Retired in Seattle Viewpointe

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2012 BEGINS

2012-01-01T05:39:00.000-08:00

Well, it happened, a new year has begun! I can't believe that I have resided here for three years.

My multiple sclerosis has gotten better since I moved here. There is no doubt that I needed all the help which is provided here. It is a bonus that I continue to enjoy the new friends I've made and all that they have taught me about aging with grace and dignity.

Let 2012 begin! Happy New Year everyone! I hope you make this your best year ever.

Happy Holidays at a Seattle Retirement Home

2011-12-24T11:00:00.000-08:00

Holidays at The Viewpointe are always special! Have you ever seen such a tall tree in a lobby?!
The Social room, Dining room, and hallways are always decorated. The residents decorate their own doorways too! I wrapped garland and bright lights around my banister, with a wreath on my door. It is fun to see all the unique decorations that reflect the diversity of my neighbors here.

Our bistro is well stocked with coffee and baked goodies, so watching the big screen TV there is always a treat.

Dinner last night started with a visit from Santa. Many residents had relatives visiting and we all enjoyed a meal of steak and our Seattle favorite--salmon!

Later that evening boats filled the lake outside our windows. They each were decorated with pretty lights and a choir sang the most beautiful songs. Quite a sight!

Happy Holidays one and all!

Christmas Tree Skirt Made and Received With Love

2011-12-17T08:47:00.000-08:00

Every year I place my Christmas tree skirt around the base of my tree. My great-aunt Violet, who passed away last year at age 103, hand sewed it even though she was legally blind!

When I was a child, she was like a second parent to me. My father left the day I was born. My mother and two brothers, ages 7 and 8, lived in an apartment in Aunt Vi's big house. A skirt just like the one Aunt Vi would stitch for me, was always under HER tree. How sweet of her to make this for me.

My tree will never be without it! Merry Christmas, Aunt Vi! I love you!

World Aids Day for Senior Citizens Too

2011-12-01T00:15:00.000-08:00

Today is World Aids Day, Dec.1

Remember when you first heard about AIDS? It is an ugly time in our history when we ganged up on and disowned our own people who were sick, just because we thought they might be or were gay. We thought they brought it on themselves, make their bed now go lie in it. We were afraid to be near them. We didn't want to help.

Then we opened our minds and discovered it was also heterosexuals, children, and our friends, our family...our world. Would WE, could we, be next?

Now many live with HIV and AIDS, struggling to survive another year with the help of many pills. But who saw THIS coming---senior citizens are getting AIDS at an alarming rate. Nearly 27% of people living with AIDS are 50 years or older. While AIDS awareness education flooded schools and the gay community, we never stopped to consider the active sex lives of our seniors.

I mean, everyone KNOWS senior citizens don't have sex. WRONG. Not only are we having it, we are thinking about it and planning to have it with new acquaintances. Life goes on after 50, yes, Virginia, even after 80!

World AIDS Day---get tested, stay protected, no matter your age.

Holiday Lights

2011-11-28T09:37:00.000-08:00

Yes, my Christmas tree is up already and why not!? It would appear that holiday lights have adorned my apt. for many weeks now.

There is the light on my DVD player, my TV, my emergency plug in night-light, my laptop has a little white light, the landline mobile phone has a pretty red light at its base, my power chair battery has a light, and my alarm clock casts a blue light in the dark.

Plus, I am CONVINCED there is a light in my refrigerator!

Happy Thanksgiving for Seniors RIGHT HERE!

2011-11-23T19:55:00.000-08:00

Steve Jobs at The Viewpointe on Queen Anne

2011-11-15T21:55:00.000-08:00

Each of our menus at the Viewpointe have an inspirational quotes on the back.
Let me share the latest one with you:

"Your time is limited, don't waste and living someone else's life. Don't let the noise of others opinion around your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition, they somehow I already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."

-Steve Jobs
2/24/55--10/5/11
Co-founder of Apple Computer

Glasses Repaired Without Leaving Home

2011-10-24T19:10:00.000-07:00

One of the perks of living at The Viewpointe is that services can come TO YOU!

The photo above is of a traveling optician. I purchased a pair of glasses and received several free adjustments. My new glasses were delivered a week later! I never had to leave my lift-chair, and for a person with MS, that was quite a savings of time and stress.

We have also had a traveling foot specialist and hearing inspector. More to come!

Liz Taylor at Viewpointe on Queen Anne

2011-09-23T19:24:00.000-07:00

Liz Taylor, respected Seattle Times columnist, gave a lecture about Aging with Purpose at The Viewpointe on Queen Anne yesterday. Having read her columns over the years, I was excited to meet her. What a delightfully genuine woman she was! She has much experience in the paths aging takes us on, and she provided good information.

You can look at her web site here. I think the most important point to be taken from her talk was that we need to prepare NOW. No matter your age, we all will one day need a little (or a lot of) help along the way. Waiting until you are too old or ill to choose where you wish to spend your final retirement years is just not a good choice.

I hope as you consider and research different retirement communities, you will stop by the Viewpointe. It offers nice sized apartments with fabulous views, different levels of care to fit your changing needs, from total independence to hospice. And a longer, happy life, is one with interactions with other people. We all need friends. I have made so many wonderful friends here!

Maybe I will see you soon. Good luck on your search, and don't delay---life can come at you fast. Be prepared.

9-11 Memory--Never Forget Our Courage

2011-09-11T00:57:00.000-07:00

Courage is born from fear. We all can have courage.

Rainbows Over the Viewpointe

2011-08-18T12:34:00.000-07:00

Yes, it rains in Seattle, but look at the rainbow off my balcony! Beauty is always waiting if we just look.

Cruising in Seattle Retirement Community

2011-07-15T07:24:00.000-07:00

This week a staff member took residents out on his beautiful boat and they cruised around Seattle. What a delight! They even got a glimpse of Bill Gates huge estate. Perfect day for a cruise and the lake is just a block away.

Fireworks View from Seattle Viewpointe on Queen Anne

2011-07-05T06:59:00.000-07:00

The view of the yearly Seattle 4th of July fireworks is spectacular from my balcony! The barge they are shot from sits right on the lake outside my window. Who could ask for a better view?

An old fashioned live band with BBQ was entertaining all the residents from our community patio, which also has a great view of the fireworks. 1776--2011, GO AMERICA!

Flag Day

2011-06-14T18:36:00.000-07:00

Flag Day June 14th

Decorating My Retirement Apartment as I Wish

2011-05-08T19:13:00.000-07:00

This is rug I bought for my living room wood floor. It is so nice to have the freedom to decorate our units however we wish.

Strides in Solving the Alzheimer's Puzzle

2011-04-20T21:05:00.000-07:00

FROM ALZ.ORG 4/19/11

New criteria and guidelines for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease have been published — for the first time in 27 years — by three expert workgroups spearheaded by the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The workgroups published four articles including ready-to-use clinical diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer’s disease dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s. A research agenda was proposed for preclinical Alzheimer’s. The use of biomarkers in Alzheimer’s dementia and MCI due to Alzheimer’s was also proposed as a research agenda only, and is not intended for application in clinical settings at this time.

The articles — collectively, the National Institute on Aging/Alzheimer’s Association Diagnostic Guidelines for Alzheimer’s Disease — expand the definition of Alzheimer’s to include two new phases of the disease: (1) presymptomatic and (2) mildly symptomatic but pre-dementia, along with (3) dementia caused by Alzheimer’s. This reflects current thinking that Alzheimer’s begins creating distinct and measurable changes in the brains of affected people years, perhaps decades, before memory and thinking symptoms are noticeable.

“It is our hope that incorporating scientific knowledge gained and technological advances made over the past quarter century will improve current diagnosis, bring the field closer to earlier detection and treatment and, ultimately, lead to effective disease-modifying therapies,” said William Thies, Ph.D., Alzheimer’s Association chief medical and scientific officer. “Development and publication of these articles is a major landmark in the field. That said, publication of these articles is not yet the end of the process of developing new diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer’s, but is another major step in the process.”

“The new guidelines reflect today’s understanding of how key changes in the brain lead to Alzheimer’s disease pathology and how they relate to the clinical signs of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease dementia,” said Creighton Phelps, Ph.D., program director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Centers Program at the National Institutes of Health. “We are also beginning to be able to detect these changes at a preclinical stage, long before symptoms appear in many people. With further research on biomarkers, as set forth in the new guidelines, we may ultimately be able to predict who is at risk for development of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s dementia, and who would benefit most as interventions are developed.”

The proposed new Alzheimer’s disease diagnostic guidelines were published online today by Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association. Hard copy publication is scheduled for the May 2011 issue.

To learn more, visit www.alz.org/research/diagnostic_criteria.

National Institute on Aging (NIA)
NIA, part of the National Institutes of Health, a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, leads the federal government effort conducting and supporting research on aging and the health and well being of older people. For information on age-related cognitive change and neurodegenerative disease, go to the NIA’s Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center at www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers. For more on health and on aging generally, go to www.nih.nia.gov. Media contact is Peggy Vaughn, Office of Communications and Public Liaison, at 301.496.1752 or mnianews3@mail.nih.gov.

Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association is the world's leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. For more information, visit www.alz.org.
Contact: Alzheimer's Association
Media line: 312.335.4078
E-mail: mailto:media@alz.org

Transportation in Retirement, Seattle Viewpointe Style

2011-04-02T11:28:00.000-07:00

Loading up for a van ride to the doctor. That has been a huge plus in living at a retirement community, having rides when you need them. Ever since I gave up driving, arranging transportation was such a problem. The bus service is great here, but sometimes I want a warm, comfy van and the comfort in knowing someone will be making sure I get where I'm going and back home. I do miss the freedom of driving, but this is the next best thing.

Texting for Seniors

2011-04-01T02:23:00.000-07:00

These should help speed your texts along: LOL Living on Lipitor BFF Best Friend Fell ATD At Doctor's Office WDIT What Day Is It? WAY Who Are You? BTW Bring The Wheelchair FWB Friend With Beta-Blockers FYI Found Your Insulin FYT Found Your Teeth CBM Covered By Medicare LMG Lost My Glasses SU Speak Up WTF Why's That Funny?

Eating Vegan at Seattle Retirement Home

2011-03-30T02:54:00.000-07:00

Here I am eating a delicious salad at dinner in our dining room. I really wanted to eat more vegetarian and our chef has agreed to serve vegetarian choices, along with the usual rare. I especially like the tofu dinners. Everything is so fresh and tasty. Eating healthy is a big part of staying young and feeling good. My desserts are limited to 2x/week and diabetics have incredible choices! MY dessert will be some mini-exercise bike pedaling--yum! After dinner I always grab a banana and at lunch an orange. Lots of fish on the menu, so there is always a healthy choice and much variety. Excuse me, dinner time!

How Can My Parents Ever Be Happy Again?

2011-03-28T02:29:00.000-07:00

I see it in their faces. They are afraid, angry, hurt, and confused. Their thoughts paint their face and mold their body movements. Just yesterday they were retired, independent people with a routine, friends, family, and suddenly they are in a "retirement community." Why? What did they do wrong?! Where is my family? My garden? My life? These are the faces of many new residents. I hear again and again, "I was just dropped off here." Of course that is not true. Someone cared enough about them to find The Viewpointe on Queen Anne and after much consideration and perhaps MANY visits, decided this would be a good place for ____(Mom, Dad, Brother, Sister, Spouse, Grandma/pa). And hopes are high that their loved one's final years will be happy ones. Those who must find a retirement community are as fearful of what their decision will bring as are the new residents. Only time can assuage these fears. When I see newcomers, I try to connect with them--what are their interests? What ARE their greatest fears? And then I do what I can to point them toward options for a new life here that will turn fear into bravery and interests into continued activities that fulfill that lost joy. It may seem impossible and hopeless in the beginning, but eventually they find that perhaps there will be happy days ahead and all is not lost. From the top management to the housekeepers, there is a sense of caring here. I would find it shocking, were I not a long-time citizen of Seattle. Seattle, more so than any place I have lived, is a city of people with hearts as big as Mt. Rainier. We truly care about our environment and the rich diversity of all who live here. We want to encourage the growth and health of both. Our festivals are testaments to that mind-set. It is a mind-set that the staff here embody. We all try to help each other. No, there is no golf course here (though there are some nearby), no swimming pool (though nearby--in fact we have started weekly trips to one), but for people seeking a family environment that will truly care for and about you---look no further. The Viewpointe WELCOME mat is always out.

Senior Living Close to Activities in Seattle

2011-03-27T08:06:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of my partner of 31 years and I at the site of a plaque with our names on it at the Seattle Center, just minutes from our home in Queen Anne. The Seattle Center, home of the famous Space Needle, is a tourist attraction since it was built for the 1962 World's Fair, but also serves as a panorama of events to suit any taste and any age. We donated money to help rejuvenate some aging walkways and all who donated were allowed a cement square to have whatever they wanted engraved on it. One child drew a picture, some are memorials, many, like ours, show the date of weddings, birthdays, special memories. It seemed fitting that we do this since we fill so much a part of Seattle, or Seattle is so much a part of us. How wonderful to live so close to the center of Seattle and know we have access by bus, taxi, our home's van service, to such a fun place---home of professional sport teams, preforming arts, a science museum, art museum, and so much more.

Call for Special Deals Now! Seattle Retirement Home

2011-02-26T08:09:00.000-08:00

The Viewpointe on Queen Anne, located in the most prestigious community in central Seattle! You can live just minutes from award winning hospitals, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, National League sporting venues, cultural arts, museums, universities, senior centers, restaurants, ferries to local islands, and much more---all at reasonable prices.

Call today to for a visit! Truly some of the nicest people here that you would ever dream of having as neighbors and friends.

Glucose Levels Matter Even if You are Not Diabetic

2011-02-24T08:20:00.000-08:00

A recent study shows that elderly patients admitted to hospitals with a high glucose level and non-diabetic have an increased hospital death rate, according to the March issue of the International Journal of Clinical Practice.

Researchers are now calling for glucose testing on all elderly patients.

Falling Can Be Dangerous to Your Happiness

2011-02-17T10:54:00.000-08:00

We are very lucky at The Viewpointe to have emergency pull cords in every bathroom and a 24/7 staff. Like it or not, the chances of falling as we age is very high. Prevent falls! Good lighting (electricity is included in rent here!), tub no-skid strips, grab bars, no-slip rugs, and use a cane if you need one.

Have your doctor test your balance. Exercise with gentle yoga. If you experience dizziness, let someone know! Being afraid of falling will only serve to keep you from getting the help you need. The staff at The Viewpointe are so nice about making your apartment as easy to navigate as possible.

I have MS and can't walk at all, so I also wear an alarm button around my neck. Nobody wants to fall and be left alone on the floor.

There is a safer way to fall--read about safe falling. Roll, roll, roll, grabbing out might pull out your arm. With a physical therapist around, practice falling and the best ways to get back up. Check with your doctor after every fall. You just never know what might have been hurt.

Take care!

Happy 104 Birthday Aunt Violet!!

2011-02-12T07:59:00.000-08:00

You are the wind beneath my wings.

Movies at The Seattle Retirement Community

2011-02-10T08:22:00.000-08:00

One of my neighbors at The Viewpointe. I love Jean and Jean loves movies! She is usually the first one in the nightly movie showings. I bet she weighs no more than 100lbs, all fire and a sharp mind. Ask her about any movie and she will weigh in. We show classics, musicals, and new Oscar nominated ones, thank you Netflix!

How Seattle Does Snow

2011-01-27T08:29:00.000-08:00

It is a big event when we get an inch or so of snow. usually it is completely gone by the next day. You see in the photo, a snowball was quickly gathered from our balcony; it is still in the freezer. What a difference from Indiana where I came from. Here snow is a minor inconvenience, that most of us just wait out. A day of beauty and maybe a day off for kids. If we really want snow, we can drive to the mountains for some skiing. I love looking out my window and seeing snow capped mountains in the distance, while I am warm at home.

Bridge and Card Games at The Viewpointe

2011-01-14T06:51:00.000-08:00

We all know it is true: Use it or lose it. (Except when it comes to money, of course)
Our brains need work-outs and they are so easy to please! No sweat pants needs, no bands, weights, bikes, swimming pool, yoga mats---they love to play card games! Just think about anyone you have ever known who lived to be 100. I bet (yes, I like poker too) there was a card game in their life.

My great-aunt, who lived to 103, played with my uncle, 98, every week for years. My 103 year old aunt played every week, many days a week, for at least 40 years. I swear by the card game called Euchre. Now, that I am in Seattle, far from my home in Indiana, nobody even KNOWS that card game out here! So, when in Rome, er, Seattle...

I am learning Bridge. It is big event around here. Starting on computer and being cussed at, bumped off, and having other players refuse to play with me, it was clear I needed to study the game more. Now, I have a book and notes compiled by one of the Bridge players here. I am happy to report I made (got? had? still learning the lingo) a slam. Yea!

Bridge will be a lifetime of fun and exercise for my brain. A group plays here very night. I still miss Euchre, but I love that at The Viewpointe I can always find enough people willing to play any game. It is good to play different games, keep the brain guessing what to do next.

A guy here wants me to learn "Sheep's Head?" Seriously? hahahha
"You don't stop playing because you get old; You get old because you stop playing."
(From a sign that hangs in our bistro.)

Fighting for Freedom While Retired

2011-01-09T07:19:00.000-08:00

Three senior citizens were gunned down in Tucson, AZ, yesterday. They had gone to a Safeway store, stopped to listen to a congresswoman speak, and none of them made it home. Congresswoman Gaby Giffords is fighting for her life in a hospital, the seniors have lost any retirement plans they had.

In Iraq and Pakistan, we know such an event is not unusual. A trip to the market and you risk your life every day. But this is the U.S.A., and we must all cry for the disregard for human life. Guns of the killing variety are too easy to get. Heated debate too often takes the place of civil discourse. When will we say "Enough is enough?!"

No matter our age, we still must fight for freedom in our nation. It starts with parents, teachers, bosses, and maybe it resorts back to us. Did we fight in front of our own children? Are our grandchildren disrespectful of others? SOMEBODY has to say, "ENOUGH."

If we can not defend the freedoms of our own people how can we expect to model those freedoms to other nations? There is no retirement from THIS fight.

Seattle Seahawks Make History

2011-01-08T20:25:00.000-08:00

Today the underdog football team from Seattle beat the World Champion New Orleans Saints! I don't watch much football anymore, though there is a big screen TV in our bistro that often has a big game on. I KNEW the Seahawks would lose today, but I wanted to watch them fight the good fight. BUT, they shocked the sports world by beating the Saints 41-36. (They had the worst wild card record heading into the game--ever!)

It was a fair game, no fights, and a run to the end zone that will be replayed again and again. Very exciting stuff, I may have to start watching again. The fans are so dedicated in Seattle that they have been given their own jersey: #12 -- The 12th man. We also have the loudest stadium in the U.S. And win or lose, Seahawk's fans love their team.

Great game!

They Partied Like it was 1929!!

2011-01-02T12:27:00.000-08:00

Live band, drinks, dancing, laughter, residents with and without canes, walkers, wheelchairs, partied into the night as 2011 said HELLO! Some made it back home by 9pm to watch the NYC ball drop. I stayed home and relaxed, but the dining room and library yesterday showed the remnants of a party well-enjoyed! I heard there was some flirting and very romantic couple-dancing going on.

Most importantly, we all made it to see 2011 and I got my midnight (East Coast Time) kiss!

Finding A Gay-Friendly Retirement Home

2010-12-31T21:05:00.000-08:00

The beginning of a new year is a favorite time of mine. I have always been a diary-keeper and reflector. I like looking back and planning forward. I can't believe I have lived here at The Viewpointe for two years already!

Being gay and too young for retirement (forced upon me by multiple sclerosis), I imagined I would have a horrible time finding a place where gay people and a younger person would feel accepted. But, neither has been an issue. The seniors here welcomed my partner of 31 years and I with open hearts. We have made many friends and all of OUR friends are welcome.

Those "retirement" places just for gay people were not for me! I grew up with, made friends with, worked with, people who were gay, straight, all races and religions, and I certainly didn't want to be stuck in an "exclusive" community. I would suffocate under the weight of 'sameness' in a place like that.

Here, I feel like I am living in Seattle--a vibrantly diverse city. The residents are so interesting.
My partner and I walk the halls safely, in a warm, loving environment. Gay is OK in my retirement community.

Happy New Year 2011 Good Health and Take Care!

2010-12-31T07:15:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Now don't party too hard! 2011---Laugh more, Love more, Brave more, and have fun whenever you can!

Trips and Poinsettias

2010-12-26T07:53:00.000-08:00

The Activity Director at the Viewpointe, Aime. She drove a van of residents to Molbak's Seattle Garden Center in Seattle for a great trip. Lots of holiday decorations, plants, flowers, and of course a few Poinsettia's. There are so many close to home, short and oh so sweet, trips the residents can go on and Amie usually has at least one every week. (The trips to area casinos are very popular. Ha!)

There is just so much to see and do in Seattle.

A Wish to You from the Seattle Viewpointe

2010-12-12T04:42:00.000-08:00

Swedish Songs on a Cool Seattle Night

2010-12-07T00:34:00.000-08:00

Last night I was playing a board game with a friend in the bistro at The Viewpointe. In a place filled with seniors, a group of young, tall, attractive people really stood out--who WERE they?

It turned out they were a singing group from Seattle's Swedish Cultural Center and they were using our social room to rehearse in. What a treat!

Founded in Seattle in 1892 as the Swedish Club, the Swedish Cultural Center has grown to become a center of Scandinavian activities in the Pacific Northwest. Their members are not only Swedes and other Scandinavians, but people of many cultural backgrounds.

Visit their web site for information on the many upcoming holiday events! They are just a short drive from my retirement home. http://www.swedishculturalcenter.org/

Shooting Pool Just for Fun

2010-12-06T12:18:00.000-08:00

Here I am trying to shoot pool in the social room. Yeah. Hey, all about the journey, right? As a child, I always wanted a pool table---still fun, even if I just fool around.

Accessible Bathrooms in Units

2010-11-13T20:52:00.000-08:00

Look at that great set-up for shower safety. Any grab bar I need is installed. The Viewpointe goes out of their way to make sure every resident has just what they need in their unit. The shower curtain is seashells and the rings are cute plastic shells! A basket of real shells were there when I arrived. Nice touch.

Tofu, Fish, Healthy Meals at The Viewpointe on Queen Anne

2010-10-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

Tofu dinner! And I was so concerned that living in a retirement community would be old-fashioned meals with fattening, artery-clogging cheese, sauces, red meat, but now I still have my vegetarian choices. And those who want their familiar meat and potatoes with desert, can have that too! Something for everyone at The Viewpointe on Queen Anne! Tonight--salmon! Fresh fish is often on the menu, and it is a Seattle staple!

Kids and Pumpkins, 'Tis the Season

2010-10-14T07:09:00.000-07:00

The two adorable children of a good friend of mine. I love pumpkins, their feel, look, color, taste, everything about them. I love pumpkin baked goods, and decorations. The manager at The Viewpointe participates in the country-wide "Giant Pumpkin" contests. Unfortunately, the weather in Seattle was against his entry and his pumpkin rotted out. NEXT YEAR, Lynn!

Autumn Arrives in a Retirement Community

2010-09-30T12:05:00.000-07:00

"I like spring, but it is too young.

I like summer, but it is too proud.

So I like best of all autumn, because its tone is mellower, its colors are richer, and it is tinged with a little sorrow. Its golden richness speaks not of the innocence of spring, nor the power of summer, but of the mellowness and kindly wisdom of approaching age.

It knows the limitations of life and it is content."

-Lin Yutang

Every week's menu has a inspirational quotation on the back page. I look forward to reading them.

Making Friends in a Retirement Home

2010-09-23T09:48:00.000-07:00

Here are two of my good friends at The Viewpointe. We meet, usually on Tuesday evenings to play a board game called Sequence. That is Mary and Vic. We meet in the bistro and grab any passersby who might want to join us. Laughing, learning about each other, making friends--does it get any better?

Cooks as Family

2010-09-16T18:57:00.000-07:00

Rosario and Justin, our two favorite cooks! They are just like family to us.

Seattle Recycle Bags for Retirement Home

2010-09-07T08:36:00.000-07:00

In keeping with the Seattle tradition of recycling, we were all given free "Go Green" Viewpointe shopping bags! I love the bright color and will use it again and again.

What do the Retired Celebrate on Labor Day?

2010-09-06T10:28:00.000-07:00

Many residents here are off celebrating with family, a day off from job is meant for family gatherings. I have no family nearby. I celebrate Labor Day by rejoicing that I made it out alive from a very grueling place of employment as a civil servant. I loved my work dearly, miss it and my co-workers, but the management and politics was difficult. Though I hoped to last that 30 year gold watch (never, I got a cheap mug) date, my disability due to multiple sclerosis took me out too soon. I worked for the city of Seattle, WITH MS for 18 years. (Does it count that it felt like 30?)

So, I celebrate all those who labor and I celebrate my relaxing retirement.

Mike Douglas Throat Cancer Diagnosis

2010-09-02T08:41:00.000-07:00

Michael Douglas, the actor son of Kirk Douglas, has been diagnosed with throat cancer--stage 4.
He is downplaying it, but stage 4 is very serious. I worked with a woman who got this cancer, had surgery, took chemo (which Douglas is doing now), and she was dead within a year. I was shocked and saddened to see her smoking at work, but she said, "I'm going to die anyway. I'll do what I want."

It will be interesting to see if this type of cancer can be better stopped in 2010. I don't know if he was a smoker, but most are. People need to stop smoking. Your body reaps benefits of quitting, no matter how long you have smoked.

Enjoying Life on My Terms

2010-08-26T00:12:00.000-07:00

You can attend large gatherings of residents or just chat with a good friend. You have all the privacy you want or plenty of company. I need both, so this place is perfect for writing my stories, blogging, and playing cards with friends. The other residents are my friends, my neighbors, my family.

AXIS Dance Co. Coming to Seattle! 3 Days Only

2010-08-24T13:02:00.000-07:00

"Prepare to leave all your preconceptions at the door... AXIS Dance Company, one of the world’s most acclaimed and innovative ensembles of performers with and without disabilities, will change the way you think about dance and the possibilities of the human body forever. Founded in 1987, AXIS has become a jewel of contemporary dance and disability culture. AXIS has paved the way for a powerful contemporary dance form - physically integrated dance- performing in over sixty cities nationwide, as well as in Europe and Siberia.
Under the Artistic Direction of Judith Smith, the Company’s list of collaborators read like a Who’s Who of contemporary dance-- Bill T. Jones, Stephen Petronio, Joe Goode, Joanna Haigood, Victoria Marks, Ann Carlson, Margaret Jenkins, Sonya Delwaide, Meredith Monk, Fred Frith and Joan Jeanrenaud. AXIS has received seven Isadora Duncan Dance Awards and an additional eight nominations. AXIS is also known for its unparalleled education/outreach program Dance Access and its youth component Dance Access/KIDS! that offer a kaleidoscope of events for adults and youth of all abilities locally and on tour." http://www.axisdance.org/

Coming to the Seattle Center's Bagley Wright Theatre @ 155 Mercer ST http://www.seattlerep.org/

Sat. Sept.4th at 6pm

Sun. Sept. 5th at 1pm

Mon. Sept. 6th at 8pm

FOR TICKET INFO CALL 206-443-2222 or toll free 1-877-900-9285

Council Meetings at Viewpointe

2010-08-21T12:40:00.000-07:00

The other day was our All Resident Council meeting. Everyone who moves in becomes a member. We are fortunate to live where such meetings are not only allowed, but encouraged. The purpose of the meetings is to promote friendship, understanding, and greater participation in the community. We do that by forming committees which act as a conduit for suggestions, complaints, and ideas. The Manager often speaks at the meetings too. A well informed community is a happier community. I am the executive council committee president. (I was the vice-president, but she fell, didn't feel well, and finally resigned. )

We meet every 2 months and a survey of resident issues was helpful in moving along ideas for positive changes. Every retirement community should do this, but it is rare. Just another reason I love living here.

The Viewpointe's Loving Pets

2010-08-15T07:42:00.000-07:00

Pets add years to our lives. The Viewpointe has many adorable pets residing here. Zoe, the Pomeranian mix recently got a new boyfriend--a Dachshund that another resident couldn't care for after she had fallen. At first (I'll call him Max, his name escapes me just now) Max didn't care much for the lady of the house, which worked out well because Zoe (Now, I'm doubting Zoe is her name...so many names to remember!) didn't like the man of the house and now it has evened out! Very cute.

The resident who cared for our canary, Feisty, had to move and our manager took Feisty home with him to live with him, his wife, two kids and FIVE cats! I'm told they all get along fine. Our manager is a great guy, truly caring--how rare is THAT?

The residents try and help each other here, cat sitting is always available it seems. We are a family. (I wonder if there are any turtles here...we have a large fish tank by the bistro...) I have multiple sclerosis and maybe one day I will get a Helper Dog.

Yes, pets lower your blood pressure, keep you active, and give the best medicine: love. We all need to love and be loved.

New Paint Job and Summer is Coming to Seattle

2010-08-12T03:01:00.000-07:00

The building is being painted. First it was power washed. What is it about men and their hoses? They seem to especially enjoy power hoses. The young fella screams with glee every time it first shoots out. So far, my balcony has been spared too much dirt. It will look real nice when they finish.

Seattle will be in 90s all weekend. I will fill a glass with ice cubes and a Starbuck's mocha, sit on my balcony and watch the sailboats. Can life be any better? I was beginning to think Seattle might never see summer this year! (Yes, I'll be complaining about the heat in a few days--a Seattle tradition.)

Actress Patricia Neal Dead at 84 From Lung Cancer

2010-08-09T07:30:00.000-07:00

Another Hollywood legend has passed away, Patricia Neal dead at age 84. She won an Oscar for "Hud", and fought several strokes during her career. She once said, ""You can't give up. You sure want to, sometimes." She acted on Broadway and TV, winning several awards. Her autobiography is called, "As I Am," and recounts her many struggles with illness, the loss of a child and a broken marriage followed by a ill-fated love affair with actor Gary Cooper.

We have lost a talented actress and strong woman, who left us with much to treasure.

Let a Sleeping Pup Nap

2010-08-02T02:48:00.000-07:00

Babies seem to always find time to nap. 8-10 hours of sleep a day is a good start, but some are fine with 6 hours; then there is Martha Stewart who swears by just an hour or so each day. With a Seattle Starbuck's on every corner ( or within 5 minutes ), Martha would have no trouble staying awake in Seattle. I think every body is different and does best on their own sleep time.

Andy Griffith on Medicare TV Ad

2010-07-31T03:19:00.000-07:00

Andy Griffith, one of my favorite TV stars--he starred on The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock, is now in a TV ad for President Obama's health care reform.

"1965, lot of good things came out that year, like Medicare. This year, like always, we'll have our guarenteed benefits, and with the new health care law, more good things are coming,, including free check-ups, lower prescription costs and better ways to protect us and Medicare from fraud. "

I am happy to see him looking good and doing his part to support our president's plan.

Falling is Easy, Getting Up is Hard

2010-07-31T03:15:00.000-07:00

When I was three years old, on Christmas Eve, my mother ran out of cigarettes. She started downstairs from Aunt Vi's famous Christmas Eve party, to get a pack from our apartment. I begged her not to go, and would spend my young life begging her to quit smoking.

She would spend all my young life trying and failing. (In her 60s after ONE hypnosis session, Mom stopped forever.)

As Mom walked downstairs a visiting Dalmatian ran down and tripped Mom. Mom grabbed the railing, dislocating her shoulder. That was the first person falling I had ever seen.

When I was 4, myAunt Vi bought me a stuffed Dalmatian (Oh, my gosh, same type of dog!) puppy and I skipped (I SKIPPED, I DID NOT RUN) from Aunt Vi's car, cradling it and I slipped on a crack in the sidewalk, falling smack on my forehead. (The Aries' curse.) The elders rubbed a knife across the growing bump.

After visiting a dam in southern Indiana, with her 9 year old, Mom tripped, dislocating her shoulder again. My partner fell after flying out of our studio apt. in Seattle while our blind landlord worked during a power outage on our leaking kitchen sink pipe. Later she slipped on ice after getting a coffee at Starbuck's for me. Such a hard fall, and she didn't move afterwards. I had a cane and had to ask a video store cashier to run over and check on her. (In Seattle we help each other like that, strangers--it's a beautiful thing.) A few years later she tripped, while carrying laundry, over a fan, breaking her wrist.

For awhile I thought people around me were falling at a statistically high rate. But, now, at 53, the fall I remember best is my first fall as an adult after having MS DX 15 years. Not an unusual day, just making my breakfast, toast and OJ, when I stepped over to the counter and down I went. I would replay it over in my head a hundred times. The fall was not so bad, I fell as I had been taught in drama class, but I couldn't get up. Falling is easy, getting up is the trick I have not mastered. My partner is too weak to help me up. 911.

And so it went 6 months later, I was cleaning, bent down to pick something up and straight down I went, hitting my face on our beautiful African slate coffee table. A little blood and 911. After that I had to get an alarm necklace, wore it for years, HATED the feeling that I was a collared like a dog. But, yes, I had to use it twice.

Finally, since moving to an assisted living community, I can put it away. It comes out only when I am alone. Funny, I never minded the cane, walker, scooter, wheelchair, or power chair, but that necklace...seemed so permanent.

Falls for the disabled and elderly are horrible events. We know it could be the beginning of the end. It baffles me, really, we are so close to the ground...Gives more significant to "falling" in love. That can be very, very, hard.

They're Shrinking!

2010-07-30T02:51:00.000-07:00

As we get older, everything is getting smaller. (Including our height and hair)

The buttons on cell phones are made for hobbits, as are iPODs and computer keyboards. The buttons on TV remotes are so tiny a mouse couldn't press just one at a time.

Remember cars? Real, solid door shutting cars like the Desoto and Cadillac? Now, I could fit in a plane seat easier than some cars!

TVs have gone big though, too big! What happened to all things in moderation?

Boys are shorter now and girls are taller. I asked for a tape recorder for my birthday and it is no bigger than two of my fingers! I wonder if soon, objects will be rated: small, medium, large.

Stay Cool

2010-07-26T00:39:00.000-07:00

Those with a history of stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease and respiratory disease need to take special care. However, overheating can happen to anyone if you’re not careful.

Pay attention to the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Some symptoms are: heavy sweating, pale or clammy skin, fainting, and vomiting. A heat stroke is a true medical emergency. A delay in treatment can be fatal. If you know someone who is elderly or fragile, check on him or her to make sure they stay cool.

The elderly are much more likely to suffer from heat related illnesses. If a person becomes dehydrated and cannot sweat enough to cool their body, their internal temperature may rise to dangerously high levels, causing heat stroke

Are your feet and hands swelling? Heat edema is swelling of the hands and feet when blood vessels expand and allow fluid to pool under the skin. Is your skin itchy? Prickly heat is an irritating rash that is caused by a blockage of the sweat pores, usually under clothing.

Your sweat is your body's system for getting rid of extra heat. As long as blood is flowing properly to your skin, extra heat from the core of your body is "pumped" to the skin and removed by sweat evaporation. If you do not sweat enough, you cannot get rid of extra heat well. If you have poor circulation it is also difficult to stay cool because your body can't get rid of heat as well if blood is not flowing to the skin.

Dehydration will make it harder for you to cool of in two ways: if you are dehydrated you won't sweat as much, and your body will try to keep blood away from the skin to keep your blood pressure at the right level in the core of your body. But, since you lose water when you sweat, you must make up that water to keep from becoming dehydrated. If the air is humid, it's harder for your sweat to evaporate -- this means that your body cannot get rid of extra heat as well when it's muggy as it can when it's relatively dry. DRINK WATER

DRINK, but avoid alcoholic, carbonated, sugar and caffeine drinks. Avoid ice cold drinks. When your tummy receives fluid that is ice cold, your internal body temperature must rise in order to compensate leading to further internal heat.

An old trick (you learn this quickly if you have multple sckerosis): Wet a bandana (or scarf) and put it in the freezer. Wrap this around your neck, once the fabric is thawed, wrap the cool scarf around your forehead.

Wear clothing that is light in color and loose fitting (lets your skin breathe). Avoid outdoor activity during the afternoon hours. Eat less protein and more fruits and vegetables (proteins increase your metabolism which heats you up inside and that leads to further water loss). The fruits and vegetables will add minerals and salts that you are loosing in your sweat,

Treat yourself to a cool bath if you don’t have air-conditioning and stay in the lowest section of your home if possible. Keep in mind, heat rises. If you have window fans, set the fan to pull hot air out as temps rise and switch it around at night when it is cooler.

Seniors living without air conditioning may want to consider spending the hottest part of the day where relief from the heat can be found. Senior centers, the mall, libraries, theaters, and museums are almost always air-conditioned. DRINK WATER

Zsa Zsa Gabor Breaks Hip After a Fall

2010-07-24T10:41:00.001-07:00

Zsa Zsa Gabor of the three Gabor sisters has fallen and broken her hip. She has always hidden her age better than Osama Bin Laden hides his cave, but she must be well in her 90's. The latest news is that she has slipped into a coma or had some complication of the hip surgery.

Falls as we age are more like "spills"---GULF OIL SPILLS! Very difficult for our bodies to contain the damage. Another good reason to stay as agile as we can, by stretching every day. Learning how to fall (roll, roll, roll with it) doesn't hurt either. And just stay aware, take into consideration any drug side effects that might lead to a fall, and try not to panic once you are down. I wear an alert necklace and have used it several times.

And to think, one of the first things we did as toddlers was to fall--circle of life.

Aunt Violet Update

2010-07-23T03:47:00.000-07:00

I have moved my phone next to me all night, waiting for the call that Aunt Vi has moved on. Family members have been staying with her 'round the clock. Yesterday her great-niece was telling her it was okay to let go, that her family was waiting for her.

Today I got an email with the subject line: "Aunt Vi"

Aunt Vi was supposed to be on a liquid diet, but she was having none of it. She pulled out her IV line and oxygen. (this was AM) PM--she insisted on going to the dining room and she ate strawberry pie. "The staff is in shock."

Sooo. once again, stubborn Aunt Violet will go when she is good and ready and not a minute before. I never have known anyone with as many friends as Aunt Vi had. Real friends who visited her, played cards, gossiped, had fun. FaceBook couldn't handle all her friends. She had a charm, a power, you just wanted to be around her. All I can say is: To Be Continued...

103 and Moving On

2010-07-22T00:11:00.000-07:00

This is my 103 year old beloved great-aunt Violet. I'm told her time is near. She was a second parent to me. Ever since I was a child I have been surrounded by senior citizens, my relatives, their friends; I have attended many funerals. Death is not something to fear, but a normal moving of time. Aunt Vi is ready to go. I will miss her in my world, but her family awaits her in another world.

A New President

2010-07-21T03:56:00.000-07:00

We have an "All Resident Council" here and I went to their first meeting after I moved in. The newly appointed (no one wanted the job) Vice President, threw a fit and send she did NOT want to be VP. The Pres. called and asked if I would fill the position. (Ugh, but, hey VPs do the least, just there if P drops dead or such.)

First meeting the P had an infected finger and had to go to ER. (BUT, she thought she would be back in time for mtg.) She arrived back just as meeting ended with a huge bump on her head! She had fallen going to get prescription for finger filled.

Next mtg., she showed up, but had trouble speaking and asked me to take over. Sadly, our wonderful secretary had passed away just a week before the mtg. (I had become friends with her, so it was very heart-breaking,) luckily, I had a few notes from memory. A new Secretary was appointed. (We meet every two months. New term starts in January.)

I was just advised that the P has resigned. I am now President. We need to appoint a VP.

So, my question is--how do I get into these situations? I thought I retired from all this meeting stuff. Who knew retirement communities had "councils?" I mean it is great that this place allows them and listens to the residents. I'm all for that. Oh well, anyway, dear friends who bet me, your money is coming.

Retired Disabled and Young

2010-07-20T03:58:00.000-07:00

Did I ever plan to retire at 47? Certainly not! Heck, you can't even plan financially for that. My MS life expectancy is 75 years old. Do I get afraid? You bet I do. I have always been a planner and a saver, never needed a sport car or fancy clothes. I try not to think about my future. Being disabled is an expensive lifestyle. Happy 20th Birthday, ADA Americans with Disabilities Act, signed into law by President Bush (the Dad).

Exercise Your Brain Every Day

2010-07-19T03:56:00.000-07:00

Mind games are good for the brain. Or...is it brain games are goo for the mind? Either way, we should make our brains do some mental exercise as they age. Over time we become, "stuck in our ways," and even though we do not yet know the mechanics of Alzheimer's and Dementia, there is a good possibility that making new pathways in our brain can help us stay alert and strong in our shrinking brains.

At only 53, my brain has shrunk much more than it should because I have multiple sclerosis (MS), I'm pretty sure my 103 year old great-aunt's brain is not much smaller than mine. I really need to work hard. With age, all brains shrink, but we need not encourage that process.

Aunt Violet used to play the card game Euchre every day. It is a card game that makes your brain figure different possibilities each deal, while you chat non-stop. (Good to work different areas at same time.) That is the truth. Any visiting family often joined in. Sometimes we had two long tables, 4 partners to a team, 8 total, that's 16 people playing. Once we played 24hrs, with some folks sleeping 8 hours, then rejoining the game! I was very young, maybe 4, and I loved it. After I moved to Seattle from Indiana, people out here had never heard of Euchre. Aunt Vi was playing with my 90something uncle, his wife and my mother, up until she was moved into a nursing home. (After a fall, oh, how those falls get us!) My uncle played all his life too and he was sharp as a tack until the end.

In my mind, Euchre is one of the best medicines for a long, brain-healthy old age. I better get that Euchre group started here soon! Until then Scrabble will serve me well, since I have not played it often and it should make a new pathway in the noggin.

Patio Gardens at The Viewpointe

2010-07-18T03:34:00.000-07:00

Can you spot the little dog in the midst of the garden? She ran up up me in guard-mode, but quickly stood and wagged her tail, then ran about with a smile on her doggie mouth. She looked so soft, almost unreal. Such a well-kept flower garden in such a small patio area. My neighbor and resident, Lillia, is busy in her garden every day.

Thomas C Wales Park Next to The Viewpointe on Queen Anne

2010-07-17T03:29:00.000-07:00

Thomas Crane Wales (1952 – October 11, 2001) was an American federal prosecutor and gun control advocate from Seattle, Washington, who was the victim of an unsolved murder.

The Thomas C. Wales Park is being built next door to The Viewpointe on Queen Anne. I will try and get some photos of the construction. They are really hard at work now. It should be a wonderful addition to the neighborhood! And a great tribute to a great man.

From the city of Seattle: PROJECT STATUS July 2010 The project artist, Adam Kuby, has begun the process to erect the five large ring sculptures within the park area. Parks awarded the construction contract for this new neighborhood park to A-1 Landscaping. A-1. They began construction on April 5 2010 and are on schedule which will allow for an early fall opening dedication. Construction is contingent on the weather and planting season.
In May 2008, Parks commissioned artist Adam Kuby to bring a new artistic vision to the project. He is currently fabricating the five art elements. He collaborated with SiteWorkshop, the landscape architect, in preparing construction drawings for his "Quarry Rings."

Party Hat Worn by an Author at The Viewpointe

2010-07-16T03:14:00.000-07:00

How is this for a hat?! What is a party without hats? This is worn by one of my neighbors who happens to be an author. Several retired authors (including me), musicians, artists, a very creative group lives here.

Seattle Hospital Makes the Honor Roll

2010-07-15T22:55:00.000-07:00

The special quality shared by the 152 that made it into the new 2010-11 Best Hospitals rankings (out of nearly 5,000 that were considered), and even more so by the 14 in this year's Honor Roll, is their ability to handle the most difficult health challenges with great success. Seattle's own University of Washington Medical Center ranked #12. CONGRATULATIONS!

Party Cake

2010-07-15T04:22:00.000-07:00

This is Mouen, our concierge. She has worked here many years. We were celebrating her upcoming marriage and trip home to Cambodia. That is a cake made up of cup cakes, cute, huh? We throw many parties here. I hope I don't turn into a party animal!

Seek and Ye Shall Find

2010-07-14T20:58:00.000-07:00

Finding another person with MS at my place of employment in 1990 seemed impossible. Sharing experiences with another in my situation filled my thoughts daily. I had only seen one other employee who was in a wheelchair, and it was well known he did not have MS. On a good day no one might guess that I had MS, so where could I begin? Why not start an employee association for people with Disabilities?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) had just been passed and the timing seemed perfect. Our employee newsletters were full of ads for meetings of various ethnic groups, even a gay association had begun. My employer, The City of Seattle was ready for this. First I called our Human Rights Dept. for advice. They told me it had been tried before, but received little response. Hmmm, some initial investigation seemed necessary, so I placed an ad in our employee paper: “Anyone interested in joining an association for employees with disabilities please contact Diane at…” Waiting with great anticipation, I received no calls. Not one. Figures. Hard enough getting up each day for work, who wants to attend some meeting? Where would we even meet? City offices were scattered throughout Seattle. When would we meet, lunch time? How could I even give up my own free time for this while battling MS? But if I could just find one other person to be a friend with, who was dealing with my issues…just one, then it would be worth it.

So I made posters and hung them up in all the city office buildings within my walking distance while sitting along the way, a lot of sitting. Lunch hour would not be long enough, so I took a 5am bus and by the start of my job at 8am, I could cover four or five buildings per day.“Employees with Disabilities Association forming. Join us! Call for date and location.” I included my name and phone number.

Finding a location to meet at was easier than I expected, apparently Seattle had plenty of unused office space at the time. After a few phone calls the city “Room Scheduler” was discovered. Reserving a small room in a centrally located building seemed wisest. Noon-time seemed like a good idea too. Knowing I might be sitting there all alone seemed like a disturbingly bad idea.

After a few days passed and still no calls, I started planning how to most efficiently remove all those 8x10 colored copies that probably looked like some 6 year old had printed them. Just then Barry Potter, the quiet middle aged man. who worked in my office collecting and distributing our outgoing mail, walked up and stood by my out box, nervously twitching as he always seemed to do. Wearing disheveled looking clothing and unkempt hair, he usually held his head down and rumor had it that he was mentally retarded. He had no friends in my office that I knew of and was never invited to our staff meetings. He walked to work each day and never was late or abscent. “Barry, would you be interested in joining an association of employees with disabilities?” Without hesitation he replied quite loudly, “Yes!” A rush of excitement seemed to fill both of us. He looked me in the eyes for the first time since I began working there in four years and his eyes shone with a brilliance of mind that would fascinate me years to come.

Barry agreed to help me carry around flyers and walk beside me to help open doors, move chairs, reach light switches. He started to make me have hope again that my dream might come true, plus he was great company. Far from slow of mind, he had opinions on politics, current events, work gossip, and he knew how to get anywhere by bus. He also could tell you without hesitation what day you were born by the date of your birth. His date calculations were invaluable to me when planning meetings. I treasure his loyal friendship to this day. We had much in common; both arrived to work early, usually first ones on our floor. That gave us time to chat and plan for the association meetings.

The very next day I received a call from Verna Ann Baxter. She had a heavy Southern accent, worked in the City Treasurer’s Dept., and was thrilled about attending the meeting. She was cheerful and witty, yet there was sadness to her voice as she spoke briefly about her struggles at her job. She suffered from severe Lymphedema. “Could we meet for lunch sometime?” she wanted to know. I agreed, but with much reluctance due to my natural proclivity toward being a loner. My contradiction of self began to hit me. I wanted to be friends with someone else while working and living with MS. Life had become more complicated than my comfort zone allowed. An hour later another woman called in a voice so soft she was barely audible. Her name was Peggy Jones and in a whisper she said she had Fibromyalgia, “My life is hell.” She worked for the Courts Dept. She sounded so desperate and so happy that a meeting would take place. Within a week a blind woman with her black Lab seeing-eye dog named Slick, twice her size and smart as a tack, a hearing impaired man, a woman in a wheel chair with Cerebral Palsy, and several others with carpal tunnel or conditions they kept to themselves, called to say they wanted to join. Nobody with MS, but my anticipation of who and how many people might show up at the first meeting was exploding!

With Barry at my side we walked to the historical “Artic Building,” which had two cement walrus heads at the top of the roof. This was the early 1990’s before Bill Gates, Jeff Bezo and Howard Shultz blew the dust off Seattle and the city exploded into a huge, shiny, new metropolis, filled with computers, books and coffee on every corner. My own move to Seattle from small town Indiana was ten years previous. Falling in love with Seattle was easy to do. “Where are you from?” became as common a greeting as “Hello.” It seemed most people were from somewhere else, and the locals were none too happy.

Some other city employees had to have MS and I felt close to finding them. As the first meeting day drew near, Barry and I walked into the Artic Building where the Human Rights Dept. was located. Maybe hearing that employees had an interest in my idea would encourage them to support me; I needed all the help I could get. The receptionist told us she would send out the person we could talk to and within minutes the familiar sound of dog feet led to Slick and his mistress, Jennifer. She worked part time for Human Rights and was happy to hear of the responses I received. Leading me back to her desk she stopped to introduce me to Paul, a distinguished looking man in a wheel chair. I never knew what his disability was, but he was an advocate for disability rights who often spoke at events in Olympia, Washington’s Capitol. He was warm and gracious, sitting at his desk that had the look of a busy man. It was covered with stacks of papers, binders, and books.

My news of starting an association for city employees with disabilities seemed to please him very much and to MY delight and relief, he agreed to help me in any way he could. He was an expert in the ADA and his intelligence was startling. I left his office, his business card tightly in my grip, feeling empowered and not so alone in my endeavor. Paul left his city job a month later and I never heard from him again. With the first meeting day fast approaching, I began to feel queasy. Thirty-eight years old and I had never taken an aspirin, didn’t smoke or drink; yet, I felt weird inside like I needed something. My friends at work seemed to turn against me since it appeared I was ignoring them, as one of my former best friends said to me, “So you are the self appointed leader of this group, huh?” as she walked away smirking. As difficult as it is, we all need a shake up occasionally to sift our true friends from the fakers.I was beginning to wonder if all the extra hours, using my already stressed body for typing flyers, making calls, planning agendas was worth how exhausted I felt by the end of each day. My job as a Customer Service Rep. was growing more demanding day by day, as Seattle grew--so grew the population. Our call center was flooded with citizen needs: start their electric account, report any power problems, fix errors on their bills, check their meters, explain why their bill is higher in the winter, and a multitude of miscellaneous calls regarding life in Seattle. My goal was to help one hundred citizens a day. Maybe it was time to rethink starting the disability meetings. Just then my personal phone line rang.The woman on the phone was calling for her son.“David brought home one of your flyers. He wants to join so badly, I wonder if he could? He works in the city mailroom and is mentally retarded, but he is really very smart and a hard worker, he would do anything to join…could he please? He drew a map of where the meeting is supposed to be held and he has been practicing going there each day, if he causes any problems you can call me direct, I’ll give you my number.”

She sounded so desperate. “He is so excited about attending. He doesn’t have many friends…” My rethinking ended abruptly. “Of course he can join. Tell him I look forward to meeting him.” I took her phone number, asked for his, and reassured her that there wouldn’t be any problem that I couldn’t handle. She hung up almost giddy and with a sigh of relief. My desire to meet someone with MS suddenly disappeared. What I had in common with all these people was greater than the nature of my own disability. As Barry and I arrived at the meeting room the first thing we did was to tape a flyer to the door: “Please come in. Meeting for City of Seattle Employees with Disabilities Association. 12-1pm.” We then laid agendas around the table. My “Robert’s Rules of Order” in hand, I was hoping the group might be more informal, it would all depend on the personalities of those who arrived. I had prepared cardboard pieces of paper, folded, so names could be placed in front of attendees. I may have hated all the dopey seminars my job required, but I paid close attention to the basics.

The first to enter the room was David. Offering my hand with a cheery, “Hi! I’m Diane, have a seat.”“I am David,” he said softly. His mail room uniform gave me a hint, but one could not prepare for his looks. He was one of the most stunningly handsome young men I’d ever seen. He could easily have been a model, tall, thick wavy dark hair, sky blue eyes and a warm likable smile. It was hard to imagine someone with such classic beauty would have few friends. As he started to take a seat I pulled out the chair next to mine. “Let me get your name on the card here and sit next to me, I’ll need your help, ok?” “Yes,” he said as he took his seat. As more people began entering I greeted each one and cautioned them to forgive me if I would forget their name, “I’m terrible remembering names.”

Twelve people arrived. At noon we began. First we all introduced ourselves. Some were very shy and soft spoken, one woman, Peggy, so much so she came close to me and whispered her name and dept. and that it was difficult for her to speak. I then relayed that info to the group. One man, Jim, wore a hearing aid and also used sign language; but, I had no problem understanding his spoken words. We all learned that we needed to speak loudly and directly toward his eyes to be understood. Two attendees pleasantly surprised me. The first was an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) officer, Marilyn, who kept to herself during the meeting, but afterwards offered her support and had good suggestions for our participation in events her office took on. She seemed to want to keep a low profile, perhaps not wanting to invest too much in something frivolous. The second was a middle aged man with Cerebral Palsy who would change my life forever. He was of slight build, shirt and tie, and when I held out for a welcome handshake his fingers were curled tight into a ball, without hesitation my two hands encompassed his. His name was Matt Hansen and he couldn’t wait for the association to become politically active. He had worked many years for the city and tried to start similar associations himself, but they failed to gather participants. He didn’t seem to hold much hope for this endeavor. Matt came prepared though, with EEO reports full of stats regarding how many people with disabilities were hired, promoted and so on.

The meetings continued and garnered the attention of the Mayor's Office. Other city department heads also contacted me wanting to meet with the association for advice and input on how best to set their goals with which to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. We had entered the big time with a place waiting at every city table. We had speakers from various disability groups and travel agents selling special trips. We joined with the Human Rights Dept. to establish goals for EEO hiring of people with disabilities. We participated in all-city events for Disability Employment Awareness Month and various diversity events. Matt and I spoke before the city council demanding more attention to hiring goals. We made statistical diagrams and presented them to the mayor.

The shy, slow moving, timid group of people that entered the room during that first association meeting were transformed into proud, confidant, activists; all believing that not only were they valuable, but also necessary to the proper flow of their city jobs. Sometimes, while I sat alone in meeting room waiting for their arrival, I had mixed feelings of the pride of a job well done, an emptiness of not having met anyone else with MS, and a dark feeling of...unwellness.

In the month of October, 1995, I was nominated for an award, "Excellence in Diversity Leadership." By Dec. I had won the award and it would be presented by Seattle's first and so far only, African American mayor. I had met many times with representatives from his office, heard him speak many times, but now I would get to shake his hand. That was a dream of mine. I respected and admired him very much.

By Dec. 1st, I knew something was very wrong with me and my doctor confirmed I had a large tumor that needed to be removed immediately. Four days later I was operated on and told I had ovarian cancer. I was never afraid of dying, but damn it I wanted to meet face-to-face with my boss, Mayor Rice and to shake his hand! The day of the award ceremony arrived. I was about five months post-surgery. I dressed for the event, but collapsed at my apt. door. There would be no hand shaking. When I see him now on TV, I remember that day vividly. And I think, once again, isn't life funny?

After I returned to work, healed from my surgery and feeling well again, I noticed a new employee had been hired. She sat in a straight eye view from my desk. Long story short, she had MS! We became fast friends and will always be sisters in our MS journey. And I think, once again, isn't life funny?

Van Trip to Reknown Neuroscience Institute

2010-07-14T03:20:00.000-07:00

I'm off to a doctor appointment on a beautiful Seattle day. The doctor I see for my multiple sclerosis is only 15 minutes away. The newly remodeled neuroscience institute is a grand building with art work galore and a Starbuck's inside!

The institute made the news in "Scientific American Mind": SEATTLE – March 10, 2010 – Greg Foltz, M.D., director of the Ben and Catherine Ivy Center for Advanced Brain Treatment at Swedish Medical Center, has published a major eight-page feature article in the March/April 2010 issue of the scientific journal Scientific American MIND titled 'New Hope for Battling Brain Cancer.' The article, which can be purchased online, is a comprehensive overview of the various brain cancer studies and research that suggest stem cells sustain deadly tumors in the brain -- and that aiming at these dangerous culprits could lead to a brain cancer cure.

Sailboat Puzzle

2010-07-13T03:00:00.000-07:00

Sailboat puzzle in the social room. Looks like a scene from Lake Union, just 2 blocks from here.

Fireworks On Lake Union as Seen from My Balcony

2010-07-12T03:00:00.000-07:00

My Balcony View

2010-07-11T18:54:00.000-07:00

My balcony view: sail boats on Lake Union. (I need a zoom lens...)

Retirement Community-Big Step for Anyone

2010-07-11T03:27:00.000-07:00

What I like most about The Viewpointe is the staff and all my new friends. As I said before, they are like a new family for me. They are a diverse group of people. Diversity is important to me. I never want that missing from my life! Here I live with all races, creeds, political views, and even some Bridge players. :)

My partner of 31 years and I were welcomed warmly. The fact that we are much younger (at 53) than most of the residents here, has never been an issue whatsoever.

When it comes to diversity, I live by the belief that we have more in common than we are different. The pleasure I get from hearing the life stories of the residents here is immeasurable. No two alike and all fascinating. We have artists, authors, musicians, gardeners, professors, retired police officers and many veterans. Moving to a retirement community is a huge step for all of us, but together we build our loving community. We make new friends, join in new activities (I learned Bridge and sang my first solo song!), take arranged trips to festivals and museums that we never would have seen otherwise. Seattle is such a vibrant community, always something new to experience.

So, yes, for me the final choice was based on "Catholic Communion Sunday Morning and Poker Sunday Night." Any place that is open to that kind of a day is my kind of place. (Since I moved in over a year ago, there are now Sunday trips to various places of worship and Poker has been stopped for lack of participation...must work on that one!) Come one, come all, because all are welcome here.

The Viewpointe on Queen Anne: My New Home

2010-07-10T07:20:00.000-07:00

Planning for retirement can never start soon enough. Most of us look back and say, "Why didn't I plan for ____ (fill the the blank) when I was 30, 45, 65, 70? " Today the "retirement age" has changed from decades ago, when 65 was the norm. People are retiring much earlier and much later; and still there is a generation of 65ers (now in their 80s an beyond), I'll call them generation W, because WWII had a great influence on them, that are only now on the path towards finding a suitable retirement community to live in.

The Viewpointe on Queen Anne is my new home. It is a retirement community that surpasses any other that I researched in my beloved city of Seattle. My research began years ago and I have looked at retirement and assisted living facilities all around Seattle. There are quite a few outside of Seattle, where the space is wider (and was probably much cheaper to build in) and being around nature is a plus. I was very particular because I don't like to move around--I lived at my previous apt. for 16 years. I grew up in Ft. Wayne, Indiana and lived in same house(well, first in my aunt's house then the house next door) until I was 21. I believe in a firm foundation.

In 1990 symptoms that started when I was 10 years old, caught up with me--I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, MS. I had just started my job with the city of Seattle and my planning for the future began in earnest. MS is a chronic, progressive disease with no cure. My dream of working for the city of Seattle for 30 years has a 50/50 chance of coming true. My body lasted 18 years at the job I loved so much. I am grateful for every year I worked there and every co-worker I had. Seattle is so easy to fall in love with. (The rain is greatly exaggerated! Boston gets more rain than us!)

What did I want in a retirement home? I wanted to keep that feeling I had as a child growing up in a big family, the same feeling I wanted and found in my job, and the only place I found that was at The Viewpoint on Queen Anne. Next it had to be close to the city I chose, Seattle. The Viewpointe is located minutes from downtown Seattle. A bus stop in front and behind the building takes you to the Space Needle at the grand Seattle Center, and the Pike Place Market, ferry terminal, the very heart of downtown; and all my doctors plus the best hospitals in Seattle.

But I must use a power chair now and sometimes a bus is too much work for me. I needed a retirement place that offered good transportation. The Viewpointe has a bus (for those packed casino trips!) and several vans, plus a wonderful driver who is an ex-police officer and a fun guy.

Then I had to be able to eat healthy. The meals are filled with vegetables, a salad bar, fruits, all fresh and available nearby. (Seattle offers some of the most well-grown fruits, vegetables, and flowers, in the U.S.) My last trip to my primary care Dr. showed that my liver was cleaning out--renewing itself! Best results in years! There is also an exercise equipment room here and yoga classes for all levels from wheel chair users to former dancers.

But what do I really love most about The Viewpointe? To be continued...