[B767drvr]

Hello Everyone!

I've been a lurker for a while and finally spoke up after reading a thread in which a "troller" (an individual whose sole purpose is to to criticize and elicit a response from the membership) attacked the Villages. (He was the Marine who thought it was OK to bring his alcoholic beverage into a restaurant in one of the squares)... like he was on vacation on a Mexican beach! BTW loved the response, "Why not bring a ham sandwich also!... too funny!

I'm a few years away from the minimum age, yet feel an affinity toward "The Villages" since researching this amazing retirement area a few months ago. To be clear, my wife is not YET sold, 5+ years away (at a minimum)... her mind is very linear... i.e., still have kids in high school, can't think about retirement...

I, on the other hand, have already mentally made pickle ball reservations, scuba diving lessons set, have a 9-hole round set up with future buddies, will meet the ladies for drinks/dinner at any one of 100+ clubs/restaurants... etc...

Coming from very southern California... to me... Florida is not first (but well up there!) on my list... but with no state income tax... warm, beaches not too far away, centrally located to cruise terminals, european travel destinations... hey, this is looking mighty inviting!

Thankfully, heat, humidity and hot weather... "bring on global warming" is my wife's common lament!

To Gracie... If you read this... from reading your posts, I love you. What a sweet lady! No place is perfect. Once you've made your decision, and you're happy, disregard all the negative! Gracie correctly exudes this.

Why would someone make hundreds of posts on TOTV if they've decided to live elsewhere? They're desperately seeking confirmation for their decision. We accuse them of being vindictive, or mean... when they simply are seeking gratification that "they" made the right decision for themselves. I usually give it to them and go on with my life. It sounds aloof or arrogant, and I get that at first look, but if you begin to peel back the onion, you see these people's interests do not align with that of The Village: A temperate climate, vast social interaction, large recreational opportunities, an active lifestyle, etc...

Some people dig on isolation, cold weather, small town... whatever... not us!

In the end... those of you already blessed with a "Villages" lifestyle... count your blessings, be grateful for your "circumstance", and do not feel as if you need to defend your decision. Those of us, and there are plenty of us, that understand and embrace the "lifestyle" will join you in the future, regardless.

Finally, after saying final goodbyes to several friends recently, I've had a bit of clarity in my life. Whether I visit the Corvette forum (my favorite automobile, for right or wrong), or the Seabourn forum, or my wife visits her cooking forums... the world is full of loving, sweet people with the same dreams and aspirations. Oh, and all those forums are also filled with "haters" that (despite our best intentions) bring nothing nothing but negative vibrations. Their information is most often incorrect, misguided, and delivered with an ulterior motive. Be wary of these people!

Peace to all... in spite of what the detractors might say, the Morse's have indeed created an incredible place to live! Be secure in your beliefs. If you chose to be a Villager, you chose well!

Hopefully, we'll join you in a few years. Meanwhile, enjoy your lives to the fullest, and do not pay attention to the detractors - their sound is universal and of no positive consequence!... a giant whining, sucking sound.

Merry Christmas! (and Happy Hannukah!)


PS I may not be a frequent poster, but I'll check back from time to time. My sincere best to Gracie... I wish we were a few years (and miles) closer.

Best to all!

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by B767drvr

Hello Everyone!

I've been a lurker for a while and finally spoke up after reading a thread in which a "troller" (an individual whose sole purpose is to to criticize and elicit a response from the membership) attacked the Villages. (He was the Marine who thought it was OK to bring his alcoholic beverage into a restaurant in one of the squares)... like he was on vacation on a Mexican beach! BTW loved the response, "Why not bring a ham sandwich also!... too funny!

I'm a few years away from the minimum age, yet feel an affinity toward "The Villages" since researching this amazing retirement area a few months ago. To be clear, my wife is not YET sold, 5+ years away (at a minimum)... her mind is very linear... i.e., still have kids in high school, can't think about retirement...

I, on the other hand, have already mentally made pickle ball reservations, scuba diving lessons set, have a 9-hole round set up with future buddies, will meet the ladies for drinks/dinner at any one of 100+ clubs/restaurants... etc...

Coming from very southern California... to me... Florida is not first (but well up there!) on my list... but with no state income tax... warm, beaches not too far away, centrally located to cruise terminals, european travel destinations... hey, this is looking mighty inviting!

Thankfully, heat, humidity and hot weather... "bring on global warming" is my wife's common lament!

To Gracie... If you read this... from reading your posts, I love you. What a sweet lady! No place is perfect. Once you've made your decision, and you're happy, disregard all the negative! Gracie correctly exudes this.

Why would someone make hundreds of posts on TOTV if they've decided to live elsewhere? They're desperately seeking confirmation for their decision. We accuse them of being vindictive, or mean... when they simply are seeking gratification that "they" made the right decision for themselves. I usually give it to them and go on with my life. It sounds aloof or arrogant, and I get that at first look, but if you begin to peel back the onion, you see these people's interests do not align with that of The Village: A temperate climate, vast social interaction, large recreational opportunities, an active lifestyle, etc...

Some people dig on isolation, cold weather, small town... whatever... not us!

In the end... those of you already blessed with a "Villages" lifestyle... count your blessings, be grateful for your "circumstance", and do not feel as if you need to defend your decision. Those of us, and there are plenty of us, that understand and embrace the "lifestyle" will join you in the future, regardless.

Finally, after saying final goodbyes to several friends recently, I've had a bit of clarity in my life. Whether I visit the Corvette forum (my favorite automobile, for right or wrong), or the Seabourn forum, or my wife visits her cooking forums... the world is full of loving, sweet people with the same dreams and aspirations. Oh, and all those forums are also filled with "haters" that (despite our best intentions) bring nothing nothing but negative vibrations. Their information is most often incorrect, misguided, and delivered with an ulterior motive. Be wary of these people!

Peace to all... in spite of what the detractors might say, the Morse's have indeed created an incredible place to live! Be secure in your beliefs. If you chose to be a Villager, you chose well!

Hopefully, we'll join you in a few years. Meanwhile, enjoy your lives to the fullest, and do not pay attention to the detractors - their sound is universal and of no positive consequence!... a giant whining, sucking sound.

Merry Christmas! (and Happy Hannukah!)


PS I may not be a frequent poster, but I'll check back from time to time. My sincere best to Gracie... I wish we were a few years (and miles) closer.

Best to all!

What a nice first post. Sure that Graciegirl will see it.

[2BNTV]

What a lovely, thoughful and intelligent first post.

to TOTV. Keep on posting.

P.S. You are right about Gracie,. A great sweet lady.

[mulligan]

Welcome....and for the record, the minimum age is 19, so come on down, spend a little time, and probably change your wife's mind.

[cab1948]

What a wonderful first post....I think you hit the nail on the head!

[cahweh1975]

Perhaps the OP should re-read the thread to which they're referring. The man was making a (lame) joke. He has apologized profusely and offered additional explanation. A separate post further criticizing him is truly unnecessary and just mean-spirited, IMHO.

Is this ridiculous criticism and bickering what we have to look forward to when we finally move to The Villages? I sure hope not. I had a much better impression from our visit, but I am beginning to wonder...

[bkcunningham1]

Originally Posted by B767drvr

Hello Everyone!

I've been a lurker for a while and finally spoke up after reading a thread in which a "troller" (an individual whose sole purpose is to to criticize and elicit a response from the membership) attacked the Villages. (He was the Marine who thought it was OK to bring his alcoholic beverage into a restaurant in one of the squares)... like he was on vacation on a Mexican beach! BTW loved the response, "Why not bring a ham sandwich also!... too funny!

I'm a few years away from the minimum age, yet feel an affinity toward "The Villages" since researching this amazing retirement area a few months ago. To be clear, my wife is not YET sold, 5+ years away (at a minimum)... her mind is very linear... i.e., still have kids in high school, can't think about retirement...

I, on the other hand, have already mentally made pickle ball reservations, scuba diving lessons set, have a 9-hole round set up with future buddies, will meet the ladies for drinks/dinner at any one of 100+ clubs/restaurants... etc...

Coming from very southern California... to me... Florida is not first (but well up there!) on my list... but with no state income tax... warm, beaches not too far away, centrally located to cruise terminals, european travel destinations... hey, this is looking mighty inviting!

Thankfully, heat, humidity and hot weather... "bring on global warming" is my wife's common lament!

To Gracie... If you read this... from reading your posts, I love you. What a sweet lady! No place is perfect. Once you've made your decision, and you're happy, disregard all the negative! Gracie correctly exudes this.

Why would someone make hundreds of posts on TOTV if they've decided to live elsewhere? They're desperately seeking confirmation for their decision. We accuse them of being vindictive, or mean... when they simply are seeking gratification that "they" made the right decision for themselves. I usually give it to them and go on with my life. It sounds aloof or arrogant, and I get that at first look, but if you begin to peel back the onion, you see these people's interests do not align with that of The Village: A temperate climate, vast social interaction, large recreational opportunities, an active lifestyle, etc...

Some people dig on isolation, cold weather, small town... whatever... not us!

In the end... those of you already blessed with a "Villages" lifestyle... count your blessings, be grateful for your "circumstance", and do not feel as if you need to defend your decision. Those of us, and there are plenty of us, that understand and embrace the "lifestyle" will join you in the future, regardless.

Finally, after saying final goodbyes to several friends recently, I've had a bit of clarity in my life. Whether I visit the Corvette forum (my favorite automobile, for right or wrong), or the Seabourn forum, or my wife visits her cooking forums... the world is full of loving, sweet people with the same dreams and aspirations. Oh, and all those forums are also filled with "haters" that (despite our best intentions) bring nothing nothing but negative vibrations. Their information is most often incorrect, misguided, and delivered with an ulterior motive. Be wary of these people!

Peace to all... in spite of what the detractors might say, the Morse's have indeed created an incredible place to live! Be secure in your beliefs. If you chose to be a Villager, you chose well!

Hopefully, we'll join you in a few years. Meanwhile, enjoy your lives to the fullest, and do not pay attention to the detractors - their sound is universal and of no positive consequence!... a giant whining, sucking sound.

Merry Christmas! (and Happy Hannukah!)


PS I may not be a frequent poster, but I'll check back from time to time. My sincere best to Gracie... I wish we were a few years (and miles) closer.

Best to all!

B767drvr, welcome to TOTV. I hope you are able to be a more frequent poster here. You seem to fit right in. I am sorry for the recent loses in your life, but happy to hear you gained clarity and something positive came through their passing.

I don't know if you realize or not, but you can always do a the Lifestyle Preview Visit. It doesn't matter if you bring children with you or if you are going to buy a house on your visit. It would be a Florida vacation close to the beaches and even The Mouse. You even get a golf cart with your vacation home!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours out there on the left coast.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by cahweh1975

Perhaps the OP should re-read the thread to which they're referring. The man was making a (lame) joke. He has apologized profusely and offered additional explanation. A separate post further criticizing him is truly unnecessary and just mean-spirited, IMHO.

Is this ridiculous criticism and bickering what we have to look forward to when we finally move to The Villages? I sure hope not. I had a much better impression from our visit, but I am beginning to wonder...

Because you did not meet the whiner's on TOTV....no need to wonder.

[graciegirl]

I was off topic.

[CaptJohn]

to the TOTV forum! Very nice first post. Most of us understand it!

[Cantwaittoarrive]

Life is short, go after what you want. My wife was very much like your wife. I started on her about TV almost 20 years ago, we were only in our 30's then. I dragged my wife kicking and screaming to our first lifestyle visit, we were in our late 40's at the time, she had such a good time she started planning when and how we could retire and move to TV (I ended up retiring at 50). Now we are 53 and 51 moved to TV in the last year and LOVE every minute of our life here. I always said I wanted to move to somewhere when I retired that every one you see could be on vacation. Well TV is even better, eveyone you see is living their dream and so far my experience living in TV is unbelieveable, every day is play day, we make friends everywhere we go. I only wish I had dragged my wife on a LSV 5 years earlier. My advice would be to get your wife here on a lifestyle visit and do all of the activities she likes to do. TV will sell it's self

[duffysmom]

B767 I enjoyed reading your post; I especially enjoyed your philosophy on life. Believe me 5 years will go by in a flash so perhaps a lifestyle visit isn't a bad idea. Not only do they give you a cart they supply a couple of bikes as well. Whatever you decide to do I have a feeling that with your attitude you will have a happy retirement.

[HDriders]

Welcome to TOTV and hopefully TV some day......your post was most accurate, we just moved in a month ago, and we must say, it truly IS as good as everyone claims it is.....could NOT be happier : )

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by B767drvr

Hello Everyone!

I've been a lurker for a while and finally spoke up after reading a thread in which a "troller" (an individual whose sole purpose is to to criticize and elicit a response from the membership) attacked the Villages. (He was the Marine who thought it was OK to bring his alcoholic beverage into a restaurant in one of the squares)... like he was on vacation on a Mexican beach! BTW loved the response, "Why not bring a ham sandwich also!... too funny!

I'm a few years away from the minimum age, yet feel an affinity toward "The Villages" since researching this amazing retirement area a few months ago. To be clear, my wife is not YET sold, 5+ years away (at a minimum)... her mind is very linear... i.e., still have kids in high school, can't think about retirement...

I, on the other hand, have already mentally made pickle ball reservations, scuba diving lessons set, have a 9-hole round set up with future buddies, will meet the ladies for drinks/dinner at any one of 100+ clubs/restaurants... etc...

Coming from very southern California... to me... Florida is not first (but well up there!) on my list... but with no state income tax... warm, beaches not too far away, centrally located to cruise terminals, european travel destinations... hey, this is looking mighty inviting!

Thankfully, heat, humidity and hot weather... "bring on global warming" is my wife's common lament!

To Gracie... If you read this... from reading your posts, I love you. What a sweet lady! No place is perfect. Once you've made your decision, and you're happy, disregard all the negative! Gracie correctly exudes this.

Why would someone make hundreds of posts on TOTV if they've decided to live elsewhere? They're desperately seeking confirmation for their decision. We accuse them of being vindictive, or mean... when they simply are seeking gratification that "they" made the right decision for themselves. I usually give it to them and go on with my life. It sounds aloof or arrogant, and I get that at first look, but if you begin to peel back the onion, you see these people's interests do not align with that of The Village: A temperate climate, vast social interaction, large recreational opportunities, an active lifestyle, etc...

Some people dig on isolation, cold weather, small town... whatever... not us!

In the end... those of you already blessed with a "Villages" lifestyle... count your blessings, be grateful for your "circumstance", and do not feel as if you need to defend your decision. Those of us, and there are plenty of us, that understand and embrace the "lifestyle" will join you in the future, regardless.

Finally, after saying final goodbyes to several friends recently, I've had a bit of clarity in my life. Whether I visit the Corvette forum (my favorite automobile, for right or wrong), or the Seabourn forum, or my wife visits her cooking forums... the world is full of loving, sweet people with the same dreams and aspirations. Oh, and all those forums are also filled with "haters" that (despite our best intentions) bring nothing nothing but negative vibrations. Their information is most often incorrect, misguided, and delivered with an ulterior motive. Be wary of these people!

Peace to all... in spite of what the detractors might say, the Morse's have indeed created an incredible place to live! Be secure in your beliefs. If you chose to be a Villager, you chose well!

Hopefully, we'll join you in a few years. Meanwhile, enjoy your lives to the fullest, and do not pay attention to the detractors - their sound is universal and of no positive consequence!... a giant whining, sucking sound.

Merry Christmas! (and Happy Hannukah!)


PS I may not be a frequent poster, but I'll check back from time to time. My sincere best to Gracie... I wish we were a few years (and miles) closer.

Best to all!

Thank you. I hadn't read this until I went back and read all seven of your posts. I really can't say hurry and get older.

Just bloom where you are planted.

Enjoy every moment of this sweet life.

[carm310]

We started our journey to live in TV almost 5 years ago with one of our children still in middle school. She will be graduating from high school in less than two months and will be attending college in Florida, just two hours from our home in TV. We will be moving permanently mid-July.

It isn't too soon to start planning! We have accomplished much as we have kept our eye on the "prize". Of course it has helped to have the same goal in mind as we worked together to get there. With 3 months to go we look back and the time has gone by quickly. Though at times it has seemed the day would never arrive.

If you have not visited, do so if you can. Your wife may change her mind after she experiences TV. What do you have to lose by visiting?