[glgene]

It's true...TV is Paradise!

We just got back from a week-long trip to The Villages. It was our 5th trip there over the past 4 years. We didn't qualify for any dinner/golf freebies, but DID stay in a Lantana model at Creekside Landing and DID get complimentary use of a TV-provided golf cart. We dubbed her Pokey, due to her reduced speed, but..hey...it worked and DID get us from Point A to B. I just wouldn't want to ride in it from, say, Brownwood to Spanish Springs <g>.

We played golf 5 times (Cane, Palmer, Glenview...and Exec. courses Truman and Pelican (and I didn't lose any balls at the latter!).

We were fortunate to get instruction in Pickleball and Paddle Tennis (at Seabreeze Rec. Center). That will keep one young(er).

Speaking of Seabreeze...what a beautiful complex! We could easily go there again and again. We plan to, once we retire at TV.

We saw live entertainment at Seabreeze one evening, and we also played rotating Euchre there one night. We hadn't played that card game since the last time there a year ago, but we picked it up quickly. Kind of like re-riding a bike.

We were blessed with fantastic weather. It rained a minimal 2 min. one day, and it wasn't overly hot.

Toured model homes in the Pennekamp area. The TV showing agent knew we weren't buying on this trip, and she was very cordial about that. I have never heard of pushy TV agents. That's special.

Went to Spanish Square one afternoon from 3-5 pm. It was 'college colors' day. Sure put a smile on our faces, seeing the TV residents so proudly wearing their college-supported colors, making noise, and having fun. Ohio State Univ. had 165 wearing their 'colors' that day. Penn State had 179. There were 59 soley representing their colleges. Heck, I would have worn my college-days colors (Chaminade Univ. of Honolulu), but I don't even know the colors. I went to night school there at a branch campus while in the Air Force in Hawaii. Kathy, on the other hand, went to Ohio State and Univ. of Cincinnati, so she certainly felt more 'in place' at the TV 'colors' event.

We didn't see any ice cream 'Ding Dong' vans at TV, so we had to settle on ice cream treats at Ambrosia at Lake Sumter Square (I think the lady recognized us from last year!).

As usual, we met some very nice people while on our TV vacation. That included a couple (Gracie/Henry friends), with whom we played golf twice and dined twice. What fun we had! Also teamed up with two other couples for golf, and stopped by Havana Country Club one night to say 'hi' to Kathie. She is a dancing machine who never tires. I think she likes TV <g>. Had lunch one day with a couple we met here on TOTV. They've only lived in their recently-acquired TV home less than a week, so we enjoyed hearing 'their story.'

We were disappointed to learn of the upcoming Sept. 12 closing of the Veranda restaurant at Lake Sumter Square. For lifestyle guests, that place is so special. Really gets you 'in the mood' for more of TV, so charming. And for regular TV residents, it must hit their 'hot spot' too. The Veranada is being replaced with a Panera Bread restaurant. We like Panera, but we love the Veranda. Nuff said.

We could only stay at Creekside Landing for 6 nights, so we spent the final 2 nights at nextdoor Waterfront Inn. That was special, too. You can EASILY walk to Lake Sumter Square from the Waterfront.

It's so nice to experience nightly entertainment at the Squares, read the daily TV newspaper, and avail ourselves of TV's radio station AM 640. Having that music played at the town squares during the day, as background music, helps you maximize your enjoyment at TV.

Did I mention ice cream at Ambrosia? Oh, yeah, I did <g>.

It will be interesting to see how the new Brownwood Town Square develops. That seems so far from Rt. 466a, but I suppose that distance will 'shrink' as soon as they start building houses on the south side of 466a, complete the golf courses, etc. That's progress!

Anyway, we just thought some other TV wannabes might want to read our TV Trip Report. As stated in the opening line, TV is Paradise!

Gene & Kathy, OH
TV wannabes

[Niels]

Hi Gene,

Sounds like you had a good time and found enough to do to keep busy, even if you didn't find any investment clubs to go to!

Niels

[graciegirl]

Listen you two, that is enough of lifestyle visits. It is time to COMMIT.

You ain't gittin' any younger.

[troubletog]

Sounds like you had a great visit! We'll be coming down on Sept 26 for our second visit! I'm very excited! I hope it will be everything I expect it to be! We're looking to relocate but the prices here in NC as so bad, we can't buy yet. But hopefully soon!

[glgene]

Forgot to mention this in our original TV trip report:

Went to the TV softball fields at Saddlebrook. Spoke with one of the players about the season, how many teams, etc. Seems they play year-round, with 3 weeks off between each 'season.' A team fielded consists of 11 players, incl. 4 outfielders and 1 short-outfielder (usually playes right behind 2nd base). To avoid/minimize player injuries, 1st base is double-wide; runner runs to outside base, first baseman tags inner base. That avoids collisions. Similar for home plate (two plates, actually, about 3 feet apart).

Checked out gas vs. electric golf carts (2 store visits). A new elec. cart is available, which includes a battery you DON'T have to fill with water (costs more, lasts longer). Just charge it. Good for 60-70 miles per charge. One of the visits was to Grandpa's and Grandma's (don't let the names fool you). Spoke at length with Scott (grandpa). He buys 2-year old Club Cars and completely rehabs them...I mean completely! Gas or electric (incl. optional no-water-fill battery). His golf carts aren't cheap, but they're excellent. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from him! His carts look like a million bucks (well, maybe not a million). Warranty included.

Immediately to the west of the Waterfront Inn, just north of Creekside Landing, they're pushing dirt around to build more TV housing units, supposedly for Lifestyle visits. Not sure if that's in addition to Creekside Landing, or replacement. Or ???

Gene & Kathy

Enough Already !!

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Listen you two, that is enough of lifestyle visits. It is time to COMMIT.

You ain't gittin' any younger.

[Pturner]

Originally Posted by glgene

It's true...TV is Paradise!

We just got back from a week-long trip to The Villages. It was our 5th trip there over the past 4 years. We didn't qualify for any dinner/golf freebies, but DID stay in a Lantana model at Creekside Landing and DID get complimentary use of a TV-provided golf cart. We dubbed her Pokey, due to her reduced speed, but..hey...it worked and DID get us from Point A to B. I just wouldn't want to ride in it from, say, Brownwood to Spanish Springs <g>.

We played golf 5 times (Cane, Palmer, Glenview...and Exec. courses Truman and Pelican (and I didn't lose any balls at the latter!).

We were fortunate to get instruction in Pickleball and Paddle Tennis (at Seabreeze Rec. Center). That will keep one young(er).

Speaking of Seabreeze...what a beautiful complex! We could easily go there again and again. We plan to, once we retire at TV.

We saw live entertainment at Seabreeze one evening, and we also played rotating Euchre there one night. We hadn't played that card game since the last time there a year ago, but we picked it up quickly. Kind of like re-riding a bike.

We were blessed with fantastic weather. It rained a minimal 2 min. one day, and it wasn't overly hot.

Toured model homes in the Pennekamp area. The TV showing agent knew we weren't buying on this trip, and she was very cordial about that. I have never heard of pushy TV agents. That's special.

Went to Spanish Square one afternoon from 3-5 pm. It was 'college colors' day. Sure put a smile on our faces, seeing the TV residents so proudly wearing their college-supported colors, making noise, and having fun. Ohio State Univ. had 165 wearing their 'colors' that day. Penn State had 179. There were 59 soley representing their colleges. Heck, I would have worn my college-days colors (Chaminade Univ. of Honolulu), but I don't even know the colors. I went to night school there at a branch campus while in the Air Force in Hawaii. Kathy, on the other hand, went to Ohio State and Univ. of Cincinnati, so she certainly felt more 'in place' at the TV 'colors' event.

We didn't see any ice cream 'Ding Dong' vans at TV, so we had to settle on ice cream treats at Ambrosia at Lake Sumter Square (I think the lady recognized us from last year!).

As usual, we met some very nice people while on our TV vacation. That included a couple (Gracie/Henry friends), with whom we played golf twice and dined twice. What fun we had! Also teamed up with two other couples for golf, and stopped by Havana Country Club one night to say 'hi' to Kathie. She is a dancing machine who never tires. I think she likes TV <g>. Had lunch one day with a couple we met here on TOTV. They've only lived in their recently-acquired TV home less than a week, so we enjoyed hearing 'their story.'

We were disappointed to learn of the upcoming Sept. 12 closing of the Veranda restaurant at Lake Sumter Square. For lifestyle guests, that place is so special. Really gets you 'in the mood' for more of TV, so charming. And for regular TV residents, it must hit their 'hot spot' too. The Veranada is being replaced with a Panera Bread restaurant. We like Panera, but we love the Veranda. Nuff said.

We could only stay at Creekside Landing for 6 nights, so we spent the final 2 nights at nextdoor Waterfront Inn. That was special, too. You can EASILY walk to Lake Sumter Square from the Waterfront.

It's so nice to experience nightly entertainment at the Squares, read the daily TV newspaper, and avail ourselves of TV's radio station AM 640. Having that music played at the town squares during the day, as background music, helps you maximize your enjoyment at TV.

Did I mention ice cream at Ambrosia? Oh, yeah, I did <g>.

It will be interesting to see how the new Brownwood Town Square develops. That seems so far from Rt. 466a, but I suppose that distance will 'shrink' as soon as they start building houses on the south side of 466a, complete the golf courses, etc. That's progress!

Anyway, we just thought some other TV wannabes might want to read our TV Trip Report. As stated in the opening line, TV is Paradise!

Gene & Kathy, OH
TV wannabes

Gene & Kathy,

I absolutely LOVE you two. I can't wait to meet you! Your posts are fun. This one made me feel like I was in TV enjoying all the stuff you mentioned.

Did I mention I can't wait to meet you! Oh, yeah, I did.

P

[Sherman931]

I enjoyed reading your reviews. Wife and I visited TV for the first time in August, which resulted in us purchasing a home and we settle in at the end of Oct. Time is going sooooo sloooow right now.

[KathieI]

Originally Posted by glgene

It's true...TV is Paradise!

.....and stopped by Havana Country Club one night to say 'hi' to Kathie. She is a dancing machine who never tires. I think she likes TV <g>. Had lunch one day with a couple we met here on TOTV. They've only lived in their recently-acquired TV home less than a week, so we enjoyed hearing 'their story.'

As stated in the opening line, TV is Paradise!

Gene & Kathy, OH
TV wannabes

Hey G&K... It was so much fun to see you two again. You are so sweet and I love it when you drop by to see us. Yep, your right, I DO LOVE TV AND ALL THE PEOPLE IN IT.... but I do get tired, matter of fact, I'm tired right now, but strangely, by 8pm tonight, I kinda perk up.... wonder why???
Can't wait to see you guys again, hurry up and commit to a place here, we need you guys!!
Note to GG.... sorry, but I AM getting younger... by the minute remember????

[rhsgypsylady]

Speaking of ice cream.......has anyone tried Ollies Frozen Custard? If not, you don't know what you are missing. This shop is locally owned, creates their own flavors and even has a flavor of the day. You never know what concoction they will come up with next. They also do ice cream socials. They are located at 1572 Bella Cruz Dr in TV, phone 352-259-3568, web site www.olliesusa.com. Check 'em out. You won't be sorry

[glgene]

Kathy just reminded me that I forgot one important point in our TV Trip Report. She wanted to complete our golf story in that SHE beat me in golf at the tough Pelican executive course, 35-39. Lower is better!!

I would like to use the excuse that my foot was in a cast or my arm in a sling, but like George Washington, I cannot tell a lie <g>. She zipped right by me! My 7 on a par 4 didn't help my effort.

Overall (except for the Par 4), my drives were good, my second shots were good, but my putting was...let's say, off target. It looked like I was putting with 'silly putty.' She, on the other hand, was cool all the way.

OK...the story is now complete. 3 cheers for Kathy!!!

Gene (aka George W.)