The Thigh Master

 

Last week I received my thigh master in the mail.  I have just started using it.  I bought it from Suzanne Somers' website.  I used to be a backup dancer for her at MGM.  She has the most beautiful legs!

I have only used it a few times, but already see and feel a difference.  It's a real workout.  Suzanne says it's like having a gym in your home.  I like that it's portable.  I can take it with me to both locations.  

I took the dogs on a long bike ride this morning.  There's nothing like intense cardio and fresh mountain air.  I passed some of my neighbors on the way and stopped to chat.  Jacques gets so many compliments.  He is a gorgeous dog.  His voice has deepened and matured.  

I got my taxes completed and paid.  Phew!  It's always a relief to get that done.  I will mail the returns tomorrow,  I have a fabulous accountant.  She's intelligent, kind and wise.  The older I get, the more I appreciate trustworthy personal and business relationships.  It makes life easier.

Have you done your taxes yet? 

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Living Near the Beach in Retirement

 

My bungalo is thirty miles from the ocean.  Although that sounds far, on the 405 South it is a fast and convenient trip.  (As long as you drive during off peak times.) 

Yesterday I took Jacques to Fisherman's Village, and discovered a new bike path.  It led us into Toe Beach, which is quiet, unpopulated and magnificent.  You could feel how excited everyone was to be there.  From the accents I heard,  it sounded like many of the visitors were tourists from Europe.  They were beautifully dressed and polite. I smiled at the women  I passed while parking my bicycle and entering the public restroom.   I could feel that they perceived I was a local.  I remember the chills I got on my first road trip to Santa Monica beach as a teenager.   I was a babysitter traveling with a family.  I knew then that I intended to live here someday.  

It can be much cheaper to live a short drive from the ocean.  Beach houses are extremely pricey.  There also is the issue of privacy.   I am so glad that I kept my first home for my old age.  It has plenty of parking, is close to the freeway, and is in a perfect area for bicycling.  Our bike paths on the west coast are thrilling.  The weather has been sunny and warm.  How fortunate we are to live in California.

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The Emotional Climate of Where You Retire

 One thing that is very important when choosing the place you will retire is the thought processes of the people around you.  Many people seek out small towns for their later years, citing the lower cost of living.  But what is the cost on other levels?

Will the locals in that place accept your lifestyle?  Are people open minded?  If you love art and culture, is there an abundance of that in the new place?  Is everyone the same religion?  Will they judge you if you practice yoga, are a Buddhist, or if your family is Jewish?  What if you're not married and you chose not to have children?

My favorite part about retirement is having the time to pursue hobbies.  I am close to fantastic kayaking spots, incredible hiking trails, and have access to live performances.  I love the symphony, museums, Broadway shows, the ballet, and fine restaurants.  I didn't realize how important this would be.  I have always worked with other professional artists in my field.  They are talented, disciplined and successful.  (the creme of the crop.) I still keep in touch with many of these people online and by phone.  We are a tribe.

Another thing to consider is your neighbors.  Are you comfortable where you are?  I have several people on my street who I enjoy chatting with and discussing how our lives are going.  There's an easy, relaxed vibe between us.  I like the familiarity and comfort of being here.  

Often people over fifty sell their homes to move closer to their adult children.  This doesn't always work out for them.  What if the kids get transferred?   There's no going back, once your house has sold.  If you are a private person, a city can give you some anonymity.  This may suit you better than a tiny town with a vigorous rumor mill. Moving is an expensive proposition, and sometimes it's better to stay where you are.

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A Home Alarm

 

I recently had a professional alarm system installed at my home.  The new "Smart Alarms" are exceptional.  They are so thorough.  Each time you open a door or window you hear the Alexa voice call out, "Front door open!"  "Sliding door open!"   It makes me chuckle.  

There are different settings, depending on your situation.  The most common mistake people make is to not set the alarm.  It has to be on in order to do its job.  I keep mine on all the time.  You can have a delay for when you enter and exit, (usually thirty to sixty seconds,) or you can program it for no delay.  You may also access the keypad from your phone or ipad.  They have an app that is easy to use.  

If you are using a certain door, or want to have a window open, you can enter that into the system so that it won't set off the alarm while you are home.  There are motion sensors that activate when you have it set on "Armed Away."  

There is also a setting without a delay that is useful to use if you are asleep or if you have been dealing with a stalker or trespasser.  Combined with the cameras, it gives the homeowner a secure feeling.  Of course, large dogs who bark are also excellent for alerting us to when people are on or near our property.  

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but those with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Replies may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.