Hello

[Yarrow]

Hello, I'm excited to have found these forums!:) Looking forward to sharing thoughts and ideas about living a simple life with you all. I am a newly divorced 45 year old woman. Just moved into a tiny bungalow house with my 2 cats about 6 months ago... I have MS that has been progressing, and so I was glad to find a home that was already renovated for handicap accessibility. Everyday is a different day with my MS....some days I get around fairly well, and other days I have to use a wheelchair. My ex DH could not cope with my disease, so bailed on me. We were able to sell our house for a good price, and then I was able to buy my new home with cash from the proceeds. So I am starting my new life with absolutely no debt and that is a wonderful thing! The monthly income I receive from Social Security Disability is tiny, so can't afford any debt for sure now, being totally on my own with such a small income... I've been unable to work for 2 years now and was declared totally disabled by my doctor at that time.... I am really looking forward to chatting with you all, and exchanging tips on saving money, etc. I also garden, mostly in containers, that is easier for me. I like to cook as well, when I can. Sharing ideas on organizing a small space is really interesting to me too, since I am now living in such a small home. Thanks for reading!

[SteveinMN]

Welcome, Yarrow!

A close relative of mine has severe MS (wheelchair every day), so I'm familiar with the disease and how critical it is to have accessible things around you. He's been on SSDI himself for many years now; he also was fortunate enough to have a private disability policy cover him when he got too ill to work. Good for you for starting out at home debt-free and fairly independent! This is a great site for those wanting to live more simply, with people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Make yourself at home!

[CathyA]

Hi Yarrow, and welcome!
Sounds like you are making the best of a very unfortunate situation. Looking forward to hearing from you!

[Kestra]

Welcome. Sounds like you'll fit right in here.

[fidgiegirl]

Hi, Yarrow! Based on the things you mentioned, you may want to check out our monthly frugals thread, where we share successes and get inspiration from each other. Here's the August thread: http://www.simplelivingforum.net/showthread.php?8731-August-Frugals.

Lots of other tips and tricks to find all throughout the forums! Enjoy and looking forward to hearing more about you!

[Tussiemussies]

Hi Yarrow,

So sorry to hear about your situation but I feel you will find ideas here that will help you maximize everything that you are working on. Look forward to chatting with you here! :). Chris

[ctg492]

Welcome!

[Selah]

Welcome, Yarrow! It's great you have such a terrific attitude towards your situation and are taking steps to educate yourself and take action. Good for you! We're very happy you're here, and look forward to your contributions. You are certainly on the front lines of simple living and the desire/need to live frugally, so I'm sure you will have a lot to share with us.

[gmpg54]

Welcome,I'm Pat fairly new here,lots of lurking,LOL.
This is a great bunch of down-to-earth people with awesome tips and advice!!!
I was widowed a few years back and needed to learn to live on a LOT less money,so it can be done...
I rent a room from a friend that I share with a tuxie cat with a major case of catitude,small spaces are challenging but fun,think of all you'll save on utility bills.
Enjoy:)

[debi]

Welcome Yarrow. I don't have a lot of chance to post, but do read. Lots of great advise and tips. I know someone with MS and also have another friend who's disabled with fibro, RA, lupus, etc. Understand how hard it is living on SSDI. Good luck and again, welcome aboard.

[Yarrow]

Thank you all for the warm welcome! Looking forward to chatting with you!

[puglogic]

What's your biggest challenge -- or your biggest area of interest -- right now, Yarrow? Maybe we can help point you in the right directions(s).

Welcome!! The thought of having a little paid-off bungalow all to myself with my pets sounds pretty darned nice....you sound like the kind of person who will find a way to transform that into joy and self-confidence.

[SvenV]

Welcome and have fun here!

[Yarrow]

Again, thank you! :) I will have fun here, SvenV! Puglogic, my biggest challenge is organizing my tiny house - I have downsized from a 2400 square foot house to a 750 square foot house. I've purged so much, but still have a basement full of stuff. Working on it slowly... Gardening, cooking and eating well, saving money and making do on a very small income, are my biggest interests now! And of course, my kitties. :) And after working through the pain of a divorce the past 6 months, and all that goes with that - my life with my kitties in my new little home is starting to feel pretty sweet now...

[Sparrow]

Hi Yarrow,

Despite your health challenges, it sounds like you have a simple, happy life. I love your positive outlook and look forward to your posts.

Welcome!

[hifidi]

Hi Yarrow,

Welcome to the Simple Living Forums. Good for you for purchasing your home outright and doing things you're able to, such as container gardening. There's a great group of folks here. Enjoy!

Diane