Midnight Madness Carolers by Dobrah Randall Fischer
Aside from ordering flooring, carpet, and tile and hiring contractors to do the installations, I have been getting to know my new town with short adventures.
“The Ride” Bus Line
A2 Bus Map via ElderAuthority
The public transportation system is called The Ride. Last week I picked up the bus on my corner, rode into town, walked through the fabulous gourmet food market, visited an attorney and three banks, caught another bus to Lowe’s, and then grabbed yet another bus home (transferring on the North Campus of the University if Michigan). The bus transfer was a cold 15 minute wait. But I am a former New Yorker. I can do this.
The buses are eco-friendly hybrids with low floors, kneelers, and ramps. There will be room for my walker if I need one. There is an app that tells me when the bus will be at any bus stop.
Midnight Madness
Each year, the shops of Main Street stay open late for a holiday shopping super sale night. It seemed like all the residents of the town came out last Friday. There were families, bands, babies, carolers, teens, students, couples, street vendors, people of all ages and nationalities, my friend Cindy, and me. When we could not find a parking place, Cindy called a friend who lived near by. We parked in her driveway and walked back to Main St–all of three blocks. We chose a restaurant with an hour wait. Fine with us. We went shopping with no intention of buying.
Snow Boots by ElderAuthority
Of course, we did find things to buy. I bought snow boots for half off at Footprints. Love ‘em. I know I need nothing except flooring, but I did it anyway. Hope it snows so I can justify the expense.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
When the restaurant buzzed us, we raced back for a warm and comforting dinner in a loud and jovial atmosphere–lots of flannel shirts. Later, when we walked back to the car, we were serenaded by carolers on many corners. I kept thinking of the end of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” when all the Who’s in Whoville sang out in praise, even after the presents, decorations, and dinner were stolen. I am now a Who (with snow boots).
The Library
Ann Arbor Library
Yesterday I went to the library to sign up for a library card It is about a 15 minute walk from the house. There were several conference rooms filled with people taking free classes, plus large numbers of computer stations; lots of light; nooks for sitting and working. Plenty of senior citizens on computers, in classes, reading, and browsing.
From the library I walked to Kroger. I picked up a bag of groceries and caught the bus on the corner back to the house. Didn’t freeze this time. The night was gorgeous and dark. I could see the stars because the town fights light pollution and uses street lights that keep the glare to a minimum.
The View From My Window
My furniture consists of an air mattress, a sleeping bag, a couple of lamps (loaners), one chair, a borrowed TV, and a card table. I now have U-Verse, so I can blog, keep up on Dexter and Homeland, and get the news and weather.
Fat Squirrel via ElderAuthority
In the room that will be my office, I can watch my neighbors walking their dogs. The most fun is watching the hugely fat squirrels preparing their nests for the winter. They are the size of beavers! Malcolm, my dog, is going to go nuts when he sees them.
My office window provides me with the perfect viewpoint to watch the change of seasons as I work. Today is dreary. A “wintry mix” is expected tonight. I now live in a four-season climate, so even bad weather should not last too long.
Follow Your Bliss and Hope for the Best
I miss my little family in Dallas. This is a stressful time for both David and me because we are apart and everything is changing and uncertain. It is scary. Yet it feels so right.
Sometimes you just have to be scared and do it anyway.
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