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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Consider the Weather for Where You Plan to Retire

 

As I've gotten older, I have realized how important it is to live in an area where the temperatures are comfortable.  At my mountain cabin, I can avoid the sweltering heat that we experience in the desert areas.  Those soaring temperatures can make it difficult to live and to sleep.  Even with the air conditioning running, the heat is still brutal. Since up here I am within walking distance to the lake, I can cool off  with a swim in the water, and then stretch out on my towel to lay out in the sun.  The body relaxes in milder climates.

Although the winters up here are long and cold, I have the option to drive down to the cottage and enjoy a moderate winter without having to shovel snow or crank up the heat.  It is so nice to have alternatives.  Some  people choose to be snowbirds as they age.  In California, Palm Springs is a popular location  for those who want to escape the cold season.  They return to their residences in the early spring.

How is the weather where you live?

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