Moving When You Are "Older"

More on the move of Karen, 66 years old, and Ruth, 99 years old. We moved from Ashland, Oregon to Portland, Oregon and I for one (Karen) learned lots about myself, about the logistics of moving and much more. I want to share with you some of the ways that I was able to make the actual process of packing and moving a little easier.

First rule; get rid of everything you possible can. I really mean that from bottom of my toes! Have a yard sale, donate to shelters, churches, organizations like Goodwill, and my personal favorite, the "FREE" sign in front of my house. My discards were like a treasure to many people and the smiles and gratitude were really worth so much. Often times I would put a listing on Craig's List for the free things I had in front of the house and not long after it hit the Internet, people would appear to take the things with them.

Another helpful reminder is to accept the offer to help pack your things. Many friends will step up and say, "what can I do to help?" so let them know, don't be shy. My rowing club friends came over one afternoon, brought some take out food, and a bottle of wine( well, a couple of bottles) and we packed my entire kitchen! We had so much fun, and it was such a huge help to me. By the way, if you are a rower, and ever find yourself in Ashland Oregon, look up the club and they will be happy to have you join them for a row. www.ashlandrowingclub.org

Then hire some pros to help you pack your truck, van, POD or whatever mode of transportation you are using. Save your back! They also know how to do it perfectly so that your possessions are safe, and you can use much less space that by trying to do it yourself, no matter how good you think you are. I know this can get to be a little expensive, but if you can possibly do it, it is money well spent. Siskiyou Movers in Ashland are brilliant, and can pack like putting together a puzzle. 2 Brothers Moving in Portland unpacked us, and they are fast, efficient and went the extra mile by setting up beds for us.

You have choices depending on your moving situation as to what kind of transportation you will use. I chose to use PODS, because I was not sure if I would have to store things before my new house would be available. This is a great feature, as you can store the container as long as you need and don't have to rush to get it unloaded and back before another day's charge is added on. PODS was pretty efficient, not perfect, but all in all they were the right choice. I would just suggest keeping in touch with the main call center to confirm the arrival, pick up, etc.
And if you have pets, ( have a dog and two cats) remember this is a stressful time for them as well. I moved my sweeties in my car on the day I left Ashland. Several days before our take off, I had placed their crates in the house with comfy blankets and kept the door open. The cats especially loved to wander in and out and finally started sleeping in them. So, by the time I was ready to travel the 5 hours up the freeway, they were used to their traveling crates. Keep in mind if it is at all warm outside, even 68 to 70, you cant leave them in the car for more than a couple of minutes when you stop to get something to eat or use the restroom. I had packed some lunch for myself and so when I stopped to get gas mid way, I gave Max, my dog, a potty break and some water and off we went to our new home.

Planning, accepting the help offered, taking care of your back,all will help you have a positive experience moving.

The Art of Letting Go

When my 99 year old aunt and I decided to move from Ashland, Oregon to Portland, Oregon, I had no idea I would learn so much about myself. I learned the value of letting go. Letting go of material stuff is what I mean. I have always loved garage sales, and old things that I knew I could do something with at some time. I have subscribed to sentimental reasons for hanging on to something pretty useless, like a rock or a thread bare skirt. But faced with packing and moving (not to mention the cost involved) all these prize possessions, I started to ask myself why? I learned that it is truly a process, not something that one can come to overnight. When i put my house on the market, I went through my house and "de-cluttered", as requested by my real estate broker. I rented a storage unit, and thought I was doing a great job by stashing things that I really liked and/or needed, while giving away loads and loads of other things.

I started to put a "free" pile in front of my house, and made my way to Goodwill many times. I really was proud of myself. Well, as I have whined about several times in this blog, it took 14 long months for my house to sell. When it did, the buyer wanted a 30 day closing and so I had to hustle to get myself packed up. So, I went to the storage unit to retrieve those "necessities" I had stored all those months. When I started to unpack it all, I was amazed that most of the things I had felt unwilling to let go of, suddenly didn't mean anything to me. Something had definitely shifted and I will tell you that about 85% of the contents in the storage unit found new homes.

I had been paying $45 a month for 14 months rent, that is $630! And I really did not have to do that. But, during those long months, I had been searching my soul for more understanding of myself and what my priorities in life are, and I think that had more to do with the letting go than anything. the material items were simply a symbol of my unresolved "life questions". So, in retrospect, I guess you could say that the $630 was spent on my own therapy.

I believe that Seniors, and retired people are more vulnerable to hanging on to things,and there is research to back that up. I will share more with you on this issue later. And wait till you hear about the "Queen of Keeping Everything"..............my Aunt Ruth!

Finding the Right Assisted Living Facility

After finding out that we could afford an assisted living facility for my aunt (thanks to the veterans widow benefits) I faced the problem of how to find and select one. Since we were moving from Ashland, Oregon to Portland, Oregon, I was not familiar with our new destination. The wonderful women at Care Options Resources (who did the paper work for our veterans application) suggested I call Golden Placements. They explained that they are two women who have a business that specializes in helping families find an appropriate placement for their loved one. They offer their services free of charge to the family and receive a payment from the facility that the family chooses. A real win, win for everyone. Well, these two delightful people are really angels dressed up like ordinary women. Cherie became our go to person and she started the process by interviewing me thoroughly about my aunt. Asking what things she like, disliked, her body size, her personality traits, her interests, and on and on. It was so impressive to me that they were really interested in a good match. So, I traveled to Portland when they had lined up 4 facilities for me and my daughter to look at. As Cherie accompanied us through the apartments, dining rooms, beauty shops and all the various services that were offered, she asked very good questions of the staff, and pointed out things to us that we may have overlooked. After a long day, we finally chose a place for Aunt Ruth, and made the deposit. You will have to wait until tomorrow to find out where Auntie is living now, but I want to emphasize the fantastic service we received from Golden Placements. Go to www.goldenplacement.com to learn more about this respectful, helpful, nearly life saving business.

Moving During Retirement Years

One year ago, I wrote that I had my house for sale and I was planning to move out of town. that was sometime ago, so I will refresh your memory. I am retired, and realized that I really wanted to spend this last third of my life closer to my daughter and my family. I have lived in beautiful Ashland Oregon for nearly 40 years now, so it was a big decision. Well, now I am living in Portland, Oregon and am so happy that I decided to go ahead with it.

In the 14 months that my home was on the market, (yep, 14 long months) I learned so many things about moving as an older person, (not ancient, older.............) and in the next few weeks I would like to share those things with you. The emotional, physical, and spiritual sides of us will be effected by this huge change. Oh, in case you forgot, I also moved my 99 year old aunt. I asked her of course if she was interested and she, like me, wanted to be closer to loved ones for whatever time she has left. So, along with all my personal growth, pain, joy and new understandings, I got to look into the world of Senior Assisted Living, and all that goes along with that.

So, stay tuned my friends, more on the move of Karen and Ruth to the Rose City!

Dealing With Change Continued

Yesterday I told the beginning of my story about how retirement plans can change in a heart beat. As you saw in yesterday's blog, my daughter had a near death accident. This made look my priorities square in the face and see clearly what I wanted to do. What I wanted, needed in fact, was to spend this last one third of my life living much closer to my daughter and the rest of my family. When this was decided, I realized there was just one barrier that I would have to figure out. You see, I have a 98 year old aunt who lives here in Ashland, Oregon too. She lives independently, and for the most part does really well. However, she still needs my assistance in many ways. So, I realized I could not move to Portland, Oregon where my daughter lives, without taking my aunt with me. So, that is what I decided to do. I was not sure how she would take my invitation to pull up stakes here and move North, however, in her usual positive, enthusiastic way, she said "I think that is a wonderful idea!". Now here is a senior, who even at her advanced age, is full of life and adventure and willing to change. I have to admit, that her willingness to do this, helped me see how change is not so difficult after all. I stepped back from myself and saw how easy it had been in the 4 years I had been retired, to become very complacent and so comfortable that I was not challenging myself in many ways. Leave it to my 98 year old Aunt Ruth to show me the error of my ways.
So the next step was to list my house for sale. I also wanted to see what was available in Portland. I have gone to www.oregonretirement.info to get information on real estate and many other things that I need to research for my big adventure. There is a lot more to share with you as this whole process unfolds. Every day a new feeling, worry, question, or doubt shows up. It is not just a slam dunk and all is well. But, I am learning and I will share my lessons with you as the days go on.

The Wild Birds of Southern Oregon

Yesterday I rowed on Immigrant Lake. It was one of those perfect times when the water was like glass, the sky was brilliant blue, the sun was warming us in the crisp, cool weather, and the four of us were the only ones on the lake. Except for the birds! I have often said that one of the best things about rowing is the constant treat of the wild fowl who make their homes near water. We see osprey, herons, bald eagles, a wide variety of ducks and many more whose names I am not familiar with. One of my favorite sights is a mother duck and her flotilla of babies paddling across the water. As many birds as I get to see in the Ashland area, one must really go to Klamath Falls, Oregon to get the big picture! In the Klamath Basin one will find a wildlife refuge like nothing else anywhere. I joined friends a few years ago with a wildlife biologist who took us on a tour and identified the various species and provided such interesting information about the many birds who make their home there. I know many retired people who love "birding", and I think it is because it takes patience and time to really experience them, and guess what? Retired people get to take time to enjoy their interests! My friend Jerry photographs them, while my pal Rosemary draws and paints their image. Just one more way to enjoy retirement! And by the way, there is lots of information on the Klamath Basin Wildlife Refuge on our website www.oregonretirement.info

Cheers, Karen

The Leftovers Party

As I mentioned yesterday, I was going to a dinner party at my neighbors Paul and Carol. They invited friends to come share their leftover Thanksgiving dinner as well as leftover guests. So, as I expected, I chatted with many folks who are Ashland transplants. One couple came here from Washington DC to retire, and as many of us "retired" people do, they started a business. They created a B&B called Ann Hathaway's Cottage. They mentioned to me that our friend Vicki was their mentor in the venture. (see how generous Oregonians are?) Vicki and her husband Greg own The Iris Inn B&B, which is one of the oldest in Ashland. Both of the Bed and Breakfast's that I just mentioned are on our website www.oregonretirement.info I met others who had moved here from various parts of California and Washington as well as the East Coast of the US. All agreed that they were in love with Oregon and Ashland in particular. One young couple I talked with said they had heard such wonderful things about Portland, Oregon.
As I walked home last night, with my empty salad bowl, and the light of the full moon to show my way, I felt extra thankful for wonderful neighbors and new friends.

Karen

Thankful

OK, I know that yesterday was Thanksgiving, but I was busy cooking turkey and didn't get to our blog. Thanksgiving is always a reminder to me of something that Marty and I talk about a great deal........being thankful, feeling gratitude. We realize there are so many things to be grateful for. Certainly for me family and friends are on the top of the list, along with being retired and living in Ashland, Oregon. but this acknowledgement of gratitude should not be reserved for just Thanksgiving. I think we benefit tremendously when we remind ourselves daily. So, I would encourage you to do a little exercise that I have enjoyed. Every day, write down one thing that you are grateful for. There is power in the written word, and I think you will be amazed how this simple act can lift your spirits.

Well, now I need to organize my turkey dinner leftovers. My neighbors Carol and Paul are hosting a "leftovers" dinner at their house this evening. Neighbors are bringing not only their leftover food, but their leftover house guests! It should be a fun evening, and you know I will be telling out of state folks all about www.oregonretirement.info and bragging (humbly of course) about my beautiful home state of Oregon.

In Gratitude,
Karen

The Geezers and Excercise

No, this is not a lecture about "you must exercise!".........well, maybe a little. However, there have been enough studies done on the physical and mental value of exercise that is it something we all need to consider, and especially if you are retired. I say that, because when we have freedom over our daily schedule, it is so easy to put off, wait, and then totally dismiss the practice of exercise. Now, what I find is that one must discover the way or ways to exercise that agree with the individual. You have heard that Marty loves cycling, Mark is an avid golfer (he walks, no cart!) and I have my favorite too, and that is rowing. So here in Southern Oregon we all get to satisfy those "athletic" passions. One of the greatest days of my life is when I read that The Ashland Rowing Club was formed. Yes, here in little Ashland, Oregon, we have a rowing club! We row in Immigrant Lake, which is south of Ashland. We have around 150 members, we own shells of all sizes, now have a great boat barn and coaches! Many of our members race competitively and have done very well. Some have brought home gold medals on international races. Many prefer recreational rowing without the discipline and pressure of racing. One of the things I love about the Ashland Rowing Club is there are people of all ages, many retired and one woman who is 80 years young! She is such an inspiration to all of us. The men have a racing crew that they have labeled "The Geezers". All men over 60 years old. They too are role models! You can learn more about our rowing club at our website www.oregonretirement.info My real point in telling you about rowing is to remind you that your body and mind need exercise. Find what gives you pleasure and it will keep you off the couch and out of your doctors office and reading my blogs when you are in your 90's!
I would love to hear what kind of exercise you have found in retirement.

Time to go to the lake!
Karen

Off to

For the Love of Cinema in Ashland

Mark, Marty and I along with our friend Kathie went to the movies this weekend. Kathie is retired, and used to do some work in the film industry. She has a much more sophisticated way of looking at film that we do, so we especially love for her to join us. The conversation after is much more interesting. Actually, there are many people living in Southern Oregon who are actively working in movies. I could drop names, but one of the reasons they live here is to have some anonymity. They also love the environment of culture that they find in Ashland particularly, as well as the many out door pleasures. Clark Gable used to come to fish the Rogue River. He was one of my mothers favorites. And, I am not getting to the point of what I wanted to mention this morning. We are so fortunate to have The Ashland Independent Film Festival here each Spring. The next one is April 3-7, 2008. It is the seventh year for them and they are rapidly becoming one of the most notable in the United States. You can find more about them on our website www.oregonretirement.info Just look under Art, Music and Theatre. This is the kind of thing I can do now in my retirement. I can attend the festival and watch movies all day! Besides this wonderful event, we are blessed with two cinemas in Ashland, and I believe 10 screens in all! OK, now I am going to check the Ashland Daily Tidings for the weeks line up of movies! And just wait until I tell you about Mark's annual Oscar Party in February!
Cheers, Karen

Another yarn from Ashland, Oregon

Stitchin' and bitchin' - retirement provides time for both pursuits! Fortunately for my husband, I am not completely retired, so only have time for the former instead of the latter. (Mark might disagree with this analysis, but then he's not writing this blog!)
I was knitting at my friend Candace's house the other night, and was privileged to be allowed access to view her "stash". For those of you who are not familiar with this term, it refers to the yarn one has collected and theoretically intends to knit at some point in one's life. Suffice it to say, Candace has hired a building contractor to remodel part of her house to accommodate her yarn. No kidding! She loves to quote an acronym by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (The Knitting Harlot) in describing the magnitude of this: SABLE = Stash Acquisition Beyond Life Expectancy. (BTW, I suspect quilters are guilty of this excessive behavior as well.)
As if purchasing yarn is not enough, Candace also buys wool right off the sheep and spins her own yarn! In honor of this special skill, she has composed a haiku:
"Lifetime stash supply.
Now I spin, and have made more.
I must never dye."
Stay tuned, and more secrets from my "charmingly eccentric" (Candace's words!) knitting friends will be revealed.
Knottily yours,
Marty

Retirement USA

This morning I am thinking about community service. This is one of the very best parts of retirement! One has time to volunteer! Marty and I are both eager volunteers, especially around feeding the hungry. Yesterday we had a shift together at Uncle Foods Diner, which is the local "soup kitchen". It is such a simple concept that is set up in the Methodist church kitchen, here in Ashland. We receive food donations from Southern Oregon University, the Growers Market, Market of Choice, and others who can give food. We chop, peel, clean, and get more inventive than you can imagine. The talented chef from one of our local resturants , Larks in the Ashland Springs Hotel, can make a meal out of anything! We feed 60 to 80 folks on Tuesday afternoon. I get so much out of helping on this project, and am so grateful that now I am retired I can do this sort of thing. Many retirees say that they don't want to have another schedule and are reticent about stepping into the volunteer world, but there are many ways to do it. Marty and I are a team in this particular effort, and if one of us is out of town, the other can fill in.

We believe that volunteering in our communities is so important, not only for those who receive, but also the ones giving (good for your mental health, my friends) that we have included volunteer opportunities on our website www.oregonretirement.info

I would love to hear from some of you who will share your volunteer stories with us.

Bye for now, Karen

Retirement USA

I spent yesterday raking leaves and getting the garden ready for Winter. It was sunny, shirt sleeve weather. It has cooled off today and we are getting a little rain. Yes, an Oregonian that will admit to rain! However, I think the greatest misconception of Oregon is that it rains everywhere, all the time. Here in Southern Oregon, (Ashland is my home) we do get rain, but plenty of sunshine and snow in the Winter. People who come here to attend the Oregon Shakespearean Festival are amazed at our weather. Summer can bring high temperatures, but we Oregon gardeners love it as it ripens our tomatoes and other garden goodies! On the flip side, we have cold days in the Winter which welcomes the skiing season. We have a great skiing mountain, Mt. Ashland, which is a mere 20 minutes from town. It has some very demanding runs as well as good beginner and intermediate slopes. Many people enjoy cross country skiing as well on many of the surrounding hills of Southern Oregon. You can find more information about the Shakespeare festival I mentioned as well as Mt. Ashland on our website www.oregonretirement.info Retirement in Southern Oregon is great!

Bye for now, Karen

Retirement USA

My daughter and I returned from our week holiday. We visited another beautiful state..Hawaii. Or, Kauai to be specific. I love that island and will continue to spend time there, but I do have to admit that I am always happy to return to Oregon. As I drove into Ashland from the Medford International Airport, I sent up a thank you for returning me safely and especially to this beautiful area of Southern Oregon. As you see I mentioned the airport, which is only 15 miles North of Ashland. It is such a bonus to living in Southern Oregon, as we who are retired tend to travel a bit, and getting to an International airport easily can be so important. You can check out our website www.oregonretirement.info and read more about the airport in Medford.

It is a sunny, bright morning and I am eager to get out in my garden and see what needs to be done for winter. Surely raking leaves, but in this Oregon air and sun, what could be better?

Until tomorrow, bye for now.

Karen

Retirement USA

I am in the beautiful city of Portland, Oregon today. My daughter lives here and loves it! We took her dogs to a local dog park , and I confirmed what I heard about Portland being a dog loving city. We chatted with folks if all ages, some retired, some young with small children as well as their dogs. All were having a great time on this beautiful, sunny (yes, I said sunny) fall morning. Many dog lovers have chosen Portland, Oregon as their retirement home, More about Portland on our website www.oregonretirement.info

Bye for now,
Karen

Retirement USA

This is the first real post to our new blog. My two business partners (and best friends) and I created a website a couple of years ago, with the intention of building a retirement directory. You could go to www.oregonretirement.info to see the results. You see, we love retirement, and we love Oregon. Oregon is where we live, have retired (well mostly) and we want to share Oregon with you. We will eventually add all the states. But for now, you will be reading lots of retirement stories, Oregon stories, and who knows what else. All three of us will be steaming up the computer keys in the mornings over our coffee (or tea in Marks case). More about us, Mark, Marty and myself, Karen in the days and weeks to come.

We would love to hear from you. Tell us your retirement stories, and your Oregon stories.

OK, now for me I am getting ready to take a little trip with my daughter (she has to take time off of work, but now that I am retired, I dont have to ask my boss!) so, I will sign off and check in with you later.

Cheers, Karen