Why Move to an Old Folks Home?

Dear Friends and Family:

You kept asking us this while we were considering our move to the Manor, and we answered with generalities about health-care and security, climate and setting. Although we've been here for a very short while, I think I can now add some specifics:

Feeling cool morning breezes blowing into our bedroom as we watch the sun's glow creeping up behind green hills, later warming our backs as we enjoy breakfast on our quiet deck.

Answering the doorbell to find a basket of fruit and champagne delivered by our sponsor-couple, welcoming us to the Manor.

Receiving invitations to "Happy Hours" to meet some of our new neighbors.

Getting smiles and hellos from yard-workers while planting pansies for our pleasure.

Having a t-v offered, and delivered, for our use during the week before our furniture arrived, from a resident who "just happened to have an extra."

Getting information on a Writers' Contest sent to me because someone heard that I enjoyed writing, followed by an invitation to work on "Hill Topics."

Watching Mt. Ashland gradually shed her white winter coat.

Receiving a phone-call one morning with a voice saying, "Help us out. Our company left earlier than expected, before all the extra food was eaten. Could you come for lunch? We'd like to get to know you better."

Hearing my husband's teasing comment in the weight-room: "Joyce will do most anything to go out to dinner," resulting in a list appearing in our mailbox the following day. It named favorite restaurants in the area, in order of preference, with locations and expected prices, prepared by yet another dining-out enthusiast. (Probably why we were both in the exercise-room!)

Gazing down from our windows on neat rows of pear trees in orchards below.

Receiving a billing for just 25 cents after a minor accident and quick trip to the Health Clinic. (I hadn't known medical bills existed under $40.)

Watching hummingbirds hover at the feeder while jack-rabbits inspect the marigold beds.

Following our Ohio grandbaby's recent visit with her "ya-ya-ya's" ringing out in increasing volume (only matched by our concerns about the formerly quiet diningroom), many residents assuring us, "She is just adorable and her sounds are music to our ears."

Hiking around lakes and along rivers with spectacular views of various mountains and observing a man, thirty years my senior (who also bikes seventy miles a week), briskly leading the pack.

Getting friendly waves from Security people as they drive slowly through safe streets.

Having an eager-to-please young waitress, aware of my enthusiasm when sundaes were served, and having discovered the hole that is formed in the swirling ice-milk, deciding it was just the perfect place to fill up with caramel sauce, making my sundae ever so much gooier.

Receiving a poem from a resident-poet; a recipe from a resident-gourmet; a hug from a resident-hugger!

Well, I could go on and on, but its time for me to zip up the hill to play a few games of water volleyball with the Old Folks.

I miss you all, but perhaps you can see why we love it here. If you're ever in the market for an Old Folks' Home. . .

Love, "Grandma Moses"