Traveling To The Store

My apartment is about 3 blocks from my closest grocery store. I have not been able to walk to it. Not even with my rolling walker. Months ago, I made it as far as the post office with it, but I didn't feel confident enough to go that far. Especially across that large, hot parking lot. In February, I purchased a mobility chair. A few of my neighbors in my apartment building use these chairs and scooters to get around town. They travel at a pretty fast clip. I was excited about buying the chair, but scared to use it. Once I got over the initial fear that I was not going to tip over, especially going up and down the ramp, I started using it more.

Broad Street in Norwich, NY

I met a man one day who was shopping using his mobile scooter. He stopped and talked to me. I told him I wasn't sure if I could make it to the grocery store. I doubted if my battery would hold the charge long enough to go there and back. He took a look at my battery charge meter and said it was fine and I would easily be able to go there and back and then some. So I did. That was my first time. Ever since then, I have loved going places with my chair.

Pride Jazzy Mobility Chair

My chair, I call "Jazzy" due to the manufacturer named it that. It is made by Pride Mobility and I am impressed with the quality of every part of my chair. I feel comfortable now going up and down the ramp to my building and even navigating the sidewalk ramps around my city. There are areas along my routes that have bad deteriorating sidewalks and I am just careful going around those if I can. I do not want to damage Jazzy in any way or ruin a tire.

My New Shopping Bag

Now that I am able to go to the grocery store, I feel so much freedom in doing so. I bought a large zippered insulated bag for the back of my chair to carry my groceries in. It was $7.99 at my local Aldi's and worth every penny. I bought ice cream and drove home along a longer route than usual and when I got home my ice cream was still frozen brick hard. Now that is well insulated as it was a very hot day!

"I made it!"

If you are trapped inside due to any type of health issues, it can cause you to get pretty depressed. One of these chairs or scooters gives you a way to get outside and around town. Living downtown is a lot of fun if you can walk or ride to the little shops, drugstores, the library, parks, restaurants and cafes. During the good weather there are a lot of outdoor activities taking place within two minutes of my apartment. Just don't forget to put your battery on the charger at night! 

Copyright © 2019 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2019  Kathleen G. Lupole

Updated 2023

Another Year Older

Birthday card from my parents in 1986

 

As my birthday approaches next week, I think back to my life and what hits me is not the thought that I will be 67, but that in all these years, this has been my happiest ever. Yes, it has. When I reflect on it I realize it is the first time in my life that I have ever truly lived alone. I did briefly a couple of times, but did not stay that way for long. I remember being very happy for those few months of living alone in the past. Now I am retired and do not have to go to a job so my time is my own. Basically I only have to do what I choose to do. That is a lot different than doing chores that are based on running a whole house and caring for a family. Even one other person takes up your time and energy.  And WORRY......yes worry was a big part of living with others. 

My son lives a couple of blocks away. I see him several times a week and if he needs something I am close by. He rides his bicycle to the stores and stops by to see me or to say hi. Living downtown in a small city was not something I ever pictured doing in a million years. I was a country girl, or so I thought. I could not tolerate my situation another year and had to take what was affordable and available. I had researched and studied many options. I have a very low income due to having been a stay at home mother while my son was growing up. I have seen many people staying in an unhappy situation due to finances. Many say they cannot do this or refuse to do that. Well, if you are unhappy and miserable where you are, at least make the effort to try something else. If you are still unhappy and miserable, then it is you. Then you need to make changes within your own self. Move out of your comfort zone.

I found moving to a location that I was familiar with but had never lived in, provided me with a sense of adventure and excitement. Since I moved to a downtown location, I was able to scratch a car off my list of expenses. Now that I have been here over a year, I think a car would have been an unnecessary expense and a headache in the winter when parking is a big problem. Living here, I can take a city bus to stores like Walmart or Lowe's that are outside of the city. It may be a small city, but it has two cab companies, which I see my neighbors use regularly. A choice I could never have made if I was not living alone. I think of those expenses a car represents and I am thankful I can live without it.

Do not think that living alone means watching television all day. I only recently got a flat screen one as a gift, but I did not hook it up to watch as a television. I have DVDs and also am subscribed to Amazon Prime so I can watch Prime Videos. I have been watching them more than I would have due to having to elevate my legs in the afternoon for a bit. Basically though, I am a reader and a writer, choosing to do that over watching videos. I spend a good part of my time on Ancestry working on my family tree. I have gone back so far on it that I am finding kings and queens in my ancestral tree now. I would rather subscribe to Ancestry and Prime than to pay for a television subscription.

It is not that I am against human companionship. I am not. I am in a relationship with a man I love very much. I just see no reason that to have companionship you have to live in the same house. For me, this is what my dream has been for so long. To live in my own space, decorate it for me. Nobody else. If you are single, widowed or divorced, there is no reason to feel you have to live with someone else. Take the time to get to know yourself first. I know many couples move in with each other thinking it will save them money. Does it? Not all the time. In fact, it can work against you. I could not get any help for medical insurance for many years due to my husband’s income being too high for help. Yet his income did not cover all the bills and there was no way I could pay for anything extra. Once I got my Social Security though, I could at least get Medicare, paying out $134. a month out of my very tiny check. Now living alone I was eligible for help and do not have to pay for Medicare. I am able to catch up on all the health concerns I had and am working on them right now.

To be honest, I do not live completely alone. If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know I have a “house rabbit” who is named, “Rabbit”. He is the perfect pet in my 338 square foot studio apartment. His cage and various boxes (his toys) take up some of my space, but he is worth it. I see my neighbors taking their dogs out several times a day which is not something I have to do with Rabbit. His cage is probably the biggest chore I have to do. Every day. He appreciates it though, watching me clean it for him. It takes me only about 15 minutes at the most. Hay is the hardest thing to deal with since it is very messy. But what else can I do? Hay is 80% of his diet and I use it for his bedding and litter too. It is just a part of my daily routine like making coffee or washing dishes. I talk to him all day long and when I leave for several hours, he is always happy to see me return. Of course, looking for a special treat I might have brought back for him!

Being a “senior citizen” there are many programs you have available to you if you are struggling to live with a very small income. If you are divorced or widowed, you might find that investments you were counting on do not exist once you are alone. Maybe they never did to begin with. So you must search for these programs yourself. I recommend going to your local Office For The Aging. Make an appointment for someone to help you see what you qualify for. Housing is one of the most costly expenses you will probably have. There are tons of affordable housing for elderly/seniors. Do not mistakenly think they are on poverty row! Most are not. They are usually nice and well taken care of and not owned by the government. The application though is a long, tedious chore but so worth it if you are accepted and will have a very low rent payment. Abide by the rules and you will be set.

Copyright © 2019 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2019  Kathleen G. Lupole

Updated 2021

A Year In My Life Of Urban Self-Reliance

My Apartment Building

Yesterday marked one year of living on my own in my apartment in a city. I learned a lot in that year. One of the most important things is that all people, men and women, need to be self-reliant. Of course, in my previous home I was able to grow a garden and can a lot of food. Now I cannot do that. I have been debating the canning issue. I could do that, but I have no room here to store it unless I put it in my storage area. To be honest, I don't feel like doing it any longer. Being self-reliant living in a city is a whole different issue than being self-reliant living on a homestead in the country.

"Jazzy"

The first thing I must address is that I eat low-carbs, following the Ketogenic diet and Intermitten Fasting. One thing that Dr. Jason Fung, (who is the person to learn about Intermitten Fasting from) said in one of his YouTube videos is that in Asian countries, the people shop for fresh produce daily. Buying just enough meat and produce to last about three days. Not a week. Not two weeks. Not a month. Three days or less. For me that is what would be ideal........once I work out my transportation issue. I choose not to own a car. Where I live though, public transportation is available. I am in the process of learning how it all works.

Walking to Post Office

I have been waiting for a nice dry day to teach myself to use my "Jazzy" (mobile chair) to go to the post office and Tops, the grocery store. It is about three blocks away so I have not attempted to go as far as Tops with my rolling walker. I have gone to the post office though. It is nice to be able to do things on your own without asking someone for a ride or to help you. A few people in my building use their chairs to go places and some of them really take off. Faster than a bicycle! One lady is 92 and she is always on the move!

Dehydrated Foods on Bottom Shelf

Minimalists tell of having only enough food for one day in their refrigerators. That is a bit much for me. I need to have some food stored to fall back on. Am I afraid "something will happen" and I won't be able to get any food? No, I am beyond worrying about things like that. I believe things are put out in the media to scare us all. Every now and then I purchase dehydrated foods from Emergency Essentials. It takes up less space and the large cans last a long time. Instead of having potatoes (which I do not eat anymore, but I used to), onions, berries or peppers going bad because you stored them too long, I have plenty in dehydrated form in the cupboard. They last for a long time. Just keep them dry.

My Storage Locker

I live in a building that was built in 1888, as a school. You know these buildings are very well insulated. I have a very small, 338 sq. ft. studio apartment. So not any extra space for storing foods. I do have a storage area on the lower level, and even though it is very small, it can store a lot. Right now I am getting rid of the stuff in there so I can make better use of it. Using Rubber Maid containers, I can stack extra supplies or even food. It being a cellar, I like my stuff to be inside something due to mice or whatever finds it way into the building. It is very clean though, so I am not too concerned. Just want to keep dampness and whatever does get in there out of my things.

Norwich Senior Living 

As I figure out how to prepare better in this situation I will write more about it. It is my idea that the storing of a lot of canned foods that you do not eat all the time is a big space waster. I mostly eat fresh meat and produce. Some frozen and some canned also that are all low carbs. I grow greens in my apartment using an Aero Garden. That is the freshest I can do. As soon as I pick any Rabbit and I eat it right then. Fresh produce in the stores and the produce markets is questionable. You have to do what you can do. Or are willing to do. 

Copyright © 2019 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2019  Kathleen G. Lupole

Stepping Out Of Your Comfort Zone

A year ago, I was dreaming about moving into my own apartment. Now I have lived here for a few months less than a year. I have not looked back. How could I? It was a good move for me and my situation. Until I moved I felt like my life was over. That I was just waiting to die. I felt unhealthy and depressed. Now I am feeling energized almost every morning. I get up and say to myself, "what shall I do today?" A big perk of living alone is the freedom to do whatever you want to do every day. I admit to spending a lot of time on the computer. Not just social media. I have been working on my family tree for a number of years. Just recently, I went back to Flickr and I enjoy that site too.

I understand that some people do not like being alone and need people around them. Actually I live downtown in a small city and there are people all around me. In my apartment building, with 32 apartments, it is like living in a neighborhood where you know everyone. For the most part, we all get along and are friendly. It is not the type of place where someone is at your door all day long. For me though, I have always been an introvert and being alone has never been difficult for me. I love it and never get bored by having nothing to do. Mostly because I never have nothing to do. I am always working on something.

I had been seeing many inspirational posts about living the life you desire, you must step outside your comfort zone. Comfort zone? What is that anyway? I have learned that your comfort zone is not the same as mine or anyone else's. It has to be defined by YOU! I had to confront my comfort zone little by little. I could not just do it all at once. Make a list of what you would like to be doing in your life in the next five or ten years. Then cut it down into little steps by each year or months. Find the first step and then pursue it.

The comfort zone for me, for many years was being a wife and mother. Staying home and not working out in a regular job. Once my son was grown up and I was on my own, life was never easy for me again. I should have found some direction for my life at that time but I got sidetracked by marrying an alcoholic........and I did not even drink! What was I thinking? I did manage to get out of that and went on. My life though was to be difficult and it was usually due to financial complications. Waiting until I could draw my Social Security then allowed me to step outside that comfort zone (which was not very comfortable!). Having my own money made a difference.

Your goals do not have to be very big or outlandish. Like saying you want to marry a billionaire or become a rocket scientist. It can be simple like wanting to meet someone to go out to dinner or to movies with. Or signing up for volunteer work or getting a part time job. I have been taking my goals off my list as I accomplish them and then add new ones one. I had some major issues that I needed to get done as soon as possible so that is where I began. Now I am finding it easy to step out of my comfort zone. Try it!

Copyright © 2019 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2019  Kathleen G. Lupole

Updated 2023

Storing Bananas Longer

Rabbit loves his banana treats!

It is no secret to anyone who reads my blog or is a friend of mine on Facebook or Twitter that I have a "house rabbit" for a pet. One of the favored treats of pet rabbits is bananas. Yes, they certainly love them! My little bunny boy is no exception. He wants it every morning. Now the house rabbit "rule people" will warn you about feeding bananas or any fruit too often. That is because it technically is a sweet for them and can rot their teeth. Well.......Rabbit does not comprehend that explanation very well. So I give him a little piece of banana in the mornings. 

Banana Bag

Since I eat low carbs, bananas are not something I eat much of. So buying bananas for Rabbit is not a food I can share with him. I started off by wrapping one in plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator to store. One banana can last him 3-4 days and that is a long time for storing one. Most times, I ended up throwing it away. Sonny bought me a banana bag for me to try. I could not believe how great this thing works! No more wasting a banana.

Bananas don't last long!

I just put the whole bunch in the bag and make sure the vented side, the side with netting on it, is on top and the ties are pulled tight to close the bag. Then put it on the bottom shelf of my refrigerator. It slows down the ripening process for as much as two weeks. I am thinking of buying a second one for storing salad greens for Rabbit. They don't last very well in anything else even though I have tried everything. I watch YouTube videos on various methods and tried them all. But since using this Banana Bag for bananas, I have hope that the other one available for lettuce would work too. They say the banana bag works for apples, cucumbers, carrots and more. I need to try it.

Storing a black, cut banana for Rabbit!

I never knew that black bananas were still good. They are though. Another thing I didn't know was that I could cut a piece off from one and leave it in the skin and put it in the refrigerator and it would stay good. Now I am not wasting money by buying bananas that go bad fast. Most of the bananas in the stores are green anyway, so putting them in the banana bag makes them last even longer. 

Just fine for rabbit or human!

After reading the reviews on Amazon on the Banana Bag, I want to warn you to buy the one that is sold by Carol Wright. The others seem to have negative reviews as to being a cheaper knock off bag. Another thing some of the reviewers are mentioning, the ones who didn't like it, is that they say the bananas do not taste the same after being in the bag. Well, I never noticed any difference in the taste. The only reason I can think of that occurring is because they are staying firmer longer, even when the skin spots or turns brown. We like them just fine and I have not noticed them not tasting as good after being in the bag. I believe they get sweeter, as they get softer.

Vent side

I have not had to throw even one banana away after I started using the Banana Bag. For me that is a big savings. I hate to throw away any food. No fruit flies! Love the fact that there are no more fruit flies in my kitchen. From now on I will always use the Banana Bag for my bananas.

Now I can buy bigger bunches!

Storing the bananas in the refrigerator was something I had just started doing with one opened banana and I wrapped it in plastic wrap. But not long after that, I got the Banana Bag and it proved to be the best storage of bananas immediately. I could not believe how good it worked. I had never heard of one before so I was surprised. Give it a try and see what you think. I hope you like it too. 

In the refrigerator

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Copyright © 2019 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2019  Kathleen G. Lupole

Adjusting To Life With New Dentures

My Denture Process

I told in a previous post, Surviving Dental Work, about my experience of having my teeth extracted. I should have called it something like The Pain of Having Teeth Pulled or something like that. I did not want to make it sound extreme. It was though. I would say it was the hardest thing I have ever gone through. My boyfriend, Sonny, said when I came out into the waiting room after having them pulled, that I was going into shock. Maybe I was. I remember I was shaking a lot. I can never remember feeling like that before. I was so thankful that he was the one going with me that day. In the car as we were leaving, I could see his concern for me on his face. He took good care of me then and the days afterward.

Our favorite diner in Cortland, NY.

Almost four weeks later, I went back for my dentures. When we left there we stopped to eat at a little diner, Hydes' Diner in Cortland. We always stop there if we are in the area. I tried to eat some chicken noodle soup, but could only eat the broth. Even though the noodles were a very soft homemade type. I discovered after doing a lot of research online how to adjust to using my partial dentures. The most important fact is that dentures are definitely NOT like having a new set of teeth! Absolutely not! The other fact is that every single person's experience with them will be different.

Keep dentures in water when not wearing!

Your dentist will tell you to come back for adjustments to them. That is important! You must go back every time you experience discomfort or pain with them. I went back a few days later and he ground them down in a couple of areas and I am doing better with them. Another thing is you need to wear them! I know people who have dentures but never wear them. You will not adjust to wearing dentures or eating with them if you never wear them. I still do not wear mine all day long. I put them in when I am leaving my apartment. But I take my denture cup with me, just in case I cannot tolerate them. I still am not eating with them yet. So not going out to eat in public as of yet.

Tools for dental care I use.

Brush your teeth after everything you eat. Use dental floss daily on the teeth you have left. I use an anti-cavity mouthwash without alcohol after I brush. Brush your dentures following the instructions from your dentist. I do not use anything but my regular toothbrush and toothpaste to clean them. And do so, every day. Put a towel or washcloth in the sink when taking them out or putting them back in. Then if you drop them they won't break or anything happen to them. One very important fact from my dentist was to never let them dry out! If you take your denture cup with you, make sure you have water in it. I carry the denture cup in a plastic container with a tight lid, just in case I need to remove them.

Scrambled eggs and avocado is a soft food.

As for eating with the dentures. Well I have not mastered that yet. I try to eat soft foods with them, but end up removing my dentures. I am nowhere near being comfortable with them. That is why I am trying to wear them for longer periods of time. Eating with them though is a problem. I am afraid of choking on something because I am not chewing very well. I am determined to conquer this because when I have them in, I like the way I look. They make me look so much better and it makes me feel good. I like to wear lipstick and had not been wearing it for years, since my teeth had gotten so bad. I did not want to draw attention to my mouth.

Not worried about hiding my teeth in a picture anymore!

To be honest here, the dentures feel like you have a mouth full of plastic or something. I think when I talk my voice sounds different. I know after my adjustment period, I will be happy with them. But it is not as easy as it sounds when you are thinking about getting all your teeth pulled. You do not realize how the whole process works. I had some good advice from some of my Facebook friends who have gone through this. They helped me a lot. I did not have any other option really. So I will keep working on these dentures and hopefully will be eating normally in a few months. I will keep updating my progress here.

Copyright © 2019 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2019  Kathleen G. Lupole