Beginning Anew......

New beginnings. That is what life is all about.

So, here I am. Single, as in, the divorce was finalized yesterday. I've been single less than three years of my adult life. Not sure I like it, too quiet. And yet, I like making a life which is not dependent on another person's plans and wants.

I live in a small rural town which is on a lake, not far from Tulsa, Oklahoma. I'm living in a 1920's cottage on a quiet street corner. Mostly original, only the bath has been updated. It's a real charmer. Two huge shady trees, big front porch, a fenced yard. A lot of flowers growing out front as well as in back.

I have a beastie. She's a Saint Bernard/Brittany mix. Clever.... She understands commands in four languages, and we're working on a fifth one. She's also trained to assist me with vertigo and some hearing loss. I'm cross training her to be a guide dog.

Depending on light levels, I'm either mostly blind or completely blind. Almost four years ago, I started losing vision. It took two years and nine eye specialists to find out why. It turns out that I have npAIR, non-paraneoplastic AutoImmune Retinopathy. No effective treatment, and no cure. As far as I'm concerned, it just flat out sucks rocks. I've had occupational therapy in order to care for my home. White Cane training ensures I can get around safely.

I love my life... I have interests and hobbies that I enjoy. Lots of friends, although few extremely close ones. A lot of family nearby as well as scattered all over the world. A great nephew staying with me part of this summer, usually two nights weekly is great company.

I live a green lifestyle. Not a conscious choice, it just sort of occurred. And, somehow, it works for me. With very few electrical outlets in my home, I use a lot of solar lighting. Put them out in the morning to soak up the sun's rays, and bring them in at night to provide lighting for rooms with either one or no electrical outlets. I ride an etrike, since I'm no longer able to drive. I launder with cold water. My few appliances use little power, most are apartment sized. I rarely cook, usually once every few weeks. The stove is mainly used to heat water for tea.

This is my life. Not perfect, but it is mine. I like it, even enjoy most of it. And I like myself. I like the person whom I've become over five decades.

This is where I keep my online diary.