Moving west

I can compare notes with you, Jo.  Although I know you lived in Albuqerque for quite a while, so maybe you are familiar with  the climate at a higher altitude.  I was so delighted when I first came here because I quit having allergies.  I had bad ones in Alabama.  It didn’t last long though – about three months and they were back with a vengeance, so I’m taking allergy shots once a week.  Don’t know how long that will go on.  I really love the summers here, but am not looking forward to winter again.  There is an awful lot of wind and of course snow, snow, snow.  One of the things I have noticed is the number of people who need oxygen.  I hardly remember anyone in Alabama carting around an oxygen tank and it seems here 65% of the seniors  use it – maybe because the air is so much lighter (?).  Also,   I have noticed that ball point pens dry up in a matter of a month or so.  I had some in Alabama that I had for about 25 years and they were still working when I left there – certainly not a “biggie”, just something I’ve observed.  On the other hand, I can rinse out a blouse in the sink and hang it in the bathroom and it will be dry in a couple of hours. I hope you find a place to live that you like as much as I do, Jo.  I just love it here – sort of like being on a cruise ship without the water!  Wonderful staff, entertainment, food and a lot of scenic drives and activities.  I find that I am not reading as much as I used to, though.  I don’t have as much spare time.