Change...really?

The gossip is fast and furious around here, and I am learning that a 2-bedroom is opening up on Monday. Of course, the people are probably getting some time to make the move, and it will be cleaned and readied for its next occupant, which is most likely me! It is just a few doors east of where I am now. I thought the next opening would be west of where I am now. One never knows exactly what the future holds. I understand this was a very fast incident for the lady, as everyone is very surprised. We never know...

I tried to entice someone to walk with me on the bike trail at 9:00 AM to no avail, so off I went on my own adventure. The weather is so nice, I could not pass it up. The first half-mile was all about working out the kinks. The next mile and a half were most pleasant. FYI, I was the only person on the trail.

I then stopped at the grocery store to see if anything appealed to me. I ended up with some fish, broccoli, and apple strudel. I hope the yearning keeps up.

Oh, yes, Gary, the middle son, came to Jefferson for a quick trip. I like these little surprises. We ate out at a Chinese restaurant, and we played pool. We both won some and lost some. A good time was had by both of us!

Till next time.

Wonder?

 Are you wondering what on earth has happened to me? I am still in an adjustment period. My younger self would be appalled at how long it is taking me to get my ducks in a row. I have yet to see those ducks on the horizon.

My two possible house buyers have taken themselves off the list, so now I am waiting for new ones to come along. And they will in time. It is perhaps a blessing in disguise. I can relax a bit with no rush pushing me along.

I am walking every morning, or nearly every morning, 7 times around is a mile. When I switch to my old route and when summer weather settles in, I plan to do the 2 miles I have done for years. My friend Colleen has come to Jefferson, so I have my walking partner available again. We just have to get the gears started for both of us.

I am having trouble lining up pool players. I may have to widen the circle of possibilities. I have played a few times.

Life ebbs and flows, and it seems we are in a bit of an ebb. 

Done Deal!

 The pool table was reassembled in its new home yesterday. When the fellow put it together and performed the drop ball test, even he was impressed and had a big smile on his face. He did an excellent job. Jason and I played the first game, and I won. Patience...

In process...

This is a photo taken this morning from my desk window. 

It's a mouthful!

Too Much

 Too much sugar today, so no sleep for me tonight. You would think a person would learn! Now I live in a place where donuts turn up unexpectedly, and a person is inclined to indulge at times when it is simply not a good idea.

On the sunny side, my life seems to be going along nicely. The pool table parts are lying in wait for the expert from DesMoines to come put it back together again. This will happen on Monday, and I am not the only one anxiously awaiting. There are fellows here who ask me when it will happen, and if they can watch. I expect a fair-sized audience.

I have two people interested in my house. I have no idea who will win the race, but I wish they both could!

I will be having an auction of some sort later in May, and once that is behind me, perhaps I can get back to making earrings. 

It takes a lot of doing to change your life as much as I have in the last year. It amazes me how everything falls into place exactly when it should. I just have to relax and let it happen.

I am pleased with my choice of Evergreen Ridge. It is a bit like my South Texas home, as there are always people around to visit with. Happy hour here is from 3:00 to 4:00, which dips into Jeopardy, so I don't make it every day.

My desk here is in front of a window, and it is a treasure trove of activities. Not always good. Today, a local cat, whose whereabouts no one seems to know, was "playing" with a baby rabbit, right outside my window. The cat would flip it in the air and watch it run, recapture it, and repeat. After what seemed like forever, it finished it off and had a partial snack. A crow swooped down twice to pick up the remains. 

Sometimes nature is hard to watch. As it is, the people who have lived here longer say we are overrun with rabbits and lack the sympathy I was feeling. Oh well.

Mostly Moved

 There is still plenty to do. Gary, Susan, Jason, and Laura worked very hard to get me moved to the point where I can live in my new home. They moved all the big stuff and a large portion of the small stuff. I think I can take care of the rest of it by moving a few things at a time. It is so heart-warming to have that kind of help.

This is my bedroom and my office. Remember, this is a rough draft. I am barely moved in, much less settled.

My bedroom/office.

Living room

View from Kitchen

There are all kinds of things happening outside my "office" window

And here is one of them. I am charging my good camera to be always ready.

And then on Saturday, Devon and Zach Hiller came, and between the four guys, moved the pool table to Evergreen Ridge for me. It didn't even take that long! It is now ready for Pool Repair Bob to finish putting it together. He called me a bit ago and said he will be here next Monday. Yippee!

New Place

 This week family moved me into my new digs, Evergreen Ridge in Jefferson Iowa. I am mostly moved. Today, Gary and Jason earned themselves a golf round or two...maybe three. Susan and I are going to manage the small stuff. When I get my wits about me, I will take some photos and post them.

Sometimes when I am looking for something, especially in photos, I will run across something I forgot about or I hadn't seen for a long time.

Here is one of them. A whistling duck, taken in Magnolia Park around 2015.

Getting on with it

 The trip home was smooth as silk, and I could not have had better people to be with. Sherri and Sam are so....fantastic! The whole world is better because they are in it.

So now I am getting on with the rest of my life. It is currently very busy! I had a CT scan yesterday. I am okay. There are a few things we are checking. The truth be known, if I eat like I am supposed to and refrain from overdoing everything, it works like it should. It is like an old car; the body needs an overhaul now and then to make life worth living.

Today I got an updated driving licence. Yup, I can be on the road legally for the next two years. I also got my passport renewed.

I have access to my new apartment at Evergreen Ridge. I don't have a bed! Butch built an RV-type bed in our home, and it is queen-size and nailed to the wall. So, in my downsizing process, I ordered a bed from Amazon, and all the parts of that are here except for the mattress. It will be next week before it is here. One day at a time...I keep telling myself...one day at a time.

I have lots of good help around me, and I am so very grateful.

Tonight, as I was writing this, I experienced a big old lightning strike! It has been a long time since I heard one of those!