I am now in a new phase of life, having moved into a senior community,rather than being in my own home alone. My challenges are somewhat different and change from day to day. I am feeling moved to share my experiences here-- so different from those of my past. My creative juices are stimulated as they have not been for quite a while.

A Catalog of Canines (6/8-6/9, 2012): I have a number of furry, four-footed neighbors, whom I see cavorting in the courtyard here at Atria. Among them are: Katie, the Silky Terrier; Lady, the Japanese Chin; Dixie, the Papillon; several Shih Tzus: Peggy, the Hound; and Chipper, a BichiPoo. I remember Emma, the Miniature Schnauzer, always perfectly groomed, who, alas, is no longer with us, having crossed the “rainbow bridge.” I see Nola, a mixed breed I cannot identify, but whom I see in her yard, and her neighbor, a longhair mini dachshund who barks at me when I pass her domain, regardless of my overtures of friendship. And this morning I met Duke, a Miniature Poodle. (I’m sure I have forgotten someone.) We have had occasional visits from Mona the Weimaraner. (Remember those wonderful Wiiliam Wegman photos of his Weimaraner models, including Man Ray and Fay Ray?) My heart aches for my little Buddy Chihuahua, gone these five-plus years, so fondly remembered (my bosom buddy, as it were).

They made a believer out of me! For many years I avoided gambling and never played Bingo or any similar diversion. In my new residential setting, two of the popular activities are Bingo and Po-ke-no, both of which, essentially, are gambling. These occasions encourage socializing as well, opportunities to “Engage Life”,” to use the phraseology of the activities program. Like a number of the other residents I participate, to my amazement.