Last Saturday Ed and I went along to Naples with Solveiga so she could look at apartments in advance of her employment in the Naples hospital system starting June 11. The first interview was a bust. None of the promises were met. The garage, for which she would have to pay extra, was a long way from the apartment. The next stop offered a small apartment on the 3rd floor of a gated community calling itself Malibu Lakes. She won’t have a garage space, but will have a designated parking spot. It was very conveniently located, not only near two hospitals, one of which will be her assignment, but also close to Interstate 75, which means a much shorter drive to our area.

This complex has a fitness center, a movie center, two pools and every weekend they give a free food event. What’s not to like? We had hot dogs, chips and Coke. Another big plus was that they give discounts to nurses, waiving the entry fees, a slightly lower rent than the usual, and also the first month free. I think they like nurses because of the perception that they are reliable (and the hiring requirements include drug testing).

Ed and I encouraged her to take it. So she did. So she is with us during the day, but goes back to her digs at night to pack stuff. She takes Monet Kitty and Sasha Kitty back and forth with her. And she has to furnish it at least minimally before she can move in. It has a kitchen, dining area, living room, bedroom, and a balcony that she can’t let the cats use without monitoring because they can jump on the barrier and it is 3 storeys up. Also, it's a walk-up, but Sol doesn't mind.

It will feel odd not having her around after she makes her move. I was getting really accustomed to having a charming back-up person right there.

While I made a shopping trip, Sol went along while Ed drove his Toyota, his first driving since his illness. He drove up and down Island Avenue and down a few side streets. Driving is not the hardship. But walking to the car still tires him out.

xx, Teal