
Well, this is it. Our move to Long Island has turned into the home stretch. We’ve contracted a highly recommended moving company for a mid-May move date. We’ll be living in a 55+ community in Middle Island. It is situated at the middle point of Long Island, close to the Sound. We haven’t been there yet, but our daughter, Deb, and her husband, David, went to see it a few weeks ago. They liked it and thought it would be perfect for us.
We haven’t secured an apartment yet. In March, we are going back there to do exactly that. One of the things we like about Pinewood Estates is their two-bedroom, two-bath units. The second bathroom has a shower, sink, and toilet. The places we looked at last year had only one bathroom, and the ones with two didn’t have full baths. We also want to be on the ground floor. We live on the second floor in Santa Fe, and our old bones make it difficult to climb the stairs, especially with groceries. After Anita was in the hospital last year, coming home to those steps was a real challenge.

The Pinewood Estates community also has a large clubhouse with a fitness center, a business center, and a lovely outside swimming pool. As with most 55+ communities, there are many activities to participate in.
One of the other places we looked at last year was in that area. Deb took us through the town of Middle Island. This cute little town with white clapboard buildings is reminiscent of all those small towns in New England. Middle Island is considered a Hamlet in Brookhaven, located in Suffolk County. The area has a low crime rate, and they say it is a very peaceful suburban neighborhood. Its population is about 10,731.
As we anxiously await our move, there is a lot of work to be done: packing, selling furniture, and downsizing.
We love Sante Fe with all its charm, culture, and mild climate (except this winter, Brr), but our age is taking a toll on us. We have some good neighbors and friends who were wonderfully helpful last summer when Anita was hospitalized. We will miss them. But we want to be near family and need more healthcare availability. Our daughter tells us we won’t have to wait months to see doctors as we currently have to do, and Anita will be able to get back into regular Medicare. She’s in an Advantage plan, which limits her to only the doctors in her network. When she tried to return to regular Medicare a couple of years ago, she couldn’t get a supplemental plan, just based on the medications she was taking. When we move to New York, they must take her back into Medicare, and she can get into a supplemental insurance plan. So that’s a big motivation. Our other reason is our Great-Grandson, Caleb, who turns two in July. We look forward to watching the little guy grow up.

Anita and I moved to California in the early 70s. It was a long time ago. We feel lucky that we still have some friends and relatives back there. It is going to be a big transition.
While we go through the ramifications of moving, I will try to continue to write my blog and keep you up to date on our progress. That’s optimistic on my part, so don’t be surprised if I miss a few months.
I told Anita, “I’m eating pizza every day when we get to Long Island.” Well, at least for the first few weeks.
Sounds good! I see some good food coming in your future. Way to go!