So here are my thoughts — from someone who has down sized post-divorce & empty nest. I moved out of my home & into a lovely townhouse in a great community. It’s not an adult’s only kind of gig — so I get to wave at little people as I pass them on my walks. I watch the kids skateboard around the cul de sac. I hand out candy on Halloween. I like having little Humans close by. They remind me to Hope for A Future. I traded in my little bit of earth in my neighborhood for a patio and groundskeepers. And an HOA that was born during the Third Reich. Not only do I miss my garden — I am reduced to one poor little potted azaela who comes inside for the winter. They made me remove my pastel colored ceramic rooter from my front step — yet allow the appropriately true to life painted frog to remain. My birds are feed in the rough away from where the gardeners roam & so I am allowed to enjoy this hobby still.

I like having less stuff. For sure. And I like not having to mow my own lawn — especially with my asthma/allergies. But I draw the line at giving up the sound of children playing outside my windows. Giving up my garden and my pastel rooster was payment enough to the cause.

When you choose your retirement community — choose carefully. They all come with not only a financial — but also a personal price tag. I am currently looking around at some closer to The Magical Creatures. But no decisions have been made at this time. I’m still fact finding.

It’s a fascinating process and truly has helped me hone in on the elements of my life that make me feel ‘at home’. Many blessings to you & Deb! ❤