15 Jul As one door closes…
In 1935, Alexander Graham Bell was touted to have made the famous announcement, When one door closes another door opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.
This is not us, fortunately. Last Friday, P-i-C and I, for the last time, closed the front door of the home we had lived in for the past three years. It was a bitter-sweet moment. Unfortunately, we are unable to open the front door of our new abode until October, as it’s being refurbished. However, we will then have a brand-new home in a wonderful over 55s village, and we’re looking forward to that new start for living out our autumnal years. With Missy, our faithful sidekick, of course! We not only saw a new door open, but we charged at it with everything we had.
The term ‘retirement village’ is still greatly misconstrued. Many equate it with a nursing home or, as it was sneeringly stated in our presence, an old folks’ home where you go to die! I can honestly say, with one hundred percent conviction, that is not what we’ve signed up for. We made the decision to move into our three bed, one-and-a-half bath, double garage, brick and tile detached home to join a very spirited community that has everything we want or need, but without us having to do all the hard work. Onsite we have a pool and a spa for those preferring the gentler form of exercise, a small gym for those wanting slightly more, a six-lane green for the bowling addicts and a driving range for the golf enthusiasts. Plus, if the men really want to go hide, probably from their wives, there is a workshop! And, in the less active of pursuits there is the book club. I’ll be rushing to join that one. And I’m sure it comes with plenty of drinks and nibbles, if the stories I’ve heard are true. I aim to commence a writing group for those budding, late-bloomer authors out there. One is never too old to develop a new skill, and who knows the words that will flow onto a page when a drink or two is consumed!
Then there are all the different games groups – cards, mahjong, and the like. Plus, the weekly social events – dances, music, suppers… way too many to mention. Nothing is compulsory, so you can do as little or as much as you like. We’ll certainly be looking to join many requiring our dancing shoes to be on and our voices tuned up. Hopefully, like us, the others don’t care what they look or sound like when they’re having a good time. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers we ain’t. Or, at least, P-i-C isn’t!
For the happy campers and caravaners, there is a huge section where their vehicles can be safely parked up when not in use. I believe it’s called The Devil’s Graveyard! Nope, we won’t be adding to that site. My idea of camping is a four-star hotel. Call me Princess if you like; though I think of myself as more of a Queen and prefer comfort rather than cosiness. We choose the life on the open seas, on a cruise with everything at hand, and plan on doing many more once this Covid-world stops its ridiculous spinning. There’s another benefit of living the village life- it’s lock and leave; security is there, and someone will always keep an eye on things for you.
Now, I’m not saying it’s for everyone, but it is what we want. And that’s all that is important at this time. And we are aware that there will be at least one Ena Sharples and Dorrie Evans to contend with, as in any village. You don’t, however, have to buy into the gossip. Though, as a writer, I will love to hear it all. It could make for some interesting writing. Who knows, there might even be enough to write a book! Remember, never let the truth get in the way of a good story!
So, for us at any rate, it is onwards and upwards. It is a new phase in our lives and one we’re extremely enthusiastic about. We are looking to make new friends but bring our dearest ones with us to many of the events. Who knows, in time, some may even see the benefits and join us in this new and exciting lifestyle. Any takers?
Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.
― Lao Tzu
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