Downsizing, To Move or Not to Move? That is the Question

Ginger -
I love that story. Reminds me of three wonderful trips.

My Mom and her sis were widowed a short time apart when in their 70's, and wanted to keep traveling. They talked me into following the HS band my daughter & nephew played in on a road trip to Colorado, where we went watched parades, celebrated the 4th watching a Rockies game and fireworks with the band playing synchronized patriotic music in the background, and white water rafting - something on both their bucket lists that neither husband would consider doing.

A few years later, the 3 of us took a week-long bus trip through Mexico to the Monarch butterfly refuge high in the mountains, and climbed to the top (3 hour hike) to see them.

The last road trip was when Mom was 81and had had a couple strokes, we drove her to see her older sister in Dallas (just diagnosed with leukemia) while on our way to our winter place. We ended upgoing through an ice storm in Oklahoma, heard a lot of priceless stories about her travels with my Dad & her sis and brother-in-law, and even about my long-gone grandparents.

Some of my sibs and cousins were horrified by our "recklessness", but I have the best memories! On the last trip, my brother just laughed, flew down 3 weeks later and drove her home...it turned out to be her last big trip, so glad we got to share it.

I think aging well is all about doing what we can for as long as we can, then trying to (gracefully) let go of what is no longer possible.

Sue

@sueinmn The most touching story from that trip was something I still tear up at. We got up early one morning to go see a Redwood grove, and take the first tour. It was end of May, and ranger wasn't sure the snow had cleared enough to take the big open transport. As she came out to raise the American flag, a tour bus pulled up. We had driven in the rental van. My dad stopped his conversation, stood facing the flag, put his hat over his heart and sang the national anthem. I joined in with him. We saluted the flag as it reached full raise. We were the only ones acknowledging the flag that morning. The tour bus had tourists from another country. The memory is seared in my heart. My dad was a WWII Pearl Harbor survivor, and proudly posted the flag each day at his apartment.

You can't downsize that memory.
Ginger

Ginger -
I love that story. Reminds me of three wonderful trips.

My Mom and her sis were widowed a short time apart when in their 70's, and wanted to keep traveling. They talked me into following the HS band my daughter & nephew played in on a road trip to Colorado, where we went watched parades, celebrated the 4th watching a Rockies game and fireworks with the band playing synchronized patriotic music in the background, and white water rafting - something on both their bucket lists that neither husband would consider doing.

A few years later, the 3 of us took a week-long bus trip through Mexico to the Monarch butterfly refuge high in the mountains, and climbed to the top (3 hour hike) to see them.

The last road trip was when Mom was 81and had had a couple strokes, we drove her to see her older sister in Dallas (just diagnosed with leukemia) while on our way to our winter place. We ended upgoing through an ice storm in Oklahoma, heard a lot of priceless stories about her travels with my Dad & her sis and brother-in-law, and even about my long-gone grandparents.

Some of my sibs and cousins were horrified by our "recklessness", but I have the best memories! On the last trip, my brother just laughed, flew down 3 weeks later and drove her home...it turned out to be her last big trip, so glad we got to share it.

I think aging well is all about doing what we can for as long as we can, then trying to (gracefully) let go of what is no longer possible.

Sue

@davej In reading @fiesty76's reply to you, it brought a memory up. I was setting up a roadtrip to Yosemite National Park, with my now-ex and his aging mother. On a whim I called my dad [he was 90 at that point] and asked if he wanted to go. It was a resounding "yes!" One sister tried to talk him out of it, and remonstrated me for bringing it up. Rented a Dodge Caravan [everyone had a door] and packed in a wheelchair "just in case". Lots of miles, frustration, pampering. But best of all, unforgettable memories and stories my dad shared that I had never heard. I never regretted any part of that adventure!
Ginger

@fiesty76 The first time my battery died we had AAA out to charge it and the gentleman told us to drive it for 15 minutes. The next time it happened I was in the parking lot a Walgreen's, had just picked something up curbside and my car wouldn't start. Had AAA out again and the next day we brought it to the dealer. They thought the battery was OK but then it happened again so then they replaced it, no charge. We thought they would probably pro-rate it but they didn't.
JK

@contentandwell, JK, I am so glad the dealer replaced your battery at no charge.

I was so thankful for the AAA membership on the day my battery died. It was a Sunday with dark approaching and since my Suzuki dealership had closed, I had no idea who else to contact if my car needed towing.

Your response provided a nudge and just reminded me that I need to look for a reputable car repair just in case my fab. 15 yr old needs professional assistance. Best car ever! With only new tires and batteries required. I may call AAA for a recommendation.

Hello
Just read your post. You have a lot of nerve asking Ginger to make arrangements to travel to NM to drop off beads. She’s in Oregon, and not in good health. I’m sure she has friends in her neighborhood who will put the beads to good use.
I sincerely hope you were kidding???
Use better common sense.

@fiesty76 AAA usually has a program where they list car maintenance places. Those places have to pass an inspection and keep up a standard to qualify. Used to see a sign that claimed "AAA certified" or some such.

As we downsize, and make our lives simpler, as much as we can, it is important that we keep our transportation options in great shape.
Ginger