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!