“We’re movin’ on up.” Well, actually we’re moving downtown and up three stories, but living in half the space for more per month. It doesn’t make sense in the short run, but in the long run we’re no longer property owners, maintaining the flexibility to move when we want. If property values come down as expected in an election year, we’ll have won the real estate game, for once. If not, at least we turned a profit on our Portland investment and will not be at the mercy of market trends. However, every month that we continue to pay more for less eats into that “temporary” windfall. We’ll need to find a retirement destination sooner than later!

Today is day 8 of the 16 that we will personally shuttle possessions from condo to apartment. On day 16, the movers will finally take what’s left. One load a day is exhausting for an old guy like me, but two days ago we did three. This is, of course, after running three miles every morning. My wife does most of the packing, while I do the loading and unloading. We’re Team Transit!

We’ll take a break today to see the new Downton Abbey movie, on Cinemark’s Discount Tuesday. Only $12 for both of us to get in, a bargain even bigger than the Monday Senior Citizen specials. Because of the British accents, It will undoubtedly be difficult for me to follow without closed captioning. I’ve taken strong advantage of this benefit while binge watching the series on TV. I’ll just be grateful to sit in that luxury lounger and not have to move clothes, books, and dishes. A brief moment of relaxation, that is now a distant memory of my former leisurely retirement routine. My how things have changed!

What would a blog like this be without mention of a dog or two. By happy chance, we have two to brag about. In this case, however, poor Tally spent nearly two hours at the vet yesterday afternoon. Pet. Vet. Debt. (See Post #493) The doctor was unable to determine the nature of her malady. She’s been lackadaisical and acts like she’s hacking up a hair-ball. Also, she hasn’t touched her dinner in two nights. Blood tests will be back today, and hopefully the antibiotics and fluids will help her feel better. We believe that she damaged her throat with a chew, but she’s also had to adapt to a new bed. Moving is changing all of our lives. It’s the first time she’s been the patient other than a routine annual physical. Typically, she’s in the examining room simply to support her older schnauzer-sister Tinker.

It was The Jefferson’s theme, “Movin’ On Up,” that came to mind regarding this particular move downtown. Although,“to a deluxe apartment in the sky” applies more to when we first came to Portland. My wife’s company put us up in a 12th floor glass box overlooking the city. This move reminds me more of the Beverly Hillbillies, with our convertible overflowing of rolled-up rugs, boxes, and furniture. We’re only up three floors above the street, next door to a sausage company. More urban than deluxe! However, we’re excited about the neighborhood that is filled with restaurants, small retailers, and youthful energy. I’m “up” for it!