[Michael 61]

So today is a red letter day for me. Exactly one year ago today, I closed on my patio villa in the Village of Richmond, moving from Colorado.

I felt so lucky securing a villa home in the Richmond lottery last year, after seven previous unsuccessful attempts in this extremely competitive and fast-selling village. I remember my sales agent calling me in Colorado the morning of November 7, 2022, saying I was #1 out of 22, and that I had only two hours to decide to buy our not - sight unseen. I remember walking into my house for the first time, only after I had already closed and wrote the largest check in my life.

So question , would I do it all again? — without a hesitation - yes!! This has been the best year of my life, and this community has exceeded my expectations on every level. I have more friends than I can count. Every day is a new adventure, and I’m on a vacation that never ends. This place is beautiful and the people here are the best. My enthusiasm for TV is even greater now than when I moved here - (so much for the naysayers who wrote me off a year ago, saying I was just a “newbie” who drank the cool-aid and that my feet would eventually touch the ground). Would there be a few things I would have done differently in retrospect, sure, but I don’t regret any of the major decisions I have made.

Life just keeps getting better every day here, and I never want to forget how truly blessed I am to be able to enjoy my active retirement years in such a great place.

If anyone is interested, I am the featured guest today on Jerry and Linda’s Newcomers you tube show.

Thank you to the many great people here on TOTV who have been invaluable by answering my “rookie” questions this past year, and being so patient and kind with me - your advice on living the lifestyle here, home improvements, and other questions have been so helpful and encouraging to me.

Looking forward to meeting many more Villagers while out and about.

[Jayhawk]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

So today is a red letter day for me. Exactly one year ago today, I closed on my patio villa in the Village of Richmond, moving from Colorado.

I felt so lucky securing a villa home in the Richmond lottery last year, after seven previous unsuccessful attempts in this extremely competitive and fast-selling village. I remember my sales agent calling me in Colorado the morning of November 7, 2022, saying I was #1 out of 22, and that I had only two hours to decide to buy our not - sight unseen. I remember walking into my house for the first time, only after I had already closed and wrote the largest check in my life.

So question , would I do it all again? — without a hesitation - yes!! This has been the best year of my life, and this community has exceeded my expectations on every level. I have more friends than I can count. Every day is a new adventure, and I’m on a vacation that never ends. This place is beautiful and the people here are the best. My enthusiasm for TV is even greater now than when I moved here - (so much for the naysayers who wrote me off a year ago, saying I was just a “newbie” who drank the cool-aid and that my feet would eventually touch the ground). Would there be a few things I would have done differently in retrospect, sure, but I don’t regret any of the major decisions I have made.

Life just keeps getting better every day here, and I never want to forget how truly blessed I am to be able to enjoy my active retirement years in such a great place.

If anyone is interested, I am the featured guest today on Jerry and Linda’s Newcomers you tube show.

Thank you to the many great people here on TOTV who have been invaluable by answering my “rookie” questions this past year, and being so patient and kind with me - your advice on living the lifestyle here, home improvements, and other questions have been so helpful and encouraging to me.

Looking forward to meeting many more Villagers while out and about.

Great video including your home tour. Beautiful inside and out. So glad to hear from another happy Villager.

Continue to enjoy.

[margaretmattson]

You always have an uplifting, positive attitude. Congratulations on your first year and I hope there are many many more.

[Michael 61]

Thank you

[Gpsma]

Give it a couple more years and the kool aid aftertaste isnt so sweet

[BobnBev]

Originally Posted by Gpsma

Give it a couple more years and the kool aid aftertaste isnt so sweet

Theirs always one.

[asianthree]

Originally Posted by BobnBev

Theirs always one.

Actually there are more than one, but most of us just have them on the ignore list

[billethkid]

Originally Posted by asianthree

Actually there are more than one, but most of us just have them on the ignore list

Yeah but they are outnumbered by the other 99% of us that love it here from day one (20 years and counting!!!)

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[Debfrommaine]

Such a wonderful post, Michael! Congratulations on your first year, it only gets better. Nearing 14 years and never looked back, life is great in The Villages!

[Ecuadog]

You're an asset to the community, Michael. Enjoy. (The naysayers probably put way too much vodka in their Kool-Aid.)

[Bogie Shooter]

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[shaw8700@outlook.com]

I look forward to having friends we can do stuff with! Don’t let the naysayers get you down - I’m just wondering why they stay? Anyway, good luck with your home!

[ColtsFan]

I have always enjoyed reading your posts from before you moved here to now---celebrating your first year. My husband and I have lived here 19 years and have enjoyed every year. It has been the best decision we have ever made. So happy you like it here. Happy First Year.

[RICH1]

you moved here from Colorado ! WHY ?

[Rwirish]

Jerry and Linda - oh boy.