[Dirigo]

First of all, let me say that TOTV is a well run, friendly, informative, entertaining, lively forum and I have been addicted to it ever since I discovered it. I have spent many hours learning about life in Florida’s Friendliest Retirement Hometown.

By way of introduction, my wife, the lovely Diane, and I first discovered The Villages in 2000 by chance. We were on our way from Davenport, FL, where we were staying with friends while on vacation, to Ocala National Forest for the day.

We passed under the cart bridge on Rte 27 and saw “The Villages” sign and thought “What are 'The Villages'?” Curious, we stopped in at Spanish Springs on the way home and were immediately taken with TV. We came back and spent the next day of our vacation at The Villages driving around, taking the trolley tour, talking to a sales rep., looking at model homes, and walking around Spanish Springs (for LSL was only a twinkle in the developer’s eye at that time).

We started getting the videos and have quite a collection of them now. We watch them on cold, snowy winter days and dream of what life could be like living in TV.

We visited relatives, who were living in that other famous retirement community south of Sarasota, for three days in 2002. We were struck by the differences between “that place” and TV. After a coupe of days I called TV to ask if there was any room at the inn because we wanted to bail. We were turned away from TV and spent our third day at “that place”, then tore off for a day trip to TV to walk around, have lunch, hit a few golf balls, and wave to the smiling residents passing by in their golf carts. We have not been back to TV since. I expect there have been many changes at TV. I hope it is as nice as we remember.

We both have well paying jobs here in Maine and are not quite ready to give them up in this economy, so we continue to eliminate debt and pile up cash in anticipation of our eventual retirement and our move to join the fortunate few who live in TV.

To that end we are arriving late on February 24th for a six day Lifestyle Preview. I have been reading TOTV with great interest and amusement for the last three weeks trying to get a feel for the lifestyle, the pros and cons of living in TV, and the attitudes of the residents.

A special thanks to Muncle for his warning of September 17, 2008 “DO NOT attempt to feed carrots or other delicacies to the Lifestyle visitors." We won’t expect any carrots and such from the residents, but we would like to meet some of you and get your candid insight to living in TV.

The lovely Diane does not play golf, but she kindly encourages me to play, so I’m looking for someone to play golf with during our Lifestyle Preview. I’m a 22 handicap who can play like a 10 on one shot and like a 30 on the next, so it should be an amusing round.

By the way, Dirigo is pronounced DEAR-ago, and it is the State motto of Maine. It is Latin and means “I direct” or “I lead”. My use of that moniker is tribute to my home state, not an indication of my demeanor.

[BarryB]

Hi Dirigo
We have been here for a little over a month now. This is the place to be. I think you will think so as well. Been here twice on life style visits before we were able to sell in New Jersey
Sorry am not big on golf but there are plenty of other activities to keep me busy

[Helene2008]

Hi Dirigo,

I am sure you will love it here. We bought in September, but can't move until 2/2010 when I retire. We visit as often as possibly (usually once a month), unfortunately we will miss you by one day, but I am sure you will meet many other people. Enjoy your stay.

[graciegirl]

It is so wonderful here. I know that you have visited briefly...........but,

YOU AIN'T SEEN NUTHIN' YET!!

Welcome. We will arrange a "meet and greet" . Signal us again a little closer to your arrival time and we will get a group together for dinner.

[Dirigo]

Hello all! I posted a new avitar to include the lovely Diane.

Thank you all for your warm welcome to the forum. Please tell me about your homes and Villages.


BarryB-The lovely Diane is from Basking Ridge NJ! What activities are you into?

Helene2008-Sorry to miss you. Your perspective as newcomer would be most interesting to hear. Where is Plantation, FL?

Graciegirl-You have got to be one of the nicest folks on TOTV! Thanks so much for the offer of a "meet and greet". Meeting some TV'ers will make our Lifestyle Preview so much better. We will be in touch!

Did I mention that the golf will be on a Championship course and I'm treating?

[EdV]

Prior to your visit, you might want to obtain a copy of the controversial book “Leisureville: Adventures in America's Retirement Utopias" by Andrew D. Blechman.

The book documents the development of a few of the earliest large planned retirement communities, but is mainly a narrative of the author's experiences while spending a month in TV with neighbors who had recently retired there.

But be forewarned, parts of this eye opening book are devoted to some of the sexual exploits of a few rather promiscuous Villagers.

However, although I (and many Villagers) strongly disagree with some of the opinions expressed by the author in his conclusion about the appropriateness of eschewing our responsibilities to society and the next generation, I think it's a must read for any TV wannabe.

[Helene2008]

Dirigo,

Plantation is in South Florida...just west of Ft. Lauderdale. I am absolutely in love with The Villages, the people and everything about it. Can't wait to retire in 2010.

[BarryB]

Dirigo to answer your question
I went out for softball and stickball but got to aggressive for my age and pulled a hamstring muscle. So while I'm on the mend I relax at the pool weather permitting

[golfnut]

I would be happy to golf with you when you are here (see screen name), I am about a 22 handicap also, I mostly play the executive courses as I find them quite challenging and they are free. Please feel free to send me a private message a week or so before you get here.....Have a safe trip...GN

[Dirigo]

Originally Posted by EdVinMass

Prior to your visit, you might want to obtain a copy of the controversial book “Leisureville: Adventures in America's Retirement Utopias" by Andrew D. Blechman.

The book documents the development of a few of the earliest large planned retirement communities, but is mainly a narrative of the author's experiences while spending a month in TV with neighbors who had recently retired there.

But be forewarned, parts of this eye opening book are devoted to some of the sexual exploits of a few rather promiscuous Villagers.

However, although I (and many Villagers) strongly disagree with some of the opinions expressed by the author in his conclusion about the appropriateness of eschewing our responsibilities to society and the next generation, I think it's a must read for any TV wannabe.

Thanks for the head's up on Belchman's book, EdVinMass. I have read other postings on TOTV about the book, as well. We will take your advice and read the book.

[Dirigo]

Originally Posted by golfnut

I would be happy to golf with you when you are here (see screen name), I am about a 22 handicap also, I mostly play the executive courses as I find them quite challenging and they are free. Please feel free to send me a private message a week or so before you get here.....Have a safe trip...GN

Thanks Golfnut ! What course to you want to play? I am able to make a tee time around the first of February.

I haven't played since November, so I'll be pretty rusty...but we'll have a good time anyway...

[Dirigo]

Originally Posted by BarryB

Dirigo to answer your question
I went out for softball and stickball but got to aggressive for my age and pulled a hamstring muscle. So while I'm on the mend I relax at the pool weather permitting

I know what you mean BarryB. I jumped out of a golf cart before it stopped moving last March in Florida and sprained my right knee. Took me six months to get over that error in judgement.

What is stickball? Is it played on a baseball diamond?

Do you go to a neighborhood pool or country club pool? Are the pools crowded?

[BarryB]

Stickball is kind of like baseball except it's played with a rubber ball and a broom stick as a bat. The field is on a hard top the bases are made with chalk. As kids in The Bronx we played in the street

[clekr]

My wife and I moved here in late October. We were simiarly infatuated with TV. We spent some 18 planning the move and probably watched the video just about every Saturday morning during that period. We found it especailly motivating while in the throws of moving (not as easy as you might think.)

I would be happy to play golf with you when you are here. My handicap is 17. Send me a privagte messaqge and I'll give you my contact information.

BTW - for your preview they will make the arrangments for you, pretty much on a course of your choosing. They reserve set times for preview people. You'll probably be playing with someone else also on the tour. They will not arrange any additional tee times for you. However, I can do so as a guest.

[Dirigo]

Originally Posted by clekr

My wife and I moved here in late October. We were simiarly infatuated with TV. We spent some 18 planning the move and probably watched the video just about every Saturday morning during that period. We found it especailly motivating while in the throws of moving (not as easy as you might think.)

I would be happy to play golf with you when you are here. My handicap is 17. Send me a privagte messaqge and I'll give you my contact information.

BTW - for your preview they will make the arrangments for you, pretty much on a course of your choosing. They reserve set times for preview people. You'll probably be playing with someone else also on the tour. They will not arrange any additional tee times for you. However, I can do so as a guest.

So, after 18 months, how do you like life in TV? Is it everything you thought it would be? What has been your reality check and what has been a pleasant surprise?

I love that TV keeps sending new and improved videos. Keeps the dream fresh in our minds. With high-stress jobs, sometimes knowing there are fun-filled, carefree days ahead keeps us sane (well, somewhat sane). Having lived in one State all my life, moving 1600 miles away will be a big deal, I'm sure.

Thanks, Clekr, for the offer for a golf game! Most of my golf partners at my local club are 14 to 17 handicaps...I'm the comic relief, but sometimes I beat them straight up (on a good day for me and a bad day for them), but I have to buy the adult beverages afterwards, so all I end up with are bragging rights until the next round. Maybe we can get a TOTV foursome together? We've got Golfnut, you and me, all we need is one more...

I'll contact my sales rep and inquire about how the tee times work. Maybe you can make a tee time and I can use my vouchers at that time. It would be nice to use the vouchers, but paying out of pocket is not prohibitive either.