A Note from Doug and Rowena Krum: Our First Residents

We really did not struggle with the decision to sell our charming 1806 Cape Cod home and move to WestlakeVillage. We had just about arrived at the point where mowing our 1+ acre lawn, putting in our garden each Spring and shoveling the driveway in the Winter had become daunting tasks rather than the pleasurable pastimes they had been. In the fall of 2006 we stopped by Westlake Village on a whim. The seed was planted.

Although we had not yet made the decision to move, the following spring we began cleaning out our two-story barn. The relief we felt when we completed that project was what really provided the signal that we were ready. The kids all gave us their blessings. In retrospect we think they were relieved that we were taking care of our future.

By the Summer of 2007 the 16 units of B and C were all nearing completion. We initially thought we wanted a one-story unit, but when we compared the space in the three bedroom, two-story we realized that with very little condensing we could transfer our 1850 square foot home into the unit without getting rid of anything we treasured. (We were right.The units are so well designed with so littlewasted space that we virtually moved cupboard for cupboard and closet for closet into B-6).

By lining one wall of our garage with shelving units, which we purchased for under $500.00 we were able to fill 36 large plastic bins with things we wanted but didn't have to have to survive - my knitting stash, 60 Byers Carolers, a few things the kids wanted us to keep for them -

We have been here 6 weeks. Last week we got our first month's electric bill. We were hoping for $75.00. It was under $55.00. Next week my bridge Club is coming for the first time - plenty of room for two tables and dessert to follow. And we have met our soon to be neighbors, Barb and Roger Huggins, and we already know that we are going to enjoy them. It is warm (no drafts!) and quiet and the view out our back window makes us feel as much like we are living in the country as we did in our house. If you have never owned a new home, you cannot imagine the comfort that comes from knowing that everything will work for years and years to come with virtually no maintenance.

Doug is looking forward to participating in the maintenance of the Village - or not, if he chooses. Last fall he helped Don Westcott plant some shrubs and he washed windows before the fall Open House. He still shovels the sidewalks. And he can cross country ski from our patio. In the spring he plans to put his kayak in the lake. I was always afraid of growing old alone. Now I know I'll have more friends, not fewer, in my golden years. We plan to walk everywhere- church, grocery store, library, parks, pharmacy, restaurants, Rogers Environmental Center.

The move wasn't easy, but it wasn't as hard as thought it would be. We took our time-so what if it took us a month to get everything put away; we know we're not as young as we once were. No question, though - it was worth it. We really feel like we are at home in Westlake Village. If you are going to be in the area, give us a call at 607-674-4789. We'd love to have you stop by B-6 and visit us.

Oh, yes, by the way, our grandson actually said to our daughter when he first visited, "Mom, maybe we should sell our house and buy a condominium!"