LOVE ME - LOVE ME NOT

OK, I'm still laughing. I got up late - went to bed at 2:00 a.m. when I finally gave up entering pictures on my Facebook page. So I got my coffee later than normal and returned to the puzzle table. Maria comes in a little later so I get an update on a doctors appointment today. They did not give her any more blood. That's why she went. Something was wrong. Plus they took her off iron. Just keep plugging. We worked and finished the puzzle.

Kiki came up to visit and let me know that I don't tell her she's beautiful like I do to Doris. WHAT? That's not my forte. Is it my job to butter up the women? I couldn't help it. I burst out laughing. I always call her "darrrling (Billy Crystal style)" and give her a side hug. Bur she is my age. Doris is old enough to be my mother. OK, so I flirt with most of the women. That is how I used to sell shoes — with flattery, smiles, winks and compliments. Now I'm trying to sale a degree of happiness and joy. Kiki obviously feels like she is not getting her fair share of love. But I always call you darrrling, give you a hug, invite you to the movies, go to eat with you, smile at you (and everyone everyone else - shush!). The more she went on about it the more I laughed. You could pass me my cue cards like Doris does. She doesn't do that. What was I suppose to say — you never look good? Slap my face. That would have turned the room to ice. So I poured on the sugar dipped in syrup and honey. The room was dripping and I kept pouring it on until she turned red. The more I turned it on the more Maria laughed, pulled up her pant legs and mentioned she was going to get her deep waders on because it was getting so deep in here. I ended with I have enough love to go around. Don't get jealous. I guess I'm God's gift to old women. What a laugh. I doubt I have ever been much of a gift. I won't change a thing. But I may pour on the syrup a little thicker. She may have to beg to get me to back off. Take it easy, I'm Joking!!!

HIT WITH EVERYTHING

It was a weather day. Our area was hit with just about everything you can think of. I was awaken in the night by the wind and rain pounding on my bedroom window. That's rare. Washington rain usually comes straight down and in a light mist. Nit even really umbrella weather. Then I hear on the news we had hail, snow and even an earthquake. Were was I? I didn't fell anything. When they talk about snow that rarely means here. So that I didn't expect to experience. But the earthquake. Others said they felt it. I suspect they felt it by the power of suggestion. I do know it was cold and windy. Felt it. I hadn't listened to the weather report before crossing to my car for the chiropractic appointment. Wow. I wondered who turned down the thermostate?

The newsletter took more time today than it should have. First, I can't spell (you may have noticed), second changes were made every time I sent a correction, third additions were made when I was done and lastly I had a lengthy talk with Rita and her husband about the Sunset Manor state of affairs. Great people, but I would not be surprised if this government mentality l leadership doesn't drive them out soon.

Anyway, I enjoyed some time on the puzzle table. The last thing to work on is the steam engine of an old train. Looks cool but it is all black and grays. I can't spend much time at once. It drives me crazy. I went and visited with the domino players. They always want me to join them, but once drawn in I will be expected to play everyday and put up with the bickering and accusations. That is not my thing. I left at their first argument. Between Maria and Chas I am surprised they haven't started throwing the dominos at each other. Chas threatened to quit. Every game around here needs a referee. I am not applying.

NOT AGAIN

I am slightly annoyed. OK, a lot annoyed. There is little doubt that Sunset Manor has relationship problems. Not everyone is as kind as they should be. Rude and harsh things are said to new comers. Men must deal with hungry women (looking for men). You need a strong will to wiggle your way in. There will be no invitation. You must make your own way. Sounds like some churches I have attended. But this is ridiculus. They are concerned about harmony at our lovely home, but the head office knocks a hole in nearly every idea that might pull us together.
Last winter we wanted to paint Christmas scenes on the many large windows along the water side drive of our place. We are often told this is our home and we should be proud of it. Well, we are. But we would like it to be "our" home. I had designed a plan for a cartoon type drawing covering seven windows. They were concerned it would block the view for the residents. I changed the plan to eight smaller windows on the second floor of the smaller building. Paint was too messy. WHAT! These are not children. There are a good half dozen artists and double the number of crafters who have been doing this all their lives. They know how to protect a floor and clean up after themselves. They were concerned that is might have religious conotations. It didn't. The final answer was no. NO! No further reasons except it would be too messy. I guess we had better take pointed sissors away from the children too.
Micro management is a terrible thing. I know it is an easier thing for a corporation to "just say no" (can I blame Nancy Reagan?) and that residence peace and happiness are not the primary issue, but it would be nice to be treated as adults.
Now we have been approved for a Christmas Bazaar, but cannot use our own building. Admittedly parking is a problem, but not impossible. A rental space is beyond our ability. They have graciously offered a very small space in another building that will hold about half our participants. I guess we have no choice. Yeah! I know. we will live but we will complain.

I finished my book "The Curse of Cain" a fictionalized account of the attempt on Abe Lincoln's life. Glad to be done. In case you didn't know, he was shot not kidnapped. Some guy names Tarleton actually did the shooting and managed to get John Wilkes Booth blamed. I didn't know that. What I didn't understand was in the epilogue it was noted that there was no Tarleton - he was made up. Then how could he have shot Lincoln. Fiction is so confusing.

WHERE HAVE I BEEN

I'm Back. Friday just disappeared. Who knows where. Maybe a black hole. I finally made contact with Maria on Saturday. A friend told me she was in her apartment. If she was sleeping, I did not want to wake her, but I pounded loudly anyway. I knew that if I didn't connect soon she was would wonder if we were still friends. She had been sleeping and came to the door in a sweatshirt, pajama bottoms and hair very wild. She invited me in so we visited for quite awhile. The doctors have no idea what is causing her blood loss - no leaks anywhere. Fairly sure she is just not producing sufficient blood. Again, they don't know why. They took her off iron and now she is tired all the time. Her bones are becoming more brittle and she needs to be careful about falling. She will not use a cane and thinks she can do everything she did last year. I have no idea when she thinks she will be getting old, but her friends think it is now. She disagrees and no one argues with Maria. It will turn into an argument and if she loses or does not back down she will ignore you for weeks. Yes, she holds a grudge. I try to find the right time and way to confront her as gently as I can. She was open this day and we talked about slowing down.

She plans portions of my life for her and others benefit. I have a van that seats seven. That makes me very popular, plus I like to go places and do things. She has planned a trip to Skaget County for the tulip festive. I am happy to do it, but there will be a little bit of walking if we stop at one of the gardens. Two passengers need walkers or canes. Maria needs a cane but may not take it. I think I'll take mine as a back up. I needed it when my back was out several months ago. I enjoy all these women (my Harem, some call it). Most are old enough to be my mother. 92 year old Janet is a blast. She goes back to volunteering next Saturday with Hospice. She loves caring for the old people. She does not know that she is one - and really, she isn't.

Anyway, Maria goes back for more tests on the 31st. She has told them she will not take some of the test they recommended. She will argue about it until she gets there on the date, but will change her mind - always does.

I'm not a big college basketball fan, but love the NCAA tournament. I'm always a fan of the underdog. Watched nearly four games and read my historical fiction novel during breaks. Almost done now. Kind of exciting! Anxious to find out if Abe Lincoln is kidnapped or killed. Very suspenseful.

Went to church this morning at the little neighborhood church about 1 1/2 blocks away. Always a small attendance at the first service, but they can sing. So loud I think I should start wearing ear plugs. It is also very inspirational. After the service I offered the original of my colored pencil drawing titled "Beloved." It is 4'x2' and a view of Christ from heaven so you see the crown on the top of His head, the out stretched arms with curled hands appearing to encoumpus those below him - his mother and John are looking into his eyes on the left and a Roman soldier on the right has his back turned away representing those who reach out to receive Christ and those who reject. I'm happy it will be on display next weekend.

WORRIED

I'm worried about Maria. She went to see the doctor yesterday. I hope she learned something or got something resolved. She has some minimal memory issues. She is beginning to lose balance. She is losing blood and they don't know where it is going or how it is getting out. Most likely she is just not producing enough. She also has begun itching so bad she can hardly stand it. I have called her and knocked on her door. I know she doesn't always carry her phone. She got a new one and doesn't like it and has trouble using it at times. So she turns it off and leaves it in her room. Why don't they make a simple phone for those of us who only want to make calls and get messages. What a strange thing to want a phone to do. No one here wants games, internet connection, to take photos, and definitely not to text. That's a mystery. Why would you type unknown abbreviations that have to be interpreted at the other end. The telegraph is gone, smoke signals are out and Mr. Bell gave us this wonderful invention that lets to talk to people in a completely different place. Yes, we like that it is wireless and we can carry it with us, even if we have to remember to charge it. But that's enough for most of us. We don't resent that others want every imaginable toy included and I might even join the band wagon when it starts my coffee before I get up. But we do resent paying for 150 options and "aps" (whatever they are) for things we do not and never will use. It's suppose to be a PHONE.

Back to Maria. I don't know if she is in her room sleeping, gone, or can't hear. A couple of others have made contact. I know she's around. It is 10:45 p.m. and I just got in and could see her apartment light on. It's too late to call, but I will try again tomorrow. I am praying for her. I am concerned.

I sat with the grandkids tonight. 4:30-10:30. Chris coaches soccer and was out of town with the team and Rhonda was at work. This may become a weekly event. Grace and Morgan were bouncing off the walls. I even fed them real food - nothing processed and they ate their vegetables. I can't blame it on the sugar, unless? No, mom would not hype them up on sugar just because I was coming over. Unthinkable! So why did I just think it? Nonsense.

Morgan was flinging around a steal bar he was using as a sword and nearly took my head off (well, not that close - a little exaggeration to keep up the interest). I got that put away and he was bouncing off the walls (exaggeration again to hold interest) when he flipped over the sofa, caught the portable heater with his foot and knocked it hard over on it's face (not exaggeration). It immediately stopped working. And that was a big deal as they heat with a pellet stove and were using the heater as the sole source of heat until they could get more pellets. They are presently out. I dinked around with that heater and it seemed to reset itself when I unplugged and then replugged it in the socket. However, it kept cutting out. Fortunately the house is well insulated and was holding the heat rather well, but unless Chris comes home with pellets it is going to be cold tomorrow. I'm glad I could run back to my little apartment. Why was I more interested in art and "creating" instead of following my dad and three brothers into learning to fix things. I know - I hated that stuff. And mow I pay the price.

AND THE MUSIC PLAYS ON

Ir was a beautifully warm day. Almost summer. Maria complained about the cold all the way to and from the bread pick up. She didn't like the way I parked and asked me to move. She was unhappy about where we placed the bread for packing. She was unhappy that I stayed to clean up the racks. I feel like I'm married and not to the woman I did marry, my wife was great. When we left after coffee at the home and passed the office she commented she never sees the manager in the office. I reminded her that Wednesday the manager was at the other property. Well, I never see her here when she is suppose to be here. I told her I do and reported she was seeing a doctor later today to get some help for the stress she is having a hard time dealing with because of all the complainers Then I backed away lest she try to bite my head off. She could leave, that would improve things. Ah, the familiar ring of joy. NOT!

Needed nap today. I don't know the right term for it but I awoke about 1:30 am with my feet jumping and driving me nuts. couldn't stop them. I hate it when my feet have a mind of their own. If one member offends you, cut it off. I don't think so.

Needed just a few groceries and my food card covered it. That meant I had enough to buy the light magenta ink cartridge I needed. I needed to print some photos I corrected for some people around here. However, I cannot find one of the photos I am to repair. Yikes! What did I do with it? Where is it? I hate it when I put things in a safe place. I can never find them. Why didn't I leave it in the pile on my desk. I always find things in that pile file.

GREAT DAY

The Food Bank delivers bread and sweets to us each Tuesday. The quantity corresponds to their resources. Lots of sweets today, very little bread. Someone needs to be in the commons to receive the bread. I usually try to help. Last week I headed over to the other building about 9:00 am. They were already here. So I left to be there at 8:45 today, just in case. I was the only one in the coffee room at that time and the coffee ready. I don;t usually come that early. I skipped breakfast to be there. They use to come between 9:30 and 10:00. Today they were here at 8:55. Doris had just walked into the room and Harlow was on his way down. His room is just above the entrance to the parking garage. The truck backs up to that door so he knows when they are here. When he steps out of the elevator he says They're here! We jump and are on the run. They mostly had sweets today (Yeah!), Most were cinnamon roles (double YEAH!). It's going to be a good week. There wasn't much bread but I'll get that at Orowheat tomorrow.

Dixie came in pushing her walker and began to ask questions about an antique photo she bought at a thrift store. She brought the photo down and it was a panoramic format 4'x1'. We got magnifying glasses and searched for clues to it's age. It was circa 1940 and a photo of a huge crew of Union Pacific at a rail yard. We do not know what rail yard it is. The photographer is Bill Shipler from Salt Lake City. The family business began 1890 and continues today. The photo was taken by Bill #3. They all go by Bill. Except for Bill #1 the rest have William as a middle name.

I can find some history on the family and the business but not the photograph. The Utah Historical Society has over 63,000 of the Shiplers photos and the largest portion of the collection is the work of #3. He photographed the development of Salt Lake City and has 1000's of the businesses. Our best guess is that it was taken in SLC. There are 2-3 hundred people. 99% are wearing hats. 5% wear ties. 60% have bib overalls. Those stats are a wild guess, but it sounds good. With the table filled with history buffs, the discussion took me to my roots where my father worked in Omaha for Union Pacific. I have a similar era photo of dad and his crew. Wouldn't you know it, the damage on the photo cuts right through dads face. Sad.

Shipler took many railroad photos but the majority were of Oregon Short Railroad. Never heard of it in all the 29 nine years I lived in that state. Of course, I never looked. Think that might be a problem?

SHE DID WHAT

Morning started great. Saw my chiropractor, than had breakfast with my daughter. She has a week off before she begins an internship. She is training to be medical transcriber. She already has a small job, but when classes are finished she may want more hours. Kids are all in school. Papa's around to help out. We all love it. We talked this morning about me getting a job. However, it appears that the complex I'm in will take more rent from any increases I get. It may not be worth it. Besides I would miss out on the gossip and fun stuff.

Rhonda had a hair appointment at 11:00 right across the street so we came back and worked on a puzzle until her time came. While we were there I saw a woman with a very large dog go into the main building. The puzzle area is on the second floor and overlooks the main entrance to the main building. A few moments latter she came back out. I thought nothing of it. Assumed it was someone looking for rental information. I knew her dog was too large if she planned to be a potential resident. We only take dogs under 25 pounds. Not really true. There are a couple very large and fat 25 pounders in the other building.

Rhonda left for her appointment and Chas came up the elevator and told me the manager threw the lady with the dog out of the building. We have posted rules saying only resident dogs are allowed. That didn't stop complainer #1 from having a hissy fit. When I found out who it was, I was not surprised. She yelled at the manager as the woman was only coming to see her. She could visit, but not the dog. Oh, yeah! And the complainer immediately threatened to go over the managers head. That is the first tactic of nearly everyone here who does not get their own way. You can't believe the grief that causes Rita. Well, maybe you can.

There is a sign posted right outside the front door. Rita got flustered and could not remember where the sign was at the time. Anyway, Chas and I headed to the main building for coffee. We both actually went to see if Rita was OK. She has been under a great deal of attack lately and the head office management has not always backed her up even when the original order came from those Idiots. Her feelings were hurt and her emotions were a little frayed. We listened, but obviously could do nothing except catch up on what happened (Maybe I will write book on senior homes). Naw!

This same lady has run directly into me twice. The last once lead to her not talking to me for 8-9 months. The first issue was over noise at a bar about a block away. When our windows are open in the summer they are going strong until about 2:00 am. She planned to bring up the issue at our next community meeting and make the Manor management make them stop. I did not want her to embarrass herself and tried to tell her they would have no ability to control another establishment. Yes they can and they need to make them stop. I lost and she brought it up only to face a room that snickered and whispered jokes and for her be told they could do nothing. The management then pointed out that we lived in an area without a noise ordinance. Didn't know such a place existed. But it's here!

Out second conflict was over terminology. She was having a fit that there was only one choice for TV reception in the area. True, if you are only taking about the Manor. But she was not addressing the Manor, but the area. In the area there are three providers. Two satellite and one cable. The complex only has the cable. It is the most expensive option of the three. I even met with the district manager to see what it would take to get a lower fee. The company would have to buy it for all their complexes and the cable would be paid even when the apartments are empty. That would never happen, but I asked anyway. NO! I figured out my own personal plan for TV. I hook it up in the fall when the new shows come on and shut it off in May when the spring season is over. That means I get the introductory deal for three months in the fall - pay full price in the spring and cancel for the summer. Makes me get out more. Also, I can see anything I want on my computer. Am still considering that full time - don't know yet.

Anyway, the argument got out of hand. I was joking, but she got angry. When I realized what was happening I backed off. She told me she was going to prove I was wrong and I agreed. My big mistake occurred the next morning when I asked about her proof. That did not end well and communication stopped.

She returned gradually to acknowledging my existence, but little more. Hi was about as far as we could get. Not much more happened until last week when she asked me if I knew what time "Alice in Wonderland" was showing (I see a lot of movies). I did happen to know as I had just taken my grand kids a few days ago. I gave her the time and it was later than she wanted to go. I also gave her the price and it was more than she wanted to pay. She wanted to know the earliest show in the other theater (we only have two). I said it was only showing in the Regal cinema. No it's not. It's in both theaters! I'm sorry, but it is not. It's in both. I said it was not likely as the theaters are competitors and never have the same movies. I'll prove it to you she says with authority. And she leaves to get the paper. She leaves, I laugh and can hardly wait for what she has to show me. She comes back with the weekly county paper and it is indeed playing at not two but three theaters in the county, but only one in our town. It was all I could do to bite my tongue and keep my mouth shut. We nearly had another melt down.

Later Rita, complex manager, and I talked about a fall craft fair that has fallen in my lap. Fallen is the right word. I was not part of the original discussion. Chas appears to be the center of it all. Anyway, he received the permission necessary to hold the event and then came to my apartment to say, "I've done my part, now the rest is your job. I'm done." WHAT? What is my job. Coordinate the fair and make it happen. I can't believe I agreed. I'm an idiot.

No, we cannot have it here. Why not, we have the perfect place? Security. Other residents might be fearful for their lives if strangers are let in. But the commons room can be a perfectly controlled and a secure spot. Well after searching nearly every available rental space in the area, we can't afford any of them. So, back to square one. I have been hesitant to push this any harder until we have secured a place. So, today I will draw a layout of the room and design a security plan. Planning LIFE conferences was not this much trouble. Oh, well. What else do I have to do. It will ruin my afternoon nap or the continuation of reading my book. Maybe even a walk to the park (four blocks away). Such sacrifices. Keeping the space secure is really easy, but I may not be able to work around the paranoia.

I'm hungry. What happened? Yikes, it's an hour after I normally eat. Good-bye.

EASY DAY

Got up for church today. Nice service. Two block walk. Very convenient. Highly motivated to clean. Got my living room done and the kitchen cleaned up. Bedroom needs emergency care. But that was not where my heart was. So I watched a lot of basketball and read "The Curse of Cain" by J. Mark Powell and L. D. Meagher — Civil War fiction about those planning to kidnap Abraham Lincoln. A fun and easy read. It has captured me. I should have finished cleaning or began a drawing - "I'll do it later, Mom!"

BACK TO THE BEGINNING
I finally got them to at least share their names. Could not get anything else. So I picked away at the puzzle off and on. That was easier than talking. Finally decided to plow into their lives. Everyone wants to talk about themselves - I thought. With most I had to dig to get anything. Dick was different. He was in his 90's and had an interesting life. He played pro football in the 20's. They played after their day job or weekends and got only a token of the owners appreciation. It really had to be just for fun. Loved talking to him. Daniel was also fairly interesting. He joked to the point of annoyance. Offended the women often. His comments were offensive, but funny. Had to control my laughter - keep a straight face no matter what.

Finally they began to report on each other. I found out who was naughty and who was nice, but the list changed a bit from person to person. I have rarely been influenced by what others think of someone. I need to find out for myself. I took the lists with a grain of salt, but could see a little of what others could see. This place was going to be fun. I would never have to watch a soap opera as there was one going on all around me. Gossip was high, stories strange, and complaints silly. And DO they ever complain. There would be little to talk about if it weren't for complaints. Yes, we can talk about health concerns. Everyone has them. That's part of why we're here. I never did study up on proper medical terms. They may as well be speaking Latin. I have no idea what they are saying. Oh, I get it, they mostly are speaking Latin. I thought that was a dead language? Wrong, wrong wrong.

SATURDAY and the adjustment to moving in

SATURDAY
So far so good. Worked a couple of guick little puzzles on the internet, watched "The Invention of Lying" (so so). delivered the Netflix movie to my "movie sharing partner." Was bored and started an easy puzzle in the upstairs lounge. Easier than I thought. Half finished it in two hours. Hazel came up and sat at another table around the corner and began talking to me. I could not understand her. She talks soft and I am probably losing some hearing. If she wanted to talk why didn't she sit near me instead of around the corner. (Be nice). She wanted me to come to her. I gave in and did. Besides, I was about to leave to make lunch and needed to get up anyway. My excuse for giving in.

Hazel does not have a good sense of humor, does not take criticism, and likes to tell me what to do. I usually look at her, smile and don't do what she wants. If she wants the hall carpet cleaned let her ask. The somewhat stained hall carpet does not bother me. If you saw my apartment you would know why. When I can keep my place perfect, I might get worried about some small stains in the hall. We talked about world problems today, concluded that as seniors we were getting screwed, and solved no other world problems. Since Hazel is a fixer, I asked that she keep me posted on her progress on world domination, or at least fixing our government problems.

Came back to watch NCAA Championship games. The Huskies are playing the Lobos (what kind of name is that?) I followed both Oregon teams since most of my adult life has been in that state. Am trying to adjust to WA for my son-in-law's sake. He's a real fan.

INTRODUCTION TO SUNSET MANOR
Coffee is on in the commons Monday-Friday from 9:00 to 4:00. Decided that might be the best place to met people. On arrival, most people looked at me like I had arrived from Mars. My fly was up and my hair was combed. So I'm a little over weight. That's no longer weird in America. Waited fro people to introduce themselves and ask my name. It turns out they already knew my name and the deepest anyone got was - Are you the new guy? If they knew my name they knew I was new.

I listened awhile and wandered over to the puzzle table. No one was there and the manager made it clear it was there for everyone. Soon Dixie arrived and wanted to know what I thought I was doing? Working the puzzle. Who said you could? No one. It was here calling my name. Well, you better not let Margaret catch you. This is our puzzle. Well,I was told it was here for everyone. Well, it is, but we started it and we are going to finished it. I hope you can get use to it, but I plan to stay. You're not easily intimidated are you? No. Especially since management said I could work this puzzle. It's not their puzzle.

The conversation ended and she asked a couple general questions. A few minuted later she said, It's nice to have fresh meat here? So I said, have you not eaten today? I mean, another man. We have very few men. I guess so, but I have not come to enter the dating pool. Too bad.

The whole conversation would make my daughter laugh. She has a hard time believing anyone would me interested in me. It has now been 18 years since my wife died. I've lasted this long, I know I can last till the end. I am very independent, besides, if one has not figured out by our age that relationships are hard work they never married. I loved my wife and we basically grew up together. Our interest and tasted blended over years. I'm pretty settled now. Also, I look as far ahead as can and the prospect of blending with someone else's adult children does not look like fun. Anyway, back to the point. I know the women out number the men, but I like all my limb where they are. I also like being a tease and flirting with them all. Mean? Maybe! But still fun. Let's be friends.

Back to the basketball game.

THE SEARCH - THE MOVE

I moved into a seniors retirement center last year. I should have started writing then, but like I always told my kids. It's never too late. I will back up to the beginning, but catch up quickly. So lets just start.

I was managing apartments in Oregon but having more and more difficulty keeping up physically. After discussing the problem with my daughter and knowing sooner or later that I should (no would have) to move somewhere it seemed only reasonable to be near her and especially the grand kids. I wanted to be part of their lives before they were too old to care about seeing me. (Teenagers you know).

I went on line to find my options for the west Puget Sound area of the state. I wanted to be close to family. I found about four that interested me and decided I would check it out on an August trip to see the family.

My daughter had partially checked the options out before my arrival. She drove by them. She decided on the basis of appearance. I liked that. She had her favorite. We went to check that one out first.

It was beautiful. The 12 year old building was designed to look somewhat victorian modern. Large partially fake wrap around porch. Several interesting roof angles, nicely landscaped, sitting at the end of a long finger inlet of the sound. The old town area, where it is situated, was flat and perfect for walking with a limp (I do).

Lets check it out. Rita, the manager, buzzed us in and gave us the lowdown on everything then took us on the grand tour. There were two buildings. The larger one held the office, a large living room with a grand piano, a smaller library a games room with pool table and a puzzle table for everyone (I like puzzles), and a large dining room called the commons. They do not serve meals but use the area for events, special occasions, coffee breaks and house meetings. It was all very attractively appointed. Yeah!

Having been a student of architecture and design, looks were helpful. Not the end all, but not a put off either.

We were taken to the first floor end of the hall on the left in the second building of the apartment tour. We were introduced to Delores, the outgoing tenant currently packing, the tour took two minutes tops. It was smaller than expected, but workable. Living/dining room, tiny kitchen, large bathroom and bedroom. (Why was the bathroom so large?)

After returning to the office, Rita wanted to get some basic information. By the time we got to the eighth page I figured out she was filling out my application (Slow, I know). I had read there was a 6-12 month wait and I was planning for retirement the following year.

After a review of my finances and a clear understanding that Sunset Manor was an income subsidized facility and that I could manage on my limited income, I decided to retirement here. After all was signed, she told me I could move in November 1. WHAT! I thought there was a one year wait. Yes, but…

We have to talk about this! My girl and I went to a wonderful neighborhood Bistro for lunch and ultimately decided I would move my retirement up a year. WOW! I was moving in two months. Much to do.

The place was perfect for me. I was excited. I was nervous. Quit my job, pack my junk, and panic. It would be fun. Yuck!

October 30th my son-in-law had arrived to help me load and drive the U-Hall back. I got a call from Rita. Where are you? Pardon, I said. Our office closes in an hour and I want to get you checked in before the weekend. We are off work on Saturday. (Thanks for telling me.) I can't get there. We are still packing and cannot get up there until tomorrow. TOMORROW! I can't check you in tomorrow! Well I can't be there today and Tomorrow is Nov. 1. I wasn't told of the change in arrival. Oh, I told you alright. We never work on the weekends. (Just shut up Clyde, an argument here will not help.) I will call my daughter to come get the keys and we can settle it up on Monday. And that we did.

The trip went well. There was a light rain most of the way. We arrived at my daughters just over the hill from the home and I stayed for the night. Saturday we moved in. I was a little surprised they did not recruit a few men to help me move in. I knew I would be of little help. But there was my daughter, her husband, my 11 year old granddaughter, the 8 year old granddaughter and my seven year old grandson. We'll will never make it. But we did. I was shocked at how hard the grand kids worked, how much they could carry and the creativity they all had in moving things around. When the truck was nearly empty we found water in the granny attic over the cap. Several boxes were wet. And what did we put up there. Books, papers, art supplies. Yes there were wet.

It was time to rest,but the truck needed to be returned. My daughter and the kids set up the bed, unpacked some boxes and arranged a few things while Chris, Morgan and I returned the truck. We filed a claim and completed the paper work. I would wait to see what would happen next. I returned to my new home and fell on the bed telling the family to turn the light out as they left.