[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I agree with him. I almost always do.

It is VERY hard to do what you just did. In a sense we are pioneers, going to a new place to begin a new life and many of us are not quite as energetic as we once were to see to moving all of our earthly possessions.

It is very stressful to change your life in a major way and to go without sleep and especially in a time when there is tension all around us in this country..some of it good.

This IS worth it. We love it here and although we are getting a bit older and don't dance at the square like we used to, there is so much to do and so many interesting and delightful people to meet, each with an important story of their adventures in life so far.

My family thanks you for your service and welcomes you home. It will be fine. Kindest wishes.

This about says it all! You sound like a real nice guy and, if you are, you will find loads of real nice people here.

[marshwon1]

please let us know if we can help in anyway while you settle in. what village will you be in? Can we pick up so groceries for you so you can at least wake up to coffee, etc.?

[patfla06]

Congrats on your new house in T.V.

It was low 80's today and will be tomorrow.

When you get here take a deep breath and remind yourself
everything doesn't have to be done all at once.

Moving is stressful but worth it.
Good luck and welcome!

[DangeloInspections]

Congratulations!!! Relax, and enjoy the process. I think in life folks end up regretting more of what they did NOT to.....not what they did.

For every one who lights a candle there are 10 who curse the darkness. You sir have just lit a candle. Again congratulations!

One can easily eat an elephant if you just take one bite at a time...you have from now on....

Thank you for your service. Many here have taken the same path you are now on and are willing to help.

Respectfully, Frank

[Yung Dum]

Relax. It's almost done. I promise you will love it here. My only caution- Don't buy anything from someone who comes to your door. There will be some landscapers and pest control people at your front door when you move in. They're "bargain" services are NEVER good. Just say no. Welcome to The Villages.

[TheDude]

Hi everyone. Its midnight so I will be short. If you followed the news indianapolis' highways iced over. Crashes, someone died, people were running out of gas stuck in traffic. I was able to get to the airport as my Uber driver took the back roads. Dog and I were in airport, only 2 TSA lines were open because most of the TSA couldn't get to airport. So many people couldn't get to their flights. My flight was delayed 2 hours so I missed my shuttle but got another and got to TV.

My friend in Fort Myers had driven up in a rental car in the morning.

I got to TV after 3pm, so all my scheduled plans were off.

After getting lost with my friend for a lot of the time, I ended up in The Waterfront. Expensive for 11pm until morning, but couldn't leave my dog all stressed out after such a hard day. She is so overwhelmed.

I don't post personal information on the internet because I am alone and don't know who reads everything.

But I am safe, and now starts a new part of my life. Thanks for all who replied. And about my military service, thank you. I'm no hero, far from it, but If I could go back I would.

Well Phase 3, day 1.

(been up for 21 hours so sorry for typos)

[CWGUY]

Originally Posted by TheDude

Hi everyone. Its midnight so I will be short. If you followed the news indianapolis' highways iced over. Crashes, someone died, people were running out of gas stuck in traffic. I was able to get to the airport as my Uber driver took the back roads. Dog and I were in airport, only 2 TSA lines were open because most of the TSA couldn't get to airport. So many people couldn't get to their flights. My flight was delayed 2 hours so I missed my shuttle but got another and got to TV.

My friend in Fort Myers had driven up in a rental car in the morning.

I got to TV after 3pm, so all my scheduled plans were off.

After getting lost with my friend for a lot of the time, I ended up in The Waterfront. Expensive for 11pm until morning, but couldn't leave my dog all stressed out after such a hard day. She is so overwhelmed.

I don't post personal information on the internet because I am alone and don't know who reads everything.

But I am safe, and now starts a new part of my life. Thanks for all who replied. And about my military service, thank you. I'm no hero, far from it, but If I could go back I would.

Well Phase 3, day 1.

(been up for 21 hours so sorry for typos)

Sent a P.M.

[Madelaine Amee]

When you get time to take that second breath, let us know how you are doing and what you need. There are dozens and more, wonderful people who will be more than willing to help in any way .............. and you got a DOG, that is an instant conversation maker!

[Allegiance]

You will love it here, already you surely received offers of various help.

When most of us moved here, our fellow villagers became part of our family.

Welcome home brother. Thanks for your non heroic service. The fact that you would serve again speaks volumes.

There is no better place on earth, doubly so for a non car driver.

Keep us all posted of your progress, we are family.


O... and never ever even think of going into the political forum.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920AZ using Tapatalk

[TheDude]

Hi everyone, I'm a couple days in and I wanted to tell you my thoughts (more venting). Thanks for all the posts and good wishes.

First, everyone in TV has been really nice (not a vent)
Second, Very tired.
Third, don't have a clue about pest control or lawn and weeds (and I am afraid of being taken advantage of).
Fourth, house is dusty (nothing the seller did, just wasn't lived in, home is great), and I don't know what to do, if it the vents or something. I need my vacuum.
Fifth, furniture coming, and I have a fully furnished home; what to do? I donate a lot and don't want to donate all my possessions.
Sixth, I saw a guide on how to take care of my home (filters, etc), again, no clue.
Seventh, which country clubs sell golf clubs?
Eighth, Florida License & ID place in TV said my DOD ID card, and even having the VA service officer in the next room, wasn't good enough for them to put a V for Veteran on ID. They only want a DD214. I can get it somehow, just seems too strict. They also wanted my birth certificate (?) or passport, no other ID is okay (and I have federal ID). I do have a passport, just I wasted a couple hours to have to go back again. Because of this, I cannot get my tax exception on my home.
Ninth, Lizards and dead bees? Ugh
Tenth, Have no clue what I am forgetting to do.
Eleventh, still don't know how to not have contractors take advantage of me. Some say get many quotes, but I need things done. At least once to get me started. Don't want any contracts in any way.
Twelve, is getting xfinity security overkill?
Thirteen, how do you drive in a golf cart in the rain. Too hot to be zipped up. Windshield hard to look out of.
Fourteen, I need a veterinarian southeast villages, who and where, and what about emergencies.
Fifteen, same for me, what do I do if I cannot get to VA clinic and need emergency care or even if I have a small problem. Its a 10 mile golf cart ride to VA clinic. No plans, just logical guesses.

I'll stop at 15 for now.

Again, thanks all for the good wishes. I can't give out my location because its on the open internet (hope everyone can understand), but I am near Brownwood area).

[Kathrynsews]

Take 10 deep breathes. All will be fine. We were where you are now in August/September. Our mistake, although we knew better, was trying to do it all at once. Believe me, relax, take one day at a time, love your new home, do the things you want to do, explore, let the dust settle, pamper your pet, explore, meet new friends. I promise, it will all work out. Welcome to paradise

[Kathrynsews]

Take 10 deep breathes. All will be fine. We were where you are now in August/September. Our mistake, although we knew better, was trying to do it all at once. Believe me, relax, take one day at a time, love your new home, do the things you want to do, explore, let the dust settle, pamper your pet, explore, meet new friends. I promise, it will all work out. Welcome to paradise

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by TheDude

Hi everyone, I'm a couple days in and I wanted to tell you my thoughts (more venting). Thanks for all the posts and good wishes.

First, everyone in TV has been really nice (not a vent)
Second, Very tired.
Third, don't have a clue about pest control or lawn and weeds (and I am afraid of being taken advantage of).
Fourth, house is dusty (nothing the seller did, just wasn't lived in, home is great), and I don't know what to do, if it the vents or something. I need my vacuum.
Fifth, furniture coming, and I have a fully furnished home; what to do? I donate a lot and don't want to donate all my possessions.
Sixth, I saw a guide on how to take care of my home (filters, etc), again, no clue.
Seventh, which country clubs sell golf clubs?
Eighth, Florida License & ID place in TV said my DOD ID card, and even having the VA service officer in the next room, wasn't good enough for them to put a V for Veteran on ID. They only want a DD214. I can get it somehow, just seems too strict. They also wanted my birth certificate (?) or passport, no other ID is okay (and I have federal ID). I do have a passport, just I wasted a couple hours to have to go back again. Because of this, I cannot get my tax exception on my home.
Ninth, Lizards and dead bees? Ugh
Tenth, Have no clue what I am forgetting to do.
Eleventh, still don't know how to not have contractors take advantage of me. Some say get many quotes, but I need things done. At least once to get me started. Don't want any contracts in any way.
Twelve, is getting xfinity security overkill?
Thirteen, how do you drive in a golf cart in the rain. Too hot to be zipped up. Windshield hard to look out of.
Fourteen, I need a veterinarian southeast villages, who and where, and what about emergencies.
Fifteen, same for me, what do I do if I cannot get to VA clinic and need emergency care or even if I have a small problem. Its a 10 mile golf cart ride to VA clinic. No plans, just logical guesses.

I'll stop at 15 for now.

Again, thanks all for the good wishes. I can't give out my location because its on the open internet (hope everyone can understand), but I am near Brownwood area).

Welcome to TV!!! Your new life is just beginning. Like the Navy motto (sort of) says---it's not just an address, it's an adventure!

Don't stress over your "laundry list"---you'll get it done. I've been here 3 years, full time over a year, and my list is far from complete.

So, I'll tackle your list as best I can---there are plenty of people on TOTV that know more than I do and I'm sure you'll get a ton of replies:

1) I agree. It's hard to run into a nasty person, there are very few around. We are lucky--our neighbors are the best. Two months after we moved in my wife became seriously ill. Even though we hardly knew them, they brought me meals, asked about her daily, and even visited her at the hospital. It's just amazing.

2) Rest. You've been through a lot. Moving is stressful and both physically and emotionally draining. Just don't try to do everything at once.

3) Pest and lawn---it's like restaurants, everyone has a different opinion. My philosophy is to stick with a larger, reputable company. Dean's and Massey's are probably the two that come to mind. Avoid year long contracts. There are a lot of "little guys", some get great reviews, but anyone with a lawnmower can call themselves a lawn service. It's also convenient to have a company that handles both lawn and pest. I've used Dean's since day 1 and am very satisfied, others have fired them, so opinions vary.

4) There are many housekeeping services. Maid to Shine, 352-751-3355 does a great job, they come to my house every 2 weeks, but will do a one time cleaning as well

5) If you want to keep your furniture , but have no room for it, I guess mini-storage is an option, there are plenty of them around

6) They have a version of the home care guide online at TheVillages.net - Login - Email, tee-times, computer support - serving The Villages, Florida and the Tri-county area.. Pretty self explanatory

7) There is a large selection of clubs at the Sarasota practice range, Palmer Legends has a good selection as well. There is also a golf shop on 466 and 101, just in front of Crispers, where the monthly TOTV gathering takes place.

8) Florida DMV just as much a pain in the butt as all other states. You can order your birth certificate from your state of birth if you don't have a copy, just look on line (fair warning---NY City and NY State have 2 different offices for this)

9) The lizards (mainly geckos) are harmless--I have a family living on my lanai. You can also pack them up and send them to Nucky, he just LOVES creepy crawly things. Haven't seen many bees, but dead bees are better than live ones. I'd show it to your pest company when you get one

10) I've forgotten more things to do than I've actually done

11) I don't have any experience with contractors since I bought new. I've used the people who built the house in general--Pike's for electric, Mike Scott for plumbing. etc. and have been satisfied

12) If that is their home security package, I would do whatever makes you feel comfortable. TV is still one of the lowest crime zip codes in the country

13) Yes, and it's even worse at night. Like all driving in sub-optimal conditions, be careful, go slower, and watch out for the bozos. If you feel it is necessary, you can get windshield wipers on your cart. As far as the side curtains go, you can get wet from rain or wet from sweat. Some people put air conditioning in their cart.

14) I also live near Brownwood. We use Buffalo Ridge Vets in Pinellas Plaza. In case of emergency they may send you to their main location on 466.

15) I believe the nearest urgent care is on Old Camp Rd. in LSL

Phew!

Last but not least, thank you for your service. You put on the uniform so you ARE a hero, not to mention your injury. Be proud of what you have done for the rest of us. Good Luck, Merry Christmas, and hope to see you on the golf course.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by TheDude

Hi everyone, I'm a couple days in and I wanted to tell you my thoughts (more venting). Thanks for all the posts and good wishes.

First, everyone in TV has been really nice (not a vent)
Second, Very tired.
Third, don't have a clue about pest control or lawn and weeds (and I am afraid of being taken advantage of).
Fourth, house is dusty (nothing the seller did, just wasn't lived in, home is great), and I don't know what to do, if it the vents or something. I need my vacuum.
Fifth, furniture coming, and I have a fully furnished home; what to do? I donate a lot and don't want to donate all my possessions.
Sixth, I saw a guide on how to take care of my home (filters, etc), again, no clue.
Seventh, which country clubs sell golf clubs?
Eighth, Florida License & ID place in TV said my DOD ID card, and even having the VA service officer in the next room, wasn't good enough for them to put a V for Veteran on ID. They only want a DD214. I can get it somehow, just seems too strict. They also wanted my birth certificate (?) or passport, no other ID is okay (and I have federal ID). I do have a passport, just I wasted a couple hours to have to go back again. Because of this, I cannot get my tax exception on my home.
Ninth, Lizards and dead bees? Ugh
Tenth, Have no clue what I am forgetting to do.
Eleventh, still don't know how to not have contractors take advantage of me. Some say get many quotes, but I need things done. At least once to get me started. Don't want any contracts in any way.
Twelve, is getting xfinity security overkill?
Thirteen, how do you drive in a golf cart in the rain. Too hot to be zipped up. Windshield hard to look out of.
Fourteen, I need a veterinarian southeast villages, who and where, and what about emergencies.
Fifteen, same for me, what do I do if I cannot get to VA clinic and need emergency care or even if I have a small problem. Its a 10 mile golf cart ride to VA clinic. No plans, just logical guesses.

I'll stop at 15 for now.

Again, thanks all for the good wishes. I can't give out my location because its on the open internet (hope everyone can understand), but I am near Brownwood area).

I'll take Question 5 about furniture and consignment shops. I'll PM the OP some ideas.
I'll also take Question 14 about Vet services for his dog. I'll send the OP some ideas about Veterinary Services.

All other 13 questions, I'll leave up to you!

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by TheDude

Hi everyone, I'm a couple days in and I wanted to tell you my thoughts (more venting). Thanks for all the posts and good wishes.

First, everyone in TV has been really nice (not a vent)
Second, Very tired.
Third, don't have a clue about pest control or lawn and weeds (and I am afraid of being taken advantage of).
Fourth, house is dusty (nothing the seller did, just wasn't lived in, home is great), and I don't know what to do, if it the vents or something. I need my vacuum.
Fifth, furniture coming, and I have a fully furnished home; what to do? I donate a lot and don't want to donate all my possessions.
Sixth, I saw a guide on how to take care of my home (filters, etc), again, no clue.
Seventh, which country clubs sell golf clubs?
Eighth, Florida License & ID place in TV said my DOD ID card, and even having the VA service officer in the next room, wasn't good enough for them to put a V for Veteran on ID. They only want a DD214. I can get it somehow, just seems too strict. They also wanted my birth certificate (?) or passport, no other ID is okay (and I have federal ID). I do have a passport, just I wasted a couple hours to have to go back again. Because of this, I cannot get my tax exception on my home.
Ninth, Lizards and dead bees? Ugh
Tenth, Have no clue what I am forgetting to do.
Eleventh, still don't know how to not have contractors take advantage of me. Some say get many quotes, but I need things done. At least once to get me started. Don't want any contracts in any way.
Twelve, is getting xfinity security overkill?
Thirteen, how do you drive in a golf cart in the rain. Too hot to be zipped up. Windshield hard to look out of.
Fourteen, I need a veterinarian southeast villages, who and where, and what about emergencies.
Fifteen, same for me, what do I do if I cannot get to VA clinic and need emergency care or even if I have a small problem. Its a 10 mile golf cart ride to VA clinic. No plans, just logical guesses.

I'll stop at 15 for now.

Again, thanks all for the good wishes. I can't give out my location because its on the open internet (hope everyone can understand), but I am near Brownwood area).

#15: Sumter has public transportation and will do door to door pick up for you. This is the website: Reservations and Routes | Sumter County, FL - Official Website. On Thursdays there is a local Recreation News, it lists what will be going on for the next week. Last week's edition had a piece on a club called
Villagers for Veterans the person to call is Marie Bogdonoff 516-220-5068. If this is not the place for you at least Marie will be able to give you some guidance on other Veteran's Clubs. There has to be a group who drive people back and forth to necessary appointments.

If you need help you got to ask, ask and then ask again. People here are happy to help.