Barbara J. Hamby

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Changes in the ‘hood

Yesterday afternoon while I was planting petunias in pots on our balcony, a neighbor hollered up greetings. She wanted to commiserate about rent increases. She is moving out, as is her next-door neighbor. Both ladies live in basement apartments in our four-plex. I have mixed feelings about losing these gals. In the months I’ve been here we haven?t gotten very well acquainted although they are both friendly.

The one I talked to yesterday afternoon is a chain smoker--as in lighting one with another, or so it seems. Last summer she watered below our bedroom window and puffed away. I won’t miss that, although I will miss her cheerful smile as she passes my kitchen window.

Both gals are quiet and pleasant and we could do much worse. However, I talked to the manager a few days ago, who told me they are attempting to make some buildings in this complex “Non-smoking.” If they get approval from their lawyers, they plan to advertise for non-smoking tenants. I hope they are successful.

We have checked the rent increase for this apartment and found that it is at or below market rate for similar facilities around this area. It is a big jump and I wouldn’t be able to afford it by myself, but we can work it into our budget without going hungry. I do wonder if it is good business practice to spend considerable money to fill apartments, then price people out in a few years. Our move-in package here included a truck and two men for four hours to move furniture in, a month’s free rent, and forgiveness of one of the two required deposits.

Today has been a chilly day, but I had a good swim and exercise session. We watched an old movie tonight. I think it’s called “The Piano” and it’s just as strange and befuddling on VCR as it was when I saw it in a theater some years ago.

I hope my newly planted flowers get some sun tomorrow, but a shower wouldn’t hurt them either.

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