I passed an elderly couple walking with two young people the other day, who were clearly their grandchildren. The grandparents were pointing out different things as they walked along, to these very disinterested children. It made me think of my own experiences when we made our annual trip to SW Florida to visit my wife's parents.
Our children were the same as these. Not really interested in the story of where their grandparents stayed when they first came south or that their favorite restaurant used to be on this corner, but was now closed. These people were struggling, because they were not prepared.
If you really wanted to entertain these young people, you would do something for them that they would enjoy. I cannot tell you what that is, but there are ways to find out.
I suggest that before they arrive, you do the most important thing you can do to be prepared. Find out what they eat, and their favorite snacks. Forget about trying to make them eat better, and please don't try sell them on the benefits of your diet. Ask your children, what their children will eat. Be specific, and go to the store and get it. This is a new place with new sites and sounds, make 'the experience' different, not their snack food. Their idea of coming to Florida may have been Disney World, and instead, they got SW Florida. Try to make them happy they came here. Don't make it worse by telling them that snacking is unhealthy, and suggesting they munch on broccoli and carrots. Ask them to help you bake a cake or some cookies, or that one decadent thing for which you might become famous, "grammas' chocolate sauce."
Make a list of the various activities available here. When the children arrive, and they have discovered you have real food in your refrigerator, show them a list of available things to do, and let them pick. Do not suggest things on which you cannot accompany them. They are here to see you. Spend some time with them, doing the things that will make a fun vacation, with their really cool grandparents. If they are boy and girl, you may need to plan separate outings for them, but that's okay too. You can give up a few of your scheduled personal activities to spend quality time with your grandchildren. They may be required, as an assignment, to write about it, when they return to school. How I spent my Spring Break. Give them something they can't wait to tell.
Remember they would probably rather be on a waterslide than a walking tour of the sites downtown. The museum may be fun for some, but the zoo will get them buzzing. Animals are always a safe bet. Things they cannot see back home, like alligators, pelicans or dolphins. Those, might make you, their favorite grandparents. Spoiling them for a day or two will not destroy their character or damage their foundation.
If there is a birthday or holiday happening while they are here, make sure you are prepared for their traditions. When my youngest asked why the Easter Bunny had not come to Florida, his grandmother had to scramble to help keep the tradition alive for this youngster. She tried her best to be creative, but she just was not prepared.
I only tell you all of this for your own good. The children are resilient and will survive no matter what they do while here, but if you truly want them to look forward to coming back, then prepare your self and your kitchen for the carnage. Good luck.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
Naples Paradise & Opportunity
I am a CPA,(no longer practice public accounting) CCIM, Business Broker, and Commercial Realtor. I live in beautiful Naples and people call me to help them find a good business to give them something to do, and receive a better return on, and control over, their nest egg. Naples is a town without a major industry, except tourism and catering to the retiree. We have many service businesses, that can be easily learned and pay well. Lawn Services, Landscaping, Window Cleaning, Commercial Cleaning, Residential Cleaning, Pool Services, Home Watch, Concierge and Personal Services, just to name a few. Your clientele are wealthy home owners who live here only part of the year. Some for as little as a month or more. Most of these businesses have full & part time staff, and merely require the owner to be a supervisor, scheduler, and or administrator.
If you want to buy a restaurant, there are many available. Lots of people try this industry and find it harder than they thought. A successful restaurant takes the right formula. I cannot define it for you, but perhaps you can do so for me. We have a three masted sailing ship, on US 41 not near the water, that operated as a restaurant, and now sits vacant. I had dinner on the water recently in Olde Naples proper, and that beautiful restaurant business is for sale for $112,000. It used to be so busy, you could not get in, now it is sad that we were one of two tables occupied that evening. Maybe you can bring it back.
If you have friends or family moving here, send me their names, if you have a Florida Real Estate license, I can pay you a 25% referral.
Visit my website at www.TimEovino.com and search for your own type of business. You might find an opportunity that will make Naples, your paradise!
If you want to buy a restaurant, there are many available. Lots of people try this industry and find it harder than they thought. A successful restaurant takes the right formula. I cannot define it for you, but perhaps you can do so for me. We have a three masted sailing ship, on US 41 not near the water, that operated as a restaurant, and now sits vacant. I had dinner on the water recently in Olde Naples proper, and that beautiful restaurant business is for sale for $112,000. It used to be so busy, you could not get in, now it is sad that we were one of two tables occupied that evening. Maybe you can bring it back.
If you have friends or family moving here, send me their names, if you have a Florida Real Estate license, I can pay you a 25% referral.
Visit my website at www.TimEovino.com and search for your own type of business. You might find an opportunity that will make Naples, your paradise!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Retirement Planning
If your vision of retirement is you at home, full time, you need to alter your plans.
I know the word retirement sounds great. Waking up late, leisurely breakfast, check your emails, make a few calls, buy some stuff on-line, watch TV, run some errands, laze around till dinner. that's the life! There's only one problem; You better be living alone. If you have a spouse, who is not used to you, being around 100% of their day, and now you are sharing the same home office, maybe even the same computer. Something is going to give, and it will be you.
I did this myself, just as listed above. The first thing I discovered, was that, more than a few days of 'sleeping in' will be the first of many issues. My spouse has a home office, and is on the phone pretty much all day. There would be no tiptoeing around and talking quietly while I slept in. Also forget daytime television, that is a rift waiting to divide the house and get you sleeping on the couch, with your TV. You might have gotten away with it on Saturdays for sports, but daytime TV is for maids, cleaning hotel rooms, it is not for you. Your spouse will be putting the foot down very quickly on that.
Now consider trying to share an office space with someone, who has owned this space by themselves for a long time. You may rest there, but not camp. Consider also that they know where things are, and if you start moving stuff in or around, (remember the book, "Who Moved My Cheese?" ) then you might consider un-retiring after the battle contusions you will sustain.
So let's take a big leap, after learning all this, you decide you are going to pursue some consulting or volunteer work or some other thing at home in the aforementioned single space. If you think life in a cubicle is tough, try making calls and being told that you are talking to loud for them to think, or too loud for their own business calls. Someone will lose privileges, and it will not be the original inhabitant.
So what is my solution to guide you through the retirement maze here in paradise?
Simple: Change as little as possible in the routine of your spouse. You are the 'newbie.' I suggest that you find a remote distant space within your house to create your own space. If you don't have an extra room, then enclose part of the garage or the laundry room and give yourself a new office. If the washer is annoying, then do the laundry yourself at the end of the day as you are leaving your space. Next, endear yourself by offering to do things which increases their productivity and decreases their stress.
Make lists of errands, and where they are, in relation to different parts of town. Offer to cover a few spouse errands in exchange for quid pro quo ( "a favor for a favor") of your own in separate parts of town. You save gas and the frustration of crisscrossing the town and each other.
Life in retirement can be fun, but you have to satisfy others before you even think about yourself.
Good Luck.
I know the word retirement sounds great. Waking up late, leisurely breakfast, check your emails, make a few calls, buy some stuff on-line, watch TV, run some errands, laze around till dinner. that's the life! There's only one problem; You better be living alone. If you have a spouse, who is not used to you, being around 100% of their day, and now you are sharing the same home office, maybe even the same computer. Something is going to give, and it will be you.
I did this myself, just as listed above. The first thing I discovered, was that, more than a few days of 'sleeping in' will be the first of many issues. My spouse has a home office, and is on the phone pretty much all day. There would be no tiptoeing around and talking quietly while I slept in. Also forget daytime television, that is a rift waiting to divide the house and get you sleeping on the couch, with your TV. You might have gotten away with it on Saturdays for sports, but daytime TV is for maids, cleaning hotel rooms, it is not for you. Your spouse will be putting the foot down very quickly on that.
Now consider trying to share an office space with someone, who has owned this space by themselves for a long time. You may rest there, but not camp. Consider also that they know where things are, and if you start moving stuff in or around, (remember the book, "Who Moved My Cheese?" ) then you might consider un-retiring after the battle contusions you will sustain.
So let's take a big leap, after learning all this, you decide you are going to pursue some consulting or volunteer work or some other thing at home in the aforementioned single space. If you think life in a cubicle is tough, try making calls and being told that you are talking to loud for them to think, or too loud for their own business calls. Someone will lose privileges, and it will not be the original inhabitant.
So what is my solution to guide you through the retirement maze here in paradise?
Simple: Change as little as possible in the routine of your spouse. You are the 'newbie.' I suggest that you find a remote distant space within your house to create your own space. If you don't have an extra room, then enclose part of the garage or the laundry room and give yourself a new office. If the washer is annoying, then do the laundry yourself at the end of the day as you are leaving your space. Next, endear yourself by offering to do things which increases their productivity and decreases their stress.
Make lists of errands, and where they are, in relation to different parts of town. Offer to cover a few spouse errands in exchange for quid pro quo ( "a favor for a favor") of your own in separate parts of town. You save gas and the frustration of crisscrossing the town and each other.
Life in retirement can be fun, but you have to satisfy others before you even think about yourself.
Good Luck.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Summertime Golf in SW Florida with coupons galore.
I have never lived in an area with more golf courses per capita than Southwest Florida. We literally have so many courses that you cannot play them all in a single summer. In the last two weeks my group has played Tiburon, Lely Flamingo, Old Corkscrew, The Rookery and Pelican Marsh.
Greg Norman has his annual televised tournament on Tiburon, and Old Corkscrew is a Jack Nicholas design. These are tournament quality courses and they are available for daily play for $28.
You must have a coupon book, and I am here to tell you about those. If you are a local you know that not only do we have Greg's annual tournament, but we also have an annual Seniors Event which bounces around to the different venues. When you buy a ticket for each of these events, they also offers a coupon book for discount golf in the summer season at over 30 courses. And that's just two of many discount coupon books available to us.
Other discounts cards are available from the local golf shops. St John Neuman Golf Card is $30 and allows discount play on 36 different courses. The PGA has a card, and so do several online tee time websites. You can play lots of courses in SW Florida for $25-$40.
The golfing season for year round residents starts on May 1st each year and the courses are a smorgasbord of tempting, fattening delights. If you have any friends who are members at local golf clubs, the summer is also the 'reciprocal' season. Other courses allow members from other clubs to play their clubs for a reduced rate.
We spent the winter paying $75 to $200 to play these same courses during the 'season.' Now that the 'off season' has arrived, we can play for $25- $40 practically anywhere.
So far since May 1st, The Rookery had the nicest fairways and greens we have seen this entire drought year in our area. The grass was so plush at this course, I wanted to replace the divot rather than fill it with sand from the cart. The greens were actually green, and fast. Play this course if you want a great experience. Old Corkscrew has new personnel and they even have a summer member package which is comparable to many of the local favorites. If you are a golfer, SW Florida is paradise.
If you are bored with your regular foursome, and are a member at Old Collier, Naples National, Naples Grande, Grey Oaks, Mediterra, Pelican Bay, Bay Colony, Olde Florida, Audubon, Royal Poinciana, Hole in the Wall, and of course Calusa Pines, my three-some will buy your lunch, pay our own fees and give you a heck of a match. Call me.
Greg Norman has his annual televised tournament on Tiburon, and Old Corkscrew is a Jack Nicholas design. These are tournament quality courses and they are available for daily play for $28.
You must have a coupon book, and I am here to tell you about those. If you are a local you know that not only do we have Greg's annual tournament, but we also have an annual Seniors Event which bounces around to the different venues. When you buy a ticket for each of these events, they also offers a coupon book for discount golf in the summer season at over 30 courses. And that's just two of many discount coupon books available to us.
Other discounts cards are available from the local golf shops. St John Neuman Golf Card is $30 and allows discount play on 36 different courses. The PGA has a card, and so do several online tee time websites. You can play lots of courses in SW Florida for $25-$40.
The golfing season for year round residents starts on May 1st each year and the courses are a smorgasbord of tempting, fattening delights. If you have any friends who are members at local golf clubs, the summer is also the 'reciprocal' season. Other courses allow members from other clubs to play their clubs for a reduced rate.
We spent the winter paying $75 to $200 to play these same courses during the 'season.' Now that the 'off season' has arrived, we can play for $25- $40 practically anywhere.
So far since May 1st, The Rookery had the nicest fairways and greens we have seen this entire drought year in our area. The grass was so plush at this course, I wanted to replace the divot rather than fill it with sand from the cart. The greens were actually green, and fast. Play this course if you want a great experience. Old Corkscrew has new personnel and they even have a summer member package which is comparable to many of the local favorites. If you are a golfer, SW Florida is paradise.
If you are bored with your regular foursome, and are a member at Old Collier, Naples National, Naples Grande, Grey Oaks, Mediterra, Pelican Bay, Bay Colony, Olde Florida, Audubon, Royal Poinciana, Hole in the Wall, and of course Calusa Pines, my three-some will buy your lunch, pay our own fees and give you a heck of a match. Call me.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
Serious Fun
We are a people inspired to help others in need. No matter the cause, especially, when those in need are among us. It tugs at your heart. The Naples Area Board of Realtors (NABOR) Golf Outing was an example of this. We found a group in need and our members responded in kind, and had great fun doing it.
This golf event, which this year, 2009, had a sellout of 116 golfers at Olde Cypress CC, originally started as a reward and respite for our Realtor members, but has evolved into the dual role of also supporting a local charity.
In the worst economy we have faced in many years, our event raised a record $21,272 for our chosen charity, The Naples Equestrian Challenge, Inc. (www.naplesequestrianchallenge.org/). Our sponsors also opened their hearts and checkbooks to help.
There are so many causes, and they are hard to choose from. Every cause is great to those who live it. NEC uses equine therapy for clients with mobility problems, such as Autism, Down Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, Head Trauma, Brain Injury, Spina Bifida and more.
Zach Rosenberg, a lively red-haired second grader has Apraxia, a disease which affects his non-speech and speech movement. The three dimensional motion of the horse stimulates his nerves and improves his posture and confidence so he can be mainstreamed with other children his age, helping him to become a 'typical kid,' according to his mother.
Tiffany Billings, a sophomore at Naples High, could not walk in 1999 before coming to NEC. now Tiffany is, as she says in her personal bio, "running around campus and making A's & B's."
Steve Nolan, a 41 year old rider with Cerebral Palsy who has not been able to ride since the first of the year, 2009, due to safety reasons of mounting the horses. He will benefit directly, by being the first to use the portable ramp and electric lift, which will be purchased using the money we raised. These stories and more, made it real for all of us.
Using a golf term, Zack, Tiffany and Steve all got a 'bad bounce' in life. NEC and the NABOR Golf Committee are giving them a 'mulligan' of sorts. Our committee was proud to help. We came for the fun but our hearts made us dig down deep for a good cause.
This outing and response is emblematic of the people on the Naples Area Board of Realtors, their committees, members, employees, and their supporting sponsors and contributors to the NABOR Charity Golf Outing. We thank you for your participation and generosity, NEC thanks you, and Zack, Tiffany and Steve thank you too.
This golf event, which this year, 2009, had a sellout of 116 golfers at Olde Cypress CC, originally started as a reward and respite for our Realtor members, but has evolved into the dual role of also supporting a local charity.
In the worst economy we have faced in many years, our event raised a record $21,272 for our chosen charity, The Naples Equestrian Challenge, Inc. (www.naplesequestrianchallenge.org/). Our sponsors also opened their hearts and checkbooks to help.
There are so many causes, and they are hard to choose from. Every cause is great to those who live it. NEC uses equine therapy for clients with mobility problems, such as Autism, Down Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, Head Trauma, Brain Injury, Spina Bifida and more.
Zach Rosenberg, a lively red-haired second grader has Apraxia, a disease which affects his non-speech and speech movement. The three dimensional motion of the horse stimulates his nerves and improves his posture and confidence so he can be mainstreamed with other children his age, helping him to become a 'typical kid,' according to his mother.
Tiffany Billings, a sophomore at Naples High, could not walk in 1999 before coming to NEC. now Tiffany is, as she says in her personal bio, "running around campus and making A's & B's."
Steve Nolan, a 41 year old rider with Cerebral Palsy who has not been able to ride since the first of the year, 2009, due to safety reasons of mounting the horses. He will benefit directly, by being the first to use the portable ramp and electric lift, which will be purchased using the money we raised. These stories and more, made it real for all of us.
Using a golf term, Zack, Tiffany and Steve all got a 'bad bounce' in life. NEC and the NABOR Golf Committee are giving them a 'mulligan' of sorts. Our committee was proud to help. We came for the fun but our hearts made us dig down deep for a good cause.
This outing and response is emblematic of the people on the Naples Area Board of Realtors, their committees, members, employees, and their supporting sponsors and contributors to the NABOR Charity Golf Outing. We thank you for your participation and generosity, NEC thanks you, and Zack, Tiffany and Steve thank you too.
How to have fun in Paradise
If you are here for fun and sun, we hope you enjoy yourself, but remember there are thorns on roses. We have some things to know about our little slice of paradise in SW Florida before you venture out.
1. If you are playing golf or boating the back waters, remember we have four venomous snakes in these parts. Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnake, Pygmy Rattlesnake, Cottonmouth and the Coral Snake. When searching for a golf ball off the fairways, I always tell my guests to carry a 'snake stick.' I use a five or six iron as it gives me length and weight. Snakes are generally private creatures and will try to get out of your way, but if you root around in their territory, you might not give them advance warning to do so. Slap the bushes ahead of you as you are looking. Better for them to go after your snake stick than any part of you. If your ball is visible deep in a big bush, use your ball retriever rather than crawling in after it.
2. If you hit a golf ball in or around the water, remember that we have lots of alligators in our swampy area. They keep themselves fed by grabbing prey by the water's edge. Use your retriever, not your hand. Never stick your hand in or near the water for any reason. If your golf ball is easily reachable, you will be too when you bend over to pick it up.
3. We have ticks in our trees. Never lean against a tree while out and about in the wild. They are silent, and can be deadly. If you get seriously ill after being out, ask someone to check you for ticks.
4. Pay attention to lightening. If you see lightening, it is time to come inside. 2000 people have been killed in Florida by lightning since 1960. Our thunderstorms come and go very quickly. Head to the cart barn, grab a sandwich in the grill and the danger will have passed before you finish.
5. Golf Carts are a real convenience, but they can be dangerous and costly to repair. Be extra careful when driving on slopes and down inclines. I have seen them flip over in those situations. You do not want one on top of you. Also A friend I was with recently tried to squeeze between a fence and a large decorative rock. He hit the rock with the front wheel. It bent the wheel sideways and the club eventually charged his credit card $1300 for the repair. Another friend tried to squeeze between a maintenance truck and a tree. He caught the divot sand box on the back fender and ripped it off. They did not charge him because of the maintenance truck.
6. Fire Ants – Very small but very aggressive. When a mound is disturbed, ants emerge aggressively. When they sting, a white sore usually appears the next day at the site of the sting, and can scar you for life. They will attach to your skin using their mandibles and will subsequently inject the stinger. So you see, fire ants bite and sting, but only the sting hurts. I suggest that when you are walking around outside, that you pay attention to where you are standing. If you step on a mound and keep walking then you should be okay, but if you stop, you will discover quickly why they call them fire ants.
Have fun, and remember there was even a snake in Eden. Expect no less here in Paradise.
1. If you are playing golf or boating the back waters, remember we have four venomous snakes in these parts. Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnake, Pygmy Rattlesnake, Cottonmouth and the Coral Snake. When searching for a golf ball off the fairways, I always tell my guests to carry a 'snake stick.' I use a five or six iron as it gives me length and weight. Snakes are generally private creatures and will try to get out of your way, but if you root around in their territory, you might not give them advance warning to do so. Slap the bushes ahead of you as you are looking. Better for them to go after your snake stick than any part of you. If your ball is visible deep in a big bush, use your ball retriever rather than crawling in after it.
2. If you hit a golf ball in or around the water, remember that we have lots of alligators in our swampy area. They keep themselves fed by grabbing prey by the water's edge. Use your retriever, not your hand. Never stick your hand in or near the water for any reason. If your golf ball is easily reachable, you will be too when you bend over to pick it up.
3. We have ticks in our trees. Never lean against a tree while out and about in the wild. They are silent, and can be deadly. If you get seriously ill after being out, ask someone to check you for ticks.
4. Pay attention to lightening. If you see lightening, it is time to come inside. 2000 people have been killed in Florida by lightning since 1960. Our thunderstorms come and go very quickly. Head to the cart barn, grab a sandwich in the grill and the danger will have passed before you finish.
5. Golf Carts are a real convenience, but they can be dangerous and costly to repair. Be extra careful when driving on slopes and down inclines. I have seen them flip over in those situations. You do not want one on top of you. Also A friend I was with recently tried to squeeze between a fence and a large decorative rock. He hit the rock with the front wheel. It bent the wheel sideways and the club eventually charged his credit card $1300 for the repair. Another friend tried to squeeze between a maintenance truck and a tree. He caught the divot sand box on the back fender and ripped it off. They did not charge him because of the maintenance truck.
6. Fire Ants – Very small but very aggressive. When a mound is disturbed, ants emerge aggressively. When they sting, a white sore usually appears the next day at the site of the sting, and can scar you for life. They will attach to your skin using their mandibles and will subsequently inject the stinger. So you see, fire ants bite and sting, but only the sting hurts. I suggest that when you are walking around outside, that you pay attention to where you are standing. If you step on a mound and keep walking then you should be okay, but if you stop, you will discover quickly why they call them fire ants.
Have fun, and remember there was even a snake in Eden. Expect no less here in Paradise.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
