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!
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ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your situation. We live isolated as you know from reading our blog site and we like it like that as people can be very difficult. At least we have each other and while Rocky is a good companion I imagine he falls short on carrying on a good conversation. You are one year older than I am and my 81st is coming up in 4 weeks. I agree that if you can - buy a crock pot or toaster oven and cook what you want. What you describe is exactly what my fear is. Carol would like to live in a less demanding place but what you describe is what I fear should we move from our mountain. I just posted an article yesterday on what is rarely reported on here in Colorado but is a big problem. Working people living in their cars is not a small issue - they can't afford homes or apartments. The state of our country is getting worse in my opinion. Wish I had some advice that would benefit you but sadly I don't.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear the move isn't working out for you but I certainly understand. Good ideas above if you like to cook. Just get a two burner hot plate and a toaster over large enough for whatever you want and you are set in that regard. I would think the community would have some sort of JAUNT or other free transport for seniors so you could check out a senior center and maybe make some friends there. Are you on Nextdoor? Join that on line and ask where you could find a senior center or transportation. People are very helpful on it.
ReplyDeleteI think you've got some great suggestions in the comments. I really can't think of anything else to add. You do need to figure out how to get to a senior center and be around people. Let us know how you're doing.
ReplyDeleteThe other bloggers have left good suggestions. If you only knew all the horror stories I hear about my mother's friends who moved in with their well-meaning children but ended up in a nightmarish situation.
ReplyDeleteI suppose that is why she won't even entertain moving to Houston with me. I can not leave her by herself, but I am OK with being in Del Rio as she sacrificed so much for me. It is my turn now, even if it means postponing or giving up on my Terlingua dream.
I'm in the same situation. I'm in an apartment but no one around my age. It's all nurses and military people. I found a way to talk to people that's really helped. ZOOM. there's tons of people that you can talk to and I still have a chat room for the rv'ers that became close friends all these years (2007). Reach out if interested. We can talk or type or both with other people.
ReplyDeleteReminds me of when my older cousin visited me years ago. When i got home from work, he said "I learned something today. if i ever have to move to a strange town I am going to get a cute dog. Today I took Charlie (my dog) for a walk, and I couldn't believe all the people who stopped and asked about the dog! Now Charlie was a small, white and brown long haired dog with a tail like a flag on his rear end. He was very cute.
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