In December 1987, Elizabeth moved to Calgary from Edmonton, where she had lived for over 30 years, owning a two storey-home and then a bungalow.  “When you get to be a little old lady, you have to live where your relatives are because they don’t come to live where you are.  And you will need their help.” 
She purchased her first condominium in 1988 and then bought her second in late 1992—a mirror image of her first.  “Once you’ve owned property, you never want to go back to renting.  ‘A handful of receipts is all you end up with when you rent,’ said my dear friend, Esther Heath.  I have equity.  I didn’t want the responsibility of yard work anymore.  It is a lot of work to own a larger home, including maintaining the property.

“By 1995, I was asking about painting the common areas, but the board kept saying they had no money. I had a pipe break, too, causing a bit of damage. For two years, they didn’t clean the windows or clean the garage.  I stopped going to the annual meetings.  They never lifted a paint brush until December 2005.  By this time, I was disgruntled with the board. I probably wouldn’t have moved had they refurbished the place (built in 1979) sooner, but then I saw the new building going up on the same block as the Co-op and decided to buy in September 2005.”

“My real estate agent, Wendy Magnusen, suggested I put my one-bedroom-and-den unit for sale for $258,000 because of the market and the appraised value of $230,000.  I told her:  ‘You’re pricing us right out of range!’ ” But interest in the condo was very high. “I’m not so surprised it sold so quickly, but not in 36 hours!  I expected it to sell in four days.” 
Four people put bids in and Elizabeth finally accepted $271,000.

Elizabeth organized her move to coincide with her possession date at the beginning of July 2006. She hired a moving company and had everything organized, with her family’s assistance.  However, she had a delayed possession date; with the sale of her condo, though, she had to be out of her old place by the middle of July.  At the time, she said, “I guess that’s not uncommon.” 

She expected to be in by the beginning of August, so one of her nieces offered to put her up at her house until she took possession.  The moving company stored her belongings.  Another delay.  Elizabeth’s sister then said she could live with her for a few weeks.  Another delay.  In the fall, Elizabeth moved into a motel until her actual possession date of December 13.

 “At last a partial occupancypermit was granted by the City,” Elizabeth explains.  She and her large extended family breathed a huge sigh of relief. Finally she was moving into her brand new home. Furniture then arrived on December 21, just a few days before her birthday.

A sister helped Elizabeth organize her new home.  A nephew installed a bath rail, his wife and children helped organize all of her books; a niece hung the pictures and put together a shelving unit in the storage area, plus assisted with furniture arrangement. Quite the family affair!

With her condo’s location, she is able to quickly access public transit to get her to the library, downtown, the theatre and the CPO, “and it’s easy to get out of town.”  Friends and family visit, keeping Elizabeth busy, as does her involvement with the Grace Presbyterian Church.  Elizabeth has her car parked on the third level of the underground parkade. “There are 40 parking stalls for visitors, too.”  Her condo fees cover utilities, except telephone and cable.  “I have to pay extra for my parking spot.”
There is a balcony, where she has a dozen pots for flowers.  “I have always liked to garden.  The pots make my condo look better.”

Elizabeth’s home is filled with many of her valued possessions, including books, many with a local theme, plus numerous photos she has taken. “I won some prizes when I was a member of the Calgary Colour Photo Club!” A Florence Nightingale collector’s doll sits atop one of Elizabeth’s bookshelves. Her extensive spoon collection is housed in her coffee table, creating conversation when guests visit.

Elizabeth enjoys needlework and sewing.  Her sewing machine and a gross-pointe topped cabinet/stool enhance her cosy bedroom with her bed covered with an antique quilted basket bedspread.  She has won ribbons at the Calgary Stampede’s Western Showcases in the past few years for her aprons and crewel work.
There is also a sense of whimsy found in Elizabeth’s 724-square-foot condo unit.  At the front door, a pin collection highlighting numerous travels adorns the entrance. A plaque hanging on the door states: “This house is protected by Killer Dust Balls!”

A collection of paintings, many done by her friend, Esther, hang on Elizabeth’s walls, in her bedroom as well as in the living area and den.  Not only does she appreciate the art she and friends have created gracing her walls inside, she enjoys looking at the construction outside.  “I like to sit in my chair and look out.”  She has a great view of the Bow River Valley escarpment and the Rocky Mountains in the distance.  “I’m quite pleased to live here.  It’s big enough for me!”

Elizabeth is home!  Sweet home! CL