Snowy Egrets like to come over on rainy days and find "goodies" in our lawn. I counted 22 this morning as I chatted on the phone to a good friend and a bird watcher. I took this from my bedroom window.
It has been 2 weeks today that I have been living here at The Redwoods. I am settling in and learning the culture and “perks” of living in a Senior community. At almost 75, I am definitely one of the “younger” citizens. However, age is a frame of mind. There are many residents that are older than I am in years, yet are my contemporaries in physical energy, mental acuity (not sure about my mind these days!) and ability to get out and enjoy life beyond the campus. This community attracts people who value social activism, are intellectual and enjoy the arts. There are many retired educators, professional people, artists and musicians. They have had such interesting lives and are fun to chat with and get to know.
Today, I met a woman who was in my sister’s class in a small girls’ school in San Francisco. After we chatted for a while, we realized who we were in our past life and it was lots of fun comparing notes and friends. Who lives where, who has gone on “beyond”... how many children and grandchildren… etc. etc.
Two snippets from today to show you the wide range of things happening around here.
At 7:30 this morning, residents gathered in a common area to receive a donation from Whole Foods. Whole Foods brings over shopping carts full of day old bread, prepared salads, bakery items and produce. I came back with grapes, a prepared and wrapped Vegan Thai salad, one loaf of whole wheat Acme bread and two Magic Bars (priced $1.99 each and only about
1 ½” square) and a piece of birthday cake. Free food from Whole Foods shows up every Friday AM.
Tonight is the “Senior Prom”. It is an annual dance. They bring in a dance floor and live music. Volunteers decorate the room with lots of fresh flowers and attractive décor. Wine and fancy appetizers are served. They also recruit young men from the local high school and some sons of volunteers to be dance partners. Every one who wants to dance will have a partner. Apparently, the volunteers even give these young men some ballroom dancing lessons so they will know steps like the Fox Trot and Waltz!
There is a King and Queen of the Prom, they are usually the reigning elders… last year they were both 100+.
I was not planning to go but have been told by several of my contemporaries that it is really wonderful and I should not miss it. So, I will dress up, head on down stairs and perhaps even have a whirl around the dance floor.
It feels like this has been a very good move for me. There is always something interesting going on around here. One can participate or just stay home and read a good book. This is what I am doing this afternoon on a very rainy, stormy day. It is the casual connections that are so pleasant. I am really enjoying making new friends as I am the new kid on the block for now.
Like the egrets, I enjoy being in community.
3 comments:
Elizabeth, it sounds so wonderful!! You are an excellent advocate for The Redwoods - Can't wait to hear about the Senior Prom from your personal experience. Barb
It sounds like a small town I moved to in Minnesota. The town had 250 people with others who farmed outside the town limits but used what social stuff was available. I got to socialize and get to know people because of the small size of the community. I hope you keep on enjoying it.
Elizabeth, glad to hear you are settling in. It sounds like a wonderful place. And how great to be in a community with other artists - of all types.
Wakar
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