I Love Lighting and Lamps In My Apartment!

My Office

When I lived on my homestead with my husband I had to endure living in the dark. Most of the time we used kerosene lamps. They were nice but they were not bright. The only way I could stand the evenings after he turned our inverter off for the day was to read on my kindle. I carried a flashlight constantly. I still have the same flashlight which is charged by sunshine. I remember spending time reading magazines at the kitchen table with two big kerosene lamps. Kerosene lamps were a lot of work. Plus the fact that they smelled. I got used to it but odors and smoke really bother me. So it took some time. 

Living Room Area

In my home now which is a small studio apartment, I rarely think about not having enough light. I have four lamps and two overhead lights in the main part of the apartment. The kitchen has one big overhead  light and one smaller one over the sink and one on the stove hood. The bathroom has one overhead light and a second one that is not very bright. Of course, the one over the mirror and sink is very bright and good for putting on make-up.

My Kindle

If you have never lived with limited lighting you don't really think about it. It is not something I would want to do again. Or not having running water, but that is another story. For one thing I don't think it is good for your eyes to be in the dark all the time. Trying to do different tasks in the dark was hard for me. I read books aloud in the evening to pass the time until bedtime but I had to use a flashlight. After I got the Kindle I was able to read without the flashlight. 

My Roommate!

In the morning I usually have two lamps on and the overhead light while sitting here at my computer. Since I have no reason to struggle without electric lights any longer I don't. My computer is well lit but I like the extra lights. Once the sun comes up my apartment is flooded with light. The sun not only lights my apartment but heats it as well (whether I want it or not). Since I suffer with MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivities) not having to deal with kerosene lamps, wood stoves or batteries charging has been a big improvement for me. Back then I didn't know it was an actual condition. Now I can deal with it since I have learned much about it.

Fairy lights above the cupboards along the vase collection

As you age, lighting is really an important element of safety in a home. So called "experts" say it is good for you to sleep in the dark with no lights of any kind. Not for me! I have two strings of fairy lights here. One is in the kitchen on top of my cupboards. They are always on and I consider them my night light. I can get up during the night and see where I am going. I feel safer having some kind of lights on during the night. Knock on wood, but I have never fallen. It is my biggest fear especially how I would manage to get up off the floor. The emergency squad is always coming here to my apartment building to help someone who has fallen. It is a common occurrence at a senior living residence. Better to be safe than sorry later.

Copyright © 2024 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2024  Kathleen G. Lupole

Precautions For Staying Safe

Aging in place is the trend now for us older adults. And why shouldn't it be? Getting to a certain age and then being told you have to do this or do that is not something to look forward to. Thankfully, I have an apartment I can do that in. I was not able to do that in my previous home. It was impossible. Even though back then I could walk better than I can now. A house can be set up for aging if you get to work on it before you need it. In my opinion, all houses should be built that way no matter what the owner's age is. The last few years of living in my house I had to sleep downstairs in the living room. First on a couch and then finally when I could afford it, I bought a single bed. I hated sleeping in the living room because I had no privacy. 

I feel safe here even though it is downtown and there are homeless people, druggie people and bullies here as well. No matter where you live they will always be present as well. I take safety precautions constantly and am always aware of my surroundings. It may sound like I am not friendly but I discourage strangers coming up to me when I am out. One guy who hangs out at the grocery store would come up to me when I am in my mobility chair  and grab my hand. I do not like that and I have avoided him and if I do run into him I do not talk to him or respond to him. Now he leaves me alone. He may very well be harmless but I do not like strangers touch me even if it is just my hand. Who knows where that hand has been? Or who else he has touched? Spreading germs from person to person. 

I do not carry a purse when I go out on my mobility chair or walker. I don't carry cash unless it is just a few dollars. Normally I carry a debit card and use that for any purchases I am making. I recently changed from a large wallet to one that is small enough to fit in my hand. I conceal it in the seat of my walker which is safer than having it on me unless my walker is stolen. In all my time living here, I have never had a problem with anyone. In fact nobody has ever approached me to ask for money. There are many different products I found on Amazon that are made for protecting yourself when you are out. A senior or disabled citizen is an easy target for someone to rob you. I always study any person near me so that I am aware of what they are doing. Especially if they seem interested in me or what I am dong.

Keeping my apartment locked even if I am just going downstairs to get my mail or going across the hall to speak to a neighbor. A stranger can get into our building by visiting someone they know who lives here. That is always a possibility. The best thing I can do is to always be aware of others on my hall or in one of the public areas. Public areas are always watched by the video cameras through out our building. Another thing I do is to limit who I let into my apartment. A number of them have wanted to come in to see "Rabbit" but I still limit that until I know them better. I don't mean to sound paranoid but I lived a long time with barely any interaction with others. After moving here, I was cautious and remain so today. 

Copyright © 2024 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2024  Kathleen G. Lupole