We are finally here
 

Just four months after first visiting The Villages we are here, settled in to some extent and enjoying everything. (My wife has been posting as "Jadlos".) All has gone well, in fact much better than we could have expected. We are in Tamarind Grove, in what was a model. We closed on June 27 and our movers were able to come in on that afternoon rather than Tuesday so we were able to get a jump on moving in. While we promised each other that we would take it slowly, it is difficult to ignore the fact that your garage, living room and three bedrooms are full of boxes and it's difficult to pass up the urge to open "one more box". When they first visited, the trash people removed a huge pile of knocked down boxes and the last of many trash bags that we've filled while unpacking. There may be a dozen containers left to empty but those will wait for a while. There will be many more boxes and bags to come.

We are Bill (that's me) and Dave (that's my wife of 26 years). Dave has achieved a lifelong dream of eating out more often than eating in…we've been so tired after a day of putting things together that we've succumbed to making reservations rather than dinner…as far as concerned that's perfect with her…she tried to pack all the dishes and pots and pans two months ago.

We've had several opportunities to get out and around as we've visited Lowe's, Home Depot, Wal Mart, and various furniture stores not to mention several restaurants. We also treated ourselves to golf over the weekend but both felt guilty that we were playing rather than working.

Our immediate neighborhood consists of people who are as new as we are and others who have been here under a year. We have many who are not permanent residents…home owners here as well as home owners elsewhere. Dave has already agreed to check on several homes while our neighbors are away…I've suggested she turn that into an income producing service.

We have put together our kitchen, the master bedroom and the living room.
My most recent accomplishment has been opening the dozens of crates containing my compact discs and the storage units for them. I have one of the two small bedrooms for my music and my computer…two walls of which will house the 3500 compacts discs in my continually growing collection. That job is 50% finished.

So far we have used or arranged to use a plumber, electrician, Comcast installer, irrigation and landscaping guy, someone to put insulation in the attic over garage, and someone who will "paint" our driveway, garage and lanai. Yesterday we had a solar tube installed in the kitchen. We have met and been totally impressed by Alan Byer who has already surpassed the expectations that many of you gave us in your comments about him.

Two notes: when we moved in we discovered that both toilets were only 13 inches high…don't know why…I felt that my knees were going to hit my chin. We bought two new units and had them installed. Gave the unwanted and brand new units to Habitat for Humanity…while we waited for the pickup, the toilets were in the front of our garage, visible when we opened the garage doors…we had many comments and questions from neighbors. I wanted us to sit out there in the early evening and sip our wine…cooler, wiser heads prevailed.

Note #2: When we moved in to Pinehurst, NC twenty years ago, we did everything ourselves; installed mirrors, shower enclosures, light fixtures and outlets. In the 20 years since we must have gotten smarter, or older because the very first thing we did here was secure the services of a handyman (the aforementioned Alan Byer); we may even have him on retainer. I get tired even watching him (which is why I don't watch him) but not a tired as if I were doing it myself.

We go to bed at night pleased with what we've done and exhausted because of it. But it is fun.

Congrats on getting to paradise.

Sounds like you accomplished a lot. Shortly, you will be able to sit back and really start having fun.

Best wishes as you live your dream.

Congrats!!! Welcome to TV!

Bill :)

Congrat's Wow I hope I can get a home there soon so I can have some fun .Enjoy many happy years in your new home Congrat's again and again and again.. :)

billjay23, after reading your post, I am pushing the Fast Forward button even harder. Alas, it's not working... but October isn't too far away. We will be "around the corner" from you at the east end of Ansley Path - our Sun Kissed is currently being built. See ya at the pool!

Two notes: when we moved in we discovered that both toilets were only 13 inches high…don't know why…I felt that my knees were going to hit my chin. We bought two new units and had them installed. Gave the unwanted and brand new units to Habitat for Humanity…while we waited for the pickup, the toilets were in the front of our garage, visible when we opened the garage doors…we had many comments and questions from neighbors. I wanted us to sit out there in the early evening and sip our wine…cooler, wiser heads prevailed.

I can see you will fit in just fine with the people I want to hang out with!

Welcome and enjoy every second of your time, even the unpacking.

We look forward to meeting you and Dave(???) in person. Davida?

13 inches high??? Whoa.... Now I have to replace the toilets????

*laughing* Sitting out in front on them!!! Can't wait to meet you???

Well you have broken the code. Yes, it is Davida -- if you call her that she may very well shun you. If you have heard all the different ways that name has been "modified" by others, particularly telemarketers, you can understand why he doesn't really like it.

Looking forward to meeting you.

Well that should read "...why she doesn't really like it." When we first moved to Pinehurst, we won the very first Couples competition we entered. The newspaper article said "...Bill and Dave Jadlos (husband and wife newcomers to Pinehurst)". So nobody should get the wrong idea.

*laughing* It's not wrong either way... Welcome!!!! and BTW... I measured my toilet!!!! In my whole life, I have NEVER measured my toilet until now!!!!

:a20:

Congrats & Welcome!

Soooo, you two are the reason Alan said he isn't available until the first week of August. Well, thanks for contributing to the ruination of my marriage as, now, I must assist my husband in replacing two toilets and 45 electric thing-a-ma-jigs. Oh, well, I'll be nice. Welcome to Talk of the Villages and welcome home to TV.

Welcome Bill and Dave! Loved your post! Hope to meet up with you soon. Enjoy!