[glgene]

Gene & Kathy's TV Trip Report, Feb. 5-12
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Our best day was Day #1 (when we arrived). Our worst day, Day #8 (when we left...boo-hoo).

Our first mistake, we feared, was booking a golf cart rental too late. Nevertheless, Kathy DID find an owner (2 wks. in advance) with a rental. $100 (we lucked out). Got the job done for us very nicely (gas, 20+ mph).

We rented a house in Duval. That, too, worked out for us very well. Near Odell St., so we had good access without snaking around a lot of roads to-from places.

First time there for us in the winter (we had been there 7 times before). So yes, we did experience life with the snowbirds (that's what we wanted so we would know what it's like with a full house). Mission accomplished. We wanted to know that, since we plan to move to TV as full-time frogs in 2013.

We looked at a lot of homes -- both in-house tours, as well as some drive-bys. 'Open House' traffic, as usual, was busy.

We checked out the 'Relax in Comfort' bed store in Lake Sumter Square. The "live" demo was so convincing I fell asleep (no kidding). The sales rep had to wake me up, as Kathy chuckled. Indeed, we'll be buying that bed when we move to TV.

We missed the Chubby Checker (in person) entertainment special at the Savanna Center. Drat! That would have been enjoyable.

Saw where they started an Apple iPad Users Group in TV. 1,900 total clubs and counting. It has been said if you get bored in TV, it's your own fault! I firmly believe that. We attended the IBD Investors Group meeting one morning. The Quilt Makers group didn't catch Kathy's interest <g>.

Dined one evening at the Cane Country Club with 'Gracie and family'. That is always a treat for us. We're both from the Cincinnati, OH area, so that's how we know each other. Queen Gracie, as many of you know, wears quite a crown!

We went to the 'Money Show' in Orlando on Feb 10. Get this -- I lost my credit card there while later dining at an adjoining restaurant. In other words, I lost my money at the Money Show! Fear not, they found it and we picked it up on the way back to the Orlando airport. Losing a credit card is a dreadful experience, even if only briefly.

Because we were so busy looking at houses, we played golf only once (Palmer course). Good time for us, as usual.

Sunday, when we left, it was in the low 30's. Brrr. Golf courses didn't open until 9 a.m. that day. Cold or not, there were those still wearing shorts (and a coat). I've never quite understood how your lower half can be warm enough, but upper half you coat yourself. Saw that a few evenings, too. ???

All in all, it was a great trip for us. Soon -- in 2013 -- we'll be buying a one-way ticket to The Villages.

Gene and Kathy, OH

[angiefox10]

Originally Posted by glgene

Gene & Kathy's TV Trip Report, Feb. 5-12
=================================
Our best day was Day #1 (when we arrived). Our worst day, Day #8 (when we left...boo-hoo).

Our first mistake, we feared, was booking a golf cart rental too late. Nevertheless, Kathy DID find an owner (2 wks. in advance) with a rental. $100 (we lucked out). Got the job done for us very nicely (gas, 20+ mph).

We rented a house in Duval. That, too, worked out for us very well. Near Odell St., so we had good access without snaking around a lot of roads to-from places.

First time there for us in the winter (we had been there 7 times before). So yes, we did experience life with the snowbirds (that's what we wanted so we would know what it's like with a full house). Mission accomplished. We wanted to know that, since we plan to move to TV as full-time frogs in 2013.

We looked at a lot of homes -- both in-house tours, as well as some drive-bys. 'Open House' traffic, as usual, was busy.

We checked out the 'Relax in Comfort' bed store in Lake Sumter Square. The "live" demo was so convincing I fell asleep (no kidding). The sales rep had to wake me up, as Kathy chuckled. Indeed, we'll be buying that bed when we move to TV.

We missed the Chubby Checker (in person) entertainment special at the Savanna Center. Drat! That would have been enjoyable.

Saw where they started an Apple iPad Users Group in TV. 1,900 total clubs and counting. It has been said if you get bored in TV, it's your own fault! I firmly believe that. We attended the IBD Investors Group meeting one morning. The Quilt Makers group didn't catch Kathy's interest <g>.

Dined one evening at the Cane Country Club with 'Gracie and family'. That is always a treat for us. We're both from the Cincinnati, OH area, so that's how we know each other. Queen Gracie, as many of you know, wears quite a crown!

We went to the 'Money Show' in Orlando on Feb 10. Get this -- I lost my credit card there while later dining at an adjoining restaurant. In other words, I lost my money at the Money Show! Fear not, they found it and we picked it up on the way back to the Orlando airport. Losing a credit card is a dreadful experience, even if only briefly.

Because we were so busy looking at houses, we played golf only once (Palmer course). Good time for us, as usual.

Sunday, when we left, it was in the low 30's. Brrr. Golf courses didn't open until 9 a.m. that day. Cold or not, there were those still wearing shorts (and a coat). I've never quite understood how your lower half can be warm enough, but upper half you coat yourself. Saw that a few evenings, too. ???

All in all, it was a great trip for us. Soon -- in 2013 -- we'll be buying a one-way ticket to The Villages.

Gene and Kathy, OH

GREAT vacation!! The only time we stayed in TV, for the most part we were so busy trying to get everything set up we didn't have a chance to check out any of the clubs or activities!

We will when we move in! I know exactly how you feel about leaving. I was in our home for 10 days and it's killing be until I can get back!!!

I don't remember.... Sooooo did you decide what home you want? I'm guessing from your post that you didn't secure a lot.

[Happinow]

I have to agree that Gracie wears the crown here in TV. I want to stay in her good "graces" or I fear she'll get her possie after me. but I think if you look up what the word Gracie means you'll find the following.....

G - good hearted
R- ready to defend her turf
A - always there for you
C - caring
I - incredibly witty
E - excellent hostess and cook (from what I've heard)

God bless Gracie....

[glgene]

No, we didn't secure a building lot. Still not sure if we're buying new or pre-owned. Trying to keep an open mind.

And you're right: 'God Bless Gracie and the USA.'

Gene

[Bettiboop]

2013 will be here before you know it! I had to laugh at your mention of people with shorts and a coat on. You too might be doing that in years to come! We do it all the time - especially during the day when sun is out.

I enjoyed reading about your recent TV trip. Pretty soon it will be not just a visit...but your home place!

[glgene]

A sales rep ("Sal") at the Lake Sumter Yamaha store, said its newly-introduced fuel-injected gas golf carts (Yamaha), will become standard equipment (at $499 extra) on its Yamaha carts once the current inventory of carburetor-deviced gas carts are sold. Fuel-injected advantages according to Sal are (1) no choke required on starts, (2) somewhat quieter, and (3) less fumes. We test-drove one around the block; did seem a little quieter, but still doesn't compare to the whisper quiet of an electric cart.

Sal said 96% of the carts they sell ARE gas-powered. And with the expansion of the TV geography (think south of 466A), the Yamaha store HIGHLY recommends gas carts, which can go 240 miles on one fill-up without the worry of electrifying your battery-powered golf cart at nights.

To each his/her own regarding golf cart usage...as is the case with all TV-related decisions: House model, village location, golf cart, clubs to join, restaurants to enjoy, etc. Ahhh--Paradise South!

Gene

[glgene]

Kathy and I enjoyed waking every day at 7:00 a.m. to the radio auto-on of 640 AM (The Villages radio station). That is superb, local radio. You even hear it walking around Lake Sumter square (good marketing for preview trippers). Stay up-to-date on area happenings, events, weather...and laid-back music from yesteryear. Am I showing my age? Guilty. Ahhh-640 AM.
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I was surprised to the cost of (Curtis-style) golf cart enclosure doors. They appear to be great for cold weather or wet weather driving...2-3 seconds and you're protected from the weather. Faster than zippers and snap buttons on sunbrellas. But $1,500 to $1,700? Ouch! Glad that's optional. I understand they could be problemsome if you're parking (at the square); since the door has to swing out while opening or closing. Some (most?) of the parking stalls at the square end up with skinny-Minnie side room between your cart and the next cart -- not especially conducive for Curtis-style cart doors. Always trade-offs, right?
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We heard that 85% of TV residents vote. Bravo! Count us in; because if you don't vote, you shouldn't complain if your legislators legislate against your desires. Here's to USA...the right to vote! Go, TV.

Gene & Kathy

[2BNTV]

No report would be complete without mentioning Gracie.

Glad you had a great time.