I agree with you and felt that she was making a poor choice of housing in the long run. Having had experience with my parents and the good choices they made I felt that she was isolating herself. Mom didn't like HOAs either but realized that the over 55 development made the most sense. Letting the HOA take care of the grounds, exterior painting and other things relieved her of much responsibility. Even though gardening had always been her hobby she no longer had the strength. The unit had a patio and she could do gardening on it.

I knew that any criticism anyone made would just strengthen Carol's resolve to go it alone. I like cats but never understood why anyone needed so many. Same for dogs. Condos have a limit on how many pets a person can have but so do lots of cities.

Can I have your info for Facebook? I'd love to see the family photos you post there.

Nancy