[batman911]

Have you considered bringing the mother-in-law with you to TV?

[Yorio]

From several postings I noticed that "my husband would like to move right away". Does TV appeal to guys more INITIALLY then to ladies? In my case it took me 5 years for us to buy something in TV because she wasn't sure. She finally agreed with the proviso that we'll be snowbirds for a few years(2 or 3. Years). With Texas, we can't use this line but for northerners, I used the line I have SDS syndrome--sun deficiency depression. I think she feels sorry for me now. I was very, very patient. On the other hand, my good friend told his wife that he is moving to TV and she can come visit any time and as long as she wants. His wife got the hint and she initiated checking with the realtor to make sure the house in TV is to her liking. He could have chosen a one bedroom or whatever if left to him. I still can't figure out why ladies aren't as interested initially. Does this have something to do with Mars and Venus

[angiefox10]

Not so with us. The day we drove into Spanish Springs eight years ago, I marched myself in and asked where I sign up!!! I hadn't even seen the rest of the town.

I saw the people jogging on the cart paths, playing pickle ball, driving around in golf carts (like a Disney world ride), the shops, people walking hand in hand and sitting in the outdoor cafés eating lunch and just all round enjoying life.

They insisted I see the town and make sure it was what I wanted before I did anything rash! So.... We took the bus ride. I have been counting down since that day!

But then I was the one who insisted that my children find the "right" place for them to live and work. I didn't want them to grow up feeling "stuck" in a place or job as so many people are. So our children are all over the US and happy little clams in their lives. We see them as often as we can and when we can't.... There is always the phone, FB and Skipe!

Life is good!

[manaboutown]

Over the last nine years my grandchildren have resided in three different California cities as well as in Montana and Nevada. They move because my son and his wife move. Following them around by moving where they move is out of the question. I visit them when I can, 3-4 times a year for 4-5 days each stay. It works out just fine.

I do understand if one's extended family have resided in a community or area for perhaps multiple generations it might be very difficult to permanently relocate. A second home or getaway might be the answer as many snowbirds discover. For business reasons I have been a "splitter" (owning and spending time in homes in two different places) for 21 years now and it has not been much of a problem. Right now I am considering making one of those places TV so I am renting a home there for a month to see how it feels. I do have a lifestyle visit under my belt and I want to return. My recommendation is one spend time somewhere to see how it feels. In my professional career I once took a job in a community which had long, cold, overcast winters with over 100 inches of snow. I found I suffered SAD, seasonal affective disorder, so I found a job in a sunnier place and lived happily ever after. I tell folks "The longest 20 years I ever spent was in 30 months in __________."

[ilovetv]

Originally Posted by Yorio

From several postings I noticed that "my husband would like to move right away". Does TV appeal to guys more INITIALLY then to ladies? In my case it took me 5 years for us to buy something in TV because she wasn't sure. She finally agreed with the proviso that we'll be snowbirds for a few years(2 or 3. Years). With Texas, we can't use this line but for northerners, I used the line I have SDS syndrome--sun deficiency depression. I think she feels sorry for me now. I was very, very patient. On the other hand, my good friend told his wife that he is moving to TV and she can come visit any time and as long as she wants. His wife got the hint and she initiated checking with the realtor to make sure the house in TV is to her liking. He could have chosen a one bedroom or whatever if left to him. I still can't figure out why ladies aren't as interested initially. Does this have something to do with Mars and Venus

No, I don't think it appeals more to men initially than to women. In the cases we've seen in which the man wants to get a place in TV and the woman doesn't, it's because she refuses to leave the grandchildren. But as they grow, the grandchildren tend to go their own way and are busy with schoolwork, friends, high school extracurriculars, summer jobs, etc.

Marriage involves a lot of "give and take", and compromise is always necessary. And sometimes we agree to things our spouse wants to do and we don't, simply because it's important to them (and there's no harm in it).

Or, it's something the guy has been working to achieve for decades and finally, they have TIME to do the things they've had to put off for so long while working to provide for the family and put the kids thru college. My husband is finally getting a chance to do things he enjoys that he hasn't done in 30-40 years because of work and very little vacation time. I benefit from seeing him young at heart again and not so serious because of work demands.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by ilovetv

No, I don't think it appeals more to men initially than to women. In the cases we've seen in which the man wants to get a place in TV and the woman doesn't, it's because she refuses to leave the grandchildren. But as they grow, the grandchildren tend to go their own way and are busy with schoolwork, friends, high school extracurriculars, summer jobs, etc.

Marriage involves a lot of "give and take", and compromise is always necessary. And sometimes we agree to things our spouse wants to do and we don't, simply because it's important to them (and there's no harm in it).

Or, it's something the guy has been working to achieve for decades and finally, they have TIME to do the things they've had to put off for so long while working to provide for the family and put the kids thru college. My husband is finally getting a chance to do things he enjoys that he hasn't done in 30-40 years because of work and very little vacation time. I benefit from seeing him young at heart again and not so serious because of work demands.

Nicely said. I long for the day that Sweetie will quit working. He is 70 for Petes sake!

[notlongnow]

I saw the people jogging on the cart paths, playing pickle ball, driving around in golf carts (like a Disney world ride), the shops, people walking hand in hand and sitting in the outdoor cafés eating lunch and just all round enjoying life.

This is how both of us felt when we visited both times.

Have you considered bringing the mother-in-law with you to TV?

Not a chance on earth would she move from Texas! She has lived here her whole life, raised her family here, buried her husband here and plans on dying here.
We will most likely remain here, if only part time, until she does. She is a wonderful person and the best mother-in-law that anybody could ever hope for and she would say go on and do what you need to do. For that reason we probably will not.

My wife loved it there, she just has a hard time thinking about what we might do that far in the future. She is not against it and I would not force her under any circumstances!
She will come to the decision on her own I just normally have to guide her. She trust my instincts.
We work together in our business now and make all decisions together.

I love golf and sun and warm weather for starters so that is the beginning of my love for TV but them I saw everybody there and met many people that just made me feel like I had been there forever.

It will happen, I know it will. I am just a planner. That was the reason for my post and it has given me more hope than I could have hoped for.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
EB

[Yorio]

In the short time we were there, we only met one couple's wife who was unhappy there. They moved about a month ago when we met. She definitely looked unhappy and said so many times. He did't look too happy because of her unhappiness. We felt sorry for them but we couldn't do much and negative vibes were too much. It was a catch 22. You don't want an unhappy wife so you need to be patient until she says she is ready. Good luck.

[2BNTV]

notlongnow:

It seems like you have all the bases covered with your planning and the advice you received was excellent. I must comend you for havng the vision to plan for this life changing event.

My job to other people is to stay as happy as I can be. I always remember the story about the parents who called their kids stupid when they were growing up and then wondered why they never called after they had their own families. Everybody wants to be around people who are positive and happy.

Good luck as you move towards your dream.

[notlongnow]

Thanks 2BNTV.
I think she will think about it more as we get closer to retiring in the next couple years.
I plan to semi-retire in about 1 1/2 years. I am an architect and I design homes so it is something that I can do anytime and anywhere without employees and an office.
This is when I think she will see us retiring and maybe living in TV part time at least.
We have a mountain home in New Mexico that we plan on staying at for the hot summers here in Texas.
We have our home here in Texas, the cabin and we bought the home that her mother lives in now plus we own our office so buying in TV for part time living is probably out of the question right now.
We will need to sell some of these properties before we add to the list.
Hope to see some of you there in the next couple years.
EB

[notlongnow]

JUst an update on the journey to get me and my wife to TV in the future.
I looked at some designer plans and found a couple that I liked. I read in another thread about "how did you pick you house" is that it only matters what plan she likes. I really don't care about every little corner of the house.
I have designed homes for a living for about 30 years now and I can make anything work. Just get me there!
She did continue to look at plans for over an hour and a half.
Down side was all she could see is what was missing in the plans. She is still not into the "down sizing" part of this plan.
I just want a big Lania, a golf cart garage and the living room on the back.

Questions,
How often do they change to new plans and discontinue others? Because I would hate to get her going on a plan that is not around in two or three years.
Does anybody ever get to build their own design or even make moderate changes to TV's plans? Sorry, it is just the architect in me. Boy the plans I could come up with for TV.
Can you add cart garages to all of the plans?

I will ask the sales people questions when we get closer to the real dates that we would live there but now I am just picking y'alls brain.
The real good thing is she did not dismiss it out of hand and looked at plans and asked questions for a long time.
I call that a good start. I also told her that it something that I do want to do and she did not give me "that look", you all know the one.

Thanks
EB

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by notlongnow

I also told her that it something that I do want to do and she did not give me "that look", you all know the one.

Yes, I know "that look". My mother taught it to me. I have it perfected it, and use it often. Ask Fireboy.

Good luck with your "process". You seem to be moving slowly and gently, good strategy. Getting your wife looking at floorplans is step #1 to a happy move to Paradise.

[Yorio]

Getting your wife excited with the floor plans is the first positive move. If she doesn't want to downsize, there is the premier home and if finance is not an issue, I saw huge homes around Lake Miona.

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by notlongnow

JUst an update on the journey to get me and my wife to TV in the future.
She did continue to look at plans for over an hour and a half.
I call that a good start. I also told her that it something that I do want to do and she did not give me "that look", you all know the one.

Thanks
EB

EB:

It looks like your halfway there. Good Luck.

[Schaumburger]

EB,

I think that when your wife is willing to look at plans for 90 minutes, that is a good sign. I wouldn't spend 90 minutes looking at something that I was totally opposed to. Keep us posted on your progress.