True words Serena - both time and hard work are essential to healing - either one alone doesn't usually do it.  Finding one's way through grief and mourning is a longer process than many people imagine.  Have a great week - and enjoy Halloween!

Hi Elanorgold - thinking of you today, so just popping to say hello in 2014.  Hoping you are well and that you are continuing on your journey of finding new balance points in life .  

oops - duplicate post

That goes for me too, Elanor. hope this year is good to you.

Don't think she's coming here much if at all these days but I'm in touch with her through other means as are some other WC'ers and she's doing okay. I'll let her know you're thinking of her.

Mendalla

Thanks Mendalla

Hi Crazyheart and Carolla, Thanks for thinking of me. I look forward to good developments this year. Anybody who wants to get in touch, I should receive my wondermails by email now. I set it to deliver them there. I'm also on Twitter if anyone wants to follow me there, let me know, or send me your link.

I have ups and downs. Mostly leveling out. I've made some friends, and this really helps. Work has become a sanctuary, and source of hugs. Going out with a friend tonight actually. : )  

Listening to Cat Stevens' Peace Train right now. 

Glad to here from you Elenorgold,

Sounds like some positive changes. Wishing you a happy 2014.

Sweet elanorgold!  Here's to a good year ahead.  13 really was miserable for a lot of folks & I'm glad it's over!!

Hey you, I missed you around here.

Hi Waterfall. I wrote to you a while back. Nice to hear from you again too. 

Love Cat Stevens - especially "Peace Train".

Have a good day, Elanorgold

Its an adjustment to live alone and start a new life Eleanor.  Keep going one step at a time

I'm finding living alone hard as I  look down the road 10 years until retirement. I just ranted about it in Room for All.

It wasn't my intention to retire solo but it looks like that might be my reality.

We never know what the next minute, month, year will bring.

I know someone who was 'living' on Old Age Security plus GIS - a tad over $1,000 a month.  Tough going.  Then she met an elderly man whoi nvited her to share his house - they both agreed to separate bedrooms and no romancing.

In exchange for a comfortable place to live she makes most of the meals, does most of the light housework (they have someone coming in to do the heavier work).  and makes the grocery list. He already owned the house and continues paying the taxes and regualr bills like electricity.   It is an arrangement that suits them well - they watch out for each other, take care of the other during times when one is sick and enjoy each others company.  The man eventually made her the beneficiary of his will (he has no family).  

She had never thought of something like this coming into her life, but she is happy with how it is working.  

that's interesting kay - and for sure, we never do know what's around the corner for us!

OK a plus of living alone (or almost in my case).

A friend at work invited me to phoenix for Easter. She has an airline credit to use. I have enough airmiles. We have borrowed another friend's condo. (It belongs to her husband's work). And so for under $150 I'll have an adventure.

Youngest-will be busy with work shifts. Other 2 not coming home.

AWESOME - freedom and adventure!  I like that scenario! 

This seems like the perfect place to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day.  Remeber happiness is not just about being in a romantic relationship. Consider all the ways you are blessed.

For me: my kids

a job I like

reasonable health

a painting workshop this weekend

and that's a short list.

Take care my friends

well said tabitha!  Love life :-) 

Live in the present (I know it is hard.)