3. Mallard Landing – Moving In

Mother had often lamented that I had no children so who would help me move in my old age. Bates Moving and Storage did. My brother and his wife were too old as were my friends. Besides it was so comforting to know that professionals would be packing up and that they would do it better than I. Which of course was proven out by finding the things I packed had cracked or chipped enroute and everything the movers packed arrived safely. I have noticed that many other new arrivals do have their families move them in.

I spoke once to the staff that I’d be moving in at the end of the week and the padding on the elevator was up without any further todo. Then a big dumpster was moved outside my door for all my empty boxes and when full, it was emptied and returned for more trash. Friends helping me unpack one day expressed doubt that I had enough room for all that I had packed, but surprise, it fit.

The trash and recycle containers are closer to my door now. I don’t have to get the trash can to the curb and back either! Some things didn’t work correctly, I called for help. The cost was so modest they must not start timing the visit until they arrive. Sometimes I’m not at home and I leave the door unlocked for the maintenance people. They lock it when they leave. One time I started the automatic cleaning element in the oven and left it going while the housekeeper was there. It smoked so heavily she turned it off and called maintenance for me. They came the next day and did their magic while I was working. This I am getting used to very quickly!

I’m terrible with names, and there are lots of new people to meet and remember. But they seem to have the same problem and so we all muddle along together. One day I was opening boxes and looked up at lunchtime and wondered what to fix. Then I remembered it was downstairs waiting for me. I grabbed my iPad for company and headed to the Pub. I took a table for one and opened the iPad. The people at the next table looked over and said to me, “won’t you join us?” I moved to their table and we all introduced ourselves. After lunch another woman from across the room came over to me and said, “Loudell, don’t do that again. Don’t sit by yourself. When you arrive either at lunch or dinner, ask anyone if you can join them, and they will say yes. It’s another way we all meet each other.” I have done that many times now and am always welcomed. And whether they are younger than I or much older, everyone has an interesting story to tell.