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.