Decisions Decisions Decisions

 Billings, MT  High 66 Low 45

 It is definitely time for me to bring you all up to date on what is happening in my world.  I'm in Billings for the summer enjoying those grandkids and their parents. 

For those of you who have been around for awhile, you know that I am a wanderer and that I love to explore and see places I've never been. Especially small towns and oddball sights. This trip north did not happen like that. This was an A to B trip that took me 3 1/2 days. 

The reason I made the trip so quickly was because I needed to be in Billings on June 1. That is the day I took possession of my apartment. That's right, an apartment. I really wanted to spend more time with my family without imposing on them. With two little ones, two dogs and two cats - their house is full. I'm old. I need some peace and quiet. 

The view from my front door. My apartment looks just like this.

 I went online and found a patio apartment that I really liked the looks of and especially liked the idea of a garage. I contacted them by phone and Todd did a walkthru for me. He said I would enjoy living in it so I filled out all the paperwork, paid my security deposit and he got the keys and garage door opener. 

This apartment was completely unfurnished. A one bedroom, one bathroom. Not even a partial toilet paper roll. So I had to start from scratch. Thank goodness I have this talented daughter-in-law who has an eye for decorating and loves to shop at Good Will. She found me a loveseat and recliner (new), a TV stand (new), a bed frame (FB Marketplace), dresser and night stands (new), lamps (used), mattress (new), a bookcase and toy box for Elias (used), and paintings (some she painted, some she found). I also bought a new TV. 

 If it sounds like I am moving in, that is what is happening. I do plan to return to AZ for the winter but next spring, I will be making a final trip to Billings. I want to be able to enjoy my family while I still can. But it's been a really tough decision to make.

I love the park I live in. I have the most wonderful, giving, friends ever. Especially Ginny who has helped me survive without Jim. Carol and Melva who have taken care of me when I couldn't walk or drive. Wendy who rescues me endlessly. Everyone in the park who helped me no matter what I asked of them. 

Then there are The Three Musketeers - Pat and Marilyn (and me). Wow, this one is really hard. You know how much fun we have and we are going to have lots of fun this winter. Tacey (Pat's granddaughter) who has made me a part of their family. 

This picture is taken from my recliner. The door on the right leads to the garage which is behind the TV. The door straight ahead is the bathroom and the door directly across from the garage is the bedroom.

Telling Paul about my plans was so hard. I knew he would understand but it makes me so sad to say goodbye. (I knew this blog post was going to be hard to write, but I didn't realize how hard). 

Elias's corner

I thought about continuing to spend winters in Arizona but that would really put a strain on my budget. I am also tired of living in an RV. I've lived in one for almost 19 years, which doesn't seem possible. I'm tired of dumping tanks, arranging for propane, making sure the roof doesn't have any leaks and is treated. Roasting in the summer time. Living in a cave because the sun makes it too warm to put the shades up. I had to climb on the couch to reach them and I don't climb on anything much anymore. 

 Elias's bookcase - a work in progress

And I want to see the excitement of Christmas with wee ones. I know I could fly up but I don't want to do that. 

I love my apartment. I've included some pictures kind of random like. I can't hear the rain pounding on the roof and the apartment doesn't rock and roll when the wind blows. That's a good thing. 

I plan on posting a blog occasionally. There are places in Montana that I have never explored so now is the time. I'll let you know what apartment living is like in a patio apartment. Thanks for hanging in there with me. 

Raelee