Keeping Your Cottage Instead of Moving Into Assisted Living

 

Time and time again, seniors are encouraged to sell their homes, downsize, and move into assisted living.  Is this the right advice for you?  In my case, it isn't.  Not everyone has the personality to live in those types of situations.  You need to really like being in groups.  Some senior living homeowners  report problems with residents who drink too much, are inconsiderate, and won't follow the rules.  

My parents both spent their final days in their home. They owned a gorgeous Spanish style house that they had taken impeccable care of, restoring it lovingly and nurturing the vibrant garden.  They could afford help in their later years.  A housekeeper came every couple of weeks and took care of the cleaning.  My dad eventually hired a gardener to manage the front and backyard when he was in his early eighties.  He took care of all the plants until that time.  He was very proud of how lush and healthy the front and backyard looked.  

As a person who likes one on one time and privacy, I don't think I would feel comfortable in assisted living.  I like my privacy, spend much of my time on this porch, and I would miss my garden.  I love watching the alpacas frolic on the hillside, observing the bees and butterflies, and seeing the color of the sky shift and change at night.

 Each of the plants I picked out myself and planted.  The soil was clay when I bought the bungalow.  I amended it regularly with straw and compost over the years so that it would support the flowers, trees, herbs and wildlife.

Do you plan on moving in retirement, or will you stay where you are?

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Staying Outside of Palma in Mallorca

 

On my trip to Mallora last spring, I decided to spend one night in the mountains.  Prices at pensions outside of the tourist areas are much more affordable.   It can be very difficult to get a taxi from the airport in Palma, but I got straight to the front of the line and jumped in one.  I had a friendly female driver and gave her the address to my home for the night outside of the city. 

It was a pastoral setting, so I spent my time relaxing, taking walks in the area, stopping for a pizza at the nearby restaurant, (there was only one,) and reading.  The soil and animals looked healthy and natural.  

The inn where I stayed had a sparkling pool with a lovely garden.  The sound of the water was so relaxing.  Breakfast, which was included, was a delightful spread with lots of variety.  This bed and breakfast is run by a couple who relocated there.  Their young daughter was with them in the morning; she was such a cutie.  The stonework was impressive, inside and outside the home.

Stumbling upon these sheep excited the knitter in me.  It was such a quiet and peaceful area, in contrast to Palma, Mallorca, where I spent the next three nights.  That was a thrilling finish to my European vacation.  I think when I return, I will stay for a week in Palma.  The hotels, restaurants, and sights were first class.   It just appealed to me on so many levels.  May was the ideal time of year to visit.  It wasn't too crowded, and the temperatures were warm and pleasant.  Summers can be extremely hot there, according to my taxi driver.

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Using Your Time Wisely in Retirement

 

One thing I commonly hear from people nearing retirement is that they don't know what they will do all day!   Many of them identify strongly with their work/career role.    They worry that once that form of expression ends, they will be bored, lonely and have endless hours stretching out in front of them each day.  They imagine a depressed and lonely existence. 

I have found the exact opposite to be true.  With so many hobbies, in addition to the responsibility of taking care of my home and garden, I find that it's difficult to fit in everything I want to do in twenty-four hours.   Each day in retirement for me is full and busy. 

I love to be outside with my dogs on our gorgeous, sunny California hiking trails.  The shot above is taken on a long walk that I took last week in Agua Dulce.  Thats is the famous Pacific Crest Trail.  The damp caves, sparkling stream, and flagstone staircase made the journey feel enchanting. Parts of the landscape are rocky, stark and memorable.  Vasquez Rocks in pictured in the background. 

Although in the past few years I took some magnificent trips to Europe, in 2023, I have stayed home.  The plans I carefully made to visit the Panama Canal, London, and the British Isles collapsed, because all three of my flights were canceled.  That disappointment dampened my excitement.  I lost the passion, due to not trusting in the airlines, travel insurance carriers, and other merchants.  There is so much to do close to my home, so I have been kayaking at our local lakes, paddling in the ocean, and biking on the bike trails and through our neighborhood. 

You don't have to sit in front of the tv and veg out as you age.  If you stick to a routine, you can enjoy making delicious meals, get in your daily exercise, grow a lush garden, and take care of your home and pets.  I savor watching my favorite television shows and documentaries on Netflix and Max each evening.  For many of my lean years I didn't have tv, so now it feels like a real treat.  I definitely get my money's worth from the two streaming services I have.  

Retirement is what you make it.  If you fill it with things that you love to do, it can be a rewarding and fantastic time. 

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Roses in Retirement

 

I have been letting the roses grow wild in front of my cottage.  One bush is now five feet tall.  They seem to love to expand and reach toward the sunlight.  As the saying goes, "Roses love to be on display." 

Although roses appear to be expensive in the nurseries, I have found that they are well worth the investment.  They provide, beauty, grace and fragrance.  As they age, the plants as a whole become stronger, and their stalks thicken.  

You can cut them to enjoy in a crystal vase in your home, and you don't need to hire an expensive tree trimmer to keep the pruned.  If you deadhead them regularly, they will reward you with constant blooms during the warm weather.

For those who own cottages, roses are a classic plant to show off in your front garden.  They attract so much attention and admiration.

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Harvesting MacIntosh Apples

 This morning I picked the apples off one of my trees;  they were starting to fall on the ground.  Tree ripened fruit is the best!  It is exciting to be growing apples in Cailfornia.  They do so well up here in the mountains.  The climate is perfect for them.  I believe these are MacIntosh.  They came with the property, so I'm not sure of the variety.  The flavor is fantastic.  It's such a treat to have fresh fruit from the garden.  

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The Joy of Gardening During Retirement

 

One of my favorite ways to spend time as a retiree is as a gardener.  Shrub roses grow well here in the sunny mountains of California.  I go out and deadhead these Cecile Brunners each morning.  I am rewarded with constant, fragrant, pink blooms and new growth.  They enjoyed a recent drenching from the rain we just received.

This year I planted a Mr. Lincoln, (my favorite dramatic red rose,) in the ground.  It's located in a sunny spot, and I'm hoping that it will thrive there.  Berries, apples, pears, and cherries grow in abundance in Wrightwood, California.  Our summers are short and mild, unlike the harsh and blistering heat we experience in Santa Clarita.  I tend different fruits in each location.

This plum tree is very close to my cabin.  I saw a squirrel excitedly run off with one of these succulent fruits in its mouth.  It looks like they have adapted to the climate very well here, as well.  This plot of land also has a large grapevine that is filled with grapes.  It receives plenty of sun.

Are you growing any fruit right now?  I am currently harvesting Macintosh Apples.  They are so tasty and sweet!  

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Summer Entertainment in Pasadena

 

Over the weekend I attended a fantastic concert at The Arboretum in Arcadia, California.  The Pasadena Pops presented an impeccably rehearsed evening featuring the music of Queen.  The music was fantastic.  They always open the show with our National Anthem.  It's exciting and challenging to sing as a group.  It brings back memories of singing patriotic songs in childhood for me, growing up in San Mateo, California. 

I sat at the conductor's table with many talented actors and actresses, writers, directors, and former professional dancers.  The conversation over dinner was enthusiastic and stimulating.  Larry Blank conducted with mastery and authority.

This photo was from a previous concert featuring the divas of soul.  The women were so talented and glamorous.  It was thrilling to watch them.  Sitting outside, enjoying the mountains, electric blue peacocks who roam through the grounds, and observing the blazing sunset made it a relaxing and healing experience.  

These day trips are an ideal way to socialize, enjoy live entertainment, and not have to deal with the current hassles in the airline and travel business.

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Safe and Sound in California After Hurricane Hilary

 

Thank you for all the messages inquiring about my welfare after the recent storm in Southern California.  Fortunately, I had gone to the grocery store a couple days before it hit. I stocked up on dog food, fruit, vegetables, staples and supplies.  I am so glad that I did, because Highway 2 is now closed with four feet of mud piled high, and other damage from the wash.  It rained over twelve inches in 24 hours in Wrightwood!  It just was a constant downpour.  I have four spouts that drain from my upstairs balcony to the deck.  Through the sliding glass door it looked like a faucet was on all day.  

Fortunately, the cabin and land fared very well.  The man who built and designed it was from Germany, and a true master.  He really knew what he was doing.  I am so glad that I had the oaks and pines trimmed three weeks ago, as well as getting the cabin stained last year.  I had picked up all the spare branches in the yard, trimmed the lilacs, and carted all of the trash and green waste to the dump last week.   Preparation makes such a difference.

The cottage also withstood the storm.  Thank goodness LA County came to our street and did major flood control in the right of way last year.  The water flowed down our block to the storm drain into the wash, instead of pooling in my driveway and seeping under my front door, like it had done in the past.  I was so relieved to come home to dry carpet.  We had about six inches of rain down here.  The fruit trees look happy and healthy.

How about you? Have you experienced any extreme weather lately?  It sure helps having a stockpile, and staying up on home and yard maintenance. 

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Concerts, Ballet, and the Beach

 

I am sorry I haven't blogged in a while.  I have been organizing some important paperwork.  This summer has been filled with wonderful entertainment and nostalgic meetings with old friends from my dancing days.  I have been to see Westside Ballet, (where I taught for decades,) to Los Angeles Ballet, and to the Pasadena Pops for some fabulous concerts and picnics.  It has been a joy and honor to sit at the conductor's table with Larry Blank and his wife, Kaylyn.  We all toured together with "My One and Only" when I was 22.  The music has been thrilling!

I have also made time to drive down to the beach and enjoy the sunshine, crashing waves, and salt water.  There is nothing as therapeutic for me as being near the ocean.  I love to sit on the rocks with the birds and absorb the healing vibrations.

This is PCH. (The famous Pacific Coast Highway.)  It is such a joy to drive down it towards Malibu.  I time the trip so that I am not in traffic.  The landscape is just gorgeous.  I always admire the beach houses as I pass by...and take notice of the athletic surfers.  They are so fit and in shape.

How is your summer going?  

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Unexpected Expenses During Retirement

 One thing that many retirees don't plan on is the reality of unanticipated bills during their golden years.  The Fire Department may require you to pay for expensive tree trimming, even if the pines and oaks aren't on your property.  In Wrightwood, CA, we are required to maintain the vegetation ten feet from our property line to the road.  This can get very expensive.

You may need to paint you home more often than you expected.  Blistering, hot summers can be very hard on the exterior of a house, and cause your paint to peel.    Property taxes may go up, even with Proposition 13.

Inflation is another sneaky way you may find yourself paying far more for groceries, repairs, and home maintenance.  It is so important to factor in for these items.  The price changes over time can be shocking.  

Even the IRS could surprise you with an unexpected bill.  If you are paying quarterly on your retirement income, and your accountant makes an error, you are still liable.  Sometimes these mistakes can result in a letter requiring a large payment.  

The ever important emergency fund saves the day when these issues arise.  

Have you had any unexpected expenses arise recently?

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Learning From a Robbery on our Street

 The other night, I spoke on the phone with a neighbor of mine who was recently been robbed.  He was away at the time, but I think the lessons I learned from his story could help all of us.  He told me that they entered through a window.  He has double deadbolt locks on his doors, so you need a key to open them from the inside, as well.  The windows were all locked except for the bathroom.  He had cracked it, thinking that because it is really small, and eight feet off the ground, no one could get inside of it.  

They used a ladder, cut the screen, and hoisted up a "really little guy," into the opening.  I studied the tape and photos he sent me.  "That's not a guy," I told him.  "That's a child.  He looks about eight.  I can tell by the arms."  I taught dance and yoga for decades, and I know bodies.  An adult male would have a much more muscular arm.

They took $1,500. worth of change, some baseball cards, and equipment he uses to find coins.  They spent an hour and a half at his home, arriving in the dark at 3:00 a.m.  They were covered in baggy black clothes, sporting bandanas and ski masks, and they parked right in front of his house.  The largest man silently entered his garage carrying a gun pointing ahead of him.  They were gang members.  All of this was caught on camera. 

When I asked him, my neighbor told me that he didn't have the alarm set.  Many people that have alarms don't use them, for various reasons.   He said that his kept going off, so he disengaged it. 

He no longer keeps cash in his house.  He rolled up all the change that they didn't find and deposited it at the bank.  He has removed everything valuable from the house.  

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Making Time For What's Important in Retirement

 

As we age, we realize what makes us feel happy, fulfilled and relaxed.  Like many of you, I am a great lover of nature.  I feel fortunate to reside in an area where I can swim, kayak, hike, ride my bicycle and relax.  Although I love to visit cities, I always breathe a sigh of relief upon seeing the mountains, the clear blue sky, and the sight of our freshwater lakes.  

Some of my friends and I enjoy watching documentaries.  I just watched one about a man who lived out in the wilderness of Alaska, in close association with grizzly bears.  He and his girlfriend were ultimately mauled to death by one of them.  It struck me how naive he seemed in the footage.  I felt an instant sense of predators from the moment we arrived on my land.  So did Lula.  When your cabin is near wild animals, you need to constantly be aware.  You also need to carefully observe people.  Your gut is always right.  I like to watch the wildlife on my cameras, but make sure to keep my distance if I encounter them.    So many people grossly underestimate their power and hunger.  Usually, they seem as surprised to see me as I am to see them.  

How have you been spending your time?  Do you have any new hobbies at this age?

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Fishing and Kayaking

 

This summer has been fantastic for fishing and kayaking.  Because of all the snow we received, our lakes and reservoirs are full.  I met a friendly and grounded lady who was also out on her kayak the other day.  We sat in our boats and chatted about how simple and relaxing it is.  She confided that she sold her jet skis and boat, and prefers the simplicity of the kayak.  I agree.

On the bank, I ran into one my neighbors.  She was fishing with her children.  This is one of the trout that she caught.  She is a master fisherwoman.  That afternoon she brought three freshly frozen fish to my cabin.  I cooked them in a fry pan with butter, garlic, and spices and they were absolutely delicious.  We both love to garden.  Her lush flowers and front yard look amazing.

The weather for swimming and sunbathing has been perfect.  We really experience four seasons up here.  The chill of the lake water feels so refreshing on the skin.  It cools down the entire body.  I ran into another neighbor as I was walking home.  She is a blues singer and invited me to her performance that evening.  She and the band members rocked the house!  I was so impressed with their talent and enthusiasm.  

How are you enjoying these hot summer days?

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