Apartments and Pat

Walked Kimball; slow day otherwise. Called Betty and we talked. Went to WinCo and a few other stores. Spent a fair amount of time on the computer. Went to the library and actually sat reading there for forty-five or so. In truth, there was a whole lot of nuthin'going on.
I had plenty of time to mull over the housing situation. There's no question I'll be glad to go--well, where? There are assets and liabilities with both Ashwood Gardens--not that it's a sure thing anyway, as Elaine said she's going to move to Arizona, but a lot could go wrong--or Ventura Del Sol. VDS is not a sure thing, either (nothing in life is, I guess), but the last word was, there'll be two and possibly three apartments available shortly. Of course, they have to be on the first floor and have one bedroom.
Ashwood: Incredibly, it's three hundred square feet larger than what I have now and much larger than those at at VDS. I like the way the rooms are laid out; it actually has a center hall and fabulous closets and other storage, as well as a large patio and kitchen. I happen to know, having checked so many times, that almost never do any tenants leave; that alone is telling. Negatives: They do allow pets (although I've never seen any there) and the neighborhood isn't ideal for me. I don't mean it's a tacky one, but it's considerably farther from Ellen's and not particularly convenient. All those things are inconsequential, though, compared to the big one: the rent is more than what I pay here. Would I be willing to curtail my activities to meet the heavier financial obligation? I have to think about that.
Ventura Del Sol is situated in a area I like. It's somewhat closer to Ellen's and it's within walking distance of a supermarket shopping center. Also, across from the front entrance and along the side of the complex are orchards--very attractive. Plus--no pets allowed and the topper, of course: The rent is considerably less than what I pay here. It's a dilemma.
I dreamed about Pat last night, maybe because tomorrow is the seventh anniversary of his death. I saw him when he was about thirty, I guess--well-groomed and dressed in a charcoal dress jacket and tie that looked elegant with his salt-and-pepper hair. He was very handsome then.