Call me crazy for not seeing that one coming. I was so distracted by my downsizing, home sale and moving I was not thinking clearly. Relationships later in life are surely possible if both partners make a huge effort to get through the inevitable conflicts and obstacles, but that's where "possible" devolves into quite a bit of risk.
Fast forward through the upheaval of my move, the unwelcome blur of the holidays and on to the New Year 2014 - I was in a new environment, just far enough that I had to reestablish all my connections - where to get gas, get my hair cut, change doctor and dentist, where to shop, work out etc. I met a few women friends - always my saving grace - and they gave me a warm welcome.
I learned my new neighborhood by getting lost, which seems kind of symbolic of life in general at times. I'd go into a strip mall for an errand, and get lost on the way out, since I wasn't familiar with all the streets and how to end up where I wanted to go! I learned my way to my favorite beaches to walk and look at the waves. I signed up for some classes at the local community college, joined a gym and made some inquiries into a couple of organizations and volunteer projects of interest. That's the advice they give to seniors, yes? Stay busy? Works for me.
