[billethkid]

Originally Posted by Mack184

Actually it's much truer that either of you think, or want to think.

Why do you ask? OK..you didn't ask but I'll tell you anyway. I've spent decades in the radio business and over the years I have become very skilled at reading monthly & quarterly radio ratings reports. Radio & TV ratings and other polling services use the same method to obtain their results. They sample a small cross-section of a particular universe and then project the responses against the whole of that particular universe. (city, state, nation)For example in our recent election..Most polling companies said that the race would be very close. (It was.) They also said that Pres. Obama would get a 2nd term. (He did.) There were a couple polls that were way out in either direction but they were ultimately discounted and found to be incorrect. Like most things, the answer is found somewhere in the middle.

I came to TOTV quite by accident. I was doing a Google search about something I wanted to know about TV and up popped TOTV. While it did not answer my question, I thought that it would be an interesting place to learn about things & people here. I have mentioned before, but in the interest of full disclosure I will mention it again. We did not come here to retire, (we are still working) but so that my wife could assist her parents as they got older.

While I thought it might be interesting to live in TV my wife hates it. So we would be looking at other communities as well. I came to TOTV as somebody who was somewhat disposed to living here, and was hoping to maybe find some items that might sway my wife's thinking about things. I was NOT a Kool-Aid drinker, so in many ways I needed to be convinced.

Since I have discovered TOTV I had read every single comment on every single thread. There are some who I'm sure think I comment too much, but in truth, I comment very little. After reading all of these threads for a number of months I have used the same method as radio ratings and polling companies do to reach my results.

While it is true that the majority of the 90,000 Villages residents do not actively comment on TOTV, there is indeed a workable cross-section of residents participating here. After doing the reading here is what I have learned from this...

Residing in TV are a majority of smug, self-important people who think that their sewage is scentless because THEY live in TV and YOU do not. There is a very definate pecking order in TV..Those whom you call "Frogs" who live here year-round and the only time they are ever leaving is when the big black station wagon hauls you to the junkyard. Their attitude is that they are FAR superior to everyone else who lives in TV. Then come the "Snowbirds". People who own homes here, but only come during the winter or for vacation periods. As judged by the first group they are OK, but they are definately NOT one of "them". And finally comes those who dare to show up in the winter and pay rent. You despise them. Anything that happens between December & April that disturbs your nirvana can be blamed on them.

Overall the majority of TV residents are a collection of whining, grumbling, kvetching old people who despite having 1800 clubs & activities and 36 or more golf courses, their biggest activity is to complain about virtually everything. You whine about your neighbors who who walk their dogs to the post office boxes because the poor pooch might inconveniently relieve himself along the way. You whine about your neighbors who put some sort of decorative pot or trinket on THEIR garden or front steps. You whine about the possibility of the various unwashed hordes who just might invade your nirvana in Brownwood or other places. Never mind that these are open public places & private businesses. You carefully veil your racism in language which any person with a brain can figure out in seconds. I could write on and on about what I have learned. I have also learned that you have been building lots of churches. Either you're just interested in building buildings or you become deaf once you enter the building.

While TOTV is a place for residents to communicate, it is also a place where people come to LEARN about TV. If you are not already convinced that TV is nirvana or God's Little Green Acre then taking the time to really read this forum will very much likely convince you that it is not.

I came here looking for information and to be convinced. I have come away with the impression that the majority of people (but not all) here are snide, two-faced and whiny.

I have a great deal of admiration for the Morse family. I don't know them, but admire their vision and their hard work to put such a place together. I don't know if they got tired of playing with their Department-56 village under the Christmas tree and decided to build a real one for themselves or what, but they are geniuses. I know that they are very, very careful in their marketing. With that in mind, I'm surprised that they allow TOTV. It does a wonderful job of talking people OUT of coming to TV.

Again..this is what TOTV has taught ME. And speaking only for ME..What I have learned is that TV is a city. Just like any other city. It is not nirvana. While it's a nice place, many cities are nice places and many people like where they live. Heck..even Toldeo was loved by Max Klinger. But the hype of TV being "Florida's Friendliest Hometown" is a lie. When you look at it from a distance it seems unbelieveable, almost fantastic, but up close, the reality is a lot more gritty & not all that pretty.

The minority report is duly noted!!

btk

[Ripcord13]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I just want to stand up and say I don't agree with you agreeing with someone who is putting down my home town, especially since Mack has barely been here four months.

There are so many wonderful things about this place and people. Today I played golf with a group of eight girls who I spend each Friday with doing something, golfing or cards or board games. They are funny and bright and quick to laugh and to hug. We have supported each other through several biggies and celebrated happy occasions frequently.

They are my friends but I know there are thousands like them here. It is part of aging that brings the cream to the top and most of us have been there and done that and chose this place to live.

I think when Mack settles in he will see the goodness that exists here among us seniors. There is no place like it in the worl

Remember on this forum and everywhere it is the noisy that stand out. Most of us go quietly along celebrating the small things and enjoying the moments of our lives.

There is truth in some of the things he spoke of, I have seen it myself. NO further comments

[geri317]

We are selling our designer home in the Villages so that we can buy a courtyard villa. We have two little dogs so a villa will be perfect for them. It is only as expensive to live in the Villages as you want it to be. There is so much to do that is free here, no need to spend money unless you want to.

[Mack184]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I just want to stand up and say I don't agree with you agreeing with someone who is putting down my home town, especially since Mack has barely been here four months and lives in Stonecrest..

There are so many wonderful things about this place and people. Today I played golf with a group of eight girls who I spend each Friday with doing something, golfing or cards or board games. They are funny and bright and quick to laugh and to hug. We have supported each other through several biggies and celebrated happy occasions frequently.

They are my friends but I know there are thousands like them here. It is part of aging that brings the cream to the top and most of us have been there and done that and chose this place to live.

I think when Mack settles in he will see the goodness that exists here among us seniors. There is no place like it in the world.

And no finer people.

Remember on this forum and everywhere it is the noisy that stand out. Most of us go quietly along celebrating the small things and enjoying the moments of our lives.

You know what Gracie?? I'll take that bet. One year from now I will post again on this subject, and IF I have found you to be right, I will PUBLICLY apologize to you right here on TOTV.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Mack184

You know what Gracie?? I'll take that bet. One year from now I will post again on this subject, and IF I have found you to be right, I will PUBLICLY apologize to you right here on TOTV.

What you think in a year will be interesting but not terribly important to the 90,000 folks who chose this place as their home.

I am not at all unusual. I am very typical of the folks who live here. I am a senior citizen who never even considered living in Florida. I don't like Florida. I am satisfied that I have put a good effort in the earlier years of my life and have enjoyed some success in my career and have seen some lovely things in this world. My children and grandchildren are raised and employed. I have experienced some heart breaking things and some soul satisfying things in my life. I am old, stubborn, opinionated, strong willed, impatient and love very deeply. I am loyal and tenacious.

I thought that this part of my life would be very quiet and rather unexciting...but here in this place I am finding wonderful things to do and the time to do them.

I think that you are much younger than my 73 years and you have said that you consider The Villages "summer camp for seniors". Well please just hold your thought until you too are 73 years old.

This place was made for people like me. I love the diversity and strong opinons. I am surprised by the meanness sometimes but I think a lot of sharp words are just how people are raised. You really need to get used to a lot of difference in people due to cultural differences in this country.

You may think you are right. Bright people sometimes jump to conclusions and are usually right but I think you are wrong on this one, Mack.

[Skybo]

Originally Posted by Mack184

You know what Gracie?? I'll take that bet. One year from now I will post again on this subject, and IF I have found you to be right, I will PUBLICLY apologize to you right here on TOTV.

Mack, if I may ask, what exactly are you betting against (or for) ? Are you saying that one year from now you will not see the goodness that exists here in The Villages? Just wondering what the actual bet is and how we'll be able to quantify it.

[Mack184]

Originally Posted by Skybo

Mack, if I may ask, what exactly are you betting against (or for) ? Are you saying that one year from now you will not see the goodness that exists here in The Villages? Just wondering what the actual bet is and how we'll be able to quantify it.

Gracie thinks that after a period of time I will think differently about the people of TV than I do now. I don't think so, but I'm willing to take the bet. If I do think differently, I'll be happy to tell her that she was right. If not, I'll say that as well. We'll see how it comes out. I do what I say I will do, so I'll get back to her in a year from now.

[Skybo]

Originally Posted by Mack184

Gracie thinks that after a period of time I will think differently about the people of TV than I do now. I don't think so, but I'm willing to take the bet. If I do think differently, I'll be happy to tell her that she was right. If not, I'll say that as well. We'll see how it comes out. I do what I say I will do, so I'll get back to her in a year from now.

That’s what I thought you meant. OK then, I wish you the best of luck in your quest to observe and evaluate all us “people of The Villages” and I look forward to your report.

[senior citizen]

.............

[LynnDeb]

Nice post Graciegirl....I am the one who asked this question that people are still commenting on...my hubby and I are getting our house ready to put up for sale here in Kissimmee. We have visited TV a few times and last stayed last wkend in the comfort inn and suites....We did have a realtor show us homes in our price range and loved the ranch style homes with the big lanui....we are hoping to become part of The Village People asap.. thanx, Lynn

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

What you think in a year will be...not terribly important to the 90,000 folks who chose this place as their home.

Bingo.

[ugotme]

Hey Mack just like to ask you one question. First let me say I do not live in The Villages - I am coming up to look - so I can not voice an opinion on most of your comments.

I am not trying to be sarcastic but, could your feelings toward The Villages have to do with your wife wanting to come down here to help take care of her parents and you being opposed to the move?

[Mack184]

Originally Posted by ugotme

Hey Mack just like to ask you one question. First let me say I do not live in The Villages - I am coming up to look - so I can not voice an opinion on most of your comments.

I am not trying to be sarcastic but, could your feelings toward The Villages have to do with your wife wanting to come down here to help take care of her parents and you being opposed to the move?

No..It is not. I am fine with whatever my wife wants in life. However, since you bring it up, while she loves her parents and wants to give back, if anybody is opposed to the move it is her. She loves where we live now and she loves her job, and is in no rush to give it up. While I would be happier in someplace like Montana, I have no problem being in Florida if that's where she is.

[Golfingnut]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

What you think in a year will be interesting but not terribly important to the 90,000 folks who chose this place as their home.

I am not at all unusual. I am very typical of the folks who live here. I am a senior citizen who never even considered living in Florida. I don't like Florida. I am satisfied that I have put a good effort in the earlier years of my life and have enjoyed some success in my career and have seen some lovely things in this world. My children and grandchildren are raised and employed. I have experienced some heart breaking things and some soul satisfying things in my life. I am old, stubborn, opinionated, strong willed, impatient and love very deeply. I am loyal and tenacious.

I thought that this part of my life would be very quiet and rather unexciting...but here in this place I am finding wonderful things to do and the time to do them.

I think that you are much younger than my 73 years and you have said that you consider The Villages "summer camp for seniors". Well please just hold your thought until you too are 73 years old.

. I love the diversity and strong opinons. I am surprised by the meanness sometimes but I think a lot of sharp words are just how people are raised. You really need to get used to a lot of difference in people due to cultural differences in this country.

You may think you are right. Bright people sometimes jump to conclusions and are usually right but I think you are wrong on this one, Mack.

Wonderful post.. I could cut and paste it as if I wrote it with very little change in the wording. Your Quote: {This place was made for people like me} fits both my wife and I perfectly. We moved here and after three years, we love The Villages even more than the day we moved in. If stonecrest starts their own web site, I promise I will never go there to criticize the residents for their choice of retirement homes.

[Mack184]

Many of the people who do not agree with my original post keep coming back to the idea that "I" am unhappy. And given enough time "I" will be a happier soul if I just let TV & TV area work it's magic on my cold soul.

For the record, "I" am NOT unhappy. I have my own world & my own career, I have my wife and we are blessed to be warm, dry & fed. "I" am happy.

However, what I have discovered by spending time on TOTV, it seems that despite your loud protestations many of YOU are NOT happy. For a place that in theory wants to rival Disney as "The Happiest Place On Earth" many, many threads here on TOTV are nothing but complaints and whines about this, that, the other thing, and your neighbors.

Let's take two active threads for context. The first one "Bonifay Is A Bad Neighbor". In this thread the OP is upset because the club is just that..A club where people gather, eat, drink, dance & listen to music. The OP is upset because his home is within earshot of the club and the noise is upsetting him. Now let's assume that the OP has decent eyesight, decent hearing and is competent to sign a legal contract. If those assumptions are correct, then WHY would you purchase a home next to a club/saloon if what you desire is quiet? It ain't gonna happen there. My wife's aunt & uncle live in a village where there are nothing but other homes around them. It would seem to me that if what your desire was to have a quiet atmosphere, a purchase in a village where you are NOT next to a club would be a prudent move. That was not the OP's choice, so NOW the OP wants to blame the club and make them change THEIR mode of business to suit HIS needs. I'm glad the club manager told him off. He deserved it. So the OP comes here to gin up sympathy because he's incompetent to make a good purchase.

The other thread I'll use is one called "Cigarrette Trash". Here the OP is all upset about various cig-butt droppings and related garbage. I feel her pain. I have no love for smokers. It's disgusting. However...She's a Frog, and one of her instant conclusions is that the problem is likely to be "Snowbirds" because of course we all know that in TV pecking order Snowbirds.. especially if they are renters are lower than whale dung and anything that disrupts nirvana from November-April has GOT to be the fault of the Snowbirds, because the Frogs certainly wouldn't ever do that!

Sheesh!!!

Then you have the people who narc on their neighbors because somebody like Tom Hannon's wife puts out a decorative pot that is against the rules and by placing that pot in an illegal spot has somehow turned the neighborhood into some sort of inner-city ghetto. In William Shirer's book "Berlin Diary" he relates the story of a german woman who was grief-stricken because she had been informed by the German Navy that her son was lost at sea when his submarine was sunk. A few days later several of the woman's neighbors quietly came to her to let her know that her son was not dead..he was alive! He had been taken prisoner by the Brittish navy and was safe in England. The neighbors knew that because they had illegally listened to the BBC's german service. The woman thanked them and then denounced them all as traitors for listening to illegal broadcasts. It takes a VERY cold soul to do that. The same sort of cold soul it takes to narc on your neighbors over some little garden pot merely to feel superior.

If TV is attempting to topple Disney as "The Happiest Place On Earth" why do so many of you complain so loudly on these pages about such utterly trivial things?

People like Gracie tell me just how wonderful her life is here and how wonderful the people are. My in-laws would tell you the same thing, but I cannot see it. You complain about restaurants, you complain about golf carts, you complain about pets, you complain about parades, you complain about your neighbors, you complain about what WVLG plays or does not play, you complain about the Morse family (who are absolute geniuses IMHO) you complain about almost everything under the sun.

If TV is such a wonderland, then WHY are the people who are mad at me for stating my feelings that do not agree with theirs, not happier in the first place? Why is there not thread after thread full of praise and good feelings? Why are there so many complaints about a place that you think is heaven on earth? To be certain, there ARE threads about good things here, but why are THEY not the majority?

Ya got me!!