my progress. The second reason is because I think posting what it's like to come to TV and build is very valuable info for the next people who will do the same. I just may post that I did something that they forgot to do and I hope that would be helpful. It's a long and sometimes stressful process, so if I can help anyone along that's my goal. Plus we are just so darned excited that we just can't hide it! :a040:

Please keep up the posts. Its nice to follow along with people having such fun. Most of us have been there and done that too.
As for nighthawk, let him suck lemons and keep fixing his flat tires if thats all that gives him joy.:popcorn:

[Cynbod]

Today I mowed my lawn - cleaned the driveway - put air in my car tires
Will keep you updated as I go from day to day --- Hope everyone is happy for me thnaks

Okay, that will work for me. Congratulations on that lawn, good job! :coolsmiley: :popcorn::popcorn:

[Posh 08]

We got sink hole insurance for $30 when we took out our new policy for our Hacienda at Mission Hills CYV. It was offered to us, no problem. I think it was about $3 for content coverage for damage from a sink hole on top of the $30.

thanks

[aljetmet]

I think nitehawk was being sarcastic. Or maybe tired of hearing from me. I post my events for two reasons....one is because I know that some of you are following me on here and are interested in my progress. The second reason is because I think posting what it's like to come to TV and build is very valuable info for the next people who will do the same. I just may post that I did something that they forgot to do and I hope that would be helpful. It's a long and sometimes stressful process, so if I can help anyone along that's my goal. Plus we are just so darned excited that we just can't hide it! :a040:

I think your posts are great! Giving me valuable info as we will be going through the process as well! No one forces you to read a thread.
I refrain from reading certain threads. Enjoy your stay and get everything accomplished you need to this trip. That's what it's all about. :coolsmiley:

In the meantime I'm going to relax and :popcorn::popcorn:

Well not really still have at least 14 hours of work to do on our master bath so we can sell!

[graciegirl]

I think your posts are great! Giving me valuable info as we will be going through the process as well! No one forces you to read a thread.
I refrain from reading certain threads. Enjoy your stay and get everything accomplished you need to this trip. That's what it's all about. :coolsmiley:

In the meantime I'm going to relax and :popcorn::popcorn:

Well not really still have at least 14 hours of work to do on our master bath so we can sell!

Here is a huge sympathetic hug for both of you....all. I am so glad we survived and are now living on the other side of that kinda fun!!:shocked:

Angie Fox is up to her nostrils in boxes too. Hurry Home all of you all..

Did you notice I can speak a little Southern, PTurner?

[missypie]

Ya know, this is the way I see it for Happynow.

She is excited about coming to TV. Her excitement may be inner child like but that is precious and wonderful. Isn't that what moving to TV is all about? I am not there yet. But I can assure you that my planning and fun is part of the child fun like person that we are and that keep us young. We can tell people on TOTV how we feel because most understand the excitement. Happynow can't share with the people at home because they don't understand having never been here! So, Happynow, go for it baby! When I finally get there I'll be on here too telling all just because I like to share. Thanks for the details, you like to share and I like to read.

[CaptJohn]

I'm getting ready for what's in the next report.:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:

[tainsley]

Ya know, this is the way I see it for Happynow.

She is excited about coming to TV. Her excitement may be inner child like but that is precious and wonderful. Isn't that what moving to TV is all about? I am not there yet. But I can assure you that my planning and fun is part of the child fun like person that we are and that keep us young. We can tell people on TOTV how we feel because most understand the excitement. Happynow can't share with the people at home because they don't understand having never been here! So, Happynow, go for it baby! When I finally get there I'll be on here too telling all just because I like to share. Thanks for the details, you like to share and I like to read.

You hit the nail on the head! There is a child in all of us...how fun!

[RichieB]

I'm getting ready for what's in the next report.:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:

how about :beer3: :)

[Happinow]

You all are precious! Thank your for your support and moments of laughter. Most of you hit the nail on the head. There is nothing like living in TV and we want everyone to experience the lifestyle that we are experiencing because it's like no other. As one poster said, there is a child in me that hasn't come out in many, many years. Something life changing, like moving from snow and ice to the beautiful palms and sun is life changing. I've dreamed of it for years and to be able to make it happen....well...it's my dream come true. And as I said in the last post, I'm hoping to let others know what this process is like. Here's what today brought....

Meeting with local bank to establish ourselves, met with security company, looked at furniture, went to Appliance Direct in Leesburg (how reputable are they??), went to Southern Lifestyles twice, bought a mattress and box springs for 2 bedrooms, met with a designer and had dinner. It's now 8 PM and we are tired.

About the bed...we ended up getting a bed where the head and feet adjust. Never had one like this before and the difference was so great for us in comfort that we couldn't resist. We watch a lot of TV in bed so having an adjustable bed was a real treat. Bought the bed at Mattress Firm. Anyone had any dealings with them??

To those who are going down this path, it's a whirlwind but it's great fun! We hit the ground running and don't stop for about 9 hours. Tomorrow we meet with the designers to pick everything out. Should be fun. Thanks to everyone on here who has made suggestions and let us in to see their homes they have built, we have direction to make this process easier.

I will check back tomorrow evening to give you all an update. For all of you who follow my days, I thank you and hope I'm helping. For those who are bored and are sick of my posts....sorry! I hope I'm doing more good than bad. Thanks for listening and if anyone has any questions about our journey thus far, please ask and I'll be happy to help!

[Cynbod]

Sounds like you have had another busy and exciting day. Good luck with the designer tomorrow. Keep the posts coming so we can share some small part of your fun. :coolsmiley:

Till tomorrow....:popcorn::popcorn:

[Pturner]

Happiness,

I LOVE your updates! Visiting my Mom this week, so just catching up.

Your excitement is something we TVers can all relate to. It's fun to re-live the "first joy" through a fellow TOTVer's experience. I am so excited and happy for you. Please keep sharing your joyful updates.

Love, P

[Pturner]

Your golf cart sounds great! We'll wait to get one until we get there in July or so.
Did you go with gas or electric? I still can't decide.
Street Legal or not? ditto here too.
Enjoy your time there.

Boy howdy

Here is a huge sympathetic hug for both of you....all. I am so glad we survived and are now living on the other side of that kinda fun!!:shocked:

Angie Fox is up to her nostrils in boxes too. Hurry Home all of you all..

Did you notice I can speak a little Southern, PTurner?

:coolsmiley: I learned some of yours too.

But, um, Gracie... "all of you all!" :ohdear: In Southern, that's y'all, y'all. :D

[keithwand]

Boy howdy




:coolsmiley: I learned some of yours too.

But, um, Gracie... "all of you all!" :ohdear: In Southern, that's y'all, y'all. :D

OK, I'm missing something. What is Boy howdy?

[CaptJohn]

But, um, Gracie... "all of you all!" :ohdear: In Southern, that's y'all, y'all. :D

Ditto from a genuine, original Southerner! :)

[CaptJohn]

For all of you who follow my days, I thank you and hope I'm helping. For those who are bored and are sick of my posts....sorry! I hope I'm doing more good than bad. Thanks for listening and if anyone has any questions about our journey thus far, please ask and I'll be happy to help!

Those of us interested will keep the pages going and those bored need to be reading somewhere else and keeping their thoughts to themselves. You'll be another valuable asset in the future with your newly gained, recent, state of the art knowledge.

[graciegirl]

OK, I'm missing something. What is Boy howdy?

You aren't quite old enough to know .....yet.:icon_wink:






Oh alright. It is Ohioese for Wow!! and Hotdamn! and REALLY?????

[keithwand]

You aren't quite old enough to know .....yet.:icon_wink:






Oh alright. It is Ohioese for Wow!! and Hotdamn! and REALLY?????

Guess in Michigan we just said cool.:coolsmiley:

I thought maybe it had to do with Howdy Doody.

[Happinow]

Hi everyone. Another update, ready or not. As I write this I only have one eye open because we were so excited for this day to come we slept about 3 hours last night. Kept thinking about what we could expect. Once again we hit the ground running this morning with an appointment at 9:00 in a model gardenia, the one we are building. Heres what we did and picked out today....flooring, kitchen cabinets but not fixtures, added or subtracted lights and outlets, added a room to the garage, added French doors to the master to lead out to the pool, added two windows to the master, stretched the garage 4 feet by 2 feet, stretched the guest bedroom and bath, changed out the guest tub to only a shower, put recessed lighting in the master, put pendant lighting in kitchen as well as under cabinet lighting, added pullout drawers to cabinets, changed golf cart driveway, changed cubbyhole in both showers to the opposite end of shower, added a shower cubby hole in each shower and went to the granite yard to look at granite. Just so everyone knows, when going to pick out granite you must pick out all the slabs required to complete your house. We had an appointment at the granite yard but there was only one guy working there and he never spent any time with us even though we had an appointment. He was with another couple who took up our appt. How frustrating! Bill and I ended up going through the granite ourselves and picking one slab for our home. When we got back to the office our designerSTOLd us that we were supposed to have help and pick out all slabs for our home, not just one. Our home will require 3-4 slabs of granite and they want you to pick all of them due to granite having so many imperfections. They want to make sure you approve of all slabs. So now we have to go back to the granite yard to pick more out. Our designer wasn't happy with the granite people for not honoring our appointment. (i'm taking a breath). Tonight, I have to look at a book to narrow down fixture and lighting choices if I'm not too tired, but I am! You get to go in person to see the choices you make for flooring, paint,cabinets, etc. All of the choices are in the models which is extremely helpful. We also bought the bedroom furniture for the master and guest bedrooms at Southern lifestyles. It's such a fun process and I can hardly believe we are at this point. Tomorrow will finish up the home and meet with the pool people. We will again hit the ground running! Now I must try to relax and get some sleep so more to come tomorrow! Thanks for listening....

[angiefox10]

Hi everyone. Another update, ready or not. As I write this I only have one eye open because we were so excited for this day to come we slept about 3 hours last night. Kept thinking about what we could expect. Once again we hit the ground running this morning with an appointment at 9:00 in a model gardenia, the one we are building. Heres what we did and picked out today....flooring, kitchen cabinets but not fixtures, added or subtracted lights and outlets, added a room to the garage, added French doors to the master to lead out to the pool, added two windows to the master, stretched the garage 4 feet by 2 feet, stretched the guest bedroom and bath, changed out the guest tub to only a shower, put recessed lighting in the master, put pendant lighting in kitchen as well as under cabinet lighting, added pullout drawers to cabinets, changed golf cart driveway, changed cubbyhole in both showers to the opposite end of shower, added a shower cubby hole in each shower and went to the granite yard to look at granite. Just so everyone knows, when going to pick out granite you must pick out all the slabs required to complete your house. We had an appointment at the granite yard but there was only one guy working there and he never spent any time with us even though we had an appointment. He was with another couple who took up our appt. How frustrating! Bill and I ended up going through the granite ourselves and picking one slab for our home. When we got back to the office our designerSTOLd us that we were supposed to have help and pick out all slabs for our home, not just one. Our home will require 3-4 slabs of granite and they want you to pick all of them due to granite having so many imperfections. They want to make sure you approve of all slabs. So now we have to go back to the granite yard to pick more out. Our designer wasn't happy with the granite people for not honoring our appointment. (i'm taking a breath). Tonight, I have to look at a book to narrow down fixture and lighting choices if I'm not too tired, but I am! You get to go in person to see the choices you make for flooring, paint,cabinets, etc. All of the choices are in the models which is extremely helpful. We also bought the bedroom furniture for the master and guest bedrooms at Southern lifestyles. It's such a fun process and I can hardly believe we are at this point. Tomorrow will finish up the home and meet with the pool people. We will again hit the ground running! Now I must try to relax and get some sleep so more to come tomorrow! Thanks for listening....

This is very valuable information for people who are going to meet with the design team. Or even those who are not!

I'm glad you decided on the doors off the bedroom. Living on a golf course and waking up to a view.... Priceless!!! :coolsmiley:

[Cynbod]

All I can say is WOW!! Sleep tight, I cannot wait until tomorrow's post. :bigbow: :popcorn::popcorn:

[2BNTV]

Hi everyone. Another update, ready or not. As I write this I only have one eye open because we were so excited for this day to come we slept about 3 hours last night. Kept thinking about what we could expect. Once again we hit the ground running this morning with an appointment at 9:00 in a model gardenia, the one we are building. Heres what we did and picked out today....flooring, kitchen cabinets but not fixtures, added or subtracted lights and outlets, added a room to the garage, added French doors to the master to lead out to the pool, added two windows to the master, stretched the garage 4 feet by 2 feet, stretched the guest bedroom and bath, changed out the guest tub to only a shower, put recessed lighting in the master, put pendant lighting in kitchen as well as under cabinet lighting, added pullout drawers to cabinets, changed golf cart driveway, changed cubbyhole in both showers to the opposite end of shower, added a shower cubby hole in each shower and went to the granite yard to look at granite. Just so everyone knows, when going to pick out granite you must pick out all the slabs required to complete your house. We had an appointment at the granite yard but there was only one guy working there and he never spent any time with us even though we had an appointment. He was with another couple who took up our appt. How frustrating! Bill and I ended up going through the granite ourselves and picking one slab for our home. When we got back to the office our designerSTOLd us that we were supposed to have help and pick out all slabs for our home, not just one. Our home will require 3-4 slabs of granite and they want you to pick all of them due to granite having so many imperfections. They want to make sure you approve of all slabs. So now we have to go back to the granite yard to pick more out. Our designer wasn't happy with the granite people for not honoring our appointment. (i'm taking a breath). Tonight, I have to look at a book to narrow down fixture and lighting choices if I'm not too tired, but I am! You get to go in person to see the choices you make for flooring, paint,cabinets, etc. All of the choices are in the models which is extremely helpful. We also bought the bedroom furniture for the master and guest bedrooms at Southern lifestyles. It's such a fun process and I can hardly believe we are at this point. Tomorrow will finish up the home and meet with the pool people. We will again hit the ground running! Now I must try to relax and get some sleep so more to come tomorrow! Thanks for listening....

Sounds like a good nights sleep will do you wonders. Three hours is not enough sleep for me to function well. Great info and useful to those who are planning to build a new home. :)

[keithwand]

I'm exhausted just reading this update and realizing we have to go through this too in March.
I'm having my wife read this as she too wants to eliminate the guest tub and make it a shower only.
What did you change to the golf cart driveway?

[buzzy]

Gee, we missed out on all of that work. We were visiting old friends in their new home. We picked a spec home of their model. Fortunately it had several stretches, and the exposure that we wanted, and a closeout price. We never even went through the model homes.

Keep the updates coming.

[Happinow]

Hi everyone. Here goes for my update. We hit the ground running once again, meeting with our designer Melissa. I must say she is wonderful to work with. Today was more nitty gritty than yesterday and required more memory than I have. Thanks to Melissa, she kept track of our likes and dislikes. We started off picking out faucets for kitchen and bathroom and then door handles and knobs for cabinets. We then went to kitchen, nook and foyer lighting. I had looked in a booklet she gave me last night to expedite things and it did help speed things along. This part for me was hard to keep track of. So many to choose from. I think this woman is a saint. I'd probably be saying "just pick one and let's get on with it!" But Melissa was so helpful and patient. We also picked tile and cabinetry for summer kitchen. we also picked the front door, interior doors and house color. That was about it for the house part of our design. We then went onto the pool. T&D Pools are the pool people you will work with. They are also wonderful. We ended up getting a 16x32 pool with 2 waterfalls, a beach area and we put concrete columns in for the birdcage. We also added a lot more pool deck and some ceramic fish and ocean scenery on the beach part of the pool to give it some flair. There are way too many pool shapes to pick from. They do not take you to physically see any pools so you may want to investigate some on your own to see what style you like. It will make it much easier. This process took 4 1/2 hours and we have to go back for about 1/2 tomorrow to finish up the paper work. This is a really fun process too! We are almost done with this project and I'm not sure what I'm going to do when I go back home. We've been on such a tight schedule so far and I think it will feel good to relax! I must say, you get run ragged! I think the best advice I can give anyone who is building, look at the model homes on The Villages site and narrow them down. Budget first, then pick from there. Read, read and then read some more on this forum because it is the key to making things go smoothly and faster. Ask all the questions you can think of because someone will have an answer...it's just a wealth of information on here. Seeing that I've just been through the process, I will be happy to answer what I can from my experience. This has been a time I'll never forget and the best is yet to come....when I fly down here for the last time and open the door to the home my husband and I have built will be probably overwhelming but one of the best times of my life. Once again, thank you all for your advice and most of all for listening.:clap2::clap2::a040::a040:

[Happinow]

I'm exhausted just reading this update and realizing we have to go through this too in March.
I'm having my wife read this as she too wants to eliminate the guest tub and make it a shower only.
What did you change to the golf cart driveway?

Hi. We initially wanted to take the golf cart driveway all the way down to the road and take out the jog, however the front of our lot only allowed for modification of the jog. We could not take out the jog completely but straightened it out quite a bit. Easier to get cart in and out.

[jane032657]

Sounds wonderful, wow, what a home you will have! Love the pool with the beach an dthe summer kitchen. I think you have had a wonderful journey to this point and I truly believe you will have a lovely life in TV in your new home iwth new friends and a luxurioys place to hang your hat! I am so happy for you and your husband.

[Happinow]

Sounds wonderful, wow, what a home you will have! Love the pool with the beach an dthe summer kitchen. I think you have had a wonderful journey to this point and I truly believe you will have a lovely life in TV in your new home iwth new friends and a luxurioys place to hang your hat! I am so happy for you and your husband.

Thank you. We've worked so hard to get to this point. I can now say it's paying off in the form of a new home and new life.

[Cynbod]

I did not get to see your latest post last evening. Reading it now is a great way to start off the day.
Your home sounds delightful. You and your husband will definately be spending the next few weeks super excited.
Again, good luck with your new home.

[Pathel]

We've worked so hard to get to this point. I can now say it's paying off in the form of a new home and new life.

We have been following your posts and have a couple questions that I'm sure everyone would like to know. What did you both do for a profession? How old are you? In your photo, you appear to be a little younger than 55.

[Happinow]

Pathel...we are both in our early 50's and still run our own business back home. We work 6 days a week, 9 hours+ each day and have for the past 10 years. We are growing very tired of that so we decided to come to TV and enjoy life to it's fullest!

[The Village Girl]

Pathel...we are both in our early 50's and still run our own business back home. We work 6 days a week, 9 hours+ each day and have for the past 10 years. We are growing very tired of that so we decided to come to TV and enjoy life to it's fullest!

What business would that be, dear?

[Pathel]

Pathel...we are both in our early 50's and still run our own business back home. We work 6 days a week, 9 hours+ each day and have for the past 10 years. We are growing very tired of that so we decided to come to TV and enjoy life to it's fullest!
As professionals, we are curious as to the type of business you run.

[Posh 08]

The none of your business.

[angiefox10]

The none of your business.

People ask what business others are in all the time. I honestly don't understand the problem here. As I remember, you are from another country. If so, maybe you don't understand that we in the US are very proud of what we do. So much so, we carry business cards and hand them out to people with that information on the card.

Happinow has referred to her business many times in her threads and in fact seems to be very proud of it. Why would you respond in such a fashion when someone asks? I in fact I believe I asked her, myself and remember her telling me, but I think we were hanging up and I can't remember what she said.

They have their own business... people who have their own business generally advertise it. I know we did!

[Pathel]

The none of your business.

Well, we have been following their wonderful journey and they have been so open with everything else. Of course, we are very interested in the type of business they run.

[CarGuys]

The none of your business.

So your the guy I see in Customes telling Home Land Security to Go Bag it--

Is that why your left on the Island and the Ship is sailing away?

LOL Just kidding!

Herv

[tainsley]

Pathel...we are both in our early 50's and still run our own business back home. We work 6 days a week, 9 hours+ each day and have for the past 10 years. We are growing very tired of that so we decided to come to TV and enjoy life to it's fullest!

Good for you! We did the same and have been here for six weeks now and enjoying every minute!

[keithwand]

Congrats on your retirement! You won't miss working.
We quit working 10 years ago when I was 48 and my wife was 54.
10 years has SPED by and we look forward to coming to TV from Orlando.

[Happinow]

Good evening everyone. As you can imagine, we were off running again today. I thought we were signing our contracts today but ended up reviewing 14 pages of details! They go line by line and item by item, from outlets to door knobs. Of course we made some changes yet again to our design, albeit minor it took lots of time. We also re toured 2 model homes to make sure my paint and lighting choices were what I wanted. As everyone here said, if you make any change after you sign, it's 250.00. We sign the final contract tomorrow and our closing date in May 9th. :a040: tomorrow we will be doing some odds and ends and maybe we will have time to relax a bit! We head back to Upstate NY on Sunday. Hope these posts were helpful. It's been a blast writing them! And,
for you curious cats who want to know what our business is??? We've been in the antique business for years and have invested wisely. See you all in May.

[Bettiboop]

You're going to have to go back to work to get some rest!!! LOL. You've been busy, busy while in TV but you're lots closer to the finish line now than you were!

Safe travels back home on Sunday

[tainsley]

Safe travels...look forward to hearing from you soon! Stay happy now!

[Happinow]

Safe travels...look forward to hearing from you soon! Stay happy now!

Thank you!

[jmac1031]

Congratulations and Safe travels. Thanks for sharing!

[Posh 08]

People ask what business others are in all the time. I honestly don't understand the problem here. As I remember, you are from another country. If so, maybe you don't understand that we in the US are very proud of what we do. So much so, we carry business cards and hand them out to people with that information on the card.

Happinow has referred to her business many times in her threads and in fact seems to be very proud of it. Why would you respond in such a fashion when someone asks? I in fact I believe I asked her, myself and remember her telling me, but I think we were hanging up and I can't remember what she said.

They have their own business... people who have their own business generally advertise it. I know we did!

Wow. I am not a funny guy. My latest attempt at humor proves it according to your attack. What business are you in? The none of your business. Sorry, I thought it was funny and it wasn't pointed at anyone either. Your remark about being from a foreign country was interesting. Sorry to have riled you. Good day.

[Posh 08]

To Happinow.
I have enjoyed following your adventures in home purchasing. Thank you for sharing the experience. Hope you can relax a bit before your trip back North.

[angiefox10]

Wow. I am not a funny guy. My latest attempt at humor proves it according to your attack. What business are you in? The none of your business. Sorry, I thought it was funny and it wasn't pointed at anyone either. Your remark about being from a foreign country was interesting. Sorry to have riled you. Good day.

I'm honestly sorry you felt I attacked you. I thought maybe you didn't understand that it's a common question, and I really thought you were from another country.

Truth be told. I really didn't care... I just thought your post was odd.

Also... I'm glad the question was asked. I didn't remember her telling me they were in the antique business when I spoke to her. Somehow I thought it had something to do with jewelery. That being said, I'm glad she said what it was because we have a couple of pieces I would love for her to look at. They have been handed down through the family for years and we have been told they are worth quite a bit of money! I would LOVE to know their history and their value!

We are bringing them down with us!

[Turtlediver]

I enjoyed your story and found it very entertaining.....good luch with your new home...I also bought a model so I skipped some of the fun....you had it all...good for you!!!

[Pathel]

Also... I'm glad the question was asked. I didn't remember her telling me they were in the antique business when I spoke to her. Somehow I thought it had something to do with jewelery. That being said, I'm glad she said what it was because we have a couple of pieces I would love for her to look at. They have been handed down through the family for years and we have been told they are worth quite a bit of money! I would LOVE to know their history and their value!

We are bringing them down with us!

We so enjoy hearing all about their incredible journey. We never realized the antique business could be so lucrative. All their upgrades seem costly- and they are so eager to share the prices of their wonderful home with us. It will be such a joy for all of us to stop by to see the finished project.

[jane032657]

I think we should all stop by at the same time and have a party when they move in! What a suprise that would be for them! I hope I am there when it happens.....Her excitement is contagious. And beautiful.

[2BNTV]

Happinow:

You have earned a good rest. Your home will be beautiful after you are finished.

I always enjoy posts that will teach me something about TV so thank you for posting. There is an old saying:

Experience is the best teacher but wisdom is learning for someone else's experience.

Thank you for posting your experience. :)

[Pathel]

I think we should all stop by at the same time and have a party when they move in! What a suprise that would be for them! I hope I am there when it happens.....Her excitement is contagious. And beautiful.
:agree:

[Happinow]

To Happinow.
I have enjoyed following your adventures in home purchasing. Thank you for sharing the experience. Hope you can relax a bit before your trip back North.

Thank you for following! I hope I've helped those who are going to build their home. I had fun writing.

[Happinow]

Thanks for all of your well wishes. We ran over to look at our lot today and as luck would have it we got to meet the neighbors on either side of us. We really enjoyed meeting them. I think they have been looking outside frequently to see if any cars appear on the lot. It was funny because they both came out at the same time to see if we were the ones building. I had hopped to meet them before we went home. I think we have a good crew! You should have seen their eyes light up when we told them we were putting in a pool. They said they knew where the parties are going to be. :a040: they made us feel so welcome. We did apologize for all of the dust that will be generated over the next few months. Off to get a bite to eat and settle down. Thanks to all of you once again....Kathy

[lanabanana73]

Glad you got to meet your neighbors. That would make me feel a lot better in that situation, as my curiosity would have been killing me.

I'm so excited simply by the prospect of visiting for the first time in October, that it keeps me up at night. I can only imagine what you've been going through and it's very kind of you to share with all of us. I'm excited for you!

Safe travels back to my neck of the woods!

Alanna

[Happinow]

Glad you got to meet your neighbors. That would make me feel a lot better in that situation, as my curiosity would have been killing me.

I'm so excited simply by the prospect of visiting for the first time in October, that it keeps me up at night. I can only imagine what you've been going through and it's very kind of you to share with all of us. I'm excited for you!

Safe travels back to my neck of the woods!

Alanna

It's a crap shoot for who you get for neighbors but I thought we'd get great ones because there are so many nice people here. We can't wait to move. My brother is moving to VT on Tuesday! You will absolutely love your visit and won't want to go back home. It is truly addicting! Enjoy your stay.

[SunCity]

we are here in sun city and we like your posts.

[Don Dukes]

Good evening everyone. As you can imagine, we were off running again today. I thought we were signing our contracts today but ended up reviewing 14 pages of details! They go line by line and item by item, from outlets to door knobs. Of course we made some changes yet again to our design, albeit minor it took lots of time. We also re toured 2 model homes to make sure my paint and lighting choices were what I wanted. As everyone here said, if you make any change after you sign, it's 250.00. We sign the final contract tomorrow and our closing date in May 9th. :a040: tomorrow we will be doing some odds and ends and maybe we will have time to relax a bit! We head back to Upstate NY on Sunday. Hope these posts were helpful. It's been a blast writing them! And,
for you curious cats who want to know what our business is??? We've been in the antique business for years and have invested wisely. See you all in May.


Hi, I'm from Queensbury too! Do you know Ed and Beth Sterling? They are moving to The Villages too.

I knew you had the CSA Cash for Coins shop on Upper Glen Street, cashforgold.net (http://cashforgold.net/) but I wasn't aware of your Antique business.

Just where is your antique store? I'm not interested in selling any of my gold, but I sure would love to see some of your antiques!

[Pathel]

Hi, I'm from Queensbury too! Do you know Ed and Beth Sterling? They are moving to The Villages too.

I knew you had the CSA Cash for Coins shop on Upper Glen Street, cashforgold.net (http://cashforgold.net/) but I wasn't aware of your Antique business.

Just where is your antique store? I'm not interested in selling any of my gold, but I sure would love to see some of your antiques!

Fascinating website! We are not familiar with that line of business. We have seen articles about "cash for gold parties". Could you kindly enlighten us on it?

[The Village Girl]

Hi, I'm from Queensbury too! Do you know Ed and Beth Sterling? They are moving to The Villages too.

I knew you had the CSA Cash for Coins shop on Upper Glen Street, cashforgold.net (http://cashforgold.net/) but I wasn't aware of your Antique business.

Just where is your antique store? I'm not interested in selling any of my gold, but I sure would love to see some of your antiques!

Oh Dear
I guess that answers the "what business are you in" question.

[Happinow]

[quote=Don Dukes;455278]Hi, I'm from Queensbury too! Do you know Ed and Beth Sterling? They are moving to The Villages too.

[Happinow]

[quote=Don Dukes;455278]Hi, I'm from Queensbury too! Do you know Ed and Beth Sterling? They are moving to The Villages too.

The name doesn't ring a bell. We are all lucky to be retiring in the villages!

[Posh 08]

Antique coins and gold I figure.

[angiefox10]

Wow. I am not a funny guy. My latest attempt at humor proves it according to your attack. What business are you in? The none of your business. Sorry, I thought it was funny and it wasn't pointed at anyone either. Your remark about being from a foreign country was interesting. Sorry to have riled you. Good day.

What kind of business are you in?

The none of your business!!! :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Sorry Posh 08.... I'm blond! Takes some time for me to catch up!!! :smiley:

[nancy03743]

I think nitehawk was being sarcastic. Or maybe tired of hearing from me. I post my events for two reasons....one is because I know that some of you are following me on here and are interested in my progress. The second reason is because I think posting what it's like to come to TV and build is very valuable info for the next people who will do the same. I just may post that I did something that they forgot to do and I hope that would be helpful. It's a long and sometimes stressful process, so if I can help anyone along that's my goal. Plus we are just so darned excited that we just can't hide it! :a040:

Thanks for posting your progress because I am taking notes. It is very helpful. Nancy

[rosygail]

We couldn't find the Master Bedroom set that we wanted but like you we did find a guest room set we liked. We had it delivered before we came down and slept in the guest room until we were able to find a Master set we liked!

It was kind of strange since we used the master bath, but it did allow us time to find the master set we really loved!

Don't rush yourself.....only but what you love!