I grew up on a large working farm owned by the International Harvester Company in the 40s and 50s, where farming machinery and farming methods were tested.  Family farming was still possible, although big corporate agri-business was right around the corner.  Roaming the fields and learning to swim in the small lakes dug out for irrigation are ingrained in my memory as significant to the person I became.  Being out of doors and physically active has always been important to me.  At age 85, I now say “Oh, to be sailing and downhill skiing and climbing sand dunes again”.  I continue to swim, practice yoga, and bicycle on my safe, solid “Townie”, in town when traffic is light, and I dig in dirt with my garden tools whenever I can.  When sitting still, I read and learn, and am trying to write ‘legacy stories’ with the help of others. 

My favorite feature of our cohousing development is the planned rooftop garden, and the other community-building spaces.  Being able to balance private time with the friendship of neighbors of all ages is appealing to me, along with the mission of our cohousing community to practice sharing resources and talents with interesting and diverse people and living as sustainably and collaboratively as possible.  Children of all ages delight me and keep me energized.  Early child and family development was my graduate field of study, with clinical work and consultation in my work history.  My three children, five grandchildren and my former husband Tom’s two daughters and grandson are the loves of my life, and I hope that many of my new cohousing neighbors become my even more extended family.