Thursday.

A little front came through early this morning… so, it was a little wet. But, it dried up nicely.

I spent my 5 mile walking time pondering my move to the Senior Asylum. Any Senior Asylum. But, with the focus on the Goodwin Houses in Northern Virginia. A little summary:

I don’t consider myself “old”. That is denial. Plain and simple. Denial. I am old. I have been getting Social Security for 9 years. No one ever cards me – they just give me the senior discount. In Hawai’i, I am called Auntie. People address me as mam. I don’t enjoy rap music. I have no visible tattoos. I never go commando these days. I am old and in denial.

The average age for moving into a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is 80. I am not 80. So, I am definitely too young to move to a CCRC. More denial

The Goodwin Houses require a serious chunk of change as a “non-refundable admission fee”. SO, it would make economic good sense to move in sooner rather than later and amortize that cost over more years. I have no problem with the non-refundability of the admission fee. I’ll be dead. If I want to move – well, then I’ll be screwed. So, it behooves me to choose wisely.

Moving to Kona really isn’t an option. I love it here. Adore it here. But part of the charm is that I don’t have any responsibilities. I am a city person. Not a village person. I don’t want to ever need an oncologist. But, if I do need one, I don’t want to have to go on a plane ride to see one. I really like Trader Joe. And public transit. Baseball games. And the ballet. Not the opera. Don’t need opera. Face it – I am a devout city person.

I like travelling. The idea of a bumming around the country in a VW bus is appealing. Around the world in 80 days – where do I sign up? But, this has nothing to do with the Senior Asylum – Unless – I move on to a cruiseship. Old ladies have done that.

Carlton and I both paid $300 to be on the waiting list at the Goodwin Houses. Three days later Carlton died. (No, Carlton – I can not get your money back. Yes, I tried.) While on the waiting list, I can use the gym, eat in the restaurants, and take part in the activities. (Bingo, here I come!). When I get home, I have to absolutely force myself to do something every week at one of the two Goodwin Houses. I know this will help me get a “good” unit. This is working on my denial issues.

The Asylum will cost less per month than I am paying now. And, they feed me one meal a day.

I wandered into a quilting shop and first thing I knew – I had signed up for a all day purse making class. All day next Tuesday, with 2 hours off for lunch. It is across the street from my hotel. Last thing I need is another hobby. But this is a one time project. And doesn’t require any accouterments.