Need encouragement

[TOMCAT]

TIRED OF HEARING PEOPLE PUT FLORIDA DOWN,FROM LOVEBUGS TO THE HEAT! I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR SOME GREAT WORDS ABOUT FLORIDA AND THE VILLAGES. CONSIDERING MOVING THERE. WHEN I WAS THERE, I LOVED IT!

:crap2:

[DougB]

:popcorn::popcorn:

[gomoho]

The most beautiful flora and fauna in the country and it absolutely abundant here. You can sit on your lanai, enjoying a glass of wine and listening to the palm fronds rustle in the wind. You never know what bird may fly over your home - from a honking sandhill crane, to a white pelican, to an eagle. Turtles bigger than life and gators sunning themselves on the golf course. Thousands of us in our retirement years actually enjoying life and all that we have worked for. Love bugs are only here a short time and they don't bite and the heat is a fact of life - you learn to live with it. Don't believe a worry about other bugs, they aren't allowed in The Villages!

[TOMCAT]

Got a laugh out of me! What does that mean, DougB, are you waiting for the replies with the popcorn?

[cquick]

we are only human! But we LOVE FLORIDA! We have all chosen to move here....heat doesn't keep us inside the house! Lovebugs don't keep us inside the house!

We love to go outside and talk with our neighbors without our coats on!:eclipsee_gold_cup:

[TOMCAT]

I do not know why others have to make opinions when they know you like something. I think people can just be mean sometimes because they are not happy with their own lives. Sounds very encouraging, gomoho, I wouldn't mind just sitting on the lanai,sipping some wine and being just mellow

:wine::wine:

[tainsley]

Tomcat, love everything about TV. It gets hot everywhere. Love bugs are here for two weeks! I have never bed happier. Don't even miss the kids anymore...one of them is always visiting!

[Happinow]

We all have our pet peeve about the villages but when it comes down to it this is a beautiful place to live. I'm sitting on my lanai looking at my pool watching the sun in all of its glory. I love my home, I love where I live and when i go away I can't wait to come back. There is everything here for us but it is a bit expensive. You will love it here. Come join the rest of the happy villagers!!

[redwitch]

Okay, I hate Florida. I'm a mountain person, so this flatness is loathsome. I can handle heat but I'm not good about humidity. After seven years, I think I've finally learned to tolerate the humidity but there are days I seriously whine about it. I'm terrified of thunderstorms but I'm living in the lightning capital of the world. I used to hide in my bedroom when I first moved here when it stormed. Now, I sit on the lanai and enjoy the show. Bugs, snakes, etc. don't bother me, so they're a non-issue to me.

I love my bubble! If I can't be in California, I'm so glad I'm here. There isn't a day that doesn't go by where I don't smile about something -- whether it is a sandhill crane strutting its stuff in my backyard, a neighbor walking their dog, a dog hanging its head out of the golf cart or someone driving a golf cart in a clown suit. It all works for me.

No place is perfect. People are quick to put other parts of the world/country down. It's not their home. They want their friends to stay close to them but can't seem to say that out loud, so they mention every negative thing they can about a location. Remind them you're just an airplane ride away and they're always welcome to visit. Ignore their negativity. It's not Florida they're objecting to, it's the idea that you're thinking of leaving them and coming here.

[DianeM]

Tell the naysayers to mind their business. Yes, Florida is hot in July and August but it's not snowing in January/February. I personally fan better than I shovel.

[kittygilchrist]

Ok, Tomcat, I'm a native Floridian. Lovebugs are relatively new here, but must be dealt with. It's really bad. they come out in 2 seasons a year for a couple of weeks. the really terrible thing is you have to wash your car cuz little paired up cutiepie bugs smaller than your pinky nail can erode the paint. That is just awful. I'd think twice about moving if I were you.

[gomoho]

REDWITCH - you are so right. I find something that makes me smile everyday as well. Actually I probably walk around like a smiling fool 'cause there is always something to enjoy or admire in your surroundings. I love Florida - would I love it as much if I lived in another part of the state - probably not 'cause everything here is beautiful and clean.

[graciegirl]

REDWITCH - you are so right. I find something that makes me smile everyday as well. Actually I probably walk around like a smiling fool 'cause there is always something to enjoy or admire in your surroundings. I love Florida - would I love it as much if I lived in another part of the state - probably not 'cause everything here is beautiful and clean.

Pretty much what she said...and if you doubt it, just read several thousand of my prior posts. ;)

[Billyworld]

:beer3:I have been in Florida 23 years. Moved here from California and Ohio. The weather is great. The hotter it gets, the more Cody's Beer to drink. Riding motorcycles is great and Florida is biker friendly. Fishing is fantastic. We have Salt and Fresh water. We have no State Income tax. Homeowners insurance is cheap along with kind of inexpensive car insurance. Vehicle registration is cheap and cars don't rust out. The roads are smooth and don't have chuck holes like up North. We wear shorts 12 months a year and ride around with the top down 12 months also. I could go on and on but this State is Great! .........The Villages makes it just that much better! :beer3:

[Geewiz]

Up north I spent 3 months indoors due to cold and ice....OK - for a few months you move from air conditioner to pool and back to air conditioner, What you might miss is culture...big cities offer everyday high culture...here you have to look for it (this includes fine dining). Also, big cities with teaching hospitals, provide surgical options that you have to drive to around here (St. Pete, Gainesville, and Mayo in Jacksonville). But folks here are very friendly and generous and hell - you are an hour from the mouse....be a kid again. Also, MCO has cheap flights all over the US, the islands and Europe (as they all come to Orlando due to the mouse). Also - no state income tax - no small deal when retired. Come on down - everyday housing prices are going up...catch the wave before it makes swimming impossible.

[kittygilchrist]

Got a laugh out of me! What does that mean, DougB, are you waiting for the replies with the popcorn?

me too. cracked up.

[Uptown Girl]

I personally fan better than I shovel.

GREAT LINE!!!
Just wanted to add that our skies here are beautiful! I spent my first few weeks up at the crack of dawn taking pictures of the sunrise, unpacking boxes, running outside and taking more pictures as the skies changed to their beautiful blue! Hubby just chuckled and watched me run in and out.
Since our electrical stuff is underground, the skies are unobstructed and for flat land, you can see forever.
My first painting here was of a pair of Sand Hill cranes flying in the sky.
Then I knew I was HOME.

[kittygilchrist]

Florida is hot in the summer. Some people go north for a few months. Unlike cold and snow, all you have to do to fix hot weather is air conditioning. Heat doesn't disable your car, make you have wrecks or make walking hard. You don't have to dig out of it, or wipe it off your nostrils. If you hate hot weather, don't move here full time. If you do move, make sure your car is air conditioned.

[DianeM]

You know........yes it's hot here some of the time but summer everywhere is hot. In NY we'd go to the 90's and have miserable humidity. Most don't have central air 'cause you don't need it most of the year so window/wall units are how we go and after a few days of hibernating, you go stir crazy. The same with winter - you lose January, February and often March to snow and really really cold temps where if you don't have to go out, you don't. It's just a fact of life ---- no where is perfect all the time.

[DianeM]

GREAT LINE!!!
Just wanted to add that our skies here are beautiful! I spent my first few weeks up at the crack of dawn taking pictures of the sunrise, unpacking boxes, running outside and taking more pictures as the skies changed to their beautiful blue! Hubby just chuckled and watched me run in and out.
Since our electrical stuff is underground, the skies are unobstructed and for flat land, you can see forever.
My first painting here was of a pair of Sand Hill cranes flying in the sky.
Then I knew I was HOME.

Glad you liked the comment.

[kittygilchrist]

GREAT LINE!!!
Just wanted to add that our skies here are beautiful! I spent my first few weeks up at the crack of dawn taking pictures of the sunrise, unpacking boxes, running outside and taking more pictures as the skies changed to their beautiful blue! Hubby just chuckled and watched me run in and out.
Since our electrical stuff is underground, the skies are unobstructed and for flat land, you can see forever.
My first painting here was of a pair of Sand Hill cranes flying in the sky.
Then I knew I was HOME.

May I see your sandhill work? Oh my I love them. I'm thinking of a stained glass front door w/sandhill. pls let me see what you have done...I am an aspiring photographer too, but can't paint...pretty please.

[Bogie Shooter]

TIRED OF HEARING PEOPLE PUT FLORIDA DOWN,FROM LOVEBUGS TO THE HEAT! I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR SOME GREAT WORDS ABOUT FLORIDA AND THE VILLAGES. CONSIDERING MOVING THERE. WHEN I WAS THERE, I LOVED IT!:crap2:

This is the only point (post) that means anything to you.

[kittygilchrist]

well said, redwitch. you took time to post from the heart.Okay, I hate Florida. I'm a mountain person, so this flatness is loathsome. I can handle heat but I'm not good about humidity. After seven years, I think I've finally learned to tolerate the humidity but there are days I seriously whine about it. I'm terrified of thunderstorms but I'm living in the lightning capital of the world. I used to hide in my bedroom when I first moved here when it stormed. Now, I sit on the lanai and enjoy the show. Bugs, snakes, etc. don't bother me, so they're a non-issue to me.

I love my bubble! If I can't be in California, I'm so glad I'm here. There isn't a day that doesn't go by where I don't smile about something -- whether it is a sandhill crane strutting its stuff in my backyard, a neighbor walking their dog, a dog hanging its head out of the golf cart or someone driving a golf cart in a clown suit. It all works for me.

No place is perfect. People are quick to put other parts of the world/country down. It's not their home. They want their friends to stay close to them but can't seem to say that out loud, so they mention every negative thing they can about a location. Remind them you're just an airplane ride away and they're always welcome to visit. Ignore their negativity. It's not Florida they're objecting to, it's the idea that you're thinking of leaving them and coming here.

[kittygilchrist]

Ok, Tomcat, I'm a native Floridian. Lovebugs are relatively new here, but must be dealt with. It's really bad. they come out in 2 seasons a year for a couple of weeks. the really terrible thing is you have to wash your car cuz little paired up cutiepie bugs smaller than your pinky nail can erode the paint. That is just awful. I'd think twice about moving if I were you.

that was all in fun! of course you should move here, Tomcat. We have all done it and none of us are sorry. Drink the koolaid....or pm me if you need to talk about any specific worry. I know Florida...
Kitty

[villagerjack]

Okay, I hate Florida. I'm a mountain person, so this flatness is loathsome. I can handle heat but I'm not good about humidity. After seven years, I think I've finally learned to tolerate the humidity but there are days I seriously whine about it. I'm terrified of thunderstorms but I'm living in the lightning capital of the world. I used to hide in my bedroom when I first moved here when it stormed. Now, I sit on the lanai and enjoy the show. Bugs, snakes, etc. don't bother me, so they're a non-issue to me.

I love my bubble! If I can't be in California, I'm so glad I'm here. There isn't a day that doesn't go by where I don't smile about something -- whether it is a sandhill crane strutting its stuff in my backyard, a neighbor walking their dog, a dog hanging its head out of the golf cart or someone driving a golf cart in a clown suit. It all works for me.

No place is perfect. People are quick to put other parts of the world/country down. It's not their home. They want their friends to stay close to them but can't seem to say that out loud, so they mention every negative thing they can about a location. Remind them you're just an airplane ride away and they're always welcome to visit. Ignore their negativity. It's not Florida they're objecting to, it's the idea that you're thinking of leaving them and coming here.

Your last paragraph says it all. EXACTLY !

[OnTrack]

A few of my thoughts, on why I love living in Florida.

I no longer own a snow shovel.

Heck, I haven't even scraped my own windshield in 10 years...much less worrying about finding a place to plug in my vehicle at -55.

I used to live for a three week vacation somewhere warm in late January, but always had to go home for 3+ more months of snow and ice.

Now, we've made trips to the snow and mountains (the mountains, I do miss)....but come home and wear shorts.

Speaking of which, I love putting up Christmas lights outside in shorts... instead of running inside to warm up hands that have been outside of my gloves.

I love it when it's.....warm AND dark.

As far as love bugs or other pests, they are laughable compared to swarms of large mosquitoes that are so blood thirsty....they have been known to stampede caribou herds numbering in the thousands.

While I would never trade my 30+ years living in an extreme cold climate....there isn't enough money to make me go back.

My photo album......pretty much says it all. :D

[Phanatic Luvr]

This evenings sunset ... need I say more?

[perrjojo]

So this morning I worked in my garden and the temps were perfect...at 1:00 my husband went to play golf with friends and I went to our pool to play Mahjong. At 6:00 my husband and I met for lobster night at Arnold Palmer CC. Dinner was yummy and the Sunset was one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. We came home and sat on the lanai and had wine by candle light. What could be more perfect? Oh, there were some love bugs out today, but who cares? We live our Village life.

[TOMCAT]

Thanks for all your input. I actually can sit hear and imagine my life over there as I sit here and pretty soon will go to work for a long, long day. I am still wearing a light coat as the weather in Long Island is still remarkably cool for May! Superstorm Sandy has had its impact on us and just love our high taxes!

Hope to be in The Villages soon!:icon_wink:

[DianeM]

Thanks for all your input. I actually can sit hear and imagine my life over there as I sit here and pretty soon will go to work for a long, long day. I am still wearing a light coat as the weather in Long Island is still remarkably cool for May! Superstorm Sandy has had its impact on us and just love our high taxes!

Hope to be in The Villages soon!:icon_wink:

Tomcat - I was a Long Islander too and while I do miss that life once in a while (still miss Hicks Nurseries), I do not miss the cold or the snow or the ridiculous taxes. The Island is getting more and more congested and the traffic is horrendous. Come on down - life is easier in Florida.

[asianthree]

why does it bother you what others think...my life my rules

[rockyisle]

Ignore them - they would whine about anywhere they lived. Is is hot in the summer, of course.. but name one place in the US that is not? Would you trade here for the neat and asphalt of NYC on an August day?
Love bug vs mosquitoes - LB's win it hands down with me. They are pesky, but don't bite.
The rest is about the ability to do just about anything you want to do year round. That would be here!
If you don't believe us, just rent The kind of house you think you'd want to live in for a whole year and then make your decision....

[BritParrothead]

TIRED OF HEARING PEOPLE PUT FLORIDA DOWN,FROM LOVEBUGS TO THE HEAT! I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR SOME GREAT WORDS ABOUT FLORIDA AND THE VILLAGES. CONSIDERING MOVING THERE. WHEN I WAS THERE, I LOVED IT!

:crap2:

What is NOT to love about Florida?? We have been in love with Florida since 1986 when we first visited!! Cant keep away!

[redwitch]

Ignore them - they would whine about anywhere they lived. Is is hot in the summer, of course.. but name one place in the US that is not?

Sorry, rocky, but I can easily name one place -- San Francisco. You usually need layers in June, July, August and beginning of September (and I still think it's the greatest city in the world!).

[manaboutown]

OK Rocky: Average high in Newport Beach in July and August is about 72 degrees F. Humidity is low, very few bugs of any sort. This is probably pretty much the situation from Santa Barbara down to San Diego as long as one stays near the beach. Inland it gets hot although usually humidity remains low which helps a lot.

[Geewiz]

Every place has its ying and yang. San Diego or San Fran - great weather..lousy earthquakes. New York...high culture, the current Rome, but the beast demands feeding and everything costs up the wazoo. Chicago - winter, corruption and killings...underneath the Geary auditorium. NoLA - Katrina.

Life is easy here. Catch the wave while it's still catchable. Old Florida...Gatorland Zoo...crocs in the garage...the mouse...and kind folks.