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My MIL used to say, "We were poor but we didn't know it." She never felt self-pity either, and, like Alan, she grew up frugal, resourceful, pragmatic, and grateful as a result of her upbringing. I don't feel sorry for Alan at all. It is apparent that he was poor in material comfort but rich in love. You can get by without material comfort. I feel sorry for the ones rich in material comfort but poor in love.Quote:
Originally Posted by Alan
Before we immigrated to Canada, we seemed to have everything due to my dad's job. We went to the movies, visited friends and enjoyed an active life. Once in Canada, my dad had difficulty finding a job, the currency exchange coming in was unkind and the usual immigrant challenges arose due to limited funds which I remember. My youngest sister remembers none of this aspect. We basically had what we needed in food and shelter and our family but little else. No regrets in any of it as I gained a rich life experience.
If you don’t mind saying, which country did your family immigrate from?Quote:
Originally Posted by razz
South Africa was part of the British Commonwealth at the time and our family could readily immigrate to any other Commonwealth country. My parents saw the future. SA was kicked out of the Commonwealth due to apartheid system.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tradd
Same here. There were outhouses pretty much around our rural neighborhood. As a kid, if outside and needed to go, we always used the outhouses versus risking going home and being told to "do something" or "stay inside"... LOL.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tammy
My youngest son is in Mexico but he called me and we discussed housing. He had me get a tape measure and both 477 and 525 sq ft are way too small for me. I am not going to go lower than 700 sq ft. I told him he was a dream killer of my Mountain View and doorman:)). I have been packing as my husband qualified for a mortgage big enough to buy me out. I am using good size bins with locking lids that my kids use to move. So far I have only filled 8 of them. Besides my clothes which will go into a wardrobe box and pictures I probably only have about 6-8 more to pack I would guess. I guess I have done a good job downsizing but couldn’t tell because of all his stuff.
It helps to get a sense of what it would feel like with dimensions as you have done. Being able to talk freely and explore ideas freely as you have done with your son is so helpful. DH and I lived in a motel room as he worked on a family member's cottage. It was amazing how roomy places can be if the design is right and storage is efficient.
In Nevada you would not be as confined as I am in the coldest temperatures. Having an outdoor space like a large balcony or patio would really enhance any living quarters. Have you seen a design layout that you really like in a condo in which you could comfortably spend a lot of time? I ask because it might be wise to consider your needs and wants in 10-15 years time.
The condo with the great view had a crappy layout. I have lived in 2 so could live in either of those buildings. My main requirement of a security building really limits my choices. I also need to be on the second or higher levels. I don’t feel safe at ground level. All the buildings have elevators which I might need in the future. There’s one in my price range where I used to live on the ground floor unfortunately. Especially with being retired it needs to be big enough. Northern Nevada has winter but not as bad as yours:)).
Regardless of the sucky reasons, I think a lot of us older women should think about a time when we will be on our own since many of us outlive our partners. I have been doing so a lot lately since I have been cooped up with DH during this past year:) I would opt for the slightly larger space but as someone earlier posted "one cannot plan for all eventualities that might occur." I think the smallest space I have lived in was 700 sf and that was more than sufficient but it had a large outdoor porch.
SO and I were happy in a 550 sq ft high rise apartment for 3 years or so. But we were both working and not home a lot. When 2020 hit and we were both home the last 6 months, I was glad for our approximate 800 sq ft house with 3 separate rooms and a fenced in backyard with small garden. I think the apartment would have been cabin fever inducing.