Monday, March 20, 2017

In the Beginning....Part 2


And I use the word "beginning" for it truly feels like another one. I've had many, I've been blessed. And in my last two homes they reflected me, solo me, my décor, my artifacts, my friends, my colours.

And so will this new one that my spirit will enter on April 1st, but through circumstances of my hospitality business and my municipal position, my body won't enter fully until September.

It's a one bedroom apartment in an independent senior living complex. A friend already lives there. A friend after my own heart as we value privacy and abhor unexpected dropping around. The complex is small and charming and includes a gym on each floor, a free laundry on each floor, an outside patio with barbecues, an enormous communal two storey recreation room with library and kitchen and piano, it's overlooking a lake and is a short hop to the city of St. John's.

A few things, of many, that impressed me were it was so quiet, I loved how some of the artists living there had hung their artwork in the hallways, I was also impressed with some of the residents being in their nineties and having home care help coming in for a few hours a day if needed thus deferring the day when an assisted living home might be rquired. And twice a week there's a free bus that takes everyone out to shop if they are beyond driving.

My friend tells me we are the two "babies" in the complex being the youngest. I find that very amusing but also highly educational in that I hope to learn more about ageing in place and an ease and familiarity with the process.

The complex is close to the East Coast Trail and some gorgeous trails in the city itself.

Simmering down to a one bedroom is going to be challenging. I am hoping to market my current dwelling as a turnkey hospitality heritage home, all furnishings and appliances included. My plan is to take very little from here.

So yes, I am excited. But daunted too by the task of downsizing my existing lifestyle into one more manageable and easy.
But I am also blessed with an attitude that once I make up my mind, I don't look back. I don't want a life of regrets.

Looking ahead and with anticipation is where I'm at.

33 comments:

  1. I wish you well in your downsizing. I have been reading your blog for a long time without commenting and am pleased you have found a place that sounds so lovely.
    All the best, Karen

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    1. Thank you Karen. I'm always so pleased when a lurker emerges. I'll have quite a few months to develop a strategy and start offloading junk.and get used to the idea.

      XO
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  2. It sounds like it will fit the bill for where you are now, and make living more enjoyable, though I am sorry you'll be losing one facet of your income. You'll still be able to write and edit and hopefully have some time to relax. Does this place allow small pets?

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    1. No alas E, no pets at all. But with Ansa gone not an issue for me. Yes income loss not good but as someone said once it'll vevtuna and not salmon for a while, a metaphor that resonated.

      XO
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  3. I have thoughts of doing the same thing. I have to be surrounded by nature, even if it is a window or small porch
    to sit on. Have not found anything that I could adjust too.
    So now rolling into my 80's, doing all I can to do less
    and downscale. Still have much I am thinking about and as
    long as I have a little help I am hoping to stay in this
    cottage by the woods.
    Good Luck to You - may be much smarter then this one by making this change. Blessings sent your way this late night
    that I can not sleep. Son here and trying to investigate
    a lot...

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    1. As long as you can manage with the help Ernestine. I am so delighted your son is there. What joy for you!

      Thanks for your good wishes.

      XO
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  4. Congratulations! Sounds like a lovely environment that fits your needs as you've described them. Sorting and disposing will keep you busy in your downsizing efforts. I'm trying to do some as I go along but am not making very speedy headway. But you will likely pace yourself much better than I have since you'll want to meet certain timelines. So glad you have a friend there which makes it attractive, too. Lake appeals to me.

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    1. And my tourists help also in keeping this place gleaming so hopefully it will get sold!
      Yes junk offloading is a challenge treasures I mean 😀

      XO
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  5. Best of luck in your new home. It sounds like you'll be well provided for, with the gyms and laundries and barbecues and library. I don't know of anywhere here with so many amenities.

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  6. Thanks Nick. I was surprised at so many extras as was Daughter. And I loved the "energy" of the place, so quiet and some residents walking around all the halls on a poor weather day.

    I feel a reawakening of potential. This large house consumes a lot of my energy.

    XO
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  7. That sounds like a very rational move. We have a new senior complex here but it doesn't seem anywhere near as nice. Best wishes for your move.

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    1. I believe it was originally built by the Americans as officer quarters when they had a base here which might explain the extras. There's a hefty waiting list. I didn't expect such a speedy entry.
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  8. i read your blog and always find it interesting..amusing, sometimes sad, always thoughtful, informed and ''opinionated'' (a compliment by the way!)i wish you much joy in your new home, which sounds just the ticket. ann.

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    1. Thanks Ann. The human condition. Ups and downs and ins and outs. I prefer the unbland my life isn't perfect blogs.Truth. The perennially cheerful get me down. I want to shout: Seriously,dude?

      XO
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  9. Good for you. I will look forward to your posts as you move and settle in and take on a new adventure.

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    1. I will post more frequently. I have the kind of face everyone confides in.

      XO
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  10. Frankly, I wish that I could do that.

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    1. Ah Ramana, I can't see you leaving your present lovely home with your children and dog there?
      XO
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  11. Sounds wonderful! Downsizing does not have to be a bad thing, which is how we sometimes view it, I think. I too will be downsizing in the near future; I will unfortunately have no choice but, nonetheless, I hope to have your good attitude re: no regrets.

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    1. Good point Elle. It's the decision making g process and deciding what goes, what doesn't. My dad's carving set kind of thing.

      Can we share our processes?

      XO
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  12. Two thumbs up to you! Will they take someone from Toronto? (kidding, well...maybe just a little! :)
    Sounds lovely!

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    1. Yes it is a very special place. I'm quite delighted. Thank you.

      XO
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  13. This is such a good time for a new beginning! Good on ya, as they say. The only thing that keeps me in my present location is my dog, an old girl herself. The work of maintaining a house is just more than I really want to be dealing with, I look forward to my own new beginning. It sounds like you have landed on your feet, the new digs sound very doable!

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    1. I'll keep you posted Annie on the transition and massive downsizing.

      XO
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  14. Your new home-to-be sounds delightful, WWW! I feel sure you'll be happy and comfortable (and safe) there.

    We shall hope to find something as good in our vicinity when the time comes - not likely to be very long in the future. Got to get this house shipshape and "stuff" well-pruned first! :-/

    Very best hopes and wishes for coming months and moves! xx

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    1. Thanks To. I've always been a firm believer in being proactive rather than reactive. I thought I'd have more years to plan but I moved to the top of the list at lightening speed in the past 3 months. It is truly a wonderful location.

      XO
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  15. Sounds like you will have the best of both worlds, M. A wonderfully tranquil, peaceful environment but with people around nearby should you want/need to engage.

    Such good timing that there was a vacancy when you needed it, despite the usual long waiting list. There you see, the universe has provided. Love and best wishes to you in all the changes that will take place. xxxxx

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    1. The universe can smile favourably P. From time to time.
      Mixed emotions today but I'll post on that later.
      XO
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  16. I think you will love it and it will be good for you Wise - it will help you adjust to not having Ansa too. I find it difficult to realize Jos ISN'T here - if I moved my computer it would be easier because I wouldn't feel her down there under the table with one paw on my foot. 👍

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    1. You are so right Betty. Ansa haunts me. I know you understand. I miss her so deeply every day and I still talk to her.

      You might need to rearrange your furniture!

      XO
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  17. Wow, that's a bi change! But one that appeals to me as a someday-plan. I like the idea of living independently but around other people so that I'm not all alone.

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    1. My thinking exactly SAW. And I like the idea of plumbing and maintenance no longer being my problem. Not to mention my chimney issues. 😗

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  18. All the best wishes for you in your "new life."

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