Doing The Best I Can Even In Hard Times

 

Fall in New York

Every morning when I get up I decide it will be a good day. I will be happy. No matter what the weather is. No matter any difficult tasks I have to do. No matter who I have to see. No matter any pain I am presently feeling. Otherwise my day would be miserable and I can't get it back. The first cup of coffee always comforts me no matter how I feel. That is one reason I will never be giving up my coffee. It is a start to a happy, positive day for me. Keeping myself positive is not always easy depending on what is going on in my life. 2025 has been a year of many changes and not especially good ones. So having to deal with life as I get older and still remaining hopeful about what lies is hard at times.

Home

It is a good day when I have a list of things to do. Living alone means I can get started on my tasks for the day without having to do anything for someone else. Well, except for my bunny rabbit. He has patience though so no need to hurry for him. It would seem to anyone else that living in a studio apartment I would not have much to do as far as cleaning goes. I find it is easier to do cleaning chores every day. Not all at once but one or two each day. That way it is never a big job at one time. Also a small apartment needs to be cleaned more often than a large one. At least that is my experience. Small apartments can become cluttered in a minute if you are not mindful of it. There is the tough problem for me being that I am not as strong as I used to be. Not being able to stand somewhere for longer than five minutes at time. It makes my chores harder but I am able to manage. I find it frustrating that I cannot stand on a stool or a chair to reach high areas. So I just do the best I can. 

Enjoying Pretty Flowers

One thing I will say is that I am never bored. I am busy all day long just doing my thing. Being an introvert helps I think. When I was a child I always lived in my bedroom. It was my favorite place to be. Shut my door and I was in my happy place. I still felt that way in my adult life. Especially when living with others. My last home (Peaceful Forest) I did not have any privacy or a bedroom to retreat to. I think that is what broke me at that time. Now when I come out of my apartment I am ready to face whatever awaits me outside that door. Sometimes it is not so good depending on the personalities of the various people I encounter. Doing my best to stay pleasant to everyone I meet along the way. Having a good life means making it a good life myself. Accept what comes along and figure out how to live with it. 

Copyright © 2025 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2025 Kathleen G. Lupole

Consider A Studio Apartment For Solo Senior Living

First Look at My Apartment 2018

The first thing I had to do once I downsized and moved from a house to a studio apartment was to figure out how to set it up. It is not as easy as it sounds. Especially if you bring boxes of things that you used in your previous homes. My studio apartment is 338 square feet which is pretty small compared to some others. I have been here now since 2018, so seven years. Over that time period I have gotten rid of more items that I didn't need or use. If I use it I will keep it. Sometimes I cry at the thought of getting rid of certain things but I have no room for things I can't use. After all that time, I am still doing it. Still getting rid of items. The hardest has been kitchen items. As long time readers of this blog know, I was a "modern homesteader" and did a lot of cooking and canning. It has been difficult for me to give up that part of my life. It has come over time though. Now my focus is making my life easier so not as much cooking. 

The kitchen

Most studio apartments are one big room with a kitchen area along one wall. The bathroom of course is the only separate room. I am very fortunate to have an ideal setup. My kitchen and bathroom are next to each other and are disabled friendly. I could use a wheelchair in them if I needed one. My kitchen is a small square with the bathroom door opening into it. One wall of the kitchen is completely open that goes into the rest of the apartment. The area outside my kitchen doorway is my "office". My table is where I keep my computer and all my computer related equipment. Since I do not have others here for meals I am on my computer when eating because that is what I like to do. 

My office is opposite the kitchen

When I am cooking or cleaning in the kitchen I can take a break to sit down at the table and still keep an eye on the kitchen. I am very careful about the electrical appliances I use. The last thing I want is a fire so I double check everything every time. I cannot stand for more than five minutes so I put something on to cook and then take a break. Checking on it every now and then. It is always within my view. Of course now I cook simple meals and clean up is fast. I wash the dishes after every meal so they do not pile up. If for some reason after supper I cannot do the dishes it is no big deal. I will do them in the morning. Living alone is really a plus for me in the kitchen. 

Living Room Area

The rest of the apartment is basically set up for sleeping, relaxing while watching television and for my pet bunny rabbit. Since I have not been sleeping in a bed for over a year now I do not have a bedroom in this space. Right now the area I had for my bedroom is where I keep the bunny cage and his area. A large dresser creates a wall for that space so it is not seen from the rest of the apartment. When my bunny is gone I will make it into my bedroom again. I have enough space in this area that I could have a love seat or small couch. For me though. a recliner, the curio cabinet, a stand with a lamp and a chair is enough in this tiny space. The television is on top of the big  dresser which puts it in the middle of the room. So the sound of it will never affect the next apartments. The same with my CD player as it is on the dresser next to it. 

My bedroom area

The reason I chose a studio apartment over a one bedroom is because I really love the open plan. Growing up with my own bedroom where I spent my happiest times made me miss having one as I got older and was married. I wanted my own space! More than anything. Most people want a one bedroom and when I moved here I did too. But as soon as I stepped into this apartment to look at it..........I was in love with it! High ceilings in the living and bedroom area makes it appear spacious. I took my name off the list for a one bedroom and have here in my studio happily ever since. Things are different when you live alone. A studio might be harder to live in with another person. It is all about privacy.  

kat's Kitchen

I can take a quick glance at my home and see what needs to be done. If you are planning a move and think a studio apartment is too small maybe you should go look at some first. For one thing they are much cheaper in rent and utilities. Easier to clean and take care of. Easier to live in if you end up with some kind of mobility issues. I can use a walker, a mobility chair or a wheelchair in mine if needed. Another plus is that it makes you get rid of all your excess stuff. It does not mean I live like a pauper. I just use different things here than I did at my old house. 

Copyright © 2025 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2025 Kathleen G. Lupole

Using A Computer For Convenience As You Age

Keto Chow For The Win!

Struggling with most any health issue is stressful. The key to that is to do your own research. I always do that and try different methods to improve my issues. Whether it is food or activities I will try it and give it an adequate amount of time to get some type of result. If it does not work then I move on to something else. I have to at least try. One of the things I do now is live a "keto based lifestyle" which does help. It means no sugar or high carbs, fruits or most vegetables. My style of keto is heavy on the meat (especially beef), seasonings, some low carb vegetables and dairy. I had a struggle in the beginning which lasted many years. Living in my own place has made it pretty easy to stick to it. Also I give credit to Keto Chow, which is a keto meal replacement shake that supplies all the vitamins and minerals for one third of what I need for the whole day. I make it into ice cream with the Ninja Creami ice cream maker and it is a game changer for sure!  

Walking in the park across the street!

The real problem for me has been getting movement in. Both of my knees are very bad and hurt when I stand or walk. Suffering with Lymphedema is no fun either. Getting some kind of physical activity is most important with that condition. Every time I try though my knees seem to get worse. If I walk very far one day the next few days I can't even walk around my small apartment. It is not fair! I used to race walk many years ago and could even run up and down the bleachers at a local high school football field. I sure miss those days! When I moved here to my downtown location 7 years ago, I pictured walking everywhere. Unfortunately my mobility issue has become worse as time goes by. Even when I try to increase walking every day. I even purchased two different pieces of equipment that are for walking movement from a chair. I used them and the next day my knees were in extreme pain. Presently I am experimenting with the LifePro vibration plate. 

One part of my hall that I walk for exercise.

Luckily I can use a computer and enjoy being on it. Whether I am working online or off there is something that I can always get into. So I am never bored at home or having to sit with my feet up for a period of time. I still try to get the walking into my day somehow. If I cannot walk outside that day, I will walk laps around my hall outside my apartment door. Then if I have to stop suddenly, I am right here. It is easier for me. I used to have a neighbor who would always tell me to walk outside or that I needed to get out because that is what he does. I would wonder why he thought I could do what he did when he saw I had to use a walker or a mobility chair? Yeah, if I could walk as well as he did I would most likely not be living here. 

My  Trusty Laptop!

For many senior citizens (and disabled people) who live here and don't know or want to know how to use a computer or at least go online with their phones, life can be pretty hard. Being able to go online to do all my banking, paying my bills, ordering my supplies and buying groceries that are delivered to me makes life easy for me without a car. Do those things cost me extra money? Of course! I pay for convenience instead of the high price of owning a car. I put all those expenses into my monthly budget and never go over it. If I know something is going to be due I plan for it. If I know I am going to have to replace something soon I start saving money for it in my budget. 

Not that hard to learn how to use a computer!

If someone tells me something they heard which is causing fear among the residents here I just check it out online. Usually it is a rumor. Instead of stressing over something I have heard, finding the truth out keeps my life free of worrying and stressing. I do not watch or listen to mainstream news. They do not have any credibility and that is what the people who live here watch. They will say, "CNN said...........I roll my eyes and say,"lies and propaganda". Time for everyone to learn how to do things online and to free their own lives up. Especially as they get older. I feel sorry for them but it is like the time people had to give up their horses for the automobile. Or the radio for the television. Some stayed behind and had a harder time of it. For me my day starts every morning with a cup of coffee and my laptop..........

Copyright © 2025 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2025 Kathleen G. Lupole

A Beautiful Spring Morning

Spring Is Here!

Today is one of those days when it is cool out but nice. The promise of spring temperatures in the air. I loved spring time in my garden! Working out there getting the dirt ready to put my seeds or plants I had started in the house into the ground. Such promise and hopes went into my garden besides a lot of work. Since I canned all the vegetables I grew I did not waste a single plant. It is one of things I miss most about living on my homestead in the country. There were just things I needed at that time that I could not get. I may miss it at times but I know I made the right decision. 

Windows and Sill Blocked For Winter

Maybe it sounds funny but a beautiful day like this makes me want to just work on spring cleaning my apartment. I had blocked the cold air from coming in from the windowsill and around the windows. Using black out curtains that I closed at night. It made it dark and gloomy in here. Not my favorite setting here! I like bright colors and lots of sunshine coming in my windows. Especially in the morning! Morning is my favorite time of the day. If I could skip night I would. Must be that is why I fall asleep as soon as I turn my television off at night. Never have had trouble sleeping. 

"Rabbit"

There is something about waking up in the morning and knowing you can do whatever you want. Nobody is telling me what I have to do today. That is why I do not like appointments or meetings. This morning I walked out to the dumpster and stopped to talk to a couple of the guys who live here. Then I picked some grass and dandelion leaves for my bunny boy, Rabbit. He was busy this morning chewing on cardboard and would not stop. When I brought the grass and dandelions for him, that did the trick. He ate it all eagerly and promptly went to sleep. Of course he is now listening to Linda Ronstadt's greatest hits on the stereo. He is a music lover! 

Coffee At My Computer

Every morning after I finish my morning devotions I make my coffee and then check my computer. Facebook and a forum I belong to. Then I am trying to stick to a schedule of writing a blog post. Since I am not a "modern homesteader" any longer it has been hard to focus on any one topic. Yet when I examine my life, it has never been about only one topic. My life has been a journey with many starts and stops along the way. The homesteading one was just one chapter. I like to read biographies of various people in history. Most of them did many different things throughout their lives. I think it is what God does to teach us about life. We learn many different lessons along the way.

 

Copyright © 2025 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2025 Kathleen G. Lupole

kat's Studio Apartment - Apartment Life

I am not sure how I manage but almost everything I plan to do I eventually do. After many years of starting and stopping......Atkins, low carbs, keto & finally, ketovore. Ketovore is a cross between the carnivore food plan and keto. Mainly meats but some other keto friendly foods as well. Now I am definitely on it and stick to it at least 90%. I figure that is good enough for me. I do feel better on it and that is the main reason I eat this way. The other reason is that it is so good! Easy to shop for, easy to cook and easy to clean up after. What more could you want? After years of cooking for others this is a relief for me. Especially since I cannot stand in one place (at the sink or the stove) for very long. My doctor said don't stand longer than five minutes in one place. I try not to.

Cat Collection in curio cabinet

Another thing I have been doing over a bit of time is getting rid of all my excess things that I do not need. There is free table downstairs in my apartment building and I try to set something on it every week. If I see someone picked that item up I put another one down. Kind of interesting to do. Because I figure if I don't use it I may as well give it to someone who will. I don't know if I will ever get brave enough to start putting my ceramic cat collection on the table. Maybe not. Maybe I will wait till I am in my nineties to do that. The same with my dolls that I have had since I was a child. I don't know if "uncluttering" or downsizing as it is sometimes called is an aging thing or not. I see a lot of videos with young people doing it too. Maybe it is trending that we bought too much stuff and now need to get rid of it. I tell myself if I ever have to live in an RV or a van I could never do it with all the stuff I own. 

The best I could do for now.

Since I am following the "ketovore" food plan I have found a lot of gadgets I own for food preparation I no longer need. Basically everything I have out on my counter I use often. I have too many other items that are just taking up room. I am thinking of getting rid of those items. It is funny how someone said on one of the "decluttering" videos that the more you get rid of the more you want to get rid of. Yes, that is definitely true for me. I am seeing that in myself every time I see something I put on the free table is gone. Makes it so much easier to clean or find what you are looking for. I removed as much as I could from my counter so it would not look so cluttered. It also gives me plenty of room to prepare my meals. 

Oma Lisa, my childhood doll

As I get older I find I don't really need so much stuff. If I can use it for other purposes than what it was meant for then I do that. I would always rather use that than purchasing anything new. When I write down my lists of what I need to do or what I want to eliminate from my life I can analyze it further. The key is to get started. Experts are always telling us to find our why. My why is to make life easier now. Not work around it until the day I die. If it is not serving any purpose now is the time to rid myself of it. As I said before there are some items I will never part with. One being my childhood dolls. They still bring me pleasure and I just cannot part with them. At least not yet. 

Copyright © 2025 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2025 Kathleen G. Lupole