I left Kansas fairly early and drove I-70 into Denver, to I-25 south, then to the new home of Tony and Kathy Burris, old friends that I have know since when Tony and I worked for ERS back in the 70’s. Partly because of the time change and partly because I left early, I got there before noon, Denver time. They live in a CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community) that they both refer to as a Geezer Farm. You pay up-front money for the apartment you want, then pay a monthly service fee (inflation adjusted; a third of which goes to medical expenses) and for this you get living accommodations, parking space, a meal each day of your choosing, valet service, etc. And like any such arrangement, you are expected to participate by taking classes, going on outings, and serving on committees. The “continuing” part means that when you get to the point you need nursing or other services, these are provided. I am getting more information from Tony about this, so assume I know, currently, only a small fraction of how this works.
While we sat around the table catching up, we talked about books we were were reading, the goings-on at the Geezer Farm and current interests. Tony and Kathy are on a quest to visit every one of the National Parks in the lower contiguous United States, and are planning a visit from Washington, D. C. up through the Northeast to all the parks except those in New York City. I shared what has been going on during this trip and my interest in genealogy. After Tony fixed us a lunch of smoothies (very good, very health-conscious, low in calories, and delicious — I’ve got to learn how to do this) we tracked down a hotel for me to stay in and started planning for dinner. Some of the geezer tales were quite funny: THE Doris, a resident so referred to, complains about everything, tried to get things rescheduled to suit her preference, and got into an altercation when someone had the audacity to sit in HER chair at the yoga class. Doris shoved the interloper, who in tern smacked her. This confrontation was adjudicated with the outcome that the interloper was guilty of “elder abuse” and was required to write an apology for her actions. This person happened to be legally trained, so she wrote a two-page apology that, in essence said, “I am sorry that you are such a bitch!”
As I left to check into my hotel, Kathy walked me out and confided that the ratio of single female geezers to single male geezers was about three or four to one. When a new single male shows up, it is like a flock of chickens all descending on the hapless one. It made me wonder whether experiencing that would be something to look forward to of be scared to death of.
We met about 6:40 for a restaurant that was really good. I’m not sure about the name, but it was something like, Series 52. We had reservations at seven for outdoor seating and were promptly seated and served. While working on our before dinner drinks and hummus appetizers, a violent windstorm nearly blew the umbrellas over, so we moved inside. Geezer and other stories kept us in stitches until well after desert. What a great time. I am really looking forward to seeing both Tony and Kathy later this year.
After dinner I retired to my hotel room to read for a while before going to bed. Got up early (didn’t sleep really well), ate breakfast and hit the road for Henderson, NV, which is a bit too much to try to do in one day on limited sleep. I made it to Richfield, UT, found the hotel I had booked, and was delighted to see an incredible collection of old cars in the parking lot. Lots of old Rolls Royces. Will figure out what is going on and will report tomorrow. After breakfast I head for Henderson to see Mike and Patty Clauretie, friends from graduate school. Mike and I have been texting; I plan to get there at 2:30 his time (I go into another time zone from here). Coming west, it is nice to pick up hours that you lost going east.