Before we arrived in Birmingham, Fall 2013, Allan and I discussed the need for an exit plan in case our health changes. We both would feel better having some information prior to anything happening to one or both of us. We are in good health now, but a plan beats no plan. Having to make big, quick decisions under stress is not ideal. While in Birmingham we looked at the cost of rental houses and independent and assisted living facilities. Because our three daughters live here, this would be the obvious location to investigate first.
Our plan to leave Birmingham after Christmas was set for Jan. 6, but the weather forecast of possible ice/snow and cold weather changed our minds and we left a day early. We headed south to Florida to visit Allan's brother who had a stroke last year. We stayed in Bushnell, Florida at Sumter Oaks Escapees RV Park. We talked with them about their ERPU lots. Everyone was very friendly as usual. We joined the group for a pulled pork meal.
We visited a high school classmate of Allans, Jenny, who moved to "The Villages" about 4 months ago. This is a 55+ retirement community of about 101,000 people with their own town. They have every kind of restaurant, shops, banks and anything else you would ever need. They use golf carts for most of their transportation. It is a community of single family, one level homes which encompass three counties. They have medical doctors, their own hospital and nursing home. Activities abound with 2000 clubs, swimming, golfing, tennis, bowling, pickle ball and adult education to name a few. We found a one bedroom house that would fit our needs near the polo fields. Of course, we are not ready to make that move yet.
Hopefully, we have given Paul's daughter's a little rest as we have taken him on little day trips and to some restaurants with PIE. Pie is in the blood of the Webster clan.
Robbers were encountered on one of our trips to the beach.
We were pleased to find Paul was doing well and his three daughters and their families were taking good care of him. He uses a wheel chair most of the time, but is able to walk short distances with a cane. Paul, his daughter and son-in law, whom he lives with are taking a missionary training course. He hopes to be able to actively put this training to use in Sarasota. He would like to get back into his jail ministry.
