Life In A Senior Affordable High-Rise

[DailyArtsyCrafter]

Everything is so neat and tidy. The managers and tenants obviously care about your place.

For the most part, yes. There are areas and little-used corners in this big ole 19 floors building that are dusty and cluttered. Only 2 custodians are listed in the newsletter. And 2 maintenance workers and 1 maintenance supervisor. I think that whatever administration does not use (because they leave to go home everyday and are absent on weekends) can be somewhat neglected, unless tenants bring it to their attention.

I had been here 3 wks and had to report that our hand sanitizer machine at the 10th fl elevators was empty. Had waited everyday, expecting someone to check it in those 21 days.

There were 3 mud spots (about 3" round) in the hallway on the carpet outside my apartment when I came to view it. It must have happened recently, from someone's walker or shopping cart, or maybe maintenance dollies. The leasing agent was staring at them like me and my son were but she didn't comment. Neither did we. A week later when I moved in, they were still there. I don't know if the leasing agent asked for them to be removed. I don't know if any of the tenants on my wing reported them.

I decided to wait a week after I was living here and if they weren't removed, I would clean them. I was tired of looking at them and didn't want to make a complaint right away. I sprayed Awesome on them late one night then scrubbed with a stiff cleaning brush that I have. I then stepped on an old wash cloth I put on each stain to soak up the liquid and then threw it away. The stains weren't very deep and came up easily.

Was in the laundry room Saturday night noticing how dusty some things were, like the paper towel dispenser over the sink. I wondered how often the floor is mopped. Though I feel like I could/would do better if I was hired for the job, I've worked enough to know that it's not always that easy.

But overall, I'm comfortable with how the building and grounds are kept. I really don't think I can expect much more with today's work ethics and workplace culture in general. It's just not like it used to be. Employees are more apt to slack off and administration is more quick to turn a blind eye until corporate gets on their backs. Some senior properties are much, much worse, where you hate to come out of your apartment.

 

[DailyArtsyCrafter]

The St Johns River

The St. Johns River is what I see when I look out of my windows (this view is not from my windows). It is the longest river in Florida and is the state's primary commercial and recreational waterway. It is 310 miles long, flows north from its marsh headwaters in the south and winds through or borders 12 counties. It has a very slow flow speed of 0.3 mph and is often described as lazy. Numerous lakes are formed by the river or flow into it. Its widest point is about 3 miles wide.



Because the river flows in a northerly direction, the upper basin is located in the headwaters at its southernmost point in the state. The river begins as a network of marshes west of Vero Beach, the county seat of Indian River County. It transforms into a navigable waterway in Brevard County, home of towns like Titusville, Melbourne and Palm Bay.

Two of the largest lakes in the middle basin of the river are created by it, Lake Harney and Lake Monroe. This is in the Orlando metropolitan area, where two million people live and major tourist attractions are located. The river veers west and empties into Lake Monroe near Sanford. It is at this point that the St. Johns' navigable waterway begins, which is dredged and maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.



The lower basin, in northern FL, drains a total area of 2,600 square miles in Putnam, St. Johns, Clay, and Duval Counties. Between Lake George and Palatka, the river ranges between 600 and 2,640 feet wide. Between Palatka and Jacksonville it widens further to between 1 and 3 miles. This portion of the river is the most navigable with shipping being its primary use.

The towns and cities along this lower basin of the river are some of the oldest in Florida. Both Palatka and Green Cove Springs have been popular tourist destinations in the past. Several smaller locations along the river sprang up around ferry landings, but when rail lines and then Interstate highways were constructed closer to the Atlantic Coast, many of the towns experienced significant economic decline, and ferry landings were forgotten.

The final 35 miles of the river's course runs through Jacksonville, which depends upon the St Johns for much of its economic base. Tides cause seawater to enter this northern mouth of the St. Johns River at Mayport, blending riverine and marine ecosystems. As a result, much of the St Johns River in Jacksonville is part seawater. The animals and plants can tolerate both fresh and salt water.



Marine animals such as dolphins and sharks can be spotted at times in the St. Johns River at Jacksonville, as can manatees. Mullet, flounder, shad and blue crabs migrate from the ocean to freshwater springs upriver to spawn. Mayport, the end for this massive river, is home to approximately 20 shrimping vessels that use the mouth of the St. Johns to access the Atlantic Ocean.



In 1998, the St. Johns River was named one of 14 American Heritage Rivers.

Next, I will continue the tour of my apartment building in the basement.

The images in this week's post are from the Internet.

--------------------------------------------------------
This diary is for those who are interested in obtaining a senior, income-based apartment and for those who are just curious.

Reminder: If you want me to un-tag you, let me know and I'll kindly comply.

@Kaila @Jules @CaliS @PeppermintPatty @Coco @squatting dog @JustBonee @Pinky @katlupe @IrishEyes @Jazzy1 @Pepper @CinnamonSugar @hollydolly @astralcat @CallMeKate @Medusa @MACKTEXAS @OneEyedDiva

 

[OneEyedDiva]

View attachment 496046

The St Johns River

The St. Johns River is what I see when I look out of my windows (this view is not from my windows). It is the longest river in Florida and is the state's primary commercial and recreational waterway. It is 310 miles long, flows north from its marsh headwaters in the south and winds through or borders 12 counties. It has a very slow flow speed of 0.3 mph and is often described as lazy. Numerous lakes are formed by the river or flow into it. Its widest point is about 3 miles wide.

View attachment 496039

Because the river flows in a northerly direction, the upper basin is located in the headwaters at its southernmost point in the state. The river begins as a network of marshes west of Vero Beach, the county seat of Indian River County. It transforms into a navigable waterway in Brevard County, home of towns like Titusville, Melbourne and Palm Bay.

Two of the largest lakes in the middle basin of the river are created by it, Lake Harney and Lake Monroe. This is in the Orlando metropolitan area, where two million people live and major tourist attractions are located. The river veers west and empties into Lake Monroe near Sanford. It is at this point that the St. Johns' navigable waterway begins, which is dredged and maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

View attachment 496054

The lower basin, in northern FL, drains a total area of 2,600 square miles in Putnam, St. Johns, Clay, and Duval Counties. Between Lake George and Palatka, the river ranges between 600 and 2,640 feet wide. Between Palatka and Jacksonville it widens further to between 1 and 3 miles. This portion of the river is the most navigable with shipping being its primary use.

The towns and cities along this lower basin of the river are some of the oldest in Florida. Both Palatka and Green Cove Springs have been popular tourist destinations in the past. Several smaller locations along the river sprang up around ferry landings, but when rail lines and then Interstate highways were constructed closer to the Atlantic Coast, many of the towns experienced significant economic decline, and ferry landings were forgotten.

The final 35 miles of the river's course runs through Jacksonville, which depends upon the St Johns for much of its economic base. Tides cause seawater to enter this northern mouth of the St. Johns River at Mayport, blending riverine and marine ecosystems. As a result, much of the St Johns River in Jacksonville is part seawater. The animals and plants can tolerate both fresh and salt water.

View attachment 496038

Marine animals such as dolphins and sharks can be spotted at times in the St. Johns River at Jacksonville, as can manatees. Mullet, flounder, shad and blue crabs migrate from the ocean to freshwater springs upriver to spawn. Mayport, the end for this massive river, is home to approximately 20 shrimping vessels that use the mouth of the St. Johns to access the Atlantic Ocean.

View attachment 496051

In 1998, the St. Johns River was named one of 14 American Heritage Rivers.

Next, I will continue the tour of my apartment building in the basement.

The images in this week's post are from the Internet.

--------------------------------------------------------
This diary is for those who are interested in obtaining a senior, income-based apartment and for those who are just curious.

Reminder: If you want me to un-tag you, let me know and I'll kindly comply.

@Kaila @Jules @CaliS @PeppermintPatty @Coco @squatting dog @JustBonee @Pinky @katlupe @IrishEyes @Jazzy1 @Pepper @CinnamonSugar @hollydolly @astralcat @CallMeKate @Medusa @MACKTEXAS @OneEyedDiva

Interesting information about the river. That first photo is a gorgeous shot; love the colors. I can imagine being there, just relaxing and watching the sunsets.

 

[katlupe]

Thank you for posting that! I have been watching many different YT channels based on the St. Johns River. It holds so many happy memories for me. Days of being worry free and spending hot summer days on or around that river. My parents actually chose to move from NY state to Crescent City FL due to it being called the Bass Capital of the World. They loved anything on the water, but especially fishing. A peaceful place to grow up.

 

[DailyArtsyCrafter]

Interesting information about the river. That first photo is a gorgeous shot; love the colors. I can imagine being there, just relaxing and watching the sunsets.

It is a lovely pic. That's why I chose it to open the post. It's from MSN. In case you didn't see my last sentence, The images in this week's post are from the Internet.

Thank you for posting that! I have been watching many different YT channels based on the St. Johns River. It holds so many happy memories for me. Days of being worry free and spending hot summer days on or around that river. My parents actually chose to move from NY state to Crescent City FL due to it being called the Bass Capital of the World. They loved anything on the water, but especially fishing. A peaceful place to grow up.

You're welcome! You're a long way from your happy memories place. Looks like you lived in the lower basin area. In my pic, I think the Lower Basin shows a bass fish in the lower right. Did your parents ever move back north?

 

[katlupe]

It is a lovely pic. That's why I chose it to open the post. It's from MSN. In case you didn't see my last sentence, The images in this week's post are from the Internet.


You're welcome! You're a long way from your happy memories place. Looks like you lived in the lower basin area. In my pic, I think the Lower Basin shows a bass fish in the lower right. Did your parents ever move back north?

Yes, we moved back in 1969. I went back to FL in 1994, but to St. Petersburg. Had to come back to NY two years later because my Mom was sick and needed me.

 

[DailyArtsyCrafter]

The Basement Foyer & Paperback Library

Comfortable wooden seats outside the basement elevator. I rarely use them or any elevator foyer area seats. I try to stand whenever I can because I spend so much time sitting at my computer.

The elevators work very well, very smoothly. There has never been a problem in the 2 mos that I've been here. Those whom I have asked have said they rarely break down. At other high and mid-rise properties elevators are down for weeks at a time, with one of 2 elevators sometimes being down for months.

If you are considering applying at a property with elevators, ask some of the tenants if they ever break down and how well are they maintained.



I don't know if that SeniorCare Pharmacy service is ever used anymore. I've never seen the door open and there hasn't been anything on the calendar about it. I don't have prescriptions.

Like most bulletin boards anywhere, people post stuff, it expires, becomes ancient and no one returns to remove it. Most of the stuff is current though. To the right is the paperback library, the thrift store and the fitness room.



The paperback library also has drink and snack machines. I'm glad they are there for when I run out. I do try not to use them too often because it's not economical. They take cash and cards.

The prices are very reasonable, snacks $1.25+, canned drinks $1 or less and other drinks more. I usually buy fruit juice blends in a larger plastic bottle and they are $2.25.



Nice selection of paperbacks but really a little too modern for my tastes. I may have shared before that I like mainly gothics, whether they are written by US or British writers. My fav writers of drama, suspense and some historical are mostly classic British ones. I love reading books based in the Victorian era.

I did find a book by Mary Higgins Clark that I took to my apartment. I used to read her when she first started writing. If I find anything by Nicholas Sparks I may borrow it. I used to read V.C. Andrews, Stephen King and the like, but I don't read horror anymore.

The windows behind the bamboo shade are to the thrift store. I'll share about it in another post.



The bulletin board shows pics of tenants at events and calendar gatherings.

Amish books are grouped on top of the fireplace. That is a popular genre. I have not read any but I did read a Shaker book once. It was very good. Death of a Winter Shaker by Deborah Woodworth. It is not affiliated with the Shakers group and I don't think Ms. Woodworth is a Shaker.

I had been interested in and researching the last Shaker community in the US, which is in Maine. I ran across this novel as I was searching. The book cover of winter, snow and the moon, three things that I love, grabbed my attention, and the description was intriguing too.

--------------------------------------------------------
This diary is for those who are interested in obtaining a senior, income-based apartment and for those who are just curious.

Reminder: If you want me to un-tag you, let me know and I'll kindly comply.

@Kaila @Jules @CaliS @PeppermintPatty @Coco @squatting dog @JustBonee @Pinky @katlupe @IrishEyes @Jazzy1 @Pepper @CinnamonSugar @hollydolly @astralcat @CallMeKate @Medusa @MACKTEXAS @OneEyedDiva

 

[Jules]

Faulty elevators is not something I would have thought about. Thanks for mentioning it. One never knows where you might end up living.

 

[Messy]

Meanwhile in China

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

 

[katlupe]

It looks really nice. Sadly, my building is not that nice. It could be but they will not spend the money on making it nice. Our elevator is a concern for me since I have not been able to even try the stairs except once in all the years I have been here. I like that paperback swap thing and the vending machines.

Does your building have mostly seniors or a lot of younger disabled people too? That is one of the problems with our building. When I first moved here we had more seniors. Quieter and no loud partying outside in the evening. Cleaner too.

 

[Aunt Bea]

View attachment 497374

The Basement Foyer & Paperback Library

Comfortable wooden seats outside the basement elevator. I rarely use them or any elevator foyer area seats. I try to stand whenever I can because I spend so much time sitting at my computer.

The elevators work very well, very smoothly. There has never been a problem in the 2 mos that I've been here. Those whom I have asked have said they rarely break down. At other high and mid-rise properties elevators are down for weeks at a time, with one of 2 elevators sometimes being down for months.

If you are considering applying at a property with elevators, ask some of the tenants if they ever break down and how well are they maintained.

View attachment 497375

I don't know if that SeniorCare Pharmacy service is ever used anymore. I've never seen the door open and there hasn't been anything on the calendar about it. I don't have prescriptions.

Like most bulletin boards anywhere, people post stuff, it expires, becomes ancient and no one returns to remove it. Most of the stuff is current though. To the right is the paperback library, the thrift store and the fitness room.

View attachment 497376

The paperback library also has drink and snack machines. I'm glad they are there for when I run out. I do try not to use them too often because it's not economical. They take cash and cards.

The prices are very reasonable, snacks $1.25+, canned drinks $1 or less and other drinks more. I usually buy fruit juice blends in a larger plastic bottle and they are $2.25.

View attachment 497377

Nice selection of paperbacks but really a little too modern for my tastes. I may have shared before that I like mainly gothics, whether they are written by US or British writers. My fav writers of drama, suspense and some historical are mostly classic British ones. I love reading books based in the Victorian era.

I did find a book by Mary Higgins Clark that I took to my apartment. I used to read her when she first started writing. If I find anything by Nicholas Sparks I may borrow it. I used to read V.C. Andrews, Stephen King and the like, but I don't read horror anymore.

The windows behind the bamboo shade are to the thrift store. I'll share about it in another post.

View attachment 497378

The bulletin board shows pics of tenants at events and calendar gatherings.

Amish books are grouped on top of the fireplace. That is a popular genre. I have not read any but I did read a Shaker book once. It was very good. Death of a Winter Shaker by Deborah Woodworth. It is not affiliated with the Shakers group and I don't think Ms. Woodworth is a Shaker.

I had been interested in and researching the last Shaker community in the US, which is in Maine. I ran across this novel as I was searching. The book cover of winter, snow and the moon, three things that I love, grabbed my attention, and the description was intriguing too.

--------------------------------------------------------
This diary is for those who are interested in obtaining a senior, income-based apartment and for those who are just curious.

Reminder: If you want me to un-tag you, let me know and I'll kindly comply.

@Kaila @Jules @CaliS @PeppermintPatty @Coco @squatting dog @JustBonee @Pinky @katlupe @IrishEyes @Jazzy1 @Pepper @CinnamonSugar @hollydolly @astralcat @CallMeKate @Medusa @MACKTEXAS @OneEyedDiva

The book exchange is a nice feature.

Curious about the thrift shop. In the 80s I lived in an old building with about 70 apartments. The resident manager and his mom maintained a room in the basement where people could leave small household items and furniture, residents could take what they needed. I’m not sure that would work today with so many online resellers looking to supplement their budgets but it was helpful to me when I was young and broke.

 

[officerripley]

At other high and mid-rise properties elevators are down for weeks at a time, with one of 2 elevators sometimes being down for months.

If you are considering applying at a property with elevators, ask some of the tenants if they ever break down and how well are they maintained.

This is why I hope to never live somewhere with more than one story. The nearest elevator repair company is 2 hours away and I can't stand the thought of getting stuck in one for that long.