Are Any Old Friends Out There?

I haven't blogged in a long while, so probably no one who remembers me is still around.   I tried, back in 1997, to backpack the entire Appalachian Trail, but only was able to complete about 900 of the 2200 or so miles of it.  I don't feel the least bit guilty of not being able to hike any longer - I retired at age 55 and began the trail a few months later.  I loved it (most of the time), but wasn't embarased to say "I'm finished".

I lived in Virginia back then, and have since  moved to Sacramento, CA. I enjoy living here, for the most part, although since I've outlived many of my peers, I really don't fit in anywhere.

I'd love to hear from any former hikers/backpackers out there, and how you've managed to return to society.  I don't think I have ever really fit in with most of society since I left the trail.  And no, I don't have any desire to hike or backpack in California, even though I'm not far from the Pacific Crest Trail.  I have had a good life in California since I moved here many years ago, but I will always be a "daughter of Appalachia".  (I also spent a couple of years living in Ireland, which I really enjoyed at the time.  But I'm so happy to be back in the U.S.)

Three of my four children live in CA, and one settled in New York.  I belong to a different generation and era, and I sure miss my old friends.  If any of you are still out there, or have enjoyed backpacking, please drop me a line.

Gypsy97 (Marty)

Weather Changes Coming Up!

Our weather has been really pleasant for a while and I thought spring was just around the corner.  But the predictions now are for rain and a drop in temperatures later on in the week.  I should get out with Rocky while the sun in still shining.

I used to enjoy walking Rocky because I met a lot of my friendly neighbors then.  I don't meet many neighbors in this neighborhood, and I 'd say they are "mildly friendly".  Some don't even respond to a wave and a "hello"!  It's just plain not my type of neighborhood, so what else can I say.   I've been thinking of trying to move back to the city, but not sure where or how to start looking for a place.  I have been so self-sufficient all my life and it's a bitter pill to take losing all my independence and have to ask someone to drive me where I need to go.  This place is really "out in the boonies"!  Suggestions welcome, but not many opportunities for an 82 yr old female.  By the way, "age 82" looks way worse when I put it in print!  :-)  I certainly don't think or feel that old!

So I just came back from a nice walk, where we met a couple who were walking two beautiful dachshund puppies!  They were so cute and friendly, and not afraid of Rocky at all.  Rocky is so laid back that no one should be afraid of him, except someone who is up to no good.  He has always been very perceptive and a good judge of character.

I think I will now spend a bit of time looking at ads for apartment rentals back in civilization!

I also want to send condolences to Judilyn. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time Marches On ---

--- and I'm keeping up with it, if just barely.  I regret that I sold my mobile home.   At least I met people when I walked Rocky, and most were friendly so I had a lot more human contact. 

Ever since I've moved away from the mobile home I keep watch online for what is on sale and details of the homes.  A few months ago there was a house for sale by owner with a relatively low asking price, that I had been following for several months.  After sitting on the market for a while, it was advertised by a real estate agent at a much higher asking price.  It sold in less than a week (for the higher price!).  I could have kicked myself for letting it go.  I could have paid cash for the house!  The monthly cost of site rentals has gone way up, but I still could have comfortably afforded it.  There's an old saying:  "He who hesitates, is lost!", and I sure lost out on a good thing.

 

 

Happy New Year 2023!

 I can't wrap my mind around the fact that it's 2023!   Life is slipping by.

I haven't written an update, because my life certainly hasn't  been anything to write about this past year.

I'm living with my daughter and her family about 30 miles outside of Sacramento.  They bought a house that has a very nice "in-law suite" consisting of a living-dining-kitchen area in one large space, a decent sized bedroom and full bath.  I also have a stacked washer/dryer and a full sized garage (no car, however).  There isn't much of a front yard or porch - people don't sit out on their front porches and talk to folks who go by.  There is, however, a nice patio off my bedroom and a huge back yard for Rocky and Tito (Jeannie's dog).  To tell the truth, I would like to run away!

It's very nice and I appreciate it, although I would rather be around folks my own age, or at least more friendy folks.  I think my age is off-putting to younger people (and younger, to me, is anyone under 70).  I totally appreciate that my daughter wanted to find a place where I would be comfortable, and I am comfortable in my spacious apartment, but I have no friends or even acquaintances.  When the weather is good, I walk Rocky twice a day on a path through some nearby woods.  There are a few people I encounter on these walks, but I'm lucky if I get a response to my "hello".

 Right now the weather is not good for walking, so I spend my days alone for the most part.  It's a dilemma for me whether I should try to find senior housing, but I would only go into that if I could take Rocky.

I haven't written a post for some time now, and don't know if anyone ever looks to see if I've posted a new blog entry.

So much for my update.  I hope you all are doing well, and that I can get back to reading blog posts again and keeping up with everyone.

Best wishes for the coming year!

Responses to my post yesterday (A Quick Hello)

I am sorry for all my complaints in yesterday's post.  When I read about a working person having to live in his car because he couldn't afford housing, I was ashamed of myself for  whining about my situation.  I have a very nice and comfortable apartment, connected to my daughter's home but completely separate, and I sleep pretty comfortably every night.  I have no right to b*tch about my situation when so many others in the U.S. are living in desperate conditions.

I recall the stories my dad told about living through the Great Depression, and I guess our lives could get much worse.  They are worse for people who are deprived of the basics.  A couple of years ago, I gave my backpacking tent and other camping items to a homeless person, and I often wonder what became of him.

"There, but for the grace of God, go I."   I think that is such a humbling and impactful saying!

A Quick "Hello"

I'm getting ready for bed, but thought I'd write a quick note to say "Hello" to everyone.  

I'm kind of tired of where I live - don't know anyone and don't really meet anyone.  I walk Rocky twice a day on a short path through some woods, and the people I meet are friendly enough as passers-by, but I miss having friends that I can talk to.  I'd love to move back to my last neighborhood and the friends I made there, but it probably won't happen.  I thought my current neighborhood would be much more friendly, as there are a number of "next gen" homes - homes for families with an apartment for older (or younger) family members.  But I have as yet to meet another older person, and many of the people are definitely not interested in taking to an elder.  If they don't want to talk to me, then I don't want to talk to them, but I need to find a place where I fit in.  It's a helluva note -  and I don't have an answer.  I know Jeannie meant the best for me when she got this particular house, and my quarters are definitely perfect for me, but the situation grows worse by the week.   I'm approaching 82 so I guess I need to put up with it for a bit longer and then it won't matter!

The one thing I miss is a complete kitchen.  I have a stab at a kitchenette at one end of the room - it consists of a fridge, sink, and microwave.  (And of course, cabinetry).  Donald told me that the unit would be taxed differently if there was a complete kitchen, so I can understand why it is like it is, but I miss a stovetop - never did "cook" in a microwave.  It might have a "convection oven", but I have no idea how to use it, so to me it's just a microwave oven to heat something up in.  I got to the point where I didn't cook much, but I did like the option of a stovetop and oven.

Enough of complaining- I have what I need (except friends).  And Rocky instinctively knows there is tension between Jeannie and me, and he is placing his bets on Jeannie, so I've lost my last friend.  I keep asking myself, "How in the hell did I get here?" 

To make it worse, I've always been a "city girl", but now I'm far enough removed from the city that I can't walk to anything.  Since I don't drive any more, I can't look for something closer in and more convenient for me.

Suggestions?  Or may be condolences!

 

 

Hotel California!

 I am "living it up at the Hotel California" today.  In fact, if I don't quit having so much fun, who knows what trouble I might get into!   I can "check out any time I like, but I just can't ever leave".  (Thanks for the suggestion, Cactus Flower!)

It has been too hot lately to even go out on my covered patio, but one of the best things about Sacramento weather is that no matter how hot the days are, it gets cool in the evening and the cool hangs on until mid-morning at least!  I just closed my windows at 3pm and clicked on the a/c!

Kathy mentioned that there are little boots for dogs to protect their paws.  I bought some of these years ago for Smoky, my first black lab and dog who accompanied me on my Appalachian Trail hike.  We began the hike in early March and the weather was often cold and icy.  His reaction to the boots was absolutely priceless:  he would take a step and shake one of his paws trying to get rid of the bootie.  Then another step and shake of a paw.  It went on for a few steps and I took them off when I could finally quit laughing.  I came to the conclusion that God would have to protect his paws because booties were not the answer!  (He survived like the champ he was!).  I walk Rocky on a short trail that runs through the woods, and I steer him back and forth to whatever side has any shade at all.

I'll be happy when the days begin to cool down, although that might be another month, at least.